United News of Bangladesh

Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan and Mancha 24 Convener Fahim Faruqi on Saturday demanded the resignation of Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam, accusing him of inaction following the armed attack on Inquilab Mancha spokesperson and prospective independent parliamentary candidate from Dhaka-8, Sharif Osman Hadi. Speaking at an emergency press briefing in front of Evercare Hospital, the two leaders alleged that the Home Adviser must take responsibility for the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly after Hadi was shot at close range while riding a rickshaw. They said Hadi, known for his simple lifestyle, believed that adequate security measures would be in place. “If Hadi does not return to us alive, the government will have to bear full responsibility,” Rashed Khan said, adding that the Home Adviser cannot evade accountability for the incident. He further claimed that under the current leadership of the Home Ministry, law enforcement agencies are unable to function effectively. “If the government truly wants to hold a free, fair and credible election, the first step must be the removal of the Home Affairs Adviser,” he added. The two leaders alleged that the attack was politically motivated and carried out by activists linked to the Awami League, with the intention of sabotaging the upcoming election. Rashed Khan claimed that at least 50 candidates have been targeted nationwide as part of a broader plan to create fear and destabilise the electoral process. Describing the modus operandi of the attackers, he said the assailants approached Hadi in the guise of friends and had conducted surveillance on him multiple times, sometimes wearing masks and sometimes not. “These masked processions by Awami League goons, even if small in number, prove that the party will not be able to return to power. It was misbelief,” he said. He also alleged that he had earlier informed at least two advisers about the alleged plan to disrupt the election. “Awami League has failed to return as a ‘refined Awami League’ or by using the National Party. Now they want to contest as independents—not to participate, but to derail the election,” he said. Rashed Khan claimed that he repeatedly warned the Election Commission that allowing Awami League or its affiliates to participate would make it impossible for other candidates to stay in the race due to insecurity. Meanwhile, Fahim Faruqi said the attack on Osman Hadi was aimed at preventing the election from taking place. “Awami League has sent a clear message that if elections are held, their existence will be erased. That is why they want to stop the election at any cost,” he said. He described the police administration as “ineffective” and blamed the Home Adviser’s inaction for the situation. “We demand his resignation and the immediate arrest of the terrorists. If the attackers are not arrested within the next six hours, we will announce continuous protest programmes. We want justice, not excuses,” he said. Sharif Osman Hadi is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, where his family members are present. The family has expressed interest in taking him abroad for advanced medical treatment. Earlier on Friday night, Inquilab Mancha issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the interim government to arrest those responsible for the attack. The ultimatum was announced by the organisation’s Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber at an emergency press conference held at around 10:45 pm in front of Evercare Hospital. Jaber said Osman Hadi has been one of the strongest critics of the interim government, yet also a key figure who stood by it during critical moments. “Now it is the government’s responsibility to ensure his best possible treatment. If necessary, he must be sent abroad by air ambulance,” he said. He added that the Chief Adviser has already contacted Hadi’s family and other advisers have visited the hospital to inquire about his condition. “Osman Hadi is not only a leader of Dhaka-8, but of the entire country. Those who fired bullets into his chest must be arrested within 24 hours. We will not accept any narrative that the attackers were ‘killed elsewhere’,” Jaber warned.

Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan on Friday demanded the arrest of those involved in the attack on Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman bin Hadi within 24 hours, warning that failure to do so should prompt the resignation of the Home Affairs Adviser. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a roadside rally at Holidhani Bazar in Jhenaidah Sadar upazila. Rashed Khan said he was “deeply shocked” by the shooting, describing Hadi as a long-time comrade in what he called the anti-fascism movement. “Hadi is now fighting for his life after being shot by terrorists,” he said. He alleged that “a conspiracy” was underway to target leaders involved in the July mass uprising. “Awami League and India have started a killing mission against anti-fascist leaders. The attack on Osman Hadi is part of that,” he claimed. Criticising the government, Rashed Khan said the attack took place a day after the election schedule was announced. “Hadi is a candidate. This attempted killing raises serious questions about the election environment. The government has failed to ensure the security of July fighters,” he said. Hadi shifted to Evercare Hospital after surgery, no bullet found in head He further alleged that efforts were being made to derail the upcoming national election. “By targeting leaders who were at the forefront of the July uprising, they are trying to disrupt the election,” he said. Seeking prayers for Hadi’s recovery, Rashed Khan said, “Hadi played a strong role against what he called Awami fascism, which is why he was attacked.”He added that a fair election would only be possible when the safety of all candidates is ensured.  

The shooting of Osman Hadi in the capital’s busy Bijoynagar area is a “grave warning sign ahead of the national election,” Islami Andolan Bangladesh said on Friday, demanding the immediate arrest of the shooter as well as those who ordered the attack. In a statement issued today, the party’s Joint Secretary General and spokesperson, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, said Islami Andolan Bangladesh strongly condemns and expresses deep anger over the incident in which Osman Hadi of Inqilab Mancha was shot. He said the party’s Amir expressed concern immediately after hearing the news and has been closely monitoring the injured leader’s treatment. “We have repeatedly urged the government to restore law and order and crack down firmly on criminal elements. Such groups will undoubtedly attempt to disrupt the upcoming election. The government’s weakness in confronting the remnants of a fallen fascist regime is clearly visible,” Maulana Ataur Rahman said. He added that the shooting of Osman Hadi has heightened their concern. “Top political leaders will soon be campaigning across the country. This incident further amplifies questions about their safety.” Calling for swift action, he said the government must immediately arrest everyone involved in the attack, including the mastermind. “This is not only about the upcoming election—this is about the country’s overall future. The authorities must treat the matter with utmost priority.” He also urged law-enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to recover illegal weapons.

Mobile phone traders who blocked the Sonargaon crossing in the capital’s Karwan Bazar area and Jamuna Future park area of Kuril Bishwa Road on Wednesday evening demanding reforms to the proposed National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) policy, have withdrawn their blockade after more than two and a half hours. The traders began their protest around 6pm, placing barricades at the busy Sonargaon crossing, which soon caused severe traffic congestion stretching to several parts of Dhaka. At the same time, another group of telecom traders obstructed traffic near Jamuna Future Park on Kuril Bishaw Road towards Natun Bazar, halting vehicular movement from Kuril towards Badda. The blockade led to heavy tailbacks in the surrounding areas. Tejgaon Traffic Police ADC Tania Sultana said the traders’ sudden demonstration at Sonargaon crossing brought traffic to a complete standstill, affecting major connecting roads. “The impact spilled over into multiple adjoining areas,” she said, adding that traffic movement gradually resumed around 8:45pm once the traders withdrew the barricades. Witnesses said the protesters gathered at the Karwan Bazar roundabout shortly after evening and ignited debris on the road as part of their demonstration. Traffic from Karwan Bazar towards Shahbagh, Rampura, Panthapath and Farmgate was severely disrupted, leaving thousands of commuters stranded during peak hours. The suspension of movement on several major routes caused significant hardship for office-goers returning home and others on the road. Gulshan Division Additional Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) Ziaur Rahman said the barricade in front of Jamuna Future Park was also placed around 6:00pm by another group of phone traders. “They withdrew their programme at around 8:45pm, after which vehicular movement slowly returned to normal,” he added.  

The much-sought schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and the national referendum will be announced at 6pm on Thursday (December 11, 2025), Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Md Akhtar Ahmed said on Wednesday. “The schedule will be announced at 6pm on Thursday, with Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar airing the Chief Election Commissioner’s national address,” he said while talking to reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the afternoon. The CEC’s speech was already recorded by Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar on Wednesday afternoon, which will be aired at 6 pm on Thursday. Replying to a question, the secretary said the schedule would be declared for elections in all 300 constituencies. When asked about the Appellate Division’s directive to reinstate four constituencies in Bagerhat district, he said, “The schedule will be announced tomorrow. As of now, the decision is to announce the schedule for 300 seats because we have not received any court order yet. If corrections are needed later, that can be done accordingly.” The Appellate Division on Wednesday upheld a High Court verdict declaring the Election Commission's gazette—reducing the number of parliamentary seats in Bagerhat by one—as illegal. On September 4, the Election Commission finalised the delimitation of 300 constituencies, bringing changes to the boundaries of 46 parliamentary seats in 16 districts. The changes reduced the number of seats in Bagerhat from four to three and increased Gazipur’s seats from five to six. Following the Appellate Division’s verdict, now the Election Commission would need to reinstate four constituencies in Bagerhat and five constituencies in Gazipur district. Earlier on Wednesday, the Election Commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, met President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban to brief overall preparations to hold the upcoming parliamentary elections and the referendum. Four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (Retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah as well as EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed were present in the meeting. The President expressed satisfaction over the overall preparations undertaken by the EC for the upcoming election and the referendum. “The President expressed satisfaction after we informed him in detail,” EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said while talking to reporters after a meeting. The Secretary said they informed the President about extending the balloting hours by one hour—now set from 7:30am to 4:30pm. “When we said that we extended the balloting hour by one hour from 7:30am to 4:30pm, he termed the decision logical and expressed his satisfaction,” he said. During the meeting, he said, they apprised the President of various preparatory activities, including the updating of electoral rolls, the registration of new political parties and Out-of Country Voting (OCV) and In-Country Postal Voting (ICPV). The President was also briefed on the Commission’s plan to use two types of ballot papers—one for the national election and another for the referendum—to be held simultaneously on the same day, said Akhtar Ahmed. The President assured them that he would extend all necessary cooperation and support for the arrangement of a free, fair and meaningful election. There are some 12.76 crore voters under 42,761 polling stations across the country’s 300 constituencies. White ballot papers will be used for the national election and pink ballot papers for the referendum. Though the postal balloting system has been in the laws for a long time, it was never practiced in the previous elections. Read more: Prof Yunus calls upcoming election a historic chance to shape ‘new Bangladesh’ This is the first time the Election Commission is introducing a hybrid postal balloting system, enabling expatriates, government staff, polling personnel, and the persons who will be in the legal custody to exercise their franchise through a combination of digital registration and manual voting. Till Wednesday (December 10), nearly 300,000 expatriate voters from some 120 countries across the world have already registered through ‘Postal Vote Bd’ app to vote in the national election and referendum. The registration process for expatriates will continue till December 25. The ICPV (In-Country Postal Voting) registration process for the government staff on duty outside their voting places, polling personnel, and the persons under the legal custody (jails) will start after the announcement of election schedule and continue for 15 days. According to EC’s projection, some 10 lakh people from inside the country may vote through the postal ballot papers in the election.

Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad said on Monday that “murderers, extortionists and drug dealers cannot be leaders of any political party. He alleged that the behaviour of a section of the BNP resembles that of certain political groups seen during the Awami League regime. He made the remarks at a press conference organised by the Party at the Barishal Reporters Unity in the afternoon. Fuaad said he was harassed despite his efforts to contribute to a development project. “We know exactly who was behind this,” he said, urging BNP to bring those involved under proper party discipline. He further alleged that although all members of the local administration were present during Sunday’s incident, they remained silent. “If no action is taken against the Babuganj administration, a fair election here will not be possible,” he warned. “I have exercised patience in the interest of the nation because we want to change Bangladesh. We want respectful and dignified politics. We do not want any form of gangster politics,” he added. Earlier on Sunday, following the inauguration of the Mirganj Bridge foundation stone in Barishal, Fuaad told reporters that locals had made various extortion demands to the bridge construction contractor. At that moment, local BNP leaders and activists surrounded him, demanding the names of those allegedly involved.  A scuffle broke out between supporters of Barrister Fuaad and BNP activists. As Fuaad attempted to leave the area, BNP leaders and activists followed him in a procession, chanting “bhua, bhua” slogans.

A new 20-party political alliance, named the National Democratic Front (NDF), was launched under the leadership of two factions of the Jatiya Party, led respectively by Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud and Anwar Hossain Manju. The alliance was announced at a press conference held at a convention hall in Gulshan on Monday, attended by leaders of the two factions of Jatiya Party – JaPa and JP-- and other member parties. Anwar Hossain Manju has been named the chief adviser of the alliance, while ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, secretary general of a faction of Jatiya Party, will serve as spokesperson. Golam Sarwar Milon, acting chairman of Janata Party Bangladesh, has been appointed secretary general of the NDF. Alongside JaPa and JP, the other member parties include Janata Party Bangladesh, Bangladesh Jatiya Party, Trinamool BNP, Bangladesh Sanskritic Muktijot, Bangladesh Nationalist Movement, Bangladesh Muslim League, Jatiya Islamic Mahajote, Jatiya Sangskar Jote, Bangladesh Labour Party, Jatiya Shwadhinata Party, Bangladesh Manbadhikar Party, Bangladesh Sarbajanin Dal, Bangladesh Janakalyan Party, Applied Democratic Party, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Andolon, Democratic Party, and Bangladesh Jatiya League At the press conference, Anisul Islam said, “We have decided to form this political alliance to ensure genuine democratic transformation, build national consensus to overcome the ongoing political crisis, uphold the spirit of the Liberation War, and reflect the aspirations of the July 2024 mass uprising.” “We want to advance state reforms, promote Bangladeshi nationalism, strengthen centrist liberal democratic politics, uphold Islamic values and interfaith harmony and to establish an independent judiciary, end fascism, and give voice to citizens seeking good governance,” he added. Anisul Islam said the alliance members will maintain their own ideology and identity while participating in future elections and political activities based on shared principles and agreed demands. A meeting was held on November 30 to draft the outline of the new alliance. Sixteen parties attended that discussion, with several more expressing interest in joining later.

National Citizen Party (NCP), Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) and Rashtra Sangskar Andolon on Sunday launched a new political alliance ahead of the national election. NCP Convener Nahid Islam made the announcement at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the afternoon. “Many are being lured into different alliances with promises of seats. We politely reject such offers. We will remain united. This is not only an electoral alliance but also a political one. We will contest together under one symbol,” Nahid told reporters after the announcement. Tarique slams Jamaat for ‘propaganda’ against BNP echoing Awami League He said the alliance reflects the aspirations of the youth, adding that meaningful reform is not possible with the old political forces, which is why new parties chose to join hands. Explaining the ideological alignment of the three parties, Nahid said they had long been in a process of unity. “We have been trying to uphold the spirit that emerged after the 2024 mass uprising—the demand for a new Bangladesh and for reforms. But we could not fully implement the consensus process over the past year and a half,” he added. “Those who stood for reform, for change and for the goals of the mass uprising have come together today,” Nahid said. Top leaders of NCP, AB Party and Rashtra Sangskar Andolon were present at the briefing. CEC Nasir, Election Commissioners in Jamuna for meeting with CA AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju said, “Three political parties have initially joined hands today. Let me say this: old politics could not defeat old fascism. Traditional political parties fought, struggled, sacrificed—many were jailed, forcibly disappeared, or killed—but Hasina’s fascism was not defeated.” According to the alliance, it aims to “protect the pledges of the July mass uprising and forge a new political understanding among parties seeking reform.” Although the Gonodhikar Parishad was initially expected to join, it eventually opted out of the coalition.

Bangladesh Labour Party on Friday formally announced ending its 20-year-long political alliance with the BNP, citing repeated neglect and broken promises by the major party. The decision was taken at a National Executive Committee meeting chaired by Labour Party Chairman Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran at the party’s Nayapaltan office. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Dr Iran said the Labour Party has been a loyal and active partner of the BNP in various alliances, including the 18-party and 20-party coalitions since 2006. He said the Labour Party stood by the BNP in street movements, democratic struggles, and anti-fascist campaigns over the last two decades. “Unfortunately, the BNP has ignored long-standing political brotherhood, our joint struggles, and alliance commitments. They have broken promises to partner parties, sidelined like-minded groups, and are dreaming of coming to power alone. This is truly deceitful, disrespectful, and dishonest behaviour,” Dr Iran said. He said the Labour Party’s Executive Committee believes that through disrespect towards allies, short-sighted decisions, unethical nomination processes, and dishonest behaviour, the BNP has turned itself into a friendless, untrustworthy, and leaderless party. “Such actions have exposed BNP’s political bankruptcy. In the future, no political force will be able to trust them—BNP alone is responsible for this,” the Labour Party chief said. Labour Party gets EC registration with ‘Pineapple’ symbol During Khaleda Zia’s most critical times, when unity and support were most needed, he said, BNP’s treatment of its allies has been disappointing, disrespectful and ungrateful. “The National Executive Committee of the Bangladesh Labour Party has unanimously decided in today’s meeting that, from now on, the party will completely sever all political relations, alliance cooperation, and future joint programmes with the BNP,” Dr Iran said. He said the party pledged to continue its struggle for people’s rights, social justice, and a democratic society independently. Labour Party sources said the BNP earlier promised to share the Jhalakathi-1 seat with the Labour Party and nominate Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran as the alliance candidate from the constituency. But, on Thursday, the BNP nominated its own leader Rafiqul Islam Jamal for the seat, deeply frustrating the Labour Party.

Bangladesh Jatiya Party Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partho has opined that “politics can be very cruel,” while expressing concern over the silence of Awami League leaders regarding the illness of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. In a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, Barrister Andaleeve Rahman wrote that Begum Khaleda Zia is critically ill and that people from all religions, professions, and walks of life across Bangladesh are worried, saddened, and praying for her recovery. “Even Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prayed for the recovery of Begum Khaleda Zia. However, it is surprising that I have not heard a single word from any of the top leaders of the Awami League in this regard. Politics is sometimes very cruel,” he added. Khaleda Zia has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23 after being admitted with multiple health complications. As her condition worsened, she was moved to the Critical Care Unit on 27 November, where she is still under close observation. Doctors said Khaleda Zia is receiving intensive care for several complications related to her liver, kidneys and heart. She may be flown to the United Kingdom early Friday for advanced treatment by a royal air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar, said party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday.