United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday the people of the then East Pakistan rose in revolt as the Pakistani ruling elite perpetrated injustice and created discriminations against them. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a youth marathon organised by Jamaat-e-Islami on the occasion of Victory Day at Suhrawardy Uddyan in the capital. The marathon began around 8 am from Suhrawardy Uddyan and concluded at Manik Mia Avenue near the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, passing through Shahbagh intersection and Science Lab. Participants carried national flags and banners with various slogans throughout the route. Shafiqur Rahman said the politics of the future Bangladesh would be guided by a new system by discarding the old political order. “The politics of the new system will be against terrorism, extortionists, murder, rape, false cases, corruption, injustice and all forms of oppression,” he said. He said the marathon would continue until a new Bangladesh built by youths is realised. “No matter how many obstacles or threats come, we will not stop. We will build a new Bangladesh as dreamt by the nation, Inshallah,” he added. Anti-independence forces trying to resurface on Victory Day: Fakhrul Referring to the upcoming election, the Jamaat chief said the people would not allow any kind of technical manipulation. “We do not seek any favour from the Election Commission but if the commission shows favour to anyone, it will not be tolerated,” he said. He said attempts to buy people with black money would fail as people are now much more aware than before. Shafiqur alleged that during the Awami League’s 15 years in power there was no area of the country where people were spared from oppression, which led the entire nation to rise against them during the July movement. He alleged that their current target is the country’s youth and revolutionaries and an attempt was made on the life of Osman Hadi, one of the key leaders of the July movement. “If anything happens to Osman Hadi, the revolutionaries will not remain silent,” he added. Victory Day: Nation honours Liberation War martyrs He said Awami League has wrongly assumed that eliminating one or two leaders would weaken the movement. “They cannot reduce the number of revolutionaries. Rather, the number of revolutionary youths will continue to grow,” he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday accused a section of political players of attempting to rehabilitate ‘fascist forces’ and push Bangladesh back to what he described as a ‘rotten past’, warning that the nation would not forgive them if they failed to reform. “They have already been identified. For years they remained disguised; now their true face has been exposed,” he said while addressing a discussion meeting organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dhaka Metropolitan South, at the Jatiya Press Club. The Jamaat chief urged the collaborators of fascists to repent, apologise and refrain from wrongdoing. “Otherwise, the nation will not forgive you.” Paying tributes to those who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 Liberation War and to victims of alleged repression during what he termed ‘15 and a half years of fascist rule’, Shafiqur Rahman said political parties, religious scholars, civil society members and journalists had all faced killings, enforced disappearances and persecution. Referring to the July 24 mass uprising, he said the actual number of martyrs remained unknown and was likely higher than available figures. He expressed deep concerns over the condition of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured in a shooting and has been taken to Singapore for treatment. “We pray that Allah restores him to us,” he said. The Jamaat chief also criticised a recent remark by the Chief Election Commissioner, saying it had hurt public sentiment. He urged the CEC to clarify his statement and prove his neutrality, noting that the nation had not received it positively. While acknowledging government steps regarding Hadi’s treatment, Shafiqur Rahman said such responses should not come only after lives are pushed to the brink. He urged the authorities to ensure public safety so that no one dares to show such audacity again. On calls for resignations from officeholders, he said stepping down was not the solution. “Prove your eligibility by fulfilling your responsibilities,” he said, warning that failure could invite renewed unrest—something he said Jamaat does not desire. Calling for a united, humane and corruption-free Bangladesh, he said the party seeks “unity, not division; love, not violence; transparency and accountability, not corruption; justice for all; and jobs in hand, not black money.” He said Jamaat would work with all forces committed to three principles: zero tolerance for corruption, an independent judiciary free from political interference, and sincere implementation of agreed reform proposals. “Those who agree on these will find our doors open,” he said. Stressing respect for both 1971 and 2024, he said denying anyone’s contribution would harm the nation’s future. “July 24 is not just history; it is part of our very being,” he said. Pointing at journalists, Shafiqur Rahman urged accurate and complete reporting, cautioning against selective quotations that could mislead the public. He reaffirmed Jamaat’s support for free, responsible media, including fair criticism, provided it is grounded in truth and national interest. Central Executive Council member and Dhaka South Ameer Mohammad Nurul Islam Bulbul presided over the programme.  

Leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami met the Chief Adviser at his invitation on Saturday morning to discuss the country’s overall situation, including preparations for the next national election. The meeting was held around 11am at the state guest house Jamuna. Jamaat Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar, along with Assistant Secretary General and head of the party’s Central Publicity and Media Department Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, attended the meeting on behalf of the party. At the same time, leaders of the BNP and NCP, as well as relatives of Inqilab Mancha convener and July movement activist Sharif Osman Hadi, also met the Chief Adviser. From the BNP, the delegation included Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and retired Major Hafizuddin Ahmed. From the NCP, the participants were Convenor Nahid Islam and Chief Organizer (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah. According to a press release sent by Jamaat’s Senior Publicity Assistant Mujibul Alam, the discussion focused on creating a conducive environment for holding the 13th parliamentary election in a free, fair and peaceful manner, improving law and order, and ensuring the safety of people’s lives and property. The participants also raised the issue of the brutal attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured after being shot in the head in the capital’s Bijoynagar area on Friday. They demanded the immediate arrest of those involved and exemplary punishment. Condemning the attack, the leaders said the entire nation is shocked and outraged, describing the incident as not only an attack on an individual but a direct assault on the nation and democracy. They urged the government to ensure proper medical treatment for Hadi and prayed for his speedy recovery, while also expressing sympathy for his family and seeking patience and strength for them. During the meeting Jamaat leader Golam Parwar said, “Recently, our various statements have increased the tendency to blame one another which has given our opponents an opportunity. We must remain united as we were before.”

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday urged the nation to observe Martyred Intellectuals Day and Victory Day with due respect and solemnity. In a statement, he said these two days are significant milestones in the nation’s history, honoring the sacrifices and struggles of the martyred intellectuals and the valiant freedom fighters of the 1971 Liberation War. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and offered condolences to their bereaved families, while wishing a speedy recovery for those injured during the July Uprising last year. Referring to the recent attack on Inquilab Mancha convener and July 2024 activist Sharif Osman Hadi, Shafiqur Rahman condemned the assault, calling it a shocking act against not only an individual but the nation and democracy itself. He urged the government to ensure Hadi’s proper medical care and appealed to the public to pray for his swift recovery. The Ameer-e-Jamaat emphasized that the country has recently freed itself from oppressive rule through the united movement of students and the public. Despite economic challenges, he warned that forces supporting fascism, both domestic and foreign, are continuing their conspiracies, citing the assassination attempt on Hadi as evidence. Former BNP MP Akhtaruzzaman joins Jamaat He called on Jamaat-e-Islami’s branches and citizens to resist anti-national conspiracies and celebrate the upcoming national days with commitment to independence, sovereignty, and citizen rights. Three-day Jamaat program announced: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a three-day programme to observe Martyred Intellectuals Day on December 14 and Victory Day on December 16 with due respect. According to the schedule, a discussion marking Martyred Intellectuals Day will be held on December 14 (Sunday) at the Krishibid Institution auditorium in Dhaka. Organised by Dhaka Metropolitan North Jamaat, the event will begin at 3:30 PM, with the party’s Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar attending as the chief guest. On December 15 (Monday), Dhaka Metropolitan South Jamaat will host a discussion marking Victory Day at the Institution of Diploma Engineers at 3 PM. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman will join the programme as the chief guest. The three-day observance will conclude on December 16 (Tuesday) with a youth marathon or rally organised by the party’s central youth wing at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. The party will also hold discussions, rallies, and prayers nationwide to uphold the country’s independence and citizens’ rights while observing Victory Day with due respect.

Former BNP lawmaker Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman of Kishoreganj-2 constituency has formally joined Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. On Saturday morning, he met Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at the party’s central office and completed the formalities by filling out the preliminary membership form. During the meeting, Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman expressed deep confidence and satisfaction with Jamaat-e-Islami’s principles, ideology, patriotism, and steadfast stance on safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty. He pledged to dedicate the remainder of his life to upholding Islamic values, national interests, and the nation’s independence and sovereignty. He also vowed to remain loyal to the party’s rules, discipline, and organizational principles. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman warmly welcomed him and wished him a long and prosperous life. The event was attended by the party’s Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar, as well as Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim. Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman was expelled from BNP on February 20, 2022, for allegedly engaging in activities against party discipline. A veteran of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, Major (Retd.) Akhtaruzzaman is a senior politician and prominent leader of various democratic movements. After independence, he remained active in politics and social welfare initiatives. He served in the Bangladesh Army before retiring as a major and was elected twice to the national parliament from Kishoreganj-2 as a BNP candidate.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Friday expressed deep concern over the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha. The party called on the government to investigate whether the attack was part of a “planned conspiracy by fallen fascist forces” aimed at derailing the upcoming national election. In a statement, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar said the attack raised serious questions about election-time security.  “A candidate and a July fighter being shot in broad daylight immediately after the election schedule was announced clearly reflects an attempt to create fear,” he said. He urged law enforcement agencies to urgently identify and arrest the attackers, review CCTV footage from the incident site, and ensure the safety of all candidates, political activists and citizens in the lead-up to the 13th national election. Parwar said Hadi had earlier written on social media that he received death threats from 30 foreign phone numbers, along with threats of rape against his mother, sister and wife.  “It is evident to the nation that the administration has failed to ensure his security. This is a grave dereliction of duty,” he said. Calling the attack a blow to the country’s peaceful political environment and democratic process, he urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.  He also wished Osman Hadi a speedy recovery and expressed solidarity with his family and colleagues. Dhaka-8 candidate Osman Hadi suffers bullet injuries during electioneering Hadi suffered bullet injuries during an election campaign on Friday afternoon. He was shot by miscreants around 2:30pm while campaigning, said Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of the police camp at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).  He was later taken to DMCH for treatment.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Thursday welcomed the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming national elections. He described it as a positive step toward free, fair, and impartial elections, while emphasizing that significant challenges remain ahead. Speaking to reporters after a public outreach program in Khulna-5’s Zero Point area, Parwar said ensuring a level playing field is crucial for credible elections. He highlighted the importance of administrative neutrality, stating, “Just announcing the schedule does not make the election fair. The role of DCs, SPs, UNOs, and polling officials, and whether they act impartially, is a critical question.” Parwar noted that after the election schedule is published, the Election Commission assumes control over administrative transfers and postings, placing responsibility for election neutrality on the commission. He stressed the need to ensure safe voting for all citizens, pointing out that in national elections, each voter casts two ballots, making every vote count a major challenge. He called on the government, Election Commission, political parties, and the public to act responsibly to reflect the aspirations of 180 million voters, ensuring a festive and secure voting environment free from extortion or intimidation. Jamaat also welcomes election schedule announcement  Parwar also highlighted the roles of the Election Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission, urging strict action against corrupt individuals. He expressed hope that the Election Commission would carry out its responsibilities courageously at every stage, acting in the interest of democracy and the voters rather than any political party. Earlier, Parwar addressed business owners and workers at Allahdan Brickfield in Kulbaria, Dumuria Upazila, stressing the need for governance based on the Quran and Sunnah to benefit the country. He added that eight Islamic parties will field a single candidate in each constituency under a consensus arrangement in the next elections.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday welcomed the announcement of the schedule for the national election. The reaction from the party came shortly after Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin unveiled the election timetable in a televised address in the evening. Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, the party’s central media and publicity wing chief, came up with the reaction at a press conference held at Jamaat’s Moghbazar central office. Zubair, who is also the party’s Assistant Secretary General, said the long-awaited announcement had eased concerns about whether the election would be held. “There were uncertainties over the polls, but the announcement of the schedule has reassured us,” he told reporters. Calling on the Election Commission to ensure a fair electoral process, Zubair said establishing a level-playing field for all political parties must now be the Commission’s top priority. “Without this, there is no scope for making the election meaningful.” Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said ensuring a level playing field is essential for a credible election. He urged the Election Commission to take tough measures to recover illegal weapons, arrest armed criminals and improve law and order. He expressed dissatisfaction over previous electoral processes, saying, “In the past, although assurances were given ahead of elections, fairness could not be ensured. We hope this trend will change in the upcoming polls.” Zubair said Jamaat will fully cooperate with the Commission to help ensure a festive and peaceful election environment that reflects the expectations of the August-5 ‘revolution’. BNP hails election schedule as ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh politics Zubair called on citizens to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum to give legal recognition to the July Charter. Jamaat-e-Islami, along with seven other allied parties, will continue programmes aimed at securing a ‘Yes’ victory in the upcoming referendum, he said, adding that the alliance of eight protesting parties would extend all cooperation to the EC to conduct the national election and referendum smoothly. Senior Jamaat leaders, including Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, central executive council member Mobarak Hossain and Dhaka North Ameer Selim Uddin were present at the briefing. According to the schedule announced by the CEC, voting for the 13th parliamentary election will be held on February 12, alongside a national referendum. The balloting will continue from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without any break. Meanwhile, BNP welcomed the schedules for the long-awaited national election and the referendum on the Reform Charter, describing it as a ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh’s political landscape. “BNP has never had any fear regarding elections. We have always said that elections are the only way to overcome the crisis. Now that the formal journey on this path has begun, we welcome the announced schedule,” party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told UNB.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will collect public opinion through an online platform to prepare its manifesto for the upcoming 13th national election. Party Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced the initiative in a post from his verified Facebook page on Tuesday morning. Jamaat to form national govt even if it wins 200 seats: Ameer “One meaningful suggestion from you can help shape the future of Bangladesh. The manifesto for the upcoming national election will be prepared with your opinion,” he wrote. The party also said a dedicated platform titled ‘Janatar Ishtehar’ (People’s Manifesto) will be launched soon to receive suggestions from citizens.

The eight-party alliance, preparing to contest the 13th national parliamentary elections, will begin seat-sharing discussions from Tuesday. Dr Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Coordinator of the liaison committee of the eight-party alliance, confirmed the development on Monday. The decision was taken at a meeting of the alliance’s liaison committee held today (December 8) at 6:30 pm. The meeting took place at the central office of Khelafat Majlis, presided over by its Secretary General Dr Ahmad Abdul Kader. Azad stated that in every constituency, a single candidate, nominated jointly by the eight parties, would contest based on mutual agreement, and no other party would put forward a candidate. The alliance also decided to carry out nationwide campaigns until December 31 to build public opinion in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter. Jamaat to form national govt even if it wins 200 seats: Ameer Azad said the alliance will announce its next course of action after the national election schedule is published and reviewed by top leaders. In addition, each of the eight parties will observe separate programmes marking the Great Independence Day. Dr Azad also said that district and upazila-level liaison committees will be formed to strengthen the activities of the alliance. Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Kader said, we had initially hoped for the referendum to take place before the election, but after the government’s announcement, we accepted it in the larger interest. Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters Those present at the meeting included Gazi Ataur Rahman, Secretary General of Islami Andolan Bangladesh; Maulana Musa Bin Izhar, Secretary General of Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party; Abdul Majed Athari, Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of the same party; Maulana Yusuf Sadiq Hokkani, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan; and Mujibur Rahman Hamidi, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan. The meeting was also attended by Engineer Rashed Prodhan, Vice-President and Spokesperson of Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA); Advocate AKM Anwarul Islam Chan, President of Bangladesh Development Party; Nizamul Haque Naeem, its Secretary General; and Ashraful Alam and Fazle Bari Masud, Joint Secretaries of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, among others.