United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Saturday called for a recount of votes in 30 constituencies following the 13th national parliamentary election, citing alleged irregularities in the counting process. “We will also apply to the Election Commission to postpone the oath-taking of the MPs from these seats,” said Assistant Secretary General Advocate Muazzem Hossain Helal at an emergency press conference in the evening. The constituencies listed include Panchagarh-1; Thakurgaon-2; Dinajpur-3 and 5; Lalmonirhat-1 and 2; Gaibandha-4; Bogura-3; Sirajganj-1; Jashore-3; Khulna-3 and 5; Barguna-1 and 2; Jhalakathi-1; Pirojpur-2; Mymensingh-1, 4 and 10; Kishoreganj-3; Dhaka-7, 8, 10, 13 and 17; Gopalganj-2; Brahmanbaria-5; Chandpur-4; Chattogram-14; and Cox’s Bazar-4. Helal claimed that, if the votes are recounted, these seats ‘would return to the 11-party alliance’. Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its central publicity department, said the party has already submitted applications for the 30 seats but added that “the number may increase.” Tarique Rahman to visit Jamaat Ameer, NCP chief Sunday Abdul Mannan, Jamaat’s candidate in Dhaka-6, alleged that he had been defeated due to ‘manipulation’ during vote counting. He said he hopes the Election Commission ‘will take proper action in this regard’.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Friday warned of launching a tough movement if people’s opinions and voting rights are manipulated through any conspiracy. Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Jubayer came up with the warning while talking to reporters on The Election  Commission premises early in the morning. Jubayer said if there is any attempt to ‘manipulate’ the people’s mandate and voting rights through conspiracies, Jamaat will announce programmes and if necessary, go for a hard movement. Referring to past elections, the Jamaat leader said the nation still carries the trauma of the 2014, 2018 and 2024 elections. “We have seen what happened in the elections of 2014, 2018 and 2024. Those who conducted those elections—where are they now?” he asked.  He said Jamaat would not expect the current Election Commission to face a similar fate. Responding to a question, Jubayer said Jamaat respects any opinion expressed by people in a dignified manner. “But if anyone conspires or plots using the people’s opinions, we will not accept it,” he said.  Various conspiracies surrounding elections had taken place in the past as well which the people of the country did not accept, he said. He stressed that Jamaat would continue to remain vigilant to ensure that the people’s mandate is respected and protected.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to remain at polling stations until the complete results are officially announced. The Jamaat Ameer made the call in a Facebook post in the evening. In another post, he wrote that if Allah grants victory to the oppressed, there will be no processions, no slogans, and no celebrations — instead, they will all fall in prostration (sehannnnne “We will thank Allah Almighty with all our hearts and seek the special help of the Great Lord in serving the nation,” he said. Voting in Bangladesh’s national election concluded on Thursday in a largely peaceful atmosphere, with high hopes of restoring genuine democracy and securing a strong mandate for national reforms. Govt must belong to 18 crore people, not to any individual or party: Jamaat Ameer The polling began at 7:30am and continued until 4:30pm without interruption at 42,659 polling stations in 299 out of 300 constituencies, amid the deployment of nearly one million security personnel and another one million polling staff. Alongside the parliamentary election, voters also participated in a referendum to express their views through ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ votes on proposals for several constitutional amendments.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday expressed the hope that the election would pave the way for forming a government that belongs to the country’s 18 crore people, not to any individual, family or party. “Through this election, may such a government be formed that will not belong to any individual, family or party, but to the 18 crore people of the country. We are hopeful of forming such a government,” he said, seeking cooperation from all in building the nation together. Dr Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks after casting his vote at 8:15am at the Monipur High School (Boys’ Branch) polling centre in the capital’s Mirpur 60 Feet area. The Jamaat leader arrived at the polling station around 8am and cast his ballot amid a calm atmosphere. Voters were seen arriving at the centre and forming queues to cast their votes. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the nation had been deprived of voting rights for nearly one and a half decades. “For 15 years the people of this country could not vote, and neither could I. In 2014, 2018 and 2024, I was in jail and did not get the opportunity to vote. After missing those three elections, today, Alhamdulillah, Almighty Allah has given us the chance to vote. I express my gratitude to Him,” he said. Jamaat Ameer casts vote at Monipur centre The Jamaat chief said he believes not only he, but especially the youth who have never cast a vote in their lives, had been eagerly waiting for this election. He expressed hope that the vote would be peaceful, fair, free from violence and occupation, and acceptable to all. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said they would monitor the situation across the country, adding that minor incidents would be ignored but major irregularities would not be tolerated. “We do not want people to lose their voting rights in any way. Whatever result comes through a fair vote, we will accept it, and others must also accept it. That is the beauty of democracy,” he said. Responding to questions about reports of cash seizures from Jamaat leaders and activists in different places, he said media outlets are not presenting the same news in the same way. “If anyone commits a crime, even if it is me, I am against that crime. But turning something into a crime by force when it is not, that is an even bigger crime,” he added. After 17 years of waiting, the people of Bangladesh went to polls on Thursday for a historic national election.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam on Wednesday lodged a series of complaints with the Election Commission, alleging attacks, intimidation of its leaders and activists and vandalism of party offices across the country in an attempt to undermine the election-friendly environment ahead of Thursday’s  elections. “We sadly say that the nice environment we expect for the elections is repeatedly disrupted. Various types of barricades are being created (to intimidate our leaders, activists and supporters),” said Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair. Jamaat activist held with cash in Shariatpur; jailed for 2 years He made this remark after a delegation of Jamaat-led 11-party electoral alliance met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban in the afternoon, just hours before polling begins at 7:30am on Thursday. Zubair warned that if attacks continue on polling day, Jamaat activists would resist what he described as ‘terrorist activities’ with public support. “We will build resistance against terrorists with the people. InshaAllah, there will be resistance in every centre (polling station). There will be mass resistance,” he said replying to a question. Zubair cited several incidents, including an attack on Jamaat leaders in Moulvibazar on Tuesday night, where their local leaders including upazila election management committee chief Abdur Rahman were allegedly assaulted while returning home. He claimed that their vehicles were vandalised and some leaders sustained serious injuries and were shifted to Sylhet for advanced treatment. Jamaat Ameer alleges vandalisation of polling booths in Dhaka-15 Similar incidents were also reported in Moulvibazar Sadar-Rajnagar constituency, Sirajganj, Faridpur, Netrokona, Manikganj, Barishal and Patuakhali, where Jamaat’s prospective polling agents and local leaders were allegedly attacked or threatened, he said. Zubair also alleged that in Sirajganj, the law enforcers made announcements through loudspeakers on Tuesday asking locals to hand over certain Jamaat leaders to them, despite no cases being filed against them and they are dignified persons in the society. He questioned the legality of such actions claiming that the announcement is to create fear among voters. The Jamaat leader questioned who or what is inciting such forces to create a fearful atmosphere among the people by making announcements through loudspeakers in this way, which is a serious obstacle to a fair election. Referring to Dhaka-15 constituency, Zubair claimed that 12 election camps of Jamaat Amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman were vandalised and set on fire overnight. “If such incidents can occur in the capital city and on major roads, questions naturally arise about the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies,” he said, urging the EC to immediately investigate and to take action. Zubair also raised concerns over an incident at Saidpur Airport, where a district-level Jamaat leader was allegedly harassed and mentally tortured by police after travelling from Dhaka with Tk 50 lakh. He said the elderly and ailing leader later fell sick and was admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Jamaat demanded his immediate release and warned of legal action against those responsible. The Jamaat leader urged the EC to install CCTV cameras inside and outside polling centres to ensure a peaceful, free and credible election.

An election observation delegation from the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI), currently in Bangladesh, on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer to exchange views on the upcoming election. The 19-member delegation is led by former US Congressman David Dreier. During the meeting, the delegation emphasised its commitment to observing a free, fair and credible electoral process, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami said in a Facebook post in the evening. The Jamaat Ameer reaffirmed his party’s full support for transparent voting, peaceful participation and respect for the will of the people. Jamaat Ameer alleges vandalisation of polling booths in Dhaka-15

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday alleged that 13 polling booths were vandalised in his Dhaka-15 constituency. In a Facebook post around 5pm, the Jamaat chief strongly condemned and protested the incident. “Those who still want to stop us through terror and intimidation are forgetting that this nation has moved forward through the July revolution. The politics of muscle power is over. The people cannot be suppressed any longer,” he said. ‘Take lead again tomorrow’, Jamaat Ameer to Gen-Z He alleged that those who failed to sit for discussions on the country’s policies and future plans are now resorting to violence. “The politics of fear and intimidation will not continue. The way the ‘scale’ has taken place in the hearts of the common people will be reflected in Thursday’s elections, InshaAllah,” he added.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday called on the Generation Z (Gen-Z) to once again take the lead on the election day, recalling their role during the July movement. In a Facebook post in the afternoon, he wrote, “Dear Gen-Z, you are the heroes of the July revolution. Through your courage and sacrifice, a festive electoral environment has been created after a long time. Tomorrow, it is once again time for you to lead.” He urged the young voters to let the whole world know through a ‘voting revolution’ that they are the architects of a new Bangladesh.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair on Wednesday claimed the arrest of Thakurgaon district Jamaat Ameer Belal Uddin with a large amount of cash as a `stage-managed drama by law enforcers’. Speaking at an emergency press conference at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, he claimed that the recovered money was not related to the election but was linked to Belal Uddin’s personal business transactions. He alleged that law enforcement agencies had fabricated the incident. “It is a stage-managed drama by some law enforcement members. He (Belal) has already clarified that he travels for business purposes. As banks were closed, he had to carry out transactions in cash. That is why he had some money with him. This is very normal,” Zubair said. A businessman may carry cash for family or other legitimate needs, he said, adding, “Even in a restricted area like an airport, where movement is limited, a drama has been staged claiming he was carrying money for a specific purpose, and various news reports are being circulated to give it a different meaning.” Jamaat leader arrested at Saidpur Airport with Tk 50 lakh in cash Zubair said Belal Uddin, a senior and responsible leader, fell ill due to ‘mental torture’ following the incident and is now undergoing treatment at a hospital. “We firmly state that Jamaat-e-Islami conducts its policymaking activities with utmost transparency,” he added. He alleged that the incident was being deliberately used to divert attention and mislead the public, reiterating that the money was not election-related but belonged to Belal Uddin’s business. The Jamaat leader also claimed that candidates, polling agents and party leaders are facing attacks in different parts of the country. “Various conspiracies are being carried out to create panic among voters,” he said, alleging that some members of the administration were favoring a particular party. “If the administration deviates from neutrality, people will not spare anyone,” he warned. Earlier in the day, police detained Belal Uddin at Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari with a large sum of cash. During preliminary interrogation, police said the total amount seized was estimated at around Tk 50 lakh.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday alleged that a vested quarter is spreading disinformation out of fear of the party’s growing popularity and public support. In a post on his verified Facebook page, he said that as the nation prepares for a free, fair and credible election, certain individuals are attempting to confuse voters by circulating false information across the country. Jamaat pledges to honour student sacrifices: Dr Shafiqur Rahman Dr Shafiqur Rahman urged people not to pay heed to such campaigns, stressing that these efforts are aimed solely at misleading voters. “Voting is your right and a sacred responsibility. Cast your vote for your preferred candidate and symbol. This is what the entire nation expects,” he said.