United News of Bangladesh

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday urged the government to honour its promises to the people, warning that otherwise it would be compelled to implement the referendum verdict. "Do not become a national traitor. Fulfil the promises made to the people and implement the referendum verdict," he said while addressing an 11-party alliance rally at the Rangpur District School Ground. Jamaat Ameer alleges conspiracy involving interim govt to defeat 11 parties in last election The rally was organised to press for the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan, effective steps to implement the referendum verdict, an end to border killings and push-ins, and measures to ease public suffering. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said attempts were being made to divert public attention from the demand to implement the referendum verdict. "Many things are being said to distract us from the demand for implementing the referendum verdict in different ways. But we cannot betray the nation. We have promised the people that we will continue our struggle and ensure the implementation of the referendum verdict, InshaAllah," he said. "We will not move an inch from this position. I am reaffirming this commitment here in Rangpur, the land soaked in the blood of Abu Sayed," he added. Shafiqur said the country's youth had fought against inequality and corrupt politics to build a new Bangladesh. He claimed the referendum was held to bring about reforms. He alleged that the current Prime Minister had pledged to vote for both his party and the referendum but had fulfilled only the first promise. Referring to the Teesta issue, Shafiqur said the ruling party had earlier launched the "Jago Bahe Teesta Bachao" movement before the election, but no allocation had been made for the Teesta project in the current budget. "We do not want empty words. We want practical action. If this government fails, the 11-party alliance, with the support and votes of the people, will form the government in the future and implement the Teesta project, InshaAllah," he said. Speaking about the border situation, the Jamaat chief alleged that India was creating tension along the border while the government remained silent. "The people are not only protesting, they are also standing beside BGB personnel to resist such actions. We salute these brave people," he said. He criticised the government's silence over the issue and urged it to reflect the aspirations of the people instead of acting to please others. Reiterating his demand, Shafiqur said there should be no further delay in implementing the Teesta project. NCP Convener Nahid Islam said the government would fail to secure international support if it failed to maintain national unity and honour the commitments made after the mass uprising. "If there is no national unity in the country, the government will not receive support from any country in the world. The IMF has already told them it will not provide any more loans. No country will cooperate with them if they betray the spirit of the mass uprising and the reform process," he said. Nahid claimed that the mass uprising, the referendum, the reform agenda and the July Charter had created the political environment that brought the BNP to power. He alleged that the BNP had since gone back on its commitments. "The BNP has betrayed the referendum, the 31-point reform proposal, the July Charter and democracy," he said. Leaders of the alliance components also spoke at the rally with Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam in the chair.

Leader of the Opposition and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday visited flood-affected areas in Chattogram's Banshkhali upazila and distributed relief assistance among affected families. After arriving in Chattogram by air from Dhaka in the morning, Shafiqur travelled directly to the flood-hit areas, where he inspected the damage caused by days of heavy rainfall and hill runoff, according to a press release. During the visit, he spoke with flood-affected residents, inquired after their condition and assessed the overall situation. Describing support for disaster-hit people as a humanitarian and moral responsibility, the opposition leader urged affluent individuals, social organisations, volunteer groups and people from all walks of life to come forward and assist those affected by the floods according to their capacity. Following the inspection, he distributed dry food and provided financial assistance for affected families, while assuring them of continued support in dealing with the disaster.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will visit flood- and landslide-affected areas in Chattogram on Friday morning. The information was confirmed by Jamaat's Senior Assistant Secretary of the Central Publicity Department, Mujibul Alam. According to him, continuous rainfall and hill torrents have triggered devastating landslides and flash floods in Chattogram and the surrounding hilly regions. The natural disaster has claimed many lives in different parts of Chattogram district, while numerous families remain stranded by floodwaters and are living in severe hardship, he said. He added that widespread damage has severely disrupted normal life in the affected areas. During the visit, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will meet affected families, exchange views with local administration officials, party leaders and activists, and other relevant persons. He will also assess the overall situation of the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

Opposition Leader and Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday alleged that a conspiracy was orchestrated to defeat 11 political parties in the 13th Parliamentary election and claimed that the interim government was also involved in the process. "We wanted an election. But we did not want a conspiracy in the name of an election," he said while addressing a seminar titled "Spirit of the Mass Uprising, Implementation of the Referendum Verdict and Trial of the July Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity" in capital's Kakrail. Jamaat announces month-long programmes marking July Uprising anniversary "There was a conspiracy. We condemn it. The interim government, whose identity was that of a neutral and non-partisan administration, was also part of this conspiracy. They themselves have admitted that 11 parties were defeated through a conspiracy," he alleged. Referring to the election process, Shafiqur said there had been "many dramas" before the national election and that two elections were held on the same day under the same order.

Opposition Leader in Parliament and Jamaat Ameer Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday expressed hope that Bangladesh-US relations would continue to deepen based on shared democratic values and mutual respect. He made the remarks while speaking at the "Freedom 250" event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Dr Shafiqur also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of the United States on the 250th anniversary of the country's independence. He called for transforming the current Bangladesh-US relationship from one of friendship into a genuine partnership based on trade, security cooperation and mutual support for democratic institutions. The Opposition Leader also thanked the United States for its long-standing humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees sheltered in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char. Referring to the Middle East, Dr Shafiqur said, "I welcome the recent diplomatic efforts of the United States to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, including the ceasefire agreement with Iran, and call for continued efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region." The Bangladesh Parliamentary Caucus on America and the US Embassy in Dhaka jointly organised the event. Dr Shafiqur congratulated the Parliamentary Caucus on America for its work and said the core responsibility of parliamentary diplomacy is to protect the interests of disadvantaged and marginalised groups, including refugee families, people in flood-affected areas and voiceless working people. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal attended the event as the chief guest. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen also spoke at the programme, which was conducted by Dr Md Mahbubur Rahman, MP, co-chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on America.

UNN- Budget-reaction Hefajat-e-Islam leader Maulana Karim hails budget FY27 as welfare-oriented Maulana M.A. Karim Ibn Moshabbir, former central member of Hefajat-e-Islam Bangladesh and a key leader of the historic Shapla Chattar movement, has welcomed the proposed national budget for the fiscal year FY2026-2027, describing it as time-befitting, realistic, and welfare-oriented. In a press statement, Maulana Karim said that Tk 9.38 trillion budget reflects the country’s current economic realities, public needs, and national development goals. "This is not an unrealistic or overambitious budget. Rather, it is a balanced and responsible fiscal roadmap formulated by considering the existing economic situation, global challenges, and the livelihood of ordinary citizens," he said. The Islamic scholar appreciated the budget’s prioritized allocations for key sectors, including development, social safety nets, education, health, agriculture, employment, and infrastructure, which he noted would accelerate the nation’s progress. Maulana Karim particularly termed the decision to increase taxes and prices on alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful products a "groundbreaking step." "Tobacco and drugs are severely detrimental to public health, families, and society at large. Increasing their prices will curb consumption among the youth, safeguard public health, and minimize drug addiction, crime, and social decay," he added. He emphasized that building an advanced, prosperous, and moral state requires the parallel cultivation of social and human values alongside financial growth. Expressing optimism over the smooth implementation of the budget plans, Maulana Karim extended his congratulations to the Finance Minister, respective policymakers, and the government for delivering a realistic budget aimed at ensuring economic stability and uplifting the living standards of the low- and middle-income groups.

Leader of the Opposition and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said his party remains firm in its demand for the formation of a constitutional reform council in line with the verdict of referendum, instead of giving representatives to a special parliamentary committee on constitutional amendment accepting a proposal from the ruling party.  "The people gave a mandate for reform, not merely for amendment (to Constitution). So, we cannot agree to the proposal (given by the ruling party to join) for the special committee," he said, while addressing a post-budget view-exchange meeting with journalists at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The opposition leader said the referendum had given a clear public mandate for constitutional reform, but the government's decision to pursue constitutional amendments through a special parliamentary committee contradicts that mandate. He said a political crisis has been created in the country as the verdict of the referendum has not been implemented. Shafiqur Rahman, however, said they remain open to dialogue with the government on the issue as it needs to reach a political solution through talks in the parliamentary democracy. Explaining his party's street programmes, he said the opposition had been compelled to take to the streets with programmes after failing to secure sufficient discussion in Parliament on this issue. “It needs permission from the Speaker to discuss the issue in Parliament, but does not require such permission in the parliament of the people (streets),” the Jamaat chief said. He said as they do not get enough scope to discuss the issue in Parliament, they decided to go to the people's parliament. “We’ve taken the side of the people. We want the public verdict to be implemented,” he said. Turning to the 2026-27 national budget, the opposition leader said the government had accepted several proposals put forward by the opposition, including withdrawing the provision to legalise undisclosed money and scrapping the proposed tax on small grocery shops and marginal businesses. He also demanded shifting the fiscal year from July-June to January-December to align with the calendar year. Arguing for the change, Shafiqur Rahman said the existing fiscal calendar encourages excessive spending during the final three months of the year, leading to waste, corruption and poor implementation. He also called for ensuring that the impact of reduced taxes on 61 essential commodities is reflected in market prices, saying otherwise the benefits will be captured by business syndicates rather than consumers. The Jamaat chief criticised the absence of budget allocations for the July Museum and July Foundation, saying the July movement should be preserved as part of the nation's history.

A parliamentary delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will visit Iran to attend the funeral prayers and state mourning ceremonies of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, scheduled to begin on July 4. Senior Assistant Secretary of the party’s Central Publicity Department Mujibul Alam confirmed the matter on Tuesday. Jamaat announces month-long programmes marking July Uprising anniversary He said the delegation will leave Dhaka on July 3 at the invitation of the government of Iran to participate in the farewell, funeral prayers and state ceremonies for Ayatollah Khamenei. The delegation will remain in Iran until July 9. The delegation will be led by Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer and Member of Parliament Prof Mujibur Rahman. Other members include Md Nurul Amin, MP, Dr Md Keramat Ali, MP, and Dr SM Khaliduzzaman. According to Mujibul Alam, the delegation will attend the funeral and state ceremonies to convey Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's deep condolences, sympathy and solidarity with the government and people of Iran following the death of Ayatollah Khamenei. During the visit, the delegation is also scheduled to hold courtesy meetings with Iran's top leadership and relevant government authorities under the official programme. Jamaat expressed hope that the visit will further strengthen the long-standing brotherly relations, mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation between the peoples of Bangladesh and Iran. The state funeral and funeral prayers for Ayatollah Khamenei are scheduled to be held from July 4 to 9 in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad will attend the ceremonies on behalf of the Bangladesh government and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He is scheduled to leave Dhaka for Iran on July 2. Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike in late February. Iranian authorities expect around 20 million people to attend the funeral and burial ceremonies, according to a report by Al Jazeera. Iran's Mehr News Agency, quoting unnamed officials, reported that Khamenei will be laid to rest on July 9 in his birthplace of Mashhad in the country's northeastern region.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Tuesday announced a month-long programme to mark the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising. Party's Secretary General, Mia Golam Parwar, announced the progamme at a press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital. Golam Parwar said Jamaat will hold meetings with the families of those martyred, injured and permanently disabled during the July Uprising in Dhaka from July 2 to 9 and across the country from July 18 to 31. Ameer-e-Jamaat calls for 'humane, logical' steps over Ad-din Hospital During the period, the party will also organise remembrance programmes, discussion meetings and special prayers at places associated with the July Uprising. He said separate discussion meetings will be arranged by Jamaat's two Dhaka metropolitan units on July 16. Outlining programmes for August, Golam Parwar said processions will be held in metropolitan cities, districts and upazilas across the country on August 1. Special programmes will also be organised by different labour organisations from August 2 to 4. On August 5, marking July Mass Uprising Day, the 11-party alliance will hold rallies and processions in the capital as well as district and upazila headquarters across the country. He also said the party's leaders and activists will actively take part in programmes organised by its women's wing, student organisations and various forums of the July fighters. Besides announcing the programmes, Jamaat placed three key demands: expediting the trial of those responsible for the July killings and crimes against humanity, ensuring justice for the killers of Sharif Osman Hadi, and convening a Reform Council session to implement the July Charter and the public mandate expressed through the referendum.

Allegations of nepotism have surfaced against Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Md Nurul Amin of Rangpur-6 (Pirganj) constituency for allegedly appointing close relatives, including his nephew and brothers-in-law, as presidents of several government-funded development projects. According to local sources, the MP received special government allocations for the current fiscal year, including Tk 30 lakh under the Test Relief (TR) programme, Tk 25 lakh under the Kabita programme and 40 metric tonnes of food grains under the Kabikha programme. The MP reportedly submitted a total of 30 projects for implementation in his constituency, including 14 projects under TR, 11 under Kabita and five under Kabikha. A visit to Tularampur village under Pirganj Sadar Union found that work was underway on two projects financed through the MP's special allocations. One of the projects involves the development of a prayer room and earth-filling work on adjacent land under the Kabikha programme with an allocation of 10 metric tonnes of food grains. The project's president was appointed as Yakub Ali, the husband of the MP's cousin. Another project includes road paving from Yakub Ali's house to Mushfiq's residence, construction of a guide wall beside Yakub's pond and earth-filling work. The president of this project is Salman Sharif Shawon, Yakub Ali's son and the MP's nephew. As a result, both the father and son have been appointed as heads of two separate projects, triggering criticism among local residents. Sources also alleged that several other projects were assigned to the MP's relatives and local leaders and activists of his party. Mukul Mia, a resident of Tularampur, said the MP had appointed his relatives as project heads for multiple schemes related to the prayer room, raising questions about the proper implementation of the projects. Another local resident, Manju Mia, expressed frustration, saying that a decades-old Jame Mosque in the area, where more than a hundred worshippers regularly offer prayers, had been denied funding despite an application for development assistance. "Instead, the MP favoured his relatives by giving them these projects," he alleged. Rejecting the allegations, project president Yakub Ali said he was unaware of the exact allocation or funding of the projects. "I was asked by the office to carry out the work and I am doing it. There is no nepotism here," he said. Pirganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahmudul Hasan said the identity of the project president was not the main issue, as there was no scope to withdraw funds without completing the work. "However, since the matter has generated discussion, it will be investigated," he said. Attempts to contact MP Md Nurul Amin over the phone for his comments were unsuccessful as he did not answer repeated calls.