United News of Bangladesh

Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, the student wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP), held a coffin procession and solidarity rally on Friday demanding justice for the July massacre and commemorating those killed during the movement. The procession began after Friday prayers from the premises of the Faculty of Social Sciences of Dhaka University. It passed through Madhur Canteen, Mall Chattar and VC Square before ending with a brief rally at the foot of the Raju Memorial Sculpture.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Thursday alleged that the current government has failed to eliminate the longstanding regional and economic disparities affecting Bangladesh's northern districts. He also claimed that the government's handling of the proposed Teesta Mega Project reflected the same discriminatory approach, saying the Prime Minister's recent visit to China yielded no significant progress on the Teesta issue. Nahid made the remarks while addressing a farmers' rally as the chief guest at Togoraihat Bimukhi High School ground in Kurigram town in the afternoon. The rally was organised to mark the launch of the central committee of Jatiya Krishak Shakti, an associate body of the NCP. He alleged that the government had deliberately deprived Kurigram and the greater Rangpur region of adequate development allocations because most parliamentary seats in the northern districts are represented by opposition lawmakers. "No major budget has been allocated for this region, and it has been neglected in large-scale national development plans. We will not accept such discrimination," he said. Recalling the July mass uprising, Nahid said the people of northern Bangladesh had made significant sacrifices for democracy. "The brave son of this region, Abu Sayeed, was among the first to sacrifice his life during the July movement. People here have repeatedly exercised their democratic right to elect their representatives through struggle, yet they continue to be neglected in terms of development," he said. Criticising the government's initiatives for farmers, Nahid said the proposed farmer card programme would not adequately address the real needs of the agricultural community. "We are not opposed to the farmer card itself, but the limited financial benefits it offers are insufficient. There is also a risk of corruption in its distribution, and there is no guarantee that genuine farmers will receive the benefits instead of supporters of political organisations," he alleged. Following the rally, the NCP announced a seven-member partial central committee of its newly launched associate body, Jatiya Krishak Shakti. Among others, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Kurigram-2 MP Dr Atikur Rahman and Kurigram district NCP Convener Mukul Mia also addressed the programme. The speakers called for an end to regional disparities in development policies and demanded measures to ensure the legitimate rights of farmers.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Wednesday said ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has no legal avenue left to appeal her death sentence in a case filed for committing crimes against humanity during the July 2024 mass uprising, and the verdict must now be implemented. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Smritigathay Julai Biplober Dinguli” (Memories of the Days of the July Revolution), organised by Jatiya Chhatra Shakti's Dhaka University unit at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium to mark the 2nd anniversary of the July uprising. Hasina will return 'only to face execution of verdict': Nahid Islam Referring to a recent interview in which Hasina said she would return to Bangladesh and surrender in December, Nahid, also opposition chief whip, said, “Whether Sheikh Hasina comes in December or any other time is something the Bangladesh government must determine. But the moment she arrives, she must be arrested from the airport and her verdict must be executed.” He noted that the government has already made it clear that there is no scope for Hasina to surrender on her own, though he accused Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed of leaving a deliberate ambiguity, a "trap", by suggesting the question of appeal would be left to the legal process. “There is no scope for appeal. The verdict against Sheikh Hasina allowed 30 days for appeal, and no one filed one on her behalf within that period. So, there is no scope for any appeal in her case now,” the NCP leader said, adding that his party wants visible progress on the trial from the government. Turning to campus issues, he called for resolving DU’s electricity crisis, waterlogging problems, and student welfare concerns, while urging a democratic environment on campus. Nahid also questioned the process for appointing the university's vice chancellor, saying DU and other autonomous universities need a transparent and participatory selection process for VCs and teachers to build research-based, democratic institutions. On the events of July 15, he demanded that a list of those involved in attacks that day in 2024 be published and that action be taken against them, along with any teachers accused of endorsing or legitimising the violence. As part of the 2nd anniversary observance, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti's DU unit also organised a drawing competition for children, with prizes distributed to the winners after the discussion.

Hasnat Abdullah, Member of Parliament for the Comilla-4 constituency and chief organizer of the southern region for the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated on Friday night that politics must be freed from the clutches of rogue individuals. "Politicians do not take any action against drug dealers. When commodity prices increase in the market, politicians remain silent," he remarked while addressing a road march and rally at Raipur  upazila in Lakshmipur as the chief guest around 10:30 pm. Hasnat Abdullah claimed that prior to elections, politicians collect extortion money from business syndicates to fund their campaign activities. "Consequently, when those same business syndicates increase the prices of essential goods against the public interest after the election, politicians wear wooden spectacles and remain busy solely singing the praises of the Prime Minister in parliament," he said. The NCP leader also criticized the constraints faced within the legislature. "When we want to speak in parliament, the Speaker tells us that it is not Shahbagh Square, it is parliament. There is no need to think that we will only speak inside parliament. If you do not allow us to speak there, we will speak outside. We will speak near the people. You cannot keep us away from speaking."

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nahid Islam on Friday said that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina would return to Bangladesh only for the execution of a death sentence verdict against her. He made the remarks while addressing an event organised by the National SME Foundation marking International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day 2026 at the Diploma Engineers Institute in the capital's Kakrail. The programme featured an award ceremony and discussion session honouring successful small entrepreneurs. Govt must implement referendum verdict to prove its commitment to July uprising: Nahid Islam Speaking as the chief guest, Nahid Islam said, "Today we watched an interview where someone said that they are planning to return to the country in December. Our demand is that the country has already suffered from 16 years of destruction. Now we also want her to return, to face the execution of the death sentence verdict." He said a verdict has already been delivered in Bangladesh and the government should bring back the "perpetrator of genocide" through proper diplomatic and legal processes and execute the verdict. Replying to journalists after the event, Nahid said it is the responsibility of the Bangladesh government to decide how Sheikh Hasina will return, who she will come with, and whether she will surrender. "The Bangladesh government will discuss the matter with Delhi. There is no other party involved here. The government will decide when and how to bring her back and how the verdict will be executed. She must be brought back with all necessary preparations," he said. Nahid further said Sheikh Hasina's decisions are not solely personal decisions, claiming that she speaks according to what is permitted from Delhi. "Whether Sheikh Hasina will return or not, how she will return, and whether she will face trial, all these issues depend on the diplomatic and political understanding between Dhaka and Delhi. Sheikh Hasina or the Awami League is no longer a political party," he said. Saying that participants of the July uprising are prepared to face any situation, Nahid said, "Those who took part in the July mass uprising are politically prepared to deal with any situation. We are ready for any circumstances to protect the country's independence, sovereignty and economy." He warned that if there is any attempt to create political tension centring on Sheikh Hasina or the Awami League, and if the government supports such efforts, the government itself will suffer the most. "The people of Bangladesh, all forces involved in the July uprising, around 30,000 injured people and families of 1,400 martyrs — we are all prepared," he said. Regarding the trial of the Awami League, Nahid said the government is considering bringing the party as an organisation under judicial proceedings. "We believe this is the right path. The verdict against Sheikh Hasina has already been delivered. Now it has to be executed. If Sheikh Hasina returns to the country, she will return only for the execution of the death sentence verdict. Therefore, we also want the verdict to be implemented," he said. Entrepreneurs from across the country attended the event, where officials of different organisations and entrepreneurs also delivered speeches.

National Citizen Party (NCP) South Region Chief Organizer Hasnat Abdullah on Thursday alleged that Bangladesh has not witnessed the desired political change, claiming that only the "faces of extortionists and corrupt individuals" have changed. Speaking as the chief guest at a rally following the party's "July March" programme in Sonagazi municipality of Feni, Hasnat said extortion, drug trafficking and case trading had merely shifted from one group to another. "We wanted an end to extortion, not just a change in extortionists. We wanted an end to corruption. Unfortunately, only the people involved have changed," he said. The rally was organised to press for the implementation of a referendum, employment generation and stronger border security. It was chaired by Feni district NCP Convener Zahidul Islam Soikat. Earlier, central party leaders joined a procession through Sonagazi Bazar as part of the programme. Criticising the BNP-led government, Hasnat alleged that despite promises of improved governance, people were instead facing power shortages. "The government promised electricity but has put hurricane lamps and candles in people's hands. Now electricity does not go out; it comes only occasionally," he said. He also claimed that while the government had promised employment, drug abuse and gambling had expanded instead. Rejecting allegations of corruption against his party, Hasnat challenged critics to produce evidence. "If anyone can prove even one taka of corruption against us, bring the evidence. No one will be able to prove it. We entered politics to make corrupt politics difficult," he said. Referring to the movement for public sector jobs that preceded last year's mass uprising, Hasnat said unemployment remained a major concern. "We have yet to ensure jobs for the unemployed youths whose movement sparked the mass uprising. New recruitment circulars are not being issued because jobs are allegedly being reserved on partisan considerations," he said. He also criticised the government for failing to fulfil its pledge of creating 10 million jobs. "The Prime Minister promised 10 million jobs after coming to power. But in the last six months, not only has the target of 10 million remained unmet, not even one million jobs have been created. In fact, not a single new job has been ensured," he alleged. Hasnat further criticised repeated assurances of action against drug trafficking after Eid festivals, saying the promised crackdown had yet to materialise. "If it is not made clear after which Eid the operation will begin, students and people will again take to the streets as they did in 2024 and build resistance across the country," he said. Addressing the rally, NCP Joint Convener Ali Ahsan Junaid said the party would continue its movement until the proposed referendum was implemented. He expressed hope that the government would respond to public demands through effective measures and said the party would mobilise public support to press its demands. During the programme, Hasnat introduced Sonagazi Upazila NCP Member Secretary Suza Uddoula as the party's candidate for chairman in the upcoming Sonagazi Upazila Parishad election. Earlier in the day, NCP leaders visited the graves of two people described by the party as martyrs of the July 2024 uprising in Fulgazi and Sonagazi upazilas and met their family members. The "July March-2026" programme marked the beginning of the party's campaign in southern Bangladesh under its "July Awakening to Build the Nation" initiative. Central and local NCP leaders and activists attended the events.

At least four people were injured in a crude bomb explosion during a rally of  National Citizen Party (NCP) in Savar on Monday night. The explosion occurred around 9:45 pm at the Eidgah ground near Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar municipality while an NCP rally was underway following the party's "July March" programme, said witnesses. They said panic spread among party leaders, activists and spectators after a loud explosion ripped through the rally venue. The injured were identified as Shahin Khandaker, 30, Jasim, 26, Shahadat Hossain, 40, and Imran, 35. The condition of Shahin and Jasim was reported to be critical. NCP central committee member Yasir Arafat said miscreants hurled the crude bomb while Dhaka district NCP Convener Engineer Nabila Tasnid was delivering her speech. NCP Convener Nahid Islam, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam were among the party leaders present on the stage during the incident. Following the blast, Nahid Islam led party leaders and activists to Savar Police Station, where they staged a demonstration. He later told reporters that several party leaders and activists have been injured in the attack. Nahid alleged that the attack was carried out by "terrorists linked to the government and the Awami League." He also claimed that members of an organisation which is facing ban on activities are carrying out flash processions without effective action from the authorities . Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) of Savar Police Station Nur Mohammad said law enforcement personnel rushed to the scene after the explosion, brought the situation under control and launched an investigation. He said the NCP has filed a complaint with the police station over the incident.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Bangla Academy President Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq. In a statement issued on Sunday night, the party said Prof Huq made significant contributions to the educational and cultural sectors. The party also remembered his contributions to education, research and creative works with deep respect. Eminent writer, researcher and academic Prof Huq passed away around 2:30 pm on Sunday at the National Heart Foundation in Mirpur after falling ill at a family programme. He received the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1981.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Saturday announced that it will hold marches in 100 municipalities (pourashava) and upazilas across the country from July 6, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, employment generation and stronger border security. As part of the programme, the party will organise the "July March 2026" in 100 upazilas and municipalities across all 64 districts. NCP describes proposed budget as 'ambitious, fiscally unrealistic' The announcement was made at a press conference held at the party's central office in Banglamotor by NCP's Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam. Party leaders said the marches would begin simultaneously in the northern and southern regions on July 6. The northern campaign will be led by Sarjis Alam and NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, while the southern campaign will be led by Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah and party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. Sarjis alleged that those who supported the perpetrators of the July killings have become increasingly emboldened because they have not yet been brought to justice. He said the marches would also introduce the party's potential local election candidates and urged people from all walks of life to participate in the programme. According to the announced schedule, a march will be held in Kaliganj Upazila at 4 pm on July 6, followed by another in Savar Upazila later that evening. On July 7, the party will organise a march in Cox's Bazar. Sarjis also announced that a farmers' rally will be held in Kurigram on July 15, where the party's new platform, Jatiya Krishak Shakti (National Farmers' Power), will be formally launched. On July 16, NCP leaders and activists will visit the grave of July movement martyr Abu Sayeed in Rangpur. Addressing the press conference, Sarjis said the NCP wants to see the Home Minister's remarks regarding the banned Awami League reflected in concrete action. He alleged that because justice has yet to be ensured against those who assisted the perpetrators of the July killings, some of them have returned to the public sphere and are making provocative remarks about the July movement. Senior NCP leaders, including Ali Ahsan Junayed and Mahin Sarkar, were also present at the press conference.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Wednesday urged the government to implement the verdict of the referendum and implement promises of state reform, saying this would demonstrate its commitment to the aspirations of the July mass uprising. After paying tribute at the mass grave of martyrs of 2024 uprising at Rayerbazar, Nahid said merely observing the anniversary would not be enough unless the promises of justice and reform are fulfilled. "The government has to prove that it stands with the July Uprising by implementing the reforms demanded by people and executing the referendum verdict," he said. He said July 1 marked the beginning of the historic uprising and that the party has started its observance by visiting the martyrs' mass grave at Rayerbazar. Nahid said that although the uprising took place two years ago, the country has yet to achieve the discrimination-free and democratic Bangladesh envisioned by its participants. Referring to a recent verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal, he said the judgment has failed to satisfy the people or the families of the martyrs and injured. He criticised the sentence given to Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) President Hasanul Haq Inu, alleging that he had actively supported the July killings as an ally of the Awami League-led alliance. "We do not think the sentence of 10 years in each of the three cases is enough," Nahid said, urging the state to appeal against the verdict and seek the maximum punishment. He also expressed concern over what he described as the slow pace of investigations and trials related to the July killings, saying only two verdicts have been delivered since the current government assumed office. Nahid called for the speedy completion of all pending trials and demanded that those accused of involvement in the July killings, including Sheikh Hasina and the killers of Osman Hadi be brought back to Bangladesh to face justice. He also demanded the implementation of the death sentence against Sheikh Hasina once all legal procedures are completed. Nahid urged the government to fulfil its commitments to the families of the martyrs and injured by ensuring financial assistance and rehabilitation for the July fighters.