United News of Bangladesh

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor and Chief Whip of the opposition Nahid Islam on Friday said Sheikh Hasina was able to hold a press briefing in Delhi because of the BNP government's failures and diplomatic weakness. "This is a diplomatic failure of the government. The foreign ministry is trying to earn praise by issuing a press release over fascist Hasina's Delhi briefing. This is mere rhetoric, what we colloquially call empty posturing. Big words are used in the press release, but no diplomatic action is being taken," Nahid told reporters. Hasina will be taken straight from airport to gallows upon return: Nahid He made the comments after visiting a photo exhibition titled "July Still Not Over," organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on the premises of the opposition leader's official residence. Nahid said the Awami League had announced the press briefing in advance and the Delhi government had cooperated with them. “The Indian High Commission should have been summoned and strongly condemned by the government.” He added that the government should make public what diplomatic measures it plans to take against such incidents in future. Alleging that the government is attempting to turn authoritarian, Nahid said if structural reforms are not carried out, the present government too will become autocratic, noting that such a tendency already exists within it. He said history shows that a "failed Awami League" has repeatedly tried at different times to reassert itself in that mould but has failed in the face of public resistance, citing 1996 as an example. He warned that any fresh attempt now would again meet public resistance. NCP's chief organiser for the northern region Sarjis Alam, spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan and chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, among other senior leaders, were present during the visit.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque has ruled out a normal return home for former Bangladesh cricket team captain and member of Bangladesh Awami League, Shakib Al Hasan.  Aminul said he lost that chance after appearing alongside ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina at an event in New Delhi. Court fixes March 3 for submission of investigation report against Shakib Al Hasan, 14 others His comments came hours after Shakib told Reuters that he was ready to return to Bangladesh, face court proceedings, and resume his international career if the government guaranteed his security. "We had been looking at the matter with considerable flexibility and tolerance. After this, I do not think there is any room to think that way anymore," Aminul said. "Someone who has taken the stage with the autocrat no longer has any opportunity to return," he added. Shakib, who has been living in the United States since Hasina's government was toppled in the August 2024 uprising, said he was willing to return immediately if his safety was assured. "If I get the clearance from the government that my security will be ensured, I am happy to go back, face the court trial and everything that's needed to be done," the 39-year-old all-rounder told Reuters by phone from Sri Lanka, where he is playing franchise cricket. Shakib said he wanted to play a farewell series in Bangladesh before retiring and hoped to represent the country at the 2027 ODI World Cup. The former Awami League lawmaker from Magura-1 also defended his virtual appearance at the New Delhi event alongside Hasina, saying he spoke about peace and Bangladesh's progress and had no regrets about taking part. The government, however, said Shakib must face the legal process. Shakib is among dozens of people facing murder investigations linked to the deadly crackdown on protesters before Hasina's government fell. He has denied wrongdoing, saying the cases against him are fabricated.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Friday said there has never been a greater opportunity to put the country on the right track than the present, thanks to a combination of factors. “Taken together, the mass uprising, the blood, sacrifice of life, the transparent election, effectiveness of parliament, and sincerity of Tarique Rahman have created a chance to institutionalise democratic values. Otherwise, the opportunity will fade away,” he said. Bangladeshi nationalism reflects inclusive national identity: Information Minister The I&B Minister made these remarks at a program held at Dhaka University's TSC, organized by the DU Debating Society, titled ‘July Mass Uprising and the Democratic Transformation of Bangladesh’. The minister said that the current movement is more vibrant than any other movement in post-independent Bangladesh.   He said, “The movement led Bangladesh to a less controversial national election, resulting in an elected parliament while preserving the spirit of the July Uprising. As conscious citizens, we are trying to assess how much of the country's democratic transformation we have been able to restore. To better understand these issues, debate is the best platform.” “Unable to hold debate on such practical issues is the main cause behind our democratic crisis.” He urged DUDS to transform debate into a culture, not only in the TSC but also across the nation, saying the government will patronize such an initiative. He alleged that a group of people are busy taking credit for the July Uprising. “Observing a growing obsession with who would emerge as a star and how will expand their fame. To carry forward the responsibility entrusted by the martyrs, we can’t act with such immaturity,” he added.   Mentioning that the government is making its utmost efforts to bring everyone together and steer this achievement toward its intended goal, he said, “The first step toward achieving this is to transform the parliamentary system into an effective institution and upholding it. This is the basic need.” Swapan added: “This is the challenge we are facing. Despite ample room for democratic debate, the allies of the democratic movement repeatedly revert to the same old practices. We want to believe that they will overcome this confusion. We will wait until the very end, because the sacrifices and achievements of our martyrs must not be squandered.”

State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Hoque Nur on Friday stressed the need for upholding unity and an uncompromising stance on the question of the Awami League, who remain under an activities ban. “If this government does not perform well, another government will come in power after five years, but we have to remain a single entity, united and uncompromising on the question of the Awami mafia group,” he said, while addressing a discussion in the city. Remain vigilant against 'conspiracies' of Jamaat-NCP alliance: Nur The Government Officers and Employees Welfare Association arranged the discussion following its 2026 council at the National Press Club.  Without naming anyone, Nur said now a 'bad neighbouring country' and ' evil foreign forces' may attempt to trigger a civil or military coup in Bangladesh.  Pointing to the erstwhile Janatar Mancha, a platform formed from within the administration against the then-BNP government in 1996, he urged all to be careful so that they won’t be misguided into implementing any agenda against the country. “Many people may come with various missions to misguide you for implementation of (their) agendas. You need to be careful about it,” he said. Focusing on the misrules including looting money from different banks, repressions and killings carried out by the Sheikh Hasina-led government, Nur criticised "a neighbouring country" with the reference obviously to India, for providing shelter to Sheikh Hasina.  “Our neighboring country, which claims to be our friend, has given shelter to such a vile mass murderer. Not only has it given shelter and allowed her to live there in peace, but they are using her to incite,” said the state minister. He said Awami League should not be rehabilitated in the politics of Bangladesh.   “This Mafia group (AL) should not be allowed to return under any circumstances,” he said.  Speakers at the discussion urged the government to implement the 9th national pay scale immediately. In the council, a newly elected 101-member central committee was announced for the Government Officers and Employees Welfare Association of Bangladesh.

Protesting India’s “undiplomatic conduct” toward Bangladesh by allowing fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was sentenced to death, to hold a press conference in New Delhi, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Friday expressed optimism that the Indian government will revise its stance and hand over Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh. “We expect that India will change its stance and hand over convicted Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh,” said Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar in a statement. He said Bangladesh is committed to maintaining diplomatic relations based on equal and mutual respect with all countries, including neighbouring India, while safeguarding bilateral interests. Bangladesh respects the independence and sovereignty of all countries, he added. “Allowing a convicted fugitive like Sheikh Hasina to remain engaged in conspiracy against the people of Bangladesh from Delhi by ignoring Bangladesh’s diplomatic calls to stop the conspiracy, is a gross violation of international norms and diplomatic etiquette (by the Indian government). We strongly condemn and protest such diplomatic conduct by the Indian government,” he said. Parwar said the “fascist government” led by Sheikh Hasina subjected Bangladeshis to severe repression, killings and enforced disappearances for more than 16 years. He said her government carried out a “mass killing” during the 2024 July Mass Uprising, leaving some 1,500 people dead and more than 30,000 injured. Parwar said the interim government had repeatedly sought Hasina’s extradition, but Delhi continued to shelter, ignoring the requests. “By ignoring Bangladesh’s calls and sheltering fugitive Sheikh Hasina, the Indian government appears to be supporting the activities of the banned Awami League instead of Bangladesh,” he said, adding that India ignores the extradition treaty between the two countries. The Jamaat leader said the current government had failed to bring Hasina back despite the second anniversary of the July mass uprising being observed. “As a result, fugitive Sheikh Hasina is getting scope to conspire against the country and its people from abroad,” he said. He urged the government to take effective steps to bring her back, including seeking an Interpol red notice and assistance from the United Nations. “If the government shows diplomatic laxity, it will have to face strict accountability before the people,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said the government should bring deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back to the country on its own responsibility to let her face trial, while accusing the Awami League of having “destroyed the country’s politics” and saying the party is in no position to return to political activity. He made the remarks at a view-exchange meeting with local journalists at the Bagerhat Circuit House in the morning. “The Awami League has destroyed the country’s politics. It established a reign of terror in the country and left countless mothers grieving. Many people were subjected to enforced disappearance, and not all of them have yet returned,” Shafiqur said. He said the party cannot return to politics simply by changing its appearance. “The Awami League has not apologised so far, nor is there any remorse among its leaders. Provocations from the neighbouring country are continuing,” he said, warning against allowing leaders and activists of the party to join Jamaat just to boost its strength. Jamaat chief, however, made it clear that permission from the central leadership is needed to take anyone into their party. “No one has sought such permission from us. Therefore, no one has been taken into the party,” he said. Responding to a question from journalists about Hasina, he said the government should bring her back on its own responsibility. “She should be allowed to face the verdict delivered against her and the judicial proceedings that are still pending. The trial should be conducted on the basis of fairness. We do not want an unjust trial,” he said. On parliamentary proceedings, Shafiqur said the opposition is sometimes prevented from speaking freely when strategic issues come up in Parliament. He said opposition lawmakers sometimes face procedural obstacles when trying to speak, but the Speaker does not stop them once they stand to speak. “I hope the government will remove these obstacles,” he said. The opposition leader said the country is facing multiple problems, including shortages of oil, gas and electricity. “The people have become frustrated with the activities of the government within a short time. The people will assess the activities of both the ruling and opposition parties over five years. After five years, the people will deliver their verdict,” he said. He said there should be no place for the use of physical force in politics. “Unfortunately, since the birth of Bangladesh, we have seen the use of muscle power in politics. Politics is about principles; there is no place for physical force here. Politics should be conducted with wisdom and judgement. The purpose of politics is to serve the people,” he said. Shafiqur claimed that four Jamaat members were killed in the country since the parliamentary elections held in February. He said Jamaat cooperates with the government wherever cooperation is needed and opposes it wherever opposition is necessary. The Jamaat ameer also said though the ruling party runs the government, not all people vote for it. “People vote according to their choice. This is the language of democracy,” he said. He also claimed that the media is not fully free and should be allowed to operate independently. District Jamaat organised the meeting, chaired by its Ameer Maulana Rezaul Karim. Later, Shafiqur Rahman attended the district Jamaat members (Rukon) conference on the Alia Madrasah premises in Bagerhat town.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Friday said the biggest challenge facing journalism today is the battle between misinformation and accurate information, falsehood and truth, and dishonest journalism and objective journalism. Speaking as the keynote speaker at a seminar titled “Role of Media in Sustainable Democracy” organised by the Television Editors’ Council at a city hotel, he said protecting credible information has become the core ethical responsibility of journalism. “Protecting clean information is now the fundamental ethics of journalism. Combating dishonest journalism is also the responsibility of honest journalism,” the minister said. “Therefore, the main challenge today is not simply the government versus journalists or media owners versus journalists. Rather, it is the battle between misinformation and accurate information, falsehood and truth, and dishonest journalism and objective journalism,” he added. The seminar was attended by Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the chief guest. Swapon said sustainable democracy and a free, responsible media are complementary to each other. “Just as sustainable democracy requires an independent media, the development of an independent media also requires a democratic environment,” he said. The minister said there is currently no interference in the media by the government or any intelligence agency. Raising the question of whether democracy should be established first or whether a sustainable democracy will emerge through the growth of a free media, he said the two must advance together. “These two issues complement one another and should move forward in parallel,” he said. Describing the media as an industry, Swapon said media organisations must remain financially viable to survive. “A media organisation must have financial capacity and ensure profitability to sustain itself. At the same time, accountability, compliance with the law and social responsibility are equally important,” he said, describing the government, media owners and advertisers as key stakeholders in the media ecosystem. “The government is accountable for serving the people, media owners are responsible for ensuring institutional sustainability, and advertisers strengthen the industry's economic foundation. A healthy media system can only be built if there is balance among these three stakeholders,” the minister said. He also highlighted the growing influence of digital platforms, global technology companies and artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism. Swapon stressed that establishing sustainable democracy and a strong media requires a comprehensive understanding of the entire media ecosystem. “It is not possible to reach effective solutions through a partial understanding of these issues,” he said.

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged the media to continue scrutinising the government and highlighting its shortcomings while also allowing it sufficient time to deliver. “The government must always be kept under watch. If it makes mistakes, those should be pointed out. But at the same time, the government must also be given time,” he said while addressing as the chief guest a seminar titled “Role of Media in Sustainable Democracy”, organised by the Television Editors’ Council at a city hotel. Fakhrul said the media's role should not be limited to exposing government failures but also reflect its achievements. Referring to television talk shows, he said some programmes are being framed around the “government’s four months of failure,” creating an impression that the administration has completely failed, while little attention is being paid to what it has accomplished. “This one-sided approach by the media is not appropriate,” he said. Highlighting the importance of media freedom and responsibility, the BNP leader said a strong and independent media is essential for sustaining democracy. He stressed the need to strengthen media institutions and build a healthy relationship between owners and journalists. “If the media can work independently and without conditions, democracy will also become stronger. But for that, it is not enough to depend only on the government. Media institutions themselves must also become stronger,” Fakhrul said. He also expressed concern over the growing influence of social media, saying it has become “even more dangerous.” “A small post or a short reel can destroy a person’s lifetime achievements within moments,” the BNP secretary general said, noting that countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia and France have imposed restrictions on children's access to social media because of its harmful effects. He said it is unrealistic to expect the government to solve every problem within a short period, as the country is currently passing through a transitional phase. “This is not only true for Bangladesh but for many countries in Asia,” he said. Calling for patience and tolerance, Fakhrul said, “We must not become impatient. We have to remain patient and tolerant. Otherwise, democracy can never move forward.” He urged the government, media organisations and media owners alike to exercise patience and tolerance, expressing hope that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh will move towards a sustainable democratic system. “If everyone works with patience alongside Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh can be taken to a stage where democracy stands on a sustainable foundation,” he said. The minister said whenever the BNP assumed office, it inherited a “ruined system.” Referring to the energy sector, he rejected suggestions that the current gas crisis has been created by the BNP government. “Has BNP created the gas crisis? The previous government did not carry out a single exploration scheme. Instead, it built a system dependent on imports,” he said. Fakhrul alleged that the previous government also created major problems in the power sector through quick rental power projects. “The banking sector has also been left in ruins. Restoring it has become a major challenge for the present government,” he said.    

State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur has called upon the people to remain vigilant against what he described as conspiracies by the Jamaat-NCP led opposition alliance. Speaking at an event organized by the Lawyer’s Rights Council at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, in the capital the state minister alleged that the recent sit-in protest staged by the Jamaat-NCP alliance in front of the Bangladesh Secretariat was a deliberate attempt to destabilize the country. “They should've announced a long march towards the Indian embassy. Instead, they chose the Bangladesh Secretariat. It is a direct attempt to disrupt the country's stability,” Nur said. Asserting that "Awami fascism" has met its political demise, Nur remarked that no amount of wishful thinking from across the border can bring the fallen regime back to life. He claimed that the National Citizen Party (NCP) is strategically dominated by Jamaat-e-Islami members occupying various district and upazila posts, comparing it to past political tactics where hidden affiliates infiltrated multiple political parties, including the BNP and Gono Adhikar Parishad. Recalling the backdrop of the 2024 July mass uprising, Nur noted that the movement was built upon years of struggle, dating back to the quota reform movement launched in 2018 under his leadership. He urged citizens to stay united in upholding the spirit of the July uprising and opposing the return of autocratic forces. The discussion meeting was arranged by the Lawyer’s Rights Council, a platform of lawyers associated with Gono Adhikar Parishad, to mark the jail release of their leaders following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Presided over by Lawyer's Rights Council President Nure Ershad Siddiki, the event was also addressed by Prime Minister's Political Assistant Rashed Khan, alongside leaders, activists and members of the Gono Adhikar Parishad and the Lawyer's Rights Council.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Thursday demanded the immediate extradition of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, warning that her legal status must never be used as a “bargaining chip” in bilateral or geopolitical negotiations. Addressing a press briefing at the NCP's Banglamotor office, he said the party viewed with "deep concern and profound disappointment" Hasina's public address at an event in New Delhi marking the 2nd anniversary of the July uprising on Wednesday, calling it an affront to a date of profound significance for Bangladesh's struggle for democratic renewal and accountability. Hasina will be taken straight from airport to gallows upon return: Nahid "Sheikh Hasina has been convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh for crimes against humanity. Her continued ability to participate in political activities from India, despite the judicial process against her, raises serious concerns regarding respect for Bangladesh's legal institutions," Asif Mahmud said. "We condemn India's such action humiliating the sovereignty of Bangladesh," he said, urging New Delhi to give due consideration to Bangladesh's judicial decisions and facilitate Hasina's prompt return under the existing extradition framework between the two countries. The NCP spokesperson said mutual respect for each other's legal systems, sovereign institutions and democratic processes remains essential to sustaining a "constructive and forward-looking" bilateral relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi. He also urged the government to pursue all available legal, diplomatic and institutional avenues "with greater urgency, transparency and effectiveness" to secure Hasina's return, saying the people of Bangladesh deserve a credible, coordinated and institutionally robust approach demonstrating the state's commitment to justice. "This issue should not be reduced to political rhetoric or managed solely through diplomatic formalities. It requires sustained political commitment, effective intergovernmental engagement, and clear institutional accountability," Asif Mahmud told reporters. Reaffirming the NCP's commitment to democracy, constitutional governance and the rejection of "authoritarian and fascist politics in all their forms," he said the party opposes any attempt to treat Hasina's legal status as an instrument of bilateral political negotiation or geopolitical bargaining. "Any arrangement that compromises Bangladesh's sovereignty, judicial independence, or democratic future will be contrary to the interests and aspirations of the Bangladeshi people," the NCP spokesperson said. He further said the lasting dismantling of authoritarian structures will require comprehensive constitutional, institutional and political reforms, adding that no individual or institution accused of grave crimes against the people of Bangladesh, or of undermining the country's sovereignty, should be permitted to return to political life without first facing a credible process of justice and accountability.