United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday warned the government that it would face a strong public movement if it failed to implement the verdict of the recent referendum, claiming that nearly 70 percent of voters had supported the proposals placed before the people. "If the referendum is ignored, this government will also lose its legitimacy. If you make the referendum fail, you will be made to fail. The people will compel you to respect the referendum," he said. Addressing an 11-party divisional rally at Hemayet Uddin Central Eidgah Maidan in Barishal, Dr Shafiqur urged the government not to embark on what he described as a "path of deception." "Our position is clear—the people's verdict through the referendum must be honoured. Those who reject the referendum reject democracy itself. They are enemies of democracy. We urge the government to return to the path of respecting the people's mandate," he said. The rally was organised to press for implementation of the referendum verdict, easing public suffering, controlling soaring commodity prices and improving the country's transport system. Dr Shafiqur said the July movement was not fought to create another form of discrimination but to eliminate discrimination altogether. "Be cautious while there is still time. Respect the mandate of the people," he said. Recalling political events between 2009 and 2024, the Jamaat chief said many people had sacrificed their lives, endured imprisonment and suffered persecution but did not bow before what he termed "fascism." "People drove fascism out of Bangladesh. You may become a dummy version of fascism, but you cannot become Awami fascism," he said. He criticised the BNP, alleging that it had retained all ordinances introduced against what he called the previous fascist regime. Calling the parliamentary Constitution Amendment Committee "illegal," he said Jamaat had rejected it outright. "There is no such thing as a Constitution Amendment Committee. It is illegal. If anyone attempts political trickery, the nation will not spare them," he said. He accused the government of repeatedly changing the committee's identity. "First it was called the Constitution Amendment Committee, now it is being described as a special committee. How long will the government continue deceiving the people?" he asked. Warning the government against what he called "lies and deception at every step," Dr Shafiqur said it should be prepared to face the consequences. Referring to the country's political history, he said the significance of the 2024 mass uprising should not diminish the importance of the 1971 Liberation War. "Twenty-four must remain honoured as Twenty-four, and Seventy-one must remain honoured as Seventy-one. We will not allow the legacy of Twenty-four to disappear," he said. He demanded proper state recognition for those killed and injured during the 2024 movement. "Whether martyrs or survivors, they deserve full state honour. The nation will not tolerate any neglect of the heroes of Twenty-four," he said. He also alleged that attempts were being made to undermine the July Memory Museum established to commemorate the movement. "If any changes are made to the July Memory Museum, we will raise our voices again. We will not remain silent. If any part of that heritage is erased, we will recover every bit of it. There are continuous attempts to suppress the spirit of July," he said. On the economic front, Dr Shafiqur criticised the government's handling of inflation and rising living costs. "People are being crushed under the burden of rising prices. Gas, electricity and fuel prices have increased. Taxes have gone up for every family. Commodity prices have doubled, yet family cards provide assistance worth only Tk 2,500 while the additional burden is around Tk 5,000. How will the government compensate people for this?" he asked. Issuing another warning to the government, he said failure to implement the referendum verdict would trigger a massive rally in Dhaka. "If you do not accept the referendum verdict, prepare for a grand rally in Dhaka. People will march to the capital carrying only flattened rice and puffed rice if necessary," he said. However, he expressed hope that the government would eventually "come to its senses" and implement the referendum verdict before such action became necessary. Highlighting regional development issues, Dr Shafiqur said Bhola remained isolated due to the absence of a bridge. "The people of Bhola deserve a bridge. We want to know why the project has still not been placed before ECNEC," he said. He also criticised the lack of railway connectivity in Barishal. "The people of Barishal have heard stories about railways, but they have never seen one. Barishal must get a railway. Balanced national development is impossible if Barishal continues to be deprived. The region must receive its rightful share," he said. He added that Jamaat would continue to raise its voice against all forms of discrimination. "Wherever there is deprivation, we will speak out, InshaAllah," he said. The rally was chaired by Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and Barishal regional director Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal. Among others, Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (retd) Dr Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Abdul Majed Athari, Bangladesh Labour Party President Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, JAGPA Vice President Engineer Rashed Pradhan and Bangladesh Development Party Chairman Advocate AKM Anwarul Islam Khan addressed the gathering. Leaders from the participating political parties at the central, divisional and district levels were also present. 

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Friday urged the government to convene a session of the proposed Constitution Reform Council in Parliament instead of pushing the country towards “political confrontation.” "If BNP wants to avoid driving the country towards conflict, it should convene the Constitution Reform Council session in Parliament, take the oath and implement the constitutional reforms in line with the July Charter by accepting the verdict of the referendum that provided its legal basis," he said. "If that is not done, we will have no option but to take to the streets," Porwar warned while responding to questions from journalists after attending a party members' (Rukon) conference at the Narsingdi Shishu Academy auditorium. Referring to the implementation of the July Charter, he said the current political crisis could be resolved through constitutional reforms based on the outcome of the referendum. Responding to a question about the possible return of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces death sentence in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 uprising, the Jamaat leader said the matter rests with the court and the government. "It is a legal issue and the government's responsibility. The government has banned the activities of her party, and it will decide the matter," he said. He alleged that the former Awami League government committed widespread atrocities during the July-August movement, including killings and other acts of violence, and said those responsible must face justice. "The wounds inflicted during that period have not yet healed. Those who committed these crimes must be tried and punished," Porwar said. He claimed the previous government had ignored constitutional principles and democratic norms and said the people had forced what he termed an "autocratic regime" to leave the country. On the political right of the Awami League, the Jamaat secretary general said it should be determined by the people rather than by any single political party. "The July mass uprising showed that the people of this country no longer accept fascist politics. The referendum has also reflected that position," he claimed. Porwar also criticised India for providing shelter to Sheikh Hasina, alleging that she continues to fuel unrest in Bangladesh from New Delhi. He further alleged that India had violated international law, prisoner extradition agreements and the Geneva Conventions by allowing "a death-row convict" to stay comfortably in New Delhi with access to all forms of modern communication and technological facilities. "This cannot be regarded as a normal situation under any circumstances," he said, without providing evidence to support the claim. The conference was presided over by Md Ibrahim Bhuiyan, organiser of Narsingdi district Jamaat. Earlier in the day, the party also organised a workshop for its district-level members.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman and the National Citizen Party (NCP) on Sunday expressed deep sorrow at the death of former acting President, ex-Speaker and BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar. In a condolence message, Shafiqur Rahman recalled the seasoned politician’s distinguished career, describing him as a renowned senior lawyer and a patriotic politician who discharged both his professional and political responsibilities with dedication and integrity. Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar passes away He said Jamiruddin Sircar earned respect across party lines during his tenure as Speaker of Parliament and remained sympathetic to victims of political repression, including senior Jamaat leaders, during what he described as the previous fascist regime. According to Shafiqur Rahman, the late leader provided important legal and political advice on various occasions. Highlighting Jamiruddin Sircar's generosity, he said he stood in court as one of the principal lawyers for Jamaat leaders in several legal battles and refused to accept any professional fees despite difficult circumstances. The opposition leader prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family, followers and colleagues. In a separate statement, the NCP termed the death an irreparable loss to Bangladesh's political and legal arena and prayed that Allah grant him Jannatul Ferdous and give strength to his family and admirers to bear the loss. Jamiruddin Sircar passed away at a city hospital in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 95.

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.