United News of Bangladesh

Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday greeted the nation on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, calling on Muslims to embrace the values of mercy, forgiveness and salvation. In a message on his Facebook page, he said the blessed month of Ramadan has arrived once again, offering an opportunity for spiritual purification and self-restrain. He urged the country’s Muslim community to learn, uphold and practise the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, which was revealed during this sacred month and to work together to build a society based on justice and compassion. Refusal to take reform oath disrespects ‘July’: Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman expressed the hope that Ramadan would cleanse people of wrongdoings and moral lapses and inspire them to refrain from all forms of transgression. He also called upon people to extend support and kindness to the poor and underprivileged during the month of fasting. Seeking divine mercy for the country, he prayed for peace and stability and expressed the hope that the nation would move forward in line with the aspirations of its people. He conveyed his heartfelt greetings to Bangladeshis at home and abroad on the occasion of Ramadan.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has been named the Leader of the Opposition in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. Newly elected MP from Cumilla-11 (Chouddagram) and Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher will serve as the deputy opposition leader. Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam has been appointed as the opposition chief whip, while Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan has been made opposition whip. Jamaat MPs-elect take oath as members of parliament, CRC The decisions were taken at a parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday after the oath-taking of MPs, party sources said. Assistant Secretary General and Chief of Central Publicity and Media Department of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, told UNB. A joint press release from the 11-party alliance is expected to be issued soon to formally announce the appointments. Earlier in the day, Jamaat MPs took oath around 12:30pm, followed by MPs from the National Citizen Party. Members of the 11-party alliance also took oath to the proposed Constitutional Reform Council alongside their parliamentary oath.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 209 parliamentary seats, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68, as the Election Commission disclosed the statistics of the unofficial election result of 297 constituencies on Friday afternoon. Besides, National Citizen Party-NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat. 59.44 percent votes cast in national election:EC EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed revealed the statistics at a press briefing in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. He said the average voter turnout is 59.44 percent (297 constituencies) in the parliamentary election, while the average voter turnout is 60.26 percent (299 constituencies) in the referendum, The EC Secretary said the unofficial result of Chattogram-2 and 4 constituencies has been kept pending (following the court’s decision). The elections to Sherpur-3 was earlier cancelled following the death of a Jamaat candidate. About the referendum, he said 4,80,74,429 voters (68.05 percent of total casting votes) voted for ‘Yes’ option in the referendum ballots, while 2,25,65,627 voters (31.95 percent) for ‘No’ option to decide the fate of the implementation of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Order 2025. All eyes on Tarique Rahman as BNP set to form government

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Friday said that those raising allegations over Thursday’s  parliamentary elections must provide evidence to support their claims. Talking to journalists at the Election Commission, Nazrul Islam responded to allegations made by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami regarding alleged vote rigging and warnings of protests. “They may feel hurt and express themselves, but if anyone makes allegations against someone, it is their responsibility to prove them,” he said, adding that no allegations had been made directly against his party. Nazrul Islam, who serves as chairman of the BNP’s Election Steering Committee, said the party was observing victories in more than two-thirds of the constituencies. He said this indicated that the electorate had given BNP the mandate to govern for the next five years. Nazrul described the day as “a significant one in Bangladesh’s history” and said voters had once again entrusted the party with governing responsibilities. He also expressed gratitude to supporters and thanked the electorate. When asked about the possibility of forming a national government, Nazrul said there had been no discussions on the matter. He clarified that his visit to the Election Commission was not an official party briefing, adding that BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman would later deliver a formal statement on behalf of the party. Nazrul Islam said BNP’s coalition partners had also secured victories, which he said reflected public confidence in the alliance’s leadership and future plans. Comparing the latest election with previous polls, he said that earlier elections had seen significant loss of life, whereas this time there had been no reported casualties, describing it as an important development. He, however, acknowledged that voter turnout had not reached expected levels and expressed hope that participation would increase in future elections. Nazrul Islam thanked media organisations for their coverage, saying it had helped voters understand BNP’s plans and contributed to the electoral outcome.

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.

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’s candidate for the Kushtia-3 (Sadar) constituency and popular Islamic preacher Mufti Amir Hamza has been fined Tk 10,000 for breaching the election code of conduct. Kushtia Joint district and Session Judge Md Abdul Hye fined Tk 5,000 each on two charges on Tuesday, in default to serve six-day in jail. Advocate Kazi Toufiqul Islam, a counsel of Amir Hamza cleared the fine on behalf of him. Rashed Ahmed, a resident of Shantidanga village in Kushtia brought two allegations against the Jamaat candidate for violating election code of conduct. During the court proceedings, it appeared that the banner of Amir Hamza displayed at the Mojompur gate did not mention the name and address of the printing company or the date of printing. IU Chhatra Dal leader files case against Mufti Amir Hamza over defamatory remarks

The 11-party electoral alliance, led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam, on Monday demanded the Election Commission not to slow down mobile internet speed during the referendum and 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12 next. “It is being heard that the mobile internet would be slowed down ... .We told them (EC) that they should not issue another letter or circular citing that the internet would be shut down. Such decisions were in fact fascism acts. We won’t like to see it. They told us clearly that such a decision won’t be taken on their part,” said Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair. He was briefing reporters after a meeting between a delegation of the 11-party electoral alliance and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. Freedom beckons on Feb 12 as we stand on ruins: Jamaat Ameer in Faridpur The Jamaat leader also said they asked the EC to lift the ban on carrying mobile phones inside the polling stations as well as not to issue any surprise circular that may create concern and doubt among the people. He said the Election Commission issued a sudden directive banning carrying and use of mobile phones by anyone except four personnel within a 400-yard radius of polling stations on polling day “We’ve seen a sudden directive from their part that none can carry or use mobile phones within 400 yards of the polling station, which normally creates worries and concern at all stages. Why is it? We hope that the election will be held in a fair and peaceful manner. But such an announcement pushed everyone into uncertainty,” Zubair said. Referring to repeated assurances by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that the election would be the most peaceful, credible and festive in the country’s history, he said the directive contradicted those assurances and caused unnecessary public anxiety. He said they immediately met the Election Commission to discuss the issue. “The EC told us that the matter has been discussed and the directive will be withdrawn,” he added. The Jamaat leader further said their alliance expressed concern over the overall law and order situation in several districts, including Khulna, Natore and Shariatpur, alleging that the conduct of certain law enforcement officials including DIG of Khulna and SPs of Shariatpur and Natore was not conducive to holding a free, fair and acceptable election. They urged the EC to issue necessary instructions to those officials and withdraw them if required, warning that otherwise free and fair voting may not be possible in those areas. Zubair said the alliance also raised the issue of deploying Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) members, noting that they have traditionally played a supportive role during elections. Given the importance of this election—with both a referendum and parliamentary polls being held simultaneously—and expected high voter turnout, he stressed the need for deploying maximum supportive forces to ensure a peaceful election. The Election Commission, he said, assured them that necessary steps would be taken. “We hope that no situation should arise that forces us to repeatedly come to the Election Commission. We expect the EC to use its full capacity and take effective measures on the issues we have raised,” Zubair said. Meanwhile, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Monday night told reporters that the Commission lifted a ban on carrying of mobile phones by candidates, polling agents, journalists and observers within a 400-yard radius of polling stations on polling day. Earlier, the Election Commission banned the carrying and use of mobile phones within a 400-yard radius of polling stations by anyone except for four designated personnel. The directive was issued in a letter signed by Senior Assistant Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Md Shahidul Islam, which was sent to the returning officers on Sunday. According to the EC decision, only three categories of personnel will be allowed to carry mobile phones inside polling stations.  They are the presiding officer concerned, the police officer who will be in-charge for security at the station concerned, and two Ansar members (Embodied Ansar/General Ansar/VDP) assigned to use the ‘Election Security 2026’ application. Feb-12 election not for opportunists: Jamaat Ameer

At least 20 people were injured on Sunday in a clash between activists of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami during rival processions in Chandradwip Union of Bauphal upazila under Patuakhali-2 constituency. According to local sources, the violence erupted in the afternoon at Bhandaria Bazar when face-to-face processions of BNP and Jamaat supporters confronted each other, triggering a clash. Around 20 people from both sides were injured on the spot. The injured were admitted to Bauphal Upazila Health Complex for treatment. Chandradwip is a river- and sea-surrounded isolated area where supporters of BNP and Jamaat have frequently been involved in minor disputes over election campaigning in recent days. Sunday’s clash reportedly stemmed from such tensions. BNP, independent candidates’ supporters clash  in Natore; 13 injured Jamaat candidate Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud alleged that BNP activists attacked his supporters while they were taking out a procession, leaving 15 of his workers injured. BNP candidate Shahidul Alam Talukder claimed that one of his supporters was seriously injured and was being taken Barishal Medical College Hospital. He said he was not in a position to comment further at the moment. Officer-in-Charge of Bauphal Police Station Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman said clashes occurred between the two groups in Chandradwip, leaving several people injured. “The situation is now under control,” he said. However, locals reported that tension remains high in the area. BNP-Jamaat clash in Bhola; 8 injured