United News of Bangladesh

Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said not taking oath as a member of the State Reform Council is tantamount to dishonouring ‘July 2024’. “We believe that not taking oath as a member of the State Reform Council amounts to insulting July. It is because of July that this election was held and Mr. Tarique Rahman became the Prime Minister, and I became the Opposition Leader. Without July, could we have reached this position” he said.

Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Sunday said the new government, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami will work together to build a 'new Bangladesh'. “We welcome the incoming Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman's courtesy visit to the residence of Ameer-e-Jamaat. It is a qualitative change in our political culture and a new beginning,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing following a meeting between BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman. Taher said the two parties had long fought against the fascist government led by the Awami League. Following its removal, he said, BNP and Jamaat contested the election separately, but expressed hope that they would now work together for the welfare of the country. Jamaat Ameer calls meeting with Tarique 'an important moment' During the meeting, the Jamaat Ameer urged Tarique Rahman to maintain law and order across the country, Taher said, adding that they also discussed ways to resolve any potential misunderstandings or issues between the two parties. Earlier in the evening, Tarique Rahman visited the Jamaat chief’s residential office in the Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10 pm and held a nearly 45-minute meeting, which BNP leaders described as a positive political gesture following the election. Among others, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Abdullah Muhammad Taher and Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present at the meeting.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has reiterated his party’s commitment to democratic governance and constitutional accountability following a meeting with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. In a Facebook post on Sunday night, Dr Rahman congratulated Tarique Rahman in advance as he set to assume the office of Prime Minister, describing his visit to the Jamaat Ameer’s residential office as “an important moment in our national political journey.” “We welcome this engagement in a spirit of dialogue and responsibility, and we hope it signals a new chapter of institutional maturity and mutual respect. We envision building a Bangladesh that is free from fascism, sovereign in its decision-making and founded upon justice,” he wrote.  Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, along with the 11-party alliance, remains committed to establishing a prosperous, stable and modern state grounded in democratic values and constitutional governance. He also welcomed the BNP Chairman’s assurance that steps are being taken to address incidents of post-election violence, including actions concerning harm against opposition supporters and minority communities. Jamaat demands vote recount in 30 constituencies “We reiterate that no citizen, regardless of political affiliation, should face intimidation or insecurity,” he said. The Jamaat Ameer added that his party would cooperate fully on matters of national interest while fulfilling its constitutional responsibility as a firm and principled opposition. “Where the government acts in the public interest, we will support. Where accountability is required, we will speak. Our objective is not confrontation but correction; not obstruction, but oversight,” he said, adding that the people deserve a parliament that safeguards justice, protects rights and advances the nation with stability and confidence. Earlier, Tarique visited the Jamaat chief’s residential office in the Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10 pm and held a nearly 45-minute meeting, which BNP leaders described as a positive political gesture following the election. Keep guard until final count: Jamaat Ameer urges party leaders Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman received Tarique with a floral wreath. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and its Assistant Secretary General as well as Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present at the meeting. The meetings came a day after Tarique called for cooperation from all political parties and forces to help build a ‘safe and humane Bangladesh’. BNP is set to form the next government after securing a landslide victory with 209 seats in Thursday’s national election.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday met Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, just two days before forming the next government following his party’s massive victory in Thursday’s national election. Tarique reached the Jamaat chief’s political office at his residence in Bashundhara Residential Area around 7:10pm to hold a meeting, in what is seen as a positive political gesture after the election, said BNP Media Cell member Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Jamaat Ameer received Tarique with a floral wreath. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Muhammad Taher and its Assistant Secretary General and Central Publicity and Media Secretary Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair were present. Later, Tarique is also scheduled to meet National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam at his residence in the capital’s Bailey Road area. The meetings come a day after Tarique called for cooperation from all political parties and forces to help build a ‘safe and humane Bangladesh’. BNP is set to form the next government after securing a landslide victory with 209 seats in Thursday’s national election. In the election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, while the National Citizen Party secured six.  

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to remain at polling stations until the complete results are officially announced. The Jamaat Ameer made the call in a Facebook post in the evening. In another post, he wrote that if Allah grants victory to the oppressed, there will be no processions, no slogans, and no celebrations — instead, they will all fall in prostration (sehannnnne “We will thank Allah Almighty with all our hearts and seek the special help of the Great Lord in serving the nation,” he said. Voting in Bangladesh’s national election concluded on Thursday in a largely peaceful atmosphere, with high hopes of restoring genuine democracy and securing a strong mandate for national reforms. Govt must belong to 18 crore people, not to any individual or party: Jamaat Ameer The polling began at 7:30am and continued until 4:30pm without interruption at 42,659 polling stations in 299 out of 300 constituencies, amid the deployment of nearly one million security personnel and another one million polling staff. Alongside the parliamentary election, voters also participated in a referendum to express their views through ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ votes on proposals for several constitutional amendments.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday expressed the hope that the election would pave the way for forming a government that belongs to the country’s 18 crore people, not to any individual, family or party. “Through this election, may such a government be formed that will not belong to any individual, family or party, but to the 18 crore people of the country. We are hopeful of forming such a government,” he said, seeking cooperation from all in building the nation together. Dr Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks after casting his vote at 8:15am at the Monipur High School (Boys’ Branch) polling centre in the capital’s Mirpur 60 Feet area. The Jamaat leader arrived at the polling station around 8am and cast his ballot amid a calm atmosphere. Voters were seen arriving at the centre and forming queues to cast their votes. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the nation had been deprived of voting rights for nearly one and a half decades. “For 15 years the people of this country could not vote, and neither could I. In 2014, 2018 and 2024, I was in jail and did not get the opportunity to vote. After missing those three elections, today, Alhamdulillah, Almighty Allah has given us the chance to vote. I express my gratitude to Him,” he said. Jamaat Ameer casts vote at Monipur centre The Jamaat chief said he believes not only he, but especially the youth who have never cast a vote in their lives, had been eagerly waiting for this election. He expressed hope that the vote would be peaceful, fair, free from violence and occupation, and acceptable to all. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said they would monitor the situation across the country, adding that minor incidents would be ignored but major irregularities would not be tolerated. “We do not want people to lose their voting rights in any way. Whatever result comes through a fair vote, we will accept it, and others must also accept it. That is the beauty of democracy,” he said. Responding to questions about reports of cash seizures from Jamaat leaders and activists in different places, he said media outlets are not presenting the same news in the same way. “If anyone commits a crime, even if it is me, I am against that crime. But turning something into a crime by force when it is not, that is an even bigger crime,” he added. After 17 years of waiting, the people of Bangladesh went to polls on Thursday for a historic national election.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman cast his vote at 8:15am on Thursday at the Monipur High School (Boys’ Branch) polling centre. The Jamaat leader went to the polling station around 8 am and cast his vote. Voting began at Monipur High School polling centre in the city’s Mirpur 60 Feet area amid a calm atmosphere. Voters were seen arriving at the centre, forming queues to cast their ballots. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman will cast their votes at the Gulshan Model School and College centre in the capital. Free, fair polls matter more than win or loss: Nahid Islam

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday night urged voters to cast their ballots for “honest, competent and patriotic” candidates in Thursday’s national election. In a Facebook post, he called on “dear patriotic voters” to exercise their franchise out of love for the country and a sense of responsibility. “Cast your valuable vote for an honest, competent and patriotic candidate. Do not put your country in danger for a small amount of money,” he wrote. In another post, the Jamaat Ameer warned that rumours were circulating and urged people not to pay heed to them. “Please be careful. Do not pay attention to these rumours,” he added. A total of 127,298,522 voters (in 299 constituencies) are eligible to cast their ballots in this election. Of them, 64,620,077 are male voters, 62,677,232 are female voters and 1,213 are third-gender voters. The country has a total of 127,711,899 voters (in 300 constituencies) –64,825,154 males, 62,885,525 females and 1,220 third-gender.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday alleged that 13 polling booths were vandalised in his Dhaka-15 constituency. In a Facebook post around 5pm, the Jamaat chief strongly condemned and protested the incident. “Those who still want to stop us through terror and intimidation are forgetting that this nation has moved forward through the July revolution. The politics of muscle power is over. The people cannot be suppressed any longer,” he said. ‘Take lead again tomorrow’, Jamaat Ameer to Gen-Z He alleged that those who failed to sit for discussions on the country’s policies and future plans are now resorting to violence. “The politics of fear and intimidation will not continue. The way the ‘scale’ has taken place in the hearts of the common people will be reflected in Thursday’s elections, InshaAllah,” he added.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday said that state responsibility is a sacred trust (amanat) and should not be treated as a matter of personal enjoyment. “We must always remember that we are all accountable and will be questioned about our responsibilities,” he said in a televised address on Bangladesh Television ahead of the 12 February national elections. Referring to a famous quote by Hazrat Omar (RA), Dr Rahman said “Even if a dog dies on the banks of the Euphrates without eating, I will be responsible for it,” to capture what will be his governing style. The party remains committed, as commanded by Allah, to establishing justice, InshaAllah, he said. He expressed optimism that people will trust in their promise and vision and support Jamaat-e-Islami and its 11-party alliance in the upcoming elections. “Allah has given us a great opportunity for change. Let us use it wisely, leave behind the politics of the past, and build a new Bangladesh where everyone can live with respect and dignity,” he said. Dr Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs of the July uprising and the Liberation War, and prayed for those injured during these movements. Describing July as a collective outcry against injustice, he said: “People from all walks of life united. We do not want another July. We want a Bangladesh where citizens never have to take to the streets to demand their rights.” He said the youth have the courage, talent, and technological skills needed to build a new Bangladesh. “They are hardworking, fearless, committed to truth, and ready to move the country forward,” he said, urging society to create opportunities that allow young people to contribute meaningfully. Addressing the youth, he added they want to stand shoulder to shoulder in the work of building the nation. The Jamaat Ameer emphasised that national unity is a responsibility, not just a slogan, warning that division weakens the country and deepens injustice.   He criticised what he described as the erosion of democratic practices and the concentration of power over the past decade, claiming citizens were deprived of their voting rights through flawed elections. “When people lose their right to vote, they lose their voice,” he said, referring to the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections. He added that misuse of state institutions, lack of accountability, and suppression of dissent have undermined democratic norms and public confidence. Dr Rahman also stressed that women’s safety and dignity are essential for national progress. “A society that fails to protect women can never truly advance,” he said, pledging equal opportunities and meaningful participation for women in all sectors. He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, saying all citizens must feel secure regardless of faith or background. “Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians—all are citizens of this country, and their rights will be safeguarded,” he added. Addressing members of Tablighi Jamaat, he urged them to actively contribute to nation-building, just as they serve their faith. “We promise that in the future, no one will be able to oppress you with labels or carry out extrajudicial killings. We recognise that your human rights were neglected in the past. Changing this will be a key goal of the new Bangladesh. Your role and contribution to national policies and systems will be strengthened,” he added. Regarding foreign policy, Dr Rahman said Bangladesh would pursue balanced diplomacy based on mutual respect while protecting national sovereignty. He also highlighted the challenges of climate change and reiterated continued humanitarian efforts for Rohingya refugees, alongside diplomatic initiatives for their safe repatriation. He said the country would build international relationships based on equality and respect, honouring the territorial integrity of all nations while prioritising friendship. “Our national interests, dignity, and development goals will guide our international engagements,” he said. Dr Rahman praised expatriate workers for their role in the July uprising, saying: “Even from thousands of miles away, you played a vital role and endured hardships. You have already made history by exercising your voting rights. Without your active participation, our vision of a new Bangladesh will remain incomplete.” He announced plans to hold volunteer representative elections to liaise with embassies and high commissions, advocating for expatriates’ rights and ensuring their voices are heard. “These representatives will safeguard your interests and enable effective participation in national development,” he said. Dr Rahman stressed the need for structural reforms in various sectors and state institutions. To ensure the continuation of these reforms, a referendum will be held alongside the parliamentary elections. He urged citizens to vote ‘Yes’ in this referendum, describing it as an important opportunity to express the general will of the people.