United News of Bangladesh

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.

National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam on Monday vowed to ensure justice for Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and the perpetrators of the July uprising killings. In a Facebook post on Monday afternoon, he said that implementing the July Charter and taking a firm stance against looting, corruption, and extortion remain key commitments of his party. Nahid Islam, who contested the national election from Dhaka-11 constituency, won by a margin of more than 2,000 votes. Running with the Shapla Kali (water lily bud) symbol, he secured 93,872 votes. After meeting Jamaat Ameer, Tarique meets NCP chief Nahid Meanwhile, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman paid a courtesy call on Nahid at his residence on Bailey Road in the capital around 8:30 pm on Sunday.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit the residences of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Sunday evening, signalling a gesture of political goodwill. A BNP leader close to Tarique Rahman, who requested anonymity, told UNB that the BNP chief will first visit the Jamaat Ameer’s residence around 7:00 pm, followed by a visit to Nahid’s house at approximately 8:00 pm. The visits come in the wake of BNP’s decisive victory in Thursday’s national election, where the party secured 209 seats, paving the way for the formation of the next government. In the election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, while the NCP secured six seats. Speaking at a post-election press conference on Saturday at a city hotel, Tarique Rahman emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation. “On the journey towards building a safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh, I seek the cooperation of all, regardless of party or opinion,” he said. Tarique pledges justice, seeks unity to build ‘safe, humane Bangladesh’ He also acknowledged that electoral competition may have caused misunderstandings or disagreements in certain areas. “I urge everyone to ensure that such disputes do not escalate into revenge or retaliation,” he added. Tarique Rahman stressed that justice will be the cornerstone of his government in upholding the rule of law.

Jamaat-led alliance candidate and National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam on Thursday said ensuring a free and fair election is more important than electoral victory or defeat, stressing that the real test is whether people can exercise their voting rights without obstruction. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in Dhaka-11 at AKM Rahmatullah College in Badda, Nahid said the election must be credible at any cost. “If the election is not fair, the July movement will be rendered meaningless,” Nahid warned. Bangladesh’s long walk to the ballot box; voting  begins at 7:30am Expressing optimism about forming the next government, Nahid said the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance had united with the clear objective of coming to power. “We believe this alliance is standing at the threshold of forming the government.” He said the alliance would accept the election outcome regardless of the result, provided the polls are conducted fairly. “We are prepared to accept the people’s verdict. If the election is free and fair, we will accept whatever result comes.” Nahid also urged the administration, law enforcement agencies and the army to make all-out efforts to ensure a fair electoral process. Commenting on the electoral environment, he acknowledged existing challenges but said the Jamaat-led alliance wants the highest possible voter turnout so that people can cast their votes without hindrance. He also called on voters to support the ‘Yes’ option in the referendum. “There are obstacles, and some are trying to undermine the electoral atmosphere. It is not enough for you or me to say the election was fair. Public reactions on social media and the opinions of election observers will determine whether the polls were transparent.” Voting began at 7:30am on Thursday at more than 42,000 polling centres across the country in 299 constituencies. The 13th national parliamentary election is being held with around 13 crore registered voters, whose decision will determine the formation of Bangladesh’s next government.  

A writ petition has been filed with the High Court challenging the eligibility of National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam to contest the Dhaka-11 seat election over allegations of dual citizenship. Shamim Ahmed, the Jatiya Party candidate for Dhaka-11, filed the petition on Monday, seeking a stay on Nahid’s candidacy. The Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commission Secretary, Returning Officer, and Nahid Islam have been named as respondents in the petition. Advocate Majnu Mollah represented the petitioner. According to the petition, Nahid obtained citizenship of Dominica on April 20, 2025, shortly after assuming the position of Adviser of the Council on August 8, 2024, which the petitioner claims violates Article 66(2)(ga) of the Constitution. The petition also alleges that Nahid concealed this information in his election affidavit. NCP pledges military training for youth if 11-party alliance comes to power Advocate Majnu Mollah said the writ petition will be placed before the High Court for hearing on Tuesday. The Dhaka-11 constituency covers the Gulshan areas, including wards 21, 22, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42 of Dhaka North City Corporation, as well as ward 23 of Sabujbagh. A total of 4,39,078 voters—including 2,22,877 male, 2,16,198 female, and three third-gender voters—are expected to cast their votes in the election. BNP candidate MA Quayum is also contesting the Dhaka-11 seat.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam said on Sunday that the people of Bangladesh have already decided in secret whom they will vote for and are set to carry out that ‘great act’ on Thursday. In a televised address on Bangladesh Television in the evening, Nahid, also a candidate of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance from Dhaka-11 constituency, said voters have quietly made up their minds in favour of what they consider the better option. “I believe the people have already secretly decided to vote for a comparatively better side. The intelligent, conscientious and aspirational people of Bangladesh will, God willing, perform this great act in secrecy on Thursday, February 12,” Nahid said. Nahid accused a political party of capturing the state apparatus after the fall of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging that while no party leaders became prime minister or ministers, elements of a ‘criminalised party’ took control of the entire state machinery. He alleged that the group used state institutions as tools for extortion, land grabbing, appointments and transfers, promotions, filing false cases, buying and selling verdicts, and widespread corruption, siphoning off huge sums of money. Nahid warned that if such forces return to power, the consequences for the country would be ‘terrifying’, adding that voters have understood this reality from past experience. He also pledged to implement 17 commitments if elected, with the first focusing on bringing to justice those involved in enforced disappearances, killings, torture, false cases and attacks during the Awami League regime. Criticising the interim government’s decision to grant magistracy powers to the armed forces, Nahid claimed the move failed due to a lack of interest from senior command. He said that despite the launch of “Operation Devil Hunt,” there had been no notable success in identifying criminals, recovering weapons or making arrests. Nahid further promised to recover money looted from banks and development projects during the previous government and to prosecute those involved in money laundering. “Our goal is very clear— to end the culture of bribery, corruption and plunder of state resources, establish justice by eliminating economic inequality, and return the nation’s wealth to the people.” On foreign policy, Nahid said the 11-party alliance would bring a fundamental shift, moving away from what he described as a subservient approach towards an independent and balanced global stance. He alleged that the previous government’s foreign policy was dictated by India, turning Bangladesh into a ‘puppet state’ and undermining national interests. Nahid also outlined plans to restructure the armed forces, noting that nearly 70 percent of the defence budget currently goes to salaries and allowances, which he termed unsustainable. To strengthen national defence, Nahid proposed compulsory military training for all able citizens aged over 18 to build a people-based defence system. Nahid vowed sweeping reforms in the police force, promising prosecution of officers involved in killings, torture, false cases, corruption and extortion over the past 15 years. He said the police would be restructured at the local government level, with recruitment and posting at the upazila level, ensuring equal numbers of men and women. He also proposed renaming the police force to ‘Janosebak Bahini’ (People’s Service Force) or a similar name. Calling for a complete overhaul of the judiciary, Nahid stressed the need to appoint competent and impartial judges at all levels, increase the number of judges, fully digitise the justice system, and dismantle what he described as a bribery-based culture of verdict trading. Nahid concluded his address by seeking votes for the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance, pledging decentralisation of power, reduction of commodity prices, prevention of adulteration, gender equality, protection of minority rights and improvements in healthcare and medical services.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Friday warned that anyone attempting to steal votes or commit election fraud will face consequences similar to those faced by fascists. Speaking at an election rally in Savar for Dilshana Parul, the 11-party alliance candidate for Dhaka-19, Nahid Islam said, “The upcoming election is for the people’s future. It is an election for reform and for the people’s verdict against loan defaulters.” He said that Dilshana Parul has returned from abroad to serve people and urged all to vote for her. Nahid Islam described the election as a chance to give a verdict against oppression and to free the country from hegemonists and fascists. “We are participating in the February-12 election to establish justice and give opportunities to newcomers,” he said. Nahid claimed that some parties are obstructing women’s campaigns out of fear and cited the killing of one of their supporters in Sherpur. “Those who seek power through murder must be stopped. February 12 is the day to stop them,” he said. Nahid criticised the government for failing to apprehend the killers of Osman Hadi. “His family is still demanding justice. The upcoming election will deliver a verdict based on the ideals of Osman Hadi and the July uprising,” he said. Nahid stressed that his party will not compromise on independence or resist hegemony. “People will go to the polling stations without fear. Even if you vote against us, go to the polls to establish justice and reject slavery." The NCP leader warned against the return of corrupt politics. “No more dishonest leaders should come back to the country’s politics. If the 11-party alliance comes to power, experienced and skilled people from home and abroad will take part in governance,” he said. The rally, held at the ground near Matribagan Mosque in Shahibagh, Savar Municipality, was presided over by NCP Savar Upazila convener Zulkarnain. Dilshana Parul, Jamaat’s Dhaka District Jamaat Ameer Maulana Delwar Hossain, District Secretary Maulana Afzal Hossain, District Jamaat Legal Affairs Secretary Advocate Shahidul Islam, and Savar District Political Secretary Hasan Mahbub Master, also spoke.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Jamaat-led 11-party alliance candidate for the Dhaka-11 constituency Nahid Islam on Wednesday said the BNP has failed to field any ‘credible challenger’ in the national election scheduled for February 12. Talking to reporters during electioneering in Malibagh, Nahid alleged that the candidates contesting against them are either loan defaulters, dual citizenship holders, or involved in land grabbing, terrorism and extortion. “We are facing candidates who are either loan defaulters or dual citizens; otherwise, they are land grabbers, terrorists or extortionists. The opposition alliance could not nominate any worthy opponent,” he said. Referring to what he described as multi-layered conspiracies surrounding the election, Nahid claimed that both domestic and foreign plots are underway, with indications of ‘major conspiracies’ originating from a neighbouring country. Expressing confidence about forming the next government, Nahid said public response in favour of the 11-party alliance has been unprecedented. “You can see it yourselves—the people are responding overwhelmingly. I am hopeful that this alliance will secure the required number of seats in Parliament to form the government.” Claiming a strong position in his own constituency, Nahid said voters in Dhaka-11 are rallying behind them. “On February 12, people will deliver their verdict against corruption, extortion and terrorism. The ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol will emerge victorious in this constituency.” Nahid also alleged that a political party is exerting pressure on the media, accusing it of influencing coverage ahead of the polls. “The media is giving coverage to a particular party. There are also attempts to ensure that incidents like the takeover of polling centres on February 12 do not get reported,” he claimed.

A writ petition was filed with the High Court challenging the eligibility of BNP candidate of Dhaka-11 MA Quayum over allegations of dual citizenship and concealment of wealth information. National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam filed the writ petition with the HC bench concerned. It also sought a stay order on the candidacy of  Quayum. Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa who stood for the petitioner said the petition is expected to be heard this week. Earlier, the Election Commission declared the candidacy of Nahid and Quayum valid for Dhaka-11 constituency. Why Vanuatu’s ‘Golden Passport’ Programme Draws Global Interest Allegations have circulated on social media claiming that Qayum obtained citizenship of the Republic of Vanuatu and owns property there. However, Dr Qaiyum has rejected the allegations, describing them as completely false, fabricated and politically motivated. 

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday warned the Election Commission (EC) and demanded punishment over the harassment of Nasiruddin Patwary, Jamaat-backed alliance candidate for Dhaka-8 and NCP’s chief coordinator, during electioneering in the city. The incident took place at Habibullah Bahar College in Circuit House Road while Nasiruddin was campaigning.  He was allegedly obstructed at the college gate, faced scuffles and was later humiliated as eggs were thrown at him. Addressing an emergency press conference at Fakirapool after the incident, Nahid Islam alleged that identified activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal carried out the attack “on the instructions of Mirza Abbas and with the consent of Tarique Rahman.” “We want to warn the Election Commission and ask how it will act against this attack, what steps the college administration will take and what position the BNP will take as a party,” Nahid said. BNP 'practiced' polling booth capture in attacking NCP's Dhaka-18 candidate: Hasnat  Referring to BNP leader Mirza Abbas, Nahid said if such conduct continues, it will not end well in the election. “An election is a battle of words. You speak, we speak and the people decide. Why are you not allowing people to decide? On February 12, people will determine who is arrogant, who is a gangster, who is a terrorist and who speaks for the people.” Nahid also criticised BNP for repeatedly raising Jamaat’s past, saying people have not forgotten BNP’s own record, particularly the period from 2001 to 2006. “If politics is discussed based on the past, we too will speak about everyone’s past.” Speaking at the press conference, Nasiruddin Patwary said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman must decide whether he will continue to patronise 'terrorists' within the party or take disciplinary action against them. Nasiruddin demanded the expulsion of Mirza Abbas from BNP on charges of violating party discipline. “Win or lose, I will not allow a reign of terror in Dhaka-8. This is my commitment. On February 12, people will deliver their verdict against terrorism and corruption through their votes.” ‘BNP activists shouldn’t be afraid, we’ll give you shelter’: Nasiruddin Patwari According to NCP, Nasiruddin was present at Habibullah Bahar College as an invited guest at a programme when he was initially obstructed at the gate, followed by scuffles that culminated in the egg-throwing incident. NCP strongly condemned the incident and issued an immediate statement demanding accountability.