United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 49.97 percent, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami gained 31.76 percent of total votes cast in the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12 last. Besides, National Citizen Party-NCP obtained 3.05percent votes, Islami Andolan Bangladesh pocketed 2.70 percent votes, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish gained 2.09 percent and Jatiya Party got only 0.89percent, according to the statistics of the Election Commission. In the election, 274 independent contestants bagged 5.79 percent votes. A total of 77,695,023 votes (out of 127 million voters) were cast in the 299 constituencies (except Sherpur-3) in the referendum and the national election held on Thursday last. But the EC released unofficial election results of 297 constituencies on Friday last and kept the result of Chattogram-2 and 4 withheld in line with the court orders. In the election, BNP secured 209 parliamentary seats, while Jamaat won in 68 seats, NCP in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) 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. BNP candidates contested the polls from 290 seats, while Jamaat in 227 seats, IAB in 257 seats, Jatiya Party in 199 seats, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in 34 seats and NCP in 32 seats in the February-12 elections held in 299 out of 300 constituencies as the election in Sherpur-3 was earlier cancelled following the death of a contesting candidate. A total of 50 political parties out of 59 registered ones participated in the election, but only five parties – BNP, Jamaat, NCP, IAB and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish-- secured at least one percent votes. We recognise overall election outcome: Jamaat Ameer   The other participant parties include Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party (gained 0.28pc of total votes, it had 30 candidates), Aamjanatar Dal (0.01pc votes, 15 candidates), Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh (0.03pc votes, 42 candidates), Islami Front Bangladesh (0.08pc votes, 20 candidates), Islami Oikyajote (0.00pc votes, two candidates), Khelafat Majlish (0.76pc votes, 20 candidates), Ganaodhikar Parishad (0.33pc votes, 94 candidates), Ganatantri Party (0.00pc, 1 candidate), Ganafront (0.00pc, 5 candidates), Gonoforum (0.01pc, 20 candidates), Ganasamhati Andolan (0.14pc, 17 candidates), Zaker Party (0.02pc, five candidates), Jagpa (0.00pc, one candidate ), Jatiya Party-JP (0.04pc, 10 candidates), JSD (0.04pc, 28 candidates), NDM (0.00pc, eight candidates),  Janatar Dal (0.05pc, 20 candidates), Jamiyate Ulamaye Islam Bangladesh (0.47pc, four candidates), NPP (0.01pc, 22 candidates), Nagorik Oikya (0.01pc, 11 candidates),  Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod (0.02pc, 15 candidates), Bangladesh Islami Front (0.45pc, 25 candidates), Bangladesh Congress (0.01pc, 19 candidates), Bangladesh Kalyan Party (0.0pc, two candidates), Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan (0.01pc, seven candidates), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish (2.09pc, 34 candidates), Bangladesh Jatiya Party (0.00pc, six candidates), Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (0.14pc, two candidates), Bangladesh Development Party (0.17pc votes, two candidates) and Bangladesh NAP (0.01pc, one candidate). The remaining participant parties are BNF (0.00pc, eight candidates), Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party (0.04pc, three candidates), Bangladesh Minority Janata Party-BMJP (0.01pc, eight candidates), Bangladesh Muslim League (0.01pc, 17 candidates), Bangladesh Muslim League-BML (0.00pc, three candidates), Bangladesh Republican Party-BRP (0.02pc, 14 candidates), Bangladesh Labour Party (0.01pc votes, 17 candidates), Bangladesh Supreme Party (0.04pc, 18 candidates), Bangladesh Samaodhikar Party-BEP (0.00pc, one candidate), Muktijot (0.01pc, 20 candidates), Communist Party of Bangladesh-CPB (0.08pc, 63 candidates), Bangladesher Biplabi Workers Party (0.04pc, seven candidates), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist) (0.02pc, 33 candidates), Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal- Basod (0.05pc, 36 candidates) and LDP (0.35pc votes and 13 candidates). The parliamentary election was held alongside a referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025. In the referendum, there was a separate question among three questions to seek public mandate for the formation of a 100-member Upper House based on Proportional Representation (PR). President Sahabuddin to administer oath to new cabinet members: Cabinet Secretary Among the parties, Jamiyate Ulamaye Islam (with 0.47pc votes), Ganaodhikar Parishad (0.33pc), Ganasamhati Andolan (014pc), BJP (0.14pc), Biplabi Workers Party (0.04pc) and NDM (0.00pc) are components of the BNP-led electoral alliance. On the other hand, AB Party (with 0.28 pc votes), Khelafat Majlish (0.76 pc votes), NCP (3.05 pc votes), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish (2.09pc votes), Bangladesh Development Party (0.17pc votes), Labour Party (0.01pc votes) and LDP (0.35 pc votes) are the components of the Jamaat-led electoral coalition. Overall, the BNP-led alliance obtained 51.09pc of the votes, the Jamaat-led electoral coalition gained 38.52 percent in the election. If the proposed 100-member Upper House is ultimately formed on a PR basis, the BNP-led alliance would be entitled to 51 seats, while the Jamaat-led alliance would receive 39 seats, the EC data indicated.

BNP Central Election Steering Committee Spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Tuesday alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami’s attempts to buy votes reflect its political bankruptcy and a clear violation of the election code of conduct. “It is deeply disturbing that attempts to buy votes with money are taking place even in the constituency of that party’s own chief. If this is the situation there, one can easily imagine what is happening across the country,” he said. Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Election Office in Gulshan, Mahdi also said a party which claims to stand against corruption is now allegedly luring people, even children, with money as part of its election campaign, which he described as a serious violation of electoral rules. He said these tactics stem from fear of certain defeat due to a lack of public support. The BNP leader referred to the Dhaka-15 constituency, claiming that a senior lawyer and leader of that party was seen publicly distributing money to seek votes for the party’s symbol. Videos of the incident have already gone viral across the country and drawn widespread criticism, he said. Tarique regrets party’s past mistakes, seeks votes for BNP to build safe Bangladesh “If a party that speaks every day against corruption spreads money in the voting field — even in the constituency of its own chief — what greater example of hypocrisy and moral collapse can there be?” Mahdi said. He also cited provisions of the Election Commission-issued Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections 2025, particularly Rule 4, which prohibits any political party, candidate or person acting on their behalf from providing or promising donations, grants or gifts—openly or secretly —to individuals or institutions during the pre-election period. Mahdi, also an adviser to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, also quoted Rule 27 of the code, which states that such violations are punishable offences under Article 91B (3) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, carrying penalties including imprisonment and fines for candidates, as well as financial penalties for registered political parties. Drawing the attention of the Election Commission and Returning Officers, Mahdi urged them to take immediate legal action against such violations. BNP not to compromise on women rights: Fakhrul He also alleged that in the Khulna-1 constituency, a candidate of the same party was seen personally distributing money among voters, an incident already reported by several media outlets. Mahdi claimed that the party has adopted a nationwide plan to buy votes, including collecting voter ID details and mobile financial service numbers such as bKash, Nagad and Rocket through door-to-door campaigns for dishonest purposes. He also alleged the incidents of violence, saying that in Cumilla-11 (Chauddagram), armed activists of the party attacked BNP leaders and activists at night using homemade weapons. Similarly, Mahdi claimed that in the Bogura-4 constituency, BNP leaders were attacked in Thaltamajh village of Nandigram upazila, leaving several people seriously injured, while homes were vandalised and looted, creating widespread fear among local residents. The BNP leader urged immediate intervention by the local administration, Returning Officers and law enforcement agencies in all such incidents. Mahdi said the official campaign period lasted from January 22 until 7:30 am on Tuesday, and during this time, reports by local and international media, surveys by credible organisations, large turnouts at rallies addressed by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and ground realities clearly show that BNP enjoys the highest level of public support. He claimed that a nationwide wave of public support in favour of BNP has made its landslide victory inevitable if the election is held in a free, fair and credible manner. Realising this reality, the BNP leader alleged, a particular party has intensified propaganda, hinted at violence, misused religion to seek votes and shown signs of preparing for vote rigging — all of which, he said, are signs of political bankruptcy in the face of the people’s verdict. Mahdi said no amount of propaganda, conspiracy, financial manipulation or violence will be able to prevent BNP’s inevitable victory, as democracy-loving people will resist such attempts and establish their rights.  

Sylhet Metropolitan BNP on Monday demanded the cancellation of the nomination of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Moulana Habibur Rahman in the Sylhet-1 constituency, alleging concealment of information in his affidavit ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. BNP leaders submitted a written complaint to Sylhet Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Md Sarwar Alam, seeking cancellation of the nomination and legal action against the candidate. The complaint was lodged by Sylhet Metropolitan BNP acting president Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodi. According to the complaint, Moulana Habibur Rahman stated in his affidavit that he is neither a director nor a shareholder of any company and has no liabilities or outstanding loans. However, BNP alleged that records of the Joint Stock Companies and Firms show him as a director of Ibn Sina Hospital Sylhet Limited and a shareholder of Al Haramah Medical Services Limited. Sylhet Jamaat rally sees unprecedented participation of women The complaint further claimed that Ibn Sina Hospital Sylhet Limited has taken loans amounting to around Tk 24.01 crore from various banks and financial institutions, which remain outstanding. BNP alleged that the candidate concealed these crucial details in his affidavit. Lodi said providing false information in an affidavit is a punishable offence under criminal law and has misled voters and election authorities. He said the BNP has requested the returning officer to properly investigate the allegations and take necessary legal action, including cancellation of the nomination.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday alleged the Election Commission that a portion of the administration plays partial role and police raids its offices in different places on various excuses ahead of the referendum and 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12 next. “A section of the administration is seen in various places as leaning to one side. We’re receiving such allegations repeatedly,” said Jamaat assistant secretary general Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair while talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. A five-member Jamaat delegation met the CEC at the latter’s office in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban, seeking EC’s immediate actions to ensure neutral roles from the administration in the election.   Mahboob Zubair said such conduct by the administration would create confusion among the people. “This will be a major obstacle in holding a fair, nice and credible election,” he said. He said their offices are raided by police on various excuses and their women activists are harassed in many places but the local administration doesn’t address the issues despite repeated requests. Jamaat seeks victory for 18 crore people in upcoming election: Shafiqur Rahman “We see attacks and terrorist activities are being carried out in different places across the country and the police are raiding our election offices under various pretexts,” said the Jamaat leader, citing that their women activists face attacks and harassment in Dhaka-15 where Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman contests from. He said they informed the returning officers, assistant returning officers and administration, but they see no visible improvement in the electoral environment in those places. Noting that their offices and activists came under attacks in Patuakhali and Pabna, Mahboob Zubair said they asked the Election Commission to remove the Officer in-Charge of Bauphal Police Station as he is playing a completely biased role.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Thursday expressed concerns over the environment surrounding the February-12 national election. “If the authorities remain indifferent, the chance for a free, fair and acceptable election will be lost,” he said while announcing his election manifesto at Khulna Press Club. He said the government still has seven days to recover illegal weapons, arrest terrorists and extortionists near polling centres, and stop the flow of black money, adding that this responsibility lies with the government, the Home Ministry and the Election Commission since the election schedule was announced.  Golam Parwar, a candidate from the Khulna-5 constituency (Dumuria–Phultala), said although the Election Commission and the head of the government have promised a free, fair and festive election, the actual situation is different. He alleged that candidates, party workers and voters are being attacked just a week before the election. “If this situation continues, people will not be able to go to polling stations without fear.” Jamaat Ameer vows to ensure security, rights of all, women safety Raising allegations of torture against women activists, he said women campaigning for the scales symbol are facing harassment, including having their burqas and face coverings pulled off. He also alleged physical assaults and attacks on pregnant women. He claimed that a video circulating on social media shows a political leader making derogatory remarks about women seeking votes. “This is not only political violence, it is a direct attack on women’s dignity,” he said, expressing fear about what such individuals might do if they come to power. Parwar also expressed serious concern over the safety of minority voters, and alleged that Hindu voters in different areas of the Khulna-5 constituency are being threatened with severe consequences if they vote for the scales symbol. In some areas, he claimed, former representatives of minority communities are being forcibly taken from their homes and compelled to work for a particular candidate. “This is not voting, but an attempt to impose a political position by force.” He said his campaign activities in Phultala and Dumuria were repeatedly obstructed. Scheduled meetings were disrupted, with chairs and tables broken in several places. In one area, he said, opposition supporters removed chairs before the meeting could begin, preventing it from taking place. AB Party candidate’s election office vandalised in Feni Although the incidents were reported to the police, he alleged that no arrests or legal action were taken. Parwar further claimed that a political party is distributing large amounts of illegal money in the Khulna-5 constituency. According to him, money is being delivered to households based on quotas set at upazila, union and ward levels. The Jamaat leader said the influence of black money is corrupting politics and warned that the election would become questionable if the administration fails to take effective action. Regarding law and order, he said that despite police stations having lists of known criminals, there has been no visible progress in recovering illegal weapons or arresting violent individuals. Parwar alleged a lack of coordination and sincerity between the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies. He said that out of 150 polling stations in the constituency, his party has identified 52 as risky. Parwar warned of possible voter intimidation, occupation of centres, ballot snatching and removal of advance ballots. He said a written list of these centres has been submitted to the administration, the Election Commission and relevant monitoring bodies.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday announced its election manifesto, declaring that it will prioritise 26 key areas in running the government over the next five years if given the opportunity to lead the country. Ameer-e-Jamaat Dr Shafiqur Rahman unveiled the manifesto at a hotel in Banani. The 26 priority areas include safeguarding Bangladesh’s national interest, building a humane country based on equality, justice and fairness, empowering youth and prioritising their leadership in state governance, ensuring a safe and participatory environment for women, improving law and order, establishing a corruption-free state, and promoting merit-based recruitment. The manifesto also pledges to bring perpetrators of extrajudicial killings to justice, uphold fundamental human rights, and create large-scale employment in sectors including agriculture and industry. The manifesto strongly opposes corruption, fascism, authoritarianism, unemployment, and extortion. Other priorities highlighted include carrying forward the spirit of the July Uprising in governance, creating a sustainable and transparent economy, ensuring a cohesive democracy, revolutionising agriculture, guaranteeing adulteration-free food, and implementing the “Three Zero Vision” — zero environmental degradation, zero waste, and zero flood risk. Want to see peace in hill areas, says Jamaat Ameer On journalists’ welfare, the manifesto states that the wage board will be revised and implemented to bring media salaries in line with government officials, ensuring fair compensation for media professionals. Regarding governance reform, Jamaat pledged to implement necessary changes to the administration and governance system to shape a “new Bangladesh.” “We are committed to establishing a discrimination-free state and ensuring equal rights for all citizens. Laws and policies containing discriminatory provisions will be promptly reformed or repealed,” the manifesto reads. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami said its foreign policy will be guided by mutual respect, fairness, and equality. The party pledged to develop peaceful, friendly, and cooperative relations with neighboring and regional countries — including India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Thailand — based on mutual respect and fairness. It also emphasised that strengthening ties with the Muslim world will be a top priority. The event was attended by diplomats from various countries, leaders of political parties, senior journalists, business leaders, and representatives from different professions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said his party wants to restore lasting peace in the country’s hill areas and does not want to see any further unrest there. “If we come to power, peace will return to the hill areas,” he said while speaking at the party’s election manifesto announcement ceremony held at a hotel in Banani. Referring to the long-standing conflict in the region, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that, according to his knowledge, more than 10,000 members of the armed forces have lost their lives while serving in the hill areas. Questioning why so many soldiers had to sacrifice their lives on their own soil, he said his party would work to identify the root causes of unrest and resolve the problems in a way that ensures peace and satisfaction for the local people. Diplomats from various countries, leaders of political parties, senior journalists, business leaders and representatives from different professions were present at the programme.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday said his X account was hacked four days ago to circulate false information and the perpetrator has finally been identified and arrested. “After my account was hacked, a group started launching attacks chanting ‘tai re nai re’. Shamefully, even some senior leaders endorsed it. However, our cyber team quickly identified the accused and police arrested him. Truth can never be hidden,” he said. Shafiqur made the remarks while addressing an election rally organised by the 11-party alliance at Kurigram College ground. He said Jamaat-e-Islami does not want to establish a partisan government, even though it is the ‘largest party of the current era’.  “We do not want dynastic politics or group-based rule. We do not even seek victory for Jamaat. What we want is the victory of 18 crore people.” People no longer support family-centric politics: Jamaat Ameer Referring to the movement in Rangpur region in 2024, he recalled the role of Abu Sayed, saying his bravery had ignited the July movement. “He took three bullets to his chest, not his back. That is heroism. You are truly fortunate people,” he told the gathering. Dr Shafiqur said Abrar Fahad was the first to embrace martyrdom as an uncompromising fighter against authoritarianism, followed by Abu Sayed, Sharif, Osman Hadi and others. “Nearly 1,400 people have been martyred one after another. The bodies of these 1,400 heroes are now on the shoulders of this nation. Our rivers have turned red with their blood. We will never betray these martyrs,” he said. He also pledged that if Jamaat comes to power, development work would begin from Kurigram, which he described as one of the most backward districts in the country. Among others, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Kurigram district Jamaat Ameer Azizur Rahman Swapan, candidates from the four parliamentary constituencies of Kurigram, and senior leaders of Jamaat and the 11-party alliance were present at the rally.

Mohammad Nuruzzaman Badal, Jamaat-e-Islami’s MP candidate from Sherpur-3 constituency and the party's district secretary, passed away early Wednesday. He breathed his last at around 1:30am while undergoing treatment for kidney complications at Swadesh Hospital in Mymensingh, said Sherpur district Jamaat  Ameer Maulana Md Hafizur Rahman.  He said Nuruzzaman Badal had been suffering from kidney-related complications for a long time. According to him, Badal fell ill at around 10:00pm on Tuesday on the night of Shab-e-Barat and was first taken to Sreebardi Upazila Hospital.  As his condition worsened, he was moved to Mymensingh for advanced treatment, where he later died at Swadesh Hospital. Election violence leaves Jamaat leader dead in Sherpur Following his death, a pall of gloom  descended on his electoral area of Sreebardi–Jhenaigati upazilas. Meanwhile, his rival BNP candidate Mahmudul Haque Rubel, along with leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami, BNP, NCP and other political parties, as well as representatives of various local professional groups, expressed deep sorrow over the death of Jamaat leader Nuruzzaman Badal.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday urged voters to cast their ballots for the scale symbol of Jamaat-e-Islami to build a corruption-, drug- and extortion-free Bangladesh. “The scale is the symbol of justice,” he said while addressing a public rally organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Jamalpur district unit at the Singhajani Multipurpose High School ground. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that if his party gets the opportunity to run the country, it will ensure respect for women. He alleged that women campaigners for the scale symbol are being insulted and even attacked in some places. “A nation that does not know how to respect women cannot move forward. We want to build a new Bangladesh where the dignity and justice of every human being will be ensured,” he said. Referring to the referendum, he said that if “Yes” wins, Bangladesh will win, but if not, the country will be defeated. “‘Yes’ means freedom and ‘No’ means slavery. So, please vote for ‘Yes’,” he added. The rally was presided over by Md Abdus Sattar, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Jamalpur district unit and candidate for Jamalpur Sadar-5 constituency. Dr Chamiul Haque Farooqui, Central Organising Secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Jamalpur-3 (Islampur) constituency candidate, GS SM Farhad of Dhaka University Students’ Union, NCP Joint Member Secretary Lutfar Rahman, and other central, district and upazila leaders also spoke at the rally as special guests.