United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said North Bengal would be developed into a hub of agro-based industries if his party comes to power. “North Bengal supplies food and nutrition to the entire country, yet the region has been deliberately neglected,” he said while addressing a public rally of the ten-party alliance in Panchagarh. He said Jamaat does not want to see unemployment in the region in the future and aims to turn citizens, especially youths, into skilled contributors to national development. “We want to reopen the sugar mills and bring the workers back to their workplaces,” he said. The Jamaat Ameer said the party does not rely on any ‘card’. “You—brothers and sisters—are our only cards.” “We will strengthen both men and women,” he said, adding that Jamaat wants to build Bangladesh together like a family, “InshaAllah.” “We were, we are, and we will remain with the people of Bangladesh during all challenges. We will fight together, InshaAllah,” he said. The Jamaat chief said five years would be enough to change the scenario of North Bengal, noting that the region’s fertile land and hardworking people leave no reason for it to lag behind. Referring to healthcare, he said many patients lose their lives while travelling long distances to access quality medical facilities in the capital. “If we come to power, a medical college will be established in every district of Bangladesh, including Panchagarh,” he said. He also vowed that no one would be allowed to steal public money in the future. Speaking about the July warriors and freedom fighters, Dr Rahman said, “Though we may not be able to fully repay the debt of your sacrifices, we will try our best, InshaAllah.”  

NCP convener Nahid Islam warned that loan defaulters should not be allowed into power, saying they would plunder the country rather than repay debts if elected to parliament. Speaking at a public gathering organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for Dhaka-15 constituency, Nahid said, “The people of Bangladesh do not want to witness looting. We will not let looters come to power, and the people will not either.” Addressing the city’s low-income and underprivileged residents, he said a political party promised flats to slum dwellers, but they actually seek a safe life, which is possible even in slum areas. He alleged that past attempts to provide flats ended in eviction after elections, and now the slum dwellers recognize these as empty promises. “They will vote not for flats but for justice and the nation’s interest.” Read more: NCP officially launches election campaign from Dhaka University Criticizing BNP’s promised family card scheme, Nahid questioned its feasibility, asking, “Who will actually receive the 2,000-3,000 Taka cards? Will the genuinely needy get them, or will they have to pay a bribe of 1,000 Taka?” He accused a major political party of nominating loan defaulters, saying the party is simultaneously offering family cards while trying to bring debtors to parliament to carry out looting. Nahid also urged the Election Commission to ensure a fair and transparent election, warning against giving undue advantage to any party. “The commission must act impartially. We are still active on the ground and will not tolerate injustice.” Read more: Feb-12 polls must be fair, with no room for bias: Prof Yunus Calling the upcoming election more than just a contest between rivals, he appealed for a ‘Yes’ vote in the national referendum. “We must vote yes to reject discrimination, extortion, injustice, oppression, and authoritarianism. The fight against fascism and exploitation must continue.” Speaking on behalf of the 10-party alliance led by Jamaat, Nahid urged city residents to vote for the coalition’s candidates, adding, “Cast your vote at Dariapalla and Shapla Kali; ensure the victory of our 10-party alliance candidates.”

The Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, officially inaugurated his campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election on Thursday afternoon. The campaign kicked off with a massive public rally held at Adarsha High School in Mirpur-10, part of the Dhaka-15 (Mirpur-Kafrul) constituency. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Jamaat chief signaled the start of a nationwide movement for the party. The atmosphere in Mirpur was electric from the morning, as thousands of supporters arrived in processions, carrying the party’s election symbol, the "Scale" (Daripalla). By midday, the venue and surrounding areas were packed to capacity, decorated extensively with banners and festoons, which are now legal for a limited period. The rally was attended by several prominent leaders of Jamaat and of parties in its alliance, including Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Engineer Rashed Pradhan, Vice President and Spokesperson of JAGPA, Advocate Ehsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, and Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Central Executive Council member and candidate for Dhaka-12. Also seen were some of the high profile Jamaat candidates from Dhaka, Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem (Dhaka-14), Colonel (Retd.) Abdul Baten (Dhaka-16), and Dr. SM Khaliduzzaman (Dhaka-17). The event was presided over by Abdur Rahman Musa, the seat coordinator and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat's Dhaka North City unit, while former Chhatrashibir President Zahidul Islam moderated the session. Dr. Saif Khan, son of the late Abdul Hannan Khan, delivered the opening speech. Local leaders, including Abdul Matin Khan and Anwarul Karim, also addressed the crowd, emphasizing a festive yet determined start to their electoral journey.  

Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer and Cumilla-11 (Chauddagram) candidate Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher on Wednesday said the 13th parliamentary election would determine the future course of Bangladesh. “This election will decide whether Bangladesh moves forward with independence and self-respect or returns to the dark phase of the past 54 years,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting at a party office in Chauddagram in the ditrict in the afternoon. He said the polls would also determine whether the country would revert to what he described as fascist politics or move towards building a democratic, civil and just society by safeguarding the rights of all citizens. Read More: Khaleda Zia was Bangladesh’s most popular leader: Jamaat’s Taher Dr Taher said that the election would pave the way for a new phase of national development and create an opportunity for the actual reflection of people’s opinions. The meeting was chaired by Chauddagram Upazila Jamaat Ameer Mahfuzur Rahman. Jamaat-e-Islami Central Majlish Shura member and Cumilla South District Ameer Advocate Mohammad Shahjahan, former district Ameer Mohammad Abdus Sattar, former upazila Ameer VP Sahab Uddin, and Municipal Ameer Maulana Ibrahim also spoke at the event.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday urged all concerned to unite and work for the success of the upcoming election and the country, irrespective of victory or defeat in the election, scheduled for February 12. “We must hold a fair election under any circumstances. Please inform us of any urgent information, complaint or opinion related to the election. We will immediately bring it to the attention of the Election Commission. If the government needs to take any action, we will do so,” he said. Prof Yunus made the remarks when a four-member delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami met him in the evening. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman led the delegation at the meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna. Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Mia Golam Parwar and Rafiqul Islam Khan were present. Advisers Dr Wahid Uddin Mahmud, Adilur Rahman Khan and Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan attended the meeting. Chinese envoy meets Jamaat Ameer “This election and the referendum must be held successfully. No matter what anyone says, the election will be held on February 12. This will not be a random election. It is the collective responsibility of the government, the Election Commission and political parties to ensure a fair and festive electoral atmosphere. We seek the cooperation of all political parties in this regard,” the Chief Adviser said. Various election-related issues were discussed during the meeting. The Jamaat leaders said their election campaign would begin in full swing from January 22 and that the party had already started campaigning for a 'Yes' vote in the referendum. They said two campaigns would run simultaneously from that date. The Jamaat leaders also drew the Chief Adviser’s attention to several election-related concerns, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Regarding election security, Prof Yunus said polling centres would soon be brought under CCTV surveillance, with most centres to be covered. The installations are expected to be completed by late January. He said officials at sensitive centres would be equipped with body cameras, and all activities would be monitored from a central control room. The footage would be recorded to allow immediate action in case of any untoward incident.  

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-Party Electoral Alliance has reached a seat-sharing agreement for 253 constituencies, keeping the rest 'reserved' for disgruntled ally Islami Andolan Bangladesh, which didn't join alliance leaders for a press conference announcing their progress on the distribution of the seats on Thursday night. The press conference was held at the Diploma Engineers Institute auditorium around 8pm, having been postponed earlier from a 4.30pm slot. According to the announcement, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will contest 179 seats, the National Citizen Party (NCP) 30 seats, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis 20 seats, Khilafat Majlis 10 seats, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) 7 seats, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) 3 seats, Bangladesh Development Party (BDP) 2 seats, and Nezam-e-Islam 2 seats. Alliance leaders said that from the time of the announcement, only one candidate will contest in each seat under the alliance banner, and no other alliance member will field a candidate in that constituency. All parties will work together to ensure victory for the alliance candidate. The alliance has kept 47 seats free, indicating they will be filled after talks are completed with the Islami Andolan Bangladesh, previously the second-largest party in the alliance after Jamaat. IAB, led by the Charmonai Pir, has been acting indifferent within the alliance ever since NCP were brought on. Notably, no representative of Islami Andolan Bangladesh was present at the press conference. The party has called a press conference at 3pm on Friday to clarify its position on the seat-sharing arrangement. The press conference will be held at the party’s central office in Old Paltan, Dhaka. Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said the alliance was formed to meet the nation’s aspiration for liberation from what he described as “a decayed political system” shaped by 54 years of misrule. “We no longer want the old politics that turned into fascism and oppressed the nation. We reject the politics that prioritises killing people instead of protecting innocent lives,” he said. He added that the alliance would not tolerate any form of electoral engineering, vote rigging, or manipulation, and vowed to resist all attempts at vote fraud. Jamaat Ameer, responding to a question from journalists at the press conference, said the alliance has not broken and remains intact. He said that if a party fails to reach consensus for any reason, it does not mean the alliance has collapsed, adding that it is not a formal coalition but an electoral unity. Without naming Islami Andolon Bangladesh, he said, “One party was with us at the beginning but is not present here now. This does not indicate a split. They are having further internal discussions. We are in regular contact with them. They will announce their final decision, and we hope they will remain with us.” Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said this election is unlike previous ones.“Earlier elections were only about changing power. This election is about our very existence,” he said, adding that minor unresolved issues in seat allocation would be settled before the withdrawal deadline. NCP Convener Nahid Islam described the alliance as a historic political journey, saying it carries immense significance beyond electoral adjustment. “After the mass uprising, the aspirations we want to move forward with must pass this test in the upcoming election. We will work together to build the Bangladesh envisioned through the Liberation War—based on equality, human dignity, and social justice—while also carrying the spirit of all historic struggles, including the 1947 movement for freedom,” he said. The press conference was attended by LDP President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed, NCP’s Naseruddin Patwari, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque, Secretary General Jalaluddin Ahmed, Khilafat Majlis Secretary General Dr Ahmed Abdul Qader, AB Party President Mujibur Rahman Manju, BDP President Anwarul Islam Chan, Nezame Islam Party Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Maulana Abdul Majed Athari, Jagpa Vice-President and Spokesperson Rashed Pradhan, Bangladesh Khilafat Andolon Secretary General Yusuf Sadiq Haqqani, among others.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that its candidates are being harassed in some areas by magistrates and election officials. The party claimed that such actions are being taken on the officials’ own initiative, even where no formal complaints have been lodged, raising concerns about the neutrality of the administration ahead of the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12. “In several areas, candidates of certain parties are continuing their campaign freely. Again, (false) complaints are being filed against us. Even though complaints are not filed in some places, magistrates and election officials are harassing us on their own initiative,” said Jamaat Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. A Jamaat delegation, led by Hamidur Rahman Azad, met the CEC at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital in the afternoon. Azad said the election campaign is supposed to start from January 22 as the election schedule. “So, that campaign should not be carried out now. If the impartiality of the administration cannot be ensured, there will be no level playing field (in the election,” he said. The Jamaat leader claimed that the candidates of certain parties are not facing any action for violating the electoral code of conduct, but Jamaat candidates are being subjected to complaints, fines and notices in many places. There are piles of complaints (lodged by us), but no action has been taken, and this indicates that electoral equality is not being maintained, he alleged. “On the one hand, they are violating the code of conduct. But there is no action against them. And those who are not violating the code of conduct, they are being served with fines and notices to harass them on the other hand. We have told the commission - this must be stopped,” said Azad, also a Jamaat candidate for Cox’s Bazar-2. He said they all want the election and referendum to be held on February 12, 2026 in line with the announced schedule. He said Jamaat wants the election and referendum to be held on February 12, 2026, in line with the announced schedule, adding that the party expects a fair election free from past irregularities. Noting that two major political parties or alliances are contesting in the election, he said chiefs of the parties should get equal treatment in case of getting state protocol and security. “The State protocol and security arrangements must be ensured on an equitable basis. “If security or state protocol is provided, it must be ensured equally for all party chiefs and those who have sought protection. Selective arrangements will not ensure a level playing field,” he said. The Jamaat leader asked all stakeholders, including the government and the Election Commission to take steps for ensuring a congenial atmosphere to hold a fair election. “If you take initiative, take effective steps, as a political party and as a supporting force. We are by your side.” He said if the government and the EC go all out unilaterally due to the failure of the law, Jamaat will be forced to carry out its responsibility. “The question may arise about how much we can support you in this election.” The Jamaat leader also demanded that every polling station be brought under CCTV surveillance to ensure security and a fair voting environment. He said the government should allocate funds to ensure that all polling centres are covered by CCTV cameras at state expense. Responding to allegations that a Jamaat leader was involved in postal ballot irregularities in Bahrain, Azad said the claim is completely false, noting that Jamaat has no overseas organisational activities in that country where political activities are not permitted. He also alleged that candidates of a particular party are violating the electoral code of conduct by distributing family cards. Regarding BNP’s demand for constituency-based postal ballots with candidates’ names and symbols for in-country postal voting, Azad said there is no problem with using such ballots. About BNP’s allegation that its party symbol was intentionally made less visible on postal ballots sent to expatriates, he said the symbols might have been arranged according to alphabetical order. “If the Election Commission has followed a specific method to determine the serial, there is no reason to raise objections,” he added.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami nominated Md Abdul Haque has returned to the electoral race in Dhaka-2 constituency as the Election Commission on Tuesday granted his appeal against the decision of the returning officer who turned down his nomination paper during the scrutiny. The Commission, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, heard the petition filed by Abdul Haque and announced its decision that reinstated his candidacy in Dhaka-2. With the EC’s decision, Abdul Haque, also the Chairman of the Retired Armed Forces Officers Welfare Association (RAOWA), will contest with BNP candidate Amanullah Aman and Islami Andolan Bangladesh contestant Jahirul Islam from the constituency in the 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12 next. A total of 2,568 aspirants submitted nomination papers to run the upcoming national election from the country’s 300 constituencies within the December-29 deadline. Later, the returning officers declared 1,842 nomination papers valid, while 723 others invalid during the scrutiny. Challenging the decisions of the returning officers over acceptance and cancellation of the nomination papers, aggrieved persons submitted a total of 645 appeals with the Election Commission that acts as the Electoral Appeal Tribunal. The Commission started hearing and disposal of the petitions on Saturday last and will continue till January 18. AB Party’s Monju apologises for joining Jamaat-led alliance The Election Commission on December 11 announced the polls schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026. According to the schedule, the late date for withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till (7:30am on February 10) 48 hours before the balloting period.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday and discussed ways to strengthen party-to-party exchanges. The two sides had in-depth discussions on China-Bangladesh relations, party-to-party exchanges and other issues of common interest in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. Both sides agreed to further strengthen party-to-party exchanges, deepen friendly cooperation in various fields, promote the development of the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, so as to bring more benefit to the people of both countries.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday said the alliance is expected to make a final announcement on seat-sharing either on Tuesday or Wednesday. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after meeting a three-member delegation led by Ivars Ijabs, chief observer of the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission and a Member of the European Parliament, at the Jamaat Ameer’s office in Bashundhara in the afternoon. Asked about the formation of an 11-party alliance, including Jamaat and the National Citizen Party (NCP), Dr Shafiqur said, “You will receive an invitation tomorrow; if not, then the day after. We will come together publicly.” During the meeting, the EU delegation said a 200-member observation team would monitor the upcoming national parliamentary elections across districts and city corporation areas.