United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar on Thursday welcomed the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming national elections. He described it as a positive step toward free, fair, and impartial elections, while emphasizing that significant challenges remain ahead. Speaking to reporters after a public outreach program in Khulna-5’s Zero Point area, Parwar said ensuring a level playing field is crucial for credible elections. He highlighted the importance of administrative neutrality, stating, “Just announcing the schedule does not make the election fair. The role of DCs, SPs, UNOs, and polling officials, and whether they act impartially, is a critical question.” Parwar noted that after the election schedule is published, the Election Commission assumes control over administrative transfers and postings, placing responsibility for election neutrality on the commission. He stressed the need to ensure safe voting for all citizens, pointing out that in national elections, each voter casts two ballots, making every vote count a major challenge. He called on the government, Election Commission, political parties, and the public to act responsibly to reflect the aspirations of 180 million voters, ensuring a festive and secure voting environment free from extortion or intimidation. Jamaat also welcomes election schedule announcement  Parwar also highlighted the roles of the Election Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission, urging strict action against corrupt individuals. He expressed hope that the Election Commission would carry out its responsibilities courageously at every stage, acting in the interest of democracy and the voters rather than any political party. Earlier, Parwar addressed business owners and workers at Allahdan Brickfield in Kulbaria, Dumuria Upazila, stressing the need for governance based on the Quran and Sunnah to benefit the country. He added that eight Islamic parties will field a single candidate in each constituency under a consensus arrangement in the next elections.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday welcomed the announcement of the schedule for the national election. The reaction from the party came shortly after Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin unveiled the election timetable in a televised address in the evening. Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, the party’s central media and publicity wing chief, came up with the reaction at a press conference held at Jamaat’s Moghbazar central office. Zubair, who is also the party’s Assistant Secretary General, said the long-awaited announcement had eased concerns about whether the election would be held. “There were uncertainties over the polls, but the announcement of the schedule has reassured us,” he told reporters. Calling on the Election Commission to ensure a fair electoral process, Zubair said establishing a level-playing field for all political parties must now be the Commission’s top priority. “Without this, there is no scope for making the election meaningful.” Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said ensuring a level playing field is essential for a credible election. He urged the Election Commission to take tough measures to recover illegal weapons, arrest armed criminals and improve law and order. He expressed dissatisfaction over previous electoral processes, saying, “In the past, although assurances were given ahead of elections, fairness could not be ensured. We hope this trend will change in the upcoming polls.” Zubair said Jamaat will fully cooperate with the Commission to help ensure a festive and peaceful election environment that reflects the expectations of the August-5 ‘revolution’. BNP hails election schedule as ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh politics Zubair called on citizens to vote ‘Yes’ in the referendum to give legal recognition to the July Charter. Jamaat-e-Islami, along with seven other allied parties, will continue programmes aimed at securing a ‘Yes’ victory in the upcoming referendum, he said, adding that the alliance of eight protesting parties would extend all cooperation to the EC to conduct the national election and referendum smoothly. Senior Jamaat leaders, including Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, central executive council member Mobarak Hossain and Dhaka North Ameer Selim Uddin were present at the briefing. According to the schedule announced by the CEC, voting for the 13th parliamentary election will be held on February 12, alongside a national referendum. The balloting will continue from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm without any break. Meanwhile, BNP welcomed the schedules for the long-awaited national election and the referendum on the Reform Charter, describing it as a ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh’s political landscape. “BNP has never had any fear regarding elections. We have always said that elections are the only way to overcome the crisis. Now that the formal journey on this path has begun, we welcome the announced schedule,” party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told UNB.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will collect public opinion through an online platform to prepare its manifesto for the upcoming 13th national election. Party Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced the initiative in a post from his verified Facebook page on Tuesday morning. Jamaat to form national govt even if it wins 200 seats: Ameer “One meaningful suggestion from you can help shape the future of Bangladesh. The manifesto for the upcoming national election will be prepared with your opinion,” he wrote. The party also said a dedicated platform titled ‘Janatar Ishtehar’ (People’s Manifesto) will be launched soon to receive suggestions from citizens.

The eight-party alliance, preparing to contest the 13th national parliamentary elections, will begin seat-sharing discussions from Tuesday. Dr Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Coordinator of the liaison committee of the eight-party alliance, confirmed the development on Monday. The decision was taken at a meeting of the alliance’s liaison committee held today (December 8) at 6:30 pm. The meeting took place at the central office of Khelafat Majlis, presided over by its Secretary General Dr Ahmad Abdul Kader. Azad stated that in every constituency, a single candidate, nominated jointly by the eight parties, would contest based on mutual agreement, and no other party would put forward a candidate. The alliance also decided to carry out nationwide campaigns until December 31 to build public opinion in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter. Jamaat to form national govt even if it wins 200 seats: Ameer Azad said the alliance will announce its next course of action after the national election schedule is published and reviewed by top leaders. In addition, each of the eight parties will observe separate programmes marking the Great Independence Day. Dr Azad also said that district and upazila-level liaison committees will be formed to strengthen the activities of the alliance. Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Kader said, we had initially hoped for the referendum to take place before the election, but after the government’s announcement, we accepted it in the larger interest. Tarique warns BNP of ‘something terrible’ if unity falters Those present at the meeting included Gazi Ataur Rahman, Secretary General of Islami Andolan Bangladesh; Maulana Musa Bin Izhar, Secretary General of Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party; Abdul Majed Athari, Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of the same party; Maulana Yusuf Sadiq Hokkani, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan; and Mujibur Rahman Hamidi, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan. The meeting was also attended by Engineer Rashed Prodhan, Vice-President and Spokesperson of Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA); Advocate AKM Anwarul Islam Chan, President of Bangladesh Development Party; Nizamul Haque Naeem, its Secretary General; and Ashraful Alam and Fazle Bari Masud, Joint Secretaries of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, among others.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Monday (December 08, 2025) said his party intends to form a national government if it comes to power, even if it secures 200 parliamentary seats independently, aiming to safeguard national interest and ensure political stability. He made the remarks while briefing reporters after paying a courtesy call on European Union Ambassador Michael Miller in Gulshan. Ambassadors and diplomats at the meeting also included Swedish Ambassador Nicholas Wicks; Norwegian Ambassador Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen; German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz; Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro; French Deputy Head of Mission Frédéric Inza; Dutch Deputy Head of Mission Thijs Woudstra; EU Deputy Head of Mission Baiba Zarina; and Sebastian Rieger Braun, First Secretary at the EU Delegation. Read more: 'No govt in 54 years has worked for people’s welfare': Jamaat's Mujibur Rahman During the meeting, EU representatives asked about issues including the Rohingya crisis, public security, the party’s election manifesto, and its 100-day plan after assuming office. In response, the Jamaat chief assured them that his party would work to build an ‘inclusive Bangladesh’, if elected. “We will not exclude any political party. A national government is essential for the next five years to restore the economy, ensure stability, establish the rule of law, and curb corruption,” he said. He also outlined two conditions for joining the national government: no member would be allowed to engage in or tolerate corruption, and equal justice must be ensured with no political interference in the judiciary. Read more: Now Jamaat replaces election candidate in Lalmonirhat-3 Speaking about holding the national election and referendum simultaneously, Shafiqur Rahman said voter awareness was still not adequate for two major ballots on the same day, warning that both processes could be hampered. He recommended keeping them separate. Responding to allegations of using religion in politics, he said religion is part of Jamaat’s ideology, not a tool. “We do not exploit religion. Those who suddenly appear with caps and prayer beads only during elections are the ones using religion,” he said. He reiterated that the upcoming parliamentary election scheduled for February must not be postponed. “We believe the election should be held on time, in February.” Read more: Jamaat leader Parwar pushes for referendum before national election The Jamaat chief also reaffirmed the party’s support for the proportional representation (PR) electoral system, saying it has been demanded in the interest of the people and that Jamaat would implement it, if elected.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said on Friday that though fascists have temporarily left the country, fascism itself has not yet departed. He made the remarks while addressing a Chattogram divisional rally, organized by eight Islamic parties, at the historic Lal Dighi Maidan. Shafiqur laid stress that no form of fascism will be tolerated in the country and anyone attempting to revive it will face strict resistance. “We do not seek victory for the eight parties alone; we aspire for the victory of 180 million people,” the Jamaat leader said. “This victory will be achieved through the Qur’an. From the villages, the trumpet of victory will sound. The future Bangladesh will be a Qur’an-based Bangladesh.” Addressing the mammoth rally, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque stressed the need to implement a Qur’an-based economic system in the country. “We want to establish rights and ownership through the Qur’an,” he said, adding that the era of ‘Sonar (golden) Bangladesh’ and ‘Digital Bangladesh’ has passed; now they (eight-party) want to see an ‘Al-Qur’an Bangladesh.’ Warning of the ongoing conspiracies centring the national election, Islami Andolan Bangladesh Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer Mufti Faizul Karim said these conspiracies must be exposed and the interim government should conduct elections promptly. ‘Eight-party alliance’ fighting for people’s victory: Jamaat Ameer The rally began around 1:45pm, with party leaders and activists marching in processions carrying banners and festoons toward Lal Dighi Maidan. Leaders from Jamaat, Islami Andolan, Khelafat Majlish, Nezam-e-Islam Party, Khelafat Andolan, and Bangladesh Development Party, among others, participated in the rally.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar on Wednesday expressed deep concern and strongly condemned an armed attack on a campaign rally of the party’s Narsingdi-2 (Palash) candidate Maulana Amzad Hossain. In a statement, Parwar said a group of around 50-60 armed assailants, described as “BNP-labelled miscreants”, launched a pre-planned attack on a peaceful gathering held at Shekherchar bus stand in Meherpara union on December 3. The attackers, equipped with local weapons and firearms, dispersed the rally and left at least 30 Jamaat activists injured, including the district Jamaat secretary and nominated candidate Maulana Amzad. Several of the injured were admitted to Narsingdi District Hospital in critical condition. Three Jamaat workers are still missing, which Parwar said has heightened concern among party members. Terming the incident a serious violation of democratic norms and electoral ethics, Parwar said such acts of violence are aimed at destabilizing the election environment. He urged Jamaat activists across the country to remain patient, maintain organizational unity and continue advocating for democratic rights peacefully. The Jamaat leader called on law enforcement agencies to arrest those involved, ensure exemplary punishment, and take immediate steps to rescue the three missing workers. He also urged authorities to guarantee equal security and opportunities for all candidates to maintain a fair and safe electoral atmosphere.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Senior Naeeb-e Ameer and former MP, Prof. Mujibur Rahman, said on Wednesday afternoon that in the past 54 years, no government has truly worked for the welfare of the people. He made the remarks at a joint rally of eight political parties at the Eidgah grounds of Rangpur Collectorate, held as part of a divisional campaign demanding a referendum before the national parliamentary elections, creating a level playing field, and fulfilling five-point demands. Prof. Rahman said, “Some governments may have worked for individuals or parties, but none have worked for humanity or the hereafter. We aim to serve the world and earn benefits in the hereafter, even if it requires lives like that of Abu Saeed. We will implement Allah’s law with our lives.” He emphasized that the Quranic law must be enacted in the next elections, urging supporters to remain united. “Justice in the country is possible only through the establishment of Islam,” he added. He also commented on the referendum, saying, “Even if a referendum is held, it will not positively affect the parliamentary elections. Yet, people must support it, those opposing the referendum have been and will continue to be defeated.” Jamaat’s Naeeb-e Ameer ATM Azharul Islam highlighted corruption as the country’s main problem, saying the nation is rich in resources but lacks honest, corruption-free leadership. Jamaat Ameer visits Khaleda Zia at Evercare Hospital          

Jamaat-e-Islami has changed its candidate for the Lalmonirhat-3 (Sadar) constituency, a day after announcing a similar reshuffle in Habiganj-4. Advocate Abu Taher, the party’s Lalmonirhat district Ameer, has been nominated to contest the election for the seat in place of former Rangpur Metropolitan Chhatra Shibir president Harunur Rashid. Taher, who previously served for six years as president of Chhatra Shibir in Lalmonirhat and Rangpur districts, currently practises law at the Lalmonirhat Judicial Court. The announcement was made at a meeting held at the district office on Tuesday, attended by local leaders from Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila and the municipality. Presided over by District Naib-e-Ameer Maulana Habibur Rahman, the meeting was attended, by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and Rangpur-Dinajpur Regional Director Maulana Abdul Halim as chief guest. At the meeting, Taher was formally approved as the party’s new parliamentary candidate for Lalmonirhat-3 and included as a member of the central Majlis-e-Shura. Party sources said BNP’s Rangpur divisional organising secretary, Principal Asadul Habib Dulu, is expected to contest the seat. Dulu was elected MP from the constituency in 2001, defeating Awami League’s Abu Saleh Mohammad Saeed, and later served as Deputy Minister of Communications in the four-party alliance government. Jamaat has historically performed poorly in Lalmonirhat-3. Since the 1990s, the party has only fielded candidates in the 1991 (5th) and June 1996 (7th) parliamentary elections, where its nominee Mosharaf Hossain Khandakar finished fourth with 3,505 and 1,829 votes, respectively. In more recent elections, the constituency was allocated to the BNP under the four-party alliance. On Monday, Jamaat also announced a change in its candidate for Habiganj-4. The district Ameer, Maulana Mukhlisur Rahman, confirmed through Facebook the nomination of journalist Oliullah Noman as the party’s new contender for the seat.

Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said on Monday that the ‘eight-party alliance’ does not want victory only for itself, but for the 180 million people of Bangladesh. “We want to keep fighting for a corruption-free society, justice, economic freedom and an independent country free from any kind of control,” he said while speaking at the Khulna Divisional Rally organised by the Jamaat-led alliance. Mufti Syed Md Rezaul Karim, the Ameer and Charmonai Pir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, presided over the rally. Since the day after August 5, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said, a particular group has been attacking people to spread its influence. He said extortion, corruption and disorder continue, and some people are showing power even without being in government. They are influencing the administration and people now feel that the situation has become worse although things were not good before. He also claimed that Islamic parties were not accused of extortion during that time. Speaking to people aged 35 and below, who could not vote in the last three national elections, he said, “If anyone tries to steal your vote this time, we will not allow it. On that day, I will also stand with you like a youth and fight for your voting rights.”