United News of Bangladesh

Two candidates contesting the 13th National Parliamentary Election from Feni-1 constituency, BNP candidate Rafiqul Alam Majnu and Jamaat-e-Islami's Advocate SM Kamal Uddin, have been served show-cause notices for allegedly violating the election code of conduct by campaigning on Facebook. The notices were issued on Saturday after the activities came to the attention of the Election Investigation and Judicial Committee. The committee is headed by Civil Judge Md Ehsanul Haque. According to the notice, campaign materials seeking votes for the sheaf of paddy symbol were repeatedly posted from a verified Facebook page named “Rafiqul Alam Majnu.” These included posters, banners and videos. Such activities were described as violations of Rules 3 and 18 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections, 2025. Read More: Fresh election schedule declared for Pabna-1, Pabna-2 The committee decided to launch a suo motu investigation and registered the complaint as Election Complaint No-01/2026. The notice stated that under Rule 18, there is no legal scope for candidates to conduct election campaigning before January 22, 2026. Rafiqul Alam Majnu has been asked to appear in person before the Election Investigation and Judicial Committee for Feni-1 at its temporary office at the Senior Civil Judge Court in Chhagalnaiya at 11:30am on January 21 and explain, both verbally and in writing, why legal action should not be recommended against him. In a separate notice, the committee said that posters, banners and videos of public outreach activities seeking votes for the scale symbol were circulated from Facebook pages titled “Advocate SM Kamal Uddin” and “Jononeta Kamal Bhai – Feni-1.” These actions were also termed violations of Rules 3 and 18 of the election code. The committee registered this as Election Complaint No-02/2026 and directed Advocate SM Kamal Uddin to appear before the committee at 3:00pm on January 21 at the same venue to show cause why legal action should not be taken against him. The notice warned that failure to comply would result in action under the relevant rules. Copies of both orders have been sent to the accused candidates, the district administration and returning officer, the district election officer, and the upazila nirbahi officers and assistant returning officers of Fulgazi, Parshuram and Chhagalnaiya upazilas for necessary information and action. EC’s indifference undermining fair electoral environment: Nazrul Islam Khan

Police on Tuesday blocked a march by a group of protesters under the banner of ‘July Oikya’ in front of the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban as they attempted to march towards the Election Commission (EC). The protesters were demanding the cancellation of nomination papers submitted by candidates of the Jatiya Party (Japa) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) alliance for the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12. Later, a five-member delegation from the protesters entered the Election Commission and submitted a memorandum, which was received by EC Additional Secretary KM Ali Newaz. In the memorandum, they also demanded the cancellation of nomination papers filed by candidates of the 14-party alliance, allies of the Awami League, alongside the Japa and NDF alliance candidates in the 13th parliamentary election. Read More:  BNP against EC’s move to rename local govt bodies The NDF, a newly formed political alliance launched last month, is led by a faction of the Jatiya Party chaired by Anisul Islam Mahmud and the Jatiya Party (JP) led by Anwar Hossain Manju. Anisul Islam Mahmud serves as the president of the alliance, while Anwar Hossain Manju is its chief adviser. Referring to the Jatiya Party led by Golam Mohammad (GM) Quader, the memorandum stated that the party had fielded candidates for 244 seats in the election. “Under the leadership of GM Quader, the Awami League was supported in establishing fascism,” the memorandum alleged. The protesters further claimed that the Awami League’s allies, including the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance, openly supported enforced disappearances, killings and genocides in Bangladesh over the past 16 years. They alleged that the 14-party alliance was involved in ‘anti-Bangladesh activities under Indian prescription’. “The demand of the July Oikya alliance, which carries the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising, is that the nominations of the genocide killers should be cancelled,” the memorandum said. The protesters also alleged that allies of the former regime still remain within the administration, including officials allegedly involved in the 2018 night-time voting and the 2024 ‘dummy’ election, who are now engaged in duties related to the 2026 election. “The July Oikya believes that it is not possible to ensure a neutral election field with this administration,” the memorandum added. Read More: Formation of ‘election commission service’ sought for EC staff The protesters began gathering around 12:30pm under the Agargaon Metro Rail Station before marching towards the Election Commission. Police set up barricades in front of the EC and deployed additional law enforcement personnel, stopping the procession near the Islamic Foundation. During the demonstration, protesters chanted slogans like ‘We do not accept the Jatiya Party in the election’.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked 4th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI index of 193 at 8:59 am on Saturday. Dhaka’s air was classified as ' unhealthy', according to the air quality and pollution city ranking. Senegal’s Dakar, India's Delhi and Kolkata occupied the first, second and third spots in the list, with AQI scores of 437, 246 and 206, respectively. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Dhaka’s air quality continues to be ‘unhealthy’ The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday evening and expressed  condolences over the death of his mother and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The Jamaat chief came to the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office around 7:00pm, a day after Khaleda Zia’s burial. He first signed the condolence book opened at the office following her death, BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said. Later, he met Tarique Rahman at his chamber in the presence of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed and AZM Zahid Hossain. During the meeting, the Jamaat chief held a brief discussion with Tarique Rahman and conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved family. Jamaat Ameer mourns Khaleda Zia’s death Earlier, on Tuesday, a Jamaat-e-Islami delegation led by Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher visited the Gulshan office, signed the condolence book and exchanged views with BNP leaders. On Wednesday, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, along with other senior party leaders, also attended the namaz-e-janaza of the late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

Former Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Sunday (December 28, 2025) said he will not join the National Citizen Party (NCP) because of its alliance with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. In a post on his verified Facebook account at night, Mahfuj said his respect, affection and friendship for his 'July comrades' remain intact, but he has decided to stay away from the party. “Under the present reality, my respect, affection and friendship for my July comrades will not be erased. But I am not becoming part of the NCP,” he wrote. Mahfuj said he was offered the opportunity to contest the election as a candidate of the Jamaat–NCP alliance, but he was not interested. Read more: NCP joined Jamaat-led alliance to protect ‘July Generation’, says Nahid “Maintaining my long-standing position is far more important to me than becoming a Jamaat–NCP alliance candidate in any constituency in Dhaka,” he said. Raising questions over how far the NCP upholds the ideals of July, Mahfuj wrote that he has long spoken about a new political and economic order, a cultural struggle against fascism, confronting social fascism, reconciliation and building a society based on responsibility and empathy. “These are ideas that my July comrades have repeatedly spoken about from within those two organisations. But did they truly internalise them?” he questioned. He said he made every effort to establish NCP as an independent, broad-based 'big July umbrella', but that attempt failed for various reasons. Describing the current phase of history as a 'cold war' for Bangladesh, Mahfuj said it is wiser at this moment to avoid taking sides and instead remain firm in one’s own principles and positions. “The possibility of an alternative July force has not yet ended. Rather, I will continue to uphold what I have said and the principles I have believed in over the last one and a half years — through political, cultural and intellectual means. If you care to join me, you are most welcome," he said.  Read more: NCP finally joins Jamaat-led alliance, Jamaat Ameer announces new coalition He also said a new political and economic order is both possible and realistic, adding that the rise of an alternative, moderate July force is very close. Speculation had been rife throughout the week about the NCP joining a Jamaat-led alliance. On Sunday afternoon, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman formally announced the new coalition with NCP. In a separate press briefing, NCP Convener Nahid Islam said the decision to join hands with Jamaat and like-minded groups was taken in the interest of broader unity. Meanwhile, opposing the Jamaat alliance, two central NCP leaders — Tasnim Jara and Tajnuva Jabeen — have resigned from the party. Another central committee member, Monira Sharmin, has announced her withdrawal from the election, though she has not formally resigned. Read more: ‘I won’t resign, though NCP deviated from founding goal’: Samantha

The National Citizen Party (NCP) joined the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance of like-minded parties, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman announced on Sunday (December 28, 2025). He made the announcement at an emergency press conference held in the afternoon at the Jatiya Press Club, saying that NCP had agreed to be part of the alliance. Dr Shafiqur Rahman also said the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) joined the bloc as a new member. Although top leaders of the eight-party alliance were present at the press conference, including LDP President Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed, no representative from NCP attended the event. Shafiqur Rahman said NCP Convener Nahid Islam had held discussions with the alliance leaders and expressed consent to formally join the coalition. NCP in talks with Jamaat over electoral alliance, no final decision yet: Akhter Hossen “Just a short while ago, our meeting with NCP concluded. Although they could not manage the time or opportunity to attend this press conference, they have informed us that after internal party discussions, they will formally announce their alliance with us by tonight,” he said. Regarding electoral preparations, the Jamaat Ameer said seat-sharing negotiations among the alliance partners are nearing completion. “We will sit for discussions very soon and reach an understanding on seat sharing in a peaceful manner. There will be no complications over this.” He also noted that several other parties had expressed interest in joining the Jamaat-led alliance, but due to time constraints, it was not possible to include them at this stage. The Jamaat Ameer, however, said the alliance is interested in working with those parties after the election. NCP to pay ‘heavy price’ if it aligns with Jamaat: Samantha Sharmin Speaking about the 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum, Shafiqur Rahman said the alliance wants a free and fair election to be held on time. “We want the election to be held properly at the scheduled time. Under no circumstances should there be any change to the announced date of February 12.” He also alleged that a level playing field has not yet been ensured for the election. “Ensuring a level playing field is the responsibility of the government and the Election Commission. We expect both to fulfill their constitutional duties. Any failure in this regard will not be accepted by the people of the country,” he warned. After the July uprising, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JaGaPa) began discussions to field single candidates in all constituencies through seat-sharing arrangements. Tajnuva Jabeen quits NCP over alliance-forging concerns The Bangladesh Development Party later joined the process, forming an eight-party alliance that carried out prolonged joint movements on various demands. With the fresh inclusion of NCP and LDP in the electoral understanding, the number of parties in the Jamaat-led alliance has now risen to ten.

Tajnuva Jabeen, joint convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), resigned from the party on Sunday, expressing strong objections to the manner in which its electoral alliance was formed. She made the announcement in a post on her verified Facebook account. In the post, Tajnuva said many were assuming her objection stemmed from ideological or gender-related concerns regarding the alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, but stressed that the real issue was “far more alarming.” “What is more frightening than ideology is the process through which this has been done. It is being labelled as political strategy or an electoral alliance. I would call it a planned move, carefully staged to reach this point,” she writes. Emphasising that trust matters more than ideology, she said the party had recently invited nominations from across the country with much fanfare, issued 125 nominations, but later decided to strike seat-sharing arrangements for only 30 constituencies—effectively barring the rest from contesting the election. “They dragged the matter to the very last moment so that no one could even contest as an independent candidate. Tomorrow is the last day for submitting nominations,” she writes, adding that although she currently has no intention to run independently, “everything has been thrown into chaos and disowned in the blink of an eye.” 30 NCP leaders urge Nahid Islam not to form alliance with Jamaat Expressing frustration, Tajnuva also dismissed media reports suggesting she opposed the alliance out of fear of losing her nomination. “I had clearly written earlier that if negotiations took place in my constituency, I would not contest the election. No matter how tough the opponent was, I was ready to fight. But that opportunity was not given,” she said. She alleged that while Jamaat-e-Islami was negotiating seat-sharing for 70 constituencies with the Charmonai Pir-led group, the party born out of the mass uprising was being allocated only 30 seats. Tajnuva had initially received the NCP’s primary nomination for the Dhaka-17 constituency and had been actively campaigning there for several days. Her resignation comes a day after senior joint member secretary of the NCP, Dr Tasnim Jara, stepped down on Saturday over the party’s decision to forge an alliance with Jamaat ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. Besides, 30 members of the party have sent a letter to NCP convener Nahid Islam, stating their unwillingness to join any alliance with Jamaat. A central leader of the NCP, speaking on condition of anonymity, told UNB that more resignations are likely in the coming days. Tasnim Jara quits NCP; to contest as independent candidate “Not only Jara and Tajnuva—more leaders will leave the party. In particular, women leaders holding senior positions are not interested in aligning with Jamaat,” the NCP leader said.

Mohiuddin Roni, a key figure of July Uprising, is going to contest from Dhaka-18 constituency in the 13th parliamentary election as an independent candidate. In a video message posted on his verified Facebook account, Roni said he wants to work for the people by establishing a just state free from all forms of foreign aggression, including Indian hegemony. He also sought support from at least 200 voters in the constituency to complete the supporter forms, noting that the list of supporters must be submitted by December 29 in line with election rules. "I believe you (people) are my strength," he added. Independent candidates are required to submit a list of supporters containing the signatures of 1% of the total voters in their respective constituency to validate their nomination. The list must be submitted alongside the official nomination papers to the Returning Officer (RO) before the deadline.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) ended 2025 at the centre of Bangladesh’s growing fiscal challenge, struggling to raise higher revenue in a slowing economy while attempting long-promised reforms of a tax system criticised for inefficiency, discretion and a narrow base. The year unfolded as a mix of reform initiatives, technology-driven upgrades and aggressive policy moves, alongside deep-rooted structural weaknesses and unprecedented institutional unrest within the revenue administration. Together, these factors shaped a year of cautious transition, missed targets and unresolved debates over the future of tax reform. At a broader level, NBR’s revenue performance reflected the country’s macroeconomic stress. Sluggish imports caused by foreign exchange constraints, weak domestic demand and cautious private investment reduced traditional revenue flows. Despite repeated assurances of improved efficiency, revenue collection fell short of targets for much of the year. Bangladesh’s continued dependence on a small taxpayer base and import-stage taxes again proved risky. Customs duties and import-based VAT, long the strongest pillars of revenue, came under pressure as import controls were tightened to stabilise the balance of payments. Revenue mobilisation faced further strain in the first five months of FY2025–26. Between July and November, NBR collected about Tk 1.49 lakh crore, posting nearly 15 percent year-on-year growth but missing the target by around Tk 24,000 crore. Officials blamed weak import growth for the shortfall, which directly hit customs revenue. Income tax collection recorded double-digit growth but still lagged behind expectations due to limited compliance, a narrow tax base and slower business activity. VAT performed relatively better, supported by price adjustments and enforcement efforts, but also failed to meet targets. The shortfall comes as the government faces mounting pressure to finance rising expenditure, including debt servicing and social protection programmes, while cutting reliance on bank borrowing. Analysts warn that without faster progress on automation, administration reform and compliance, meeting the annual revenue target will remain difficult. One area of progress was taxpayer registration. The number of Taxpayer Identification Number holders rose to more than 10.2 million, up from around nine million a few years ago. However, only about four million taxpayers submitted income tax returns, underscoring the challenge of turning registration into actual compliance. VAT remained central to domestic revenue efforts. Although the NBR took steps to expand registration and promote electronic invoicing, progress was uneven. About 644,000 businesses are registered for VAT, a small fraction of the total number of operating enterprises. Traders continue to cite complexity, compliance costs and discretionary enforcement as major obstacles. Technology-based reforms became more visible during the year. Expanded use of ASYCUDA World, automated customs bond management and new digital modules at land ports were rolled out. However, taxpayers frequently reported system disruptions and ongoing manual intervention, highlighting gaps between policy design and practical implementation. Policy volatility also drew criticism. The NBR issued numerous exemptions and adjustments through statutory regulatory orders during the year, raising concerns about predictability, lobbying influence and unequal treatment across sectors. The most defining episode of 2025 was the unprecedented agitation by NBR officials following the promulgation of the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025. Protests disrupted operations for nearly two months, slowed revenue collection and exposed internal tensions over reform ownership. Although full-scale strikes were later withdrawn, unease within the organisation has yet to fully subside. NBR enables election aspirants to file online tax returns Adding to the pressure, the government raised the NBR’s revenue target for FY2025–26 to around Tk 5.54 lakh crore from Tk 4.99 lakh crore at mid-year, despite ongoing economic headwinds. As 2025 ends, the NBR stands at a crossroads. While reform intent is evident and digital foundations are being laid, analysts argue that durable progress will require simpler laws, fewer exemptions, credible dispute resolution and a shift towards a partnership-based tax culture. Whether reform ambitions can translate into lasting institutional change remains one of Bangladesh’s most critical fiscal questions heading into 2026

BNP on Tuesday announced that it will share four parliamentary seats with its alliance partner Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir disclosed the decision at a press conference at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office, saying the seats were given as part of seat-sharing arrangements with alliance partners. “Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh will contest the upcoming election with BNP on the basis of an understanding. BNP has left Nilphamari-1, Narayanganj-4, Brahmanbaria-2 and Sylhet-5 constituencies for Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, where the party will contest the election with the ‘Date Palm Tree’ symbol,” Fakhrul said. On behalf of BNP, he congratulated and welcomed the four candidates of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh. Fakhrul also said BNP will not field any candidate in the four agreed constituencies, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh will not contest in other seats across the country as part of the understanding. Calling upon BNP leaders and activists, Fakhrul urged them to fully cooperate with Jamiat candidates in the four constituencies. “I appeal to our leaders and workers, and to voters in those areas, to vote for the ‘Date Palm Tree’ symbol and thereby strengthen the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’,” he said. Fakhrul warned that if any BNP leader or activist contests the election as an independent candidate in seats already allocated to alliance partners, organisational action will be taken against them. The Jamiat candidates are Maulana Md Manjurul Islam Afendi in Nilphamari-1, Mufti Monir Hossain Kasemi in Narayanganj-4, Maulana Md Ubaidullah Faruq in Sylhet-5 and Maulana Junayed Al Habib in Brahmanbaria-2. BNP has already announced party candidates for 272 seats in two phases ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. Of the remaining 28 seats, four have now been allocated to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh as part of the alliance arrangement. Speaking at the programme, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said their party has reached an understanding on seat sharing with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh as it is one of the country’s leading Islamic parties. “Under this understanding, BNP will not field any candidate in the agreed constituencies, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh will not contest in other constituencies across the country,” he said. The BNP leader said details of further seat-sharing arrangements with other parties would be announced later, and mentioned that their party would uphold faith and trust in Almighty Allah in the Constitution, as incorporated through the Fifth Amendment by late President Ziaur Rahman. He said BNP has already declared that no law contradictory to the Quran and Sunnah will be enacted and that graduates from Qawmi madrasas will receive due recognition. Salahuddin also said BNP plans to include in its election manifesto provisions for state allowances for imams, khatibs and muezzins, including festival allowances, and to strengthen the existing trust for their welfare. He said priority consideration will also be given to them in recruitment as religious teachers in schools, colleges and madrasas, following existing rules. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh Ameer Maulana Md Ubaidullah Farroque said the country is currently not in a normal situation and has become polarised over the election issue. “We believe the BNP is more trustworthy than others when it comes to running the country in the interest of the nation and its people.” Farroque said Jamiat decided to contest the election with BNP after careful analysis, citing BNP’s past governance experience and stability. “As an Islamic values-based party, we consider BNP suitable for the welfare of the nation and the country. We have not seen any such past record or actions of the eight-party alliance so far. However, we have seen BNP govern the country for three terms, which is why we can place our trust in BNP,” he said. Farroque expressed the hope that if BNP forms the government, it will energise the Islamic sphere in the same way the country is governed and taken forward with its people.