United News of Bangladesh

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has released the full text of its verdict overturning a High Court ruling that had declared the registration of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami as a political party illegal. The four-member Appellate Division bench, led by the then Chief Justice, delivered the judgment on June 1 last year. The full copy of the verdict was published on Monday. The Election Commission granted Jamaat registration as a political party in November 2008. In 2009, Syed Rezaul Haque Chandpuri and 25 others filed a writ petition challenging the legality of the registration. After a final hearing, a three-member bench of the High Court declared Jamaat’s registration illegal by majority opinion on August 1, 2013. The court also granted a certificate for appeal against the verdict, which was later converted into an appeal. Jamaat also filed a regular leave-to-appeal petition that year. Following the High Court verdict, Jamaat sought a stay order, but the then Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division, Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury, rejected the plea on August 5, 2013. Subsequently, on December 7, 2018, the Election Commission officially cancelled Jamaat’s registration through a gazette notification. On November 19, 2023, the Appellate Division dismissed Jamaat’s appeal and leave-to-appeal petitions against the High Court verdict after no lawyer appeared on behalf of the party. Jamaat filed separate petitions following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, seeking restoration of the appeal and leave-to-appeal by condoning delays. After hearing the matter, the Appellate Division restored the petitions. The appeal and leave-to-appeal were later included in the Appellate Division’s hearing schedule, and hearings began on December 3, 2024. Jamaat also filed an application regarding the allocation of its electoral symbol. The court subsequently tagged the application with the appeal and leave-to-appeal for hearing. After concluding hearings, the Appellate Division delivered its verdict on June 1 last year. During the previous Awami League government, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification on August 1, 2024, banning Jamaat and its student wing – Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir. Following the formation of an interim government on August 8, 2024 after the fall of the AL government, the ban on Jamaat and Shibir was withdrawn.

In the wake of several recent violent incidents in different districts, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday urged the government to ensure public safety before undertaking development initiatives. "No programme undertaken by the government, ignoring the security of the people, is likely to be successful. The security of the people must be ensured first and then steps must be taken for transparent development," he said in a facebook post. Referring to recent incidents, Shafiqur Rahman said four people were recently killed in Naogaon, three in Chattogram and five in Gazipur. He cited that three people suspected of cattle theft were beaten to death in Bagchala village under Kaliakair upazila of Gazipur early Sunday. Questioning the causes behind the incidents, the Jamaat chief asked whether these were merely signs of social disorder or outcome of public anger stemming from the lack of proper enforcement of laws. “No extrajudicial killing can be supported in any way,” he said. Shafiqur Rahman said establishing the rule of law in the country would remain impossible unless the Home Ministry, the Law Ministry and the judiciary become acceptable to the people. “At the root of everything is the government's goodwill. Only goodwill and appropriate initiatives can bring effective solutions to this social problem,” said the Jamaat chief.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has alleged that the government voted in favour of “Yes” to come to power but is now acting inconsistently regarding reforms and constitutional commitments. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while speaking to journalists during a view-exchange meeting at the Thakurgaon Manab Kalyan Parishad hall. Porwar said the government supports 84 reform proposals and the July Charter in parliament, but takes a contradictory stance on the issue of a referendum. “They say they will implement the July Charter but will not accept the referendum. The government has separated the July Charter and the referendum for its own interest,” he claimed. He further said that the Prime Minister, the Law Minister, and ruling party leaders have stated in parliament that they will implement the July Charter “word for word.” “This means they will accept even the notes of dissent included in the charter. But they never say they will implement the referendum verdict in the same way. This shows they acted irresponsibly by voting ‘Yes’ to come to power,” he added. Commenting on local government elections and democracy, Porwar said Jamaat-e-Islami will participate in local government polls. He said the party had earlier demanded that local elections be held before national elections, but the government did not agree for “specific reasons.” He also criticised the government for appointing administrators to city corporations immediately after coming to power. “This is a clear violation of democracy and the constitution. How can an elected government appoint selected party people to important local bodies like city corporations? It proves the government is not moving on the path of democracy,” he said. The meeting was chaired by District Jamaat Ameer Professor Belal Uddin Prodhan. Among others, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, former Sadar Upazila Vice Chairman and District Secretary Mohammad Alamgir, and District Imam Samity President Fazle Rabbi were present. After attending a Jamaat workers’ conference in Thakurgaon, Porwar later left for Panchagarh.    

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said Japan considers Bangladesh an important development partner and is interested in expanding bilateral cooperation in the days ahead. Speaking to journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning from a week-long visit to Japan, he said discussions were held with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japan International Cooperation Agency and several other organisations. According to him, the talks focused on investment, infrastructure development, educational exchange, skill development, disaster management and broader cooperation in Bangladesh’s development sector. He said both sides also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in implementing development projects. Cooperation in cancer treatment, rural development and climate change mitigation also came up during the discussions. Dr Shafiqur Rahman said he also inquired about those injured in the July movement who are currently receiving treatment in Thailand, urging the government to ensure proper treatment, rehabilitation and psychological support for them.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday expressed deep shock at the death of Begum Jebunnesa, mother of Social Welfare, and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain. In a condolence message, he said Begum Jebunnesa made significant contributions to the nation as a teacher and was known for her virtuous and pious life. “With her demise, the nation has lost a noble woman,” he said. The Jamaat Ameer prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family. Begum Jebunnesa breathed her last at a hospital in the capital early Wednesday. She was 83.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has urged the government to take effective steps to ensure press freedom, safety of journalists and transparency in the flow of information. He also called on the media to present news in a responsible, objective and ethical manner. In a statement on Saturday ahead of World Press Freedom Day, he said the media is the fourth pillar of the state. He further said that independent, impartial and responsible media plays an important role in establishing democracy, human rights and justice. “There is no alternative to a free media to reflect the hopes, aspirations, problems and prospects of the people,” he added. He said, “It is sad but true that at various times in the country, journalists have been obstructed in carrying out their professional duties, harassed, attacked and sued, and have faced barriers to their freedom of expression. We believe it is very important to ensure a safe working environment for journalists and the right to freely express the truth in order to build a democratic and welfare state.” He added that on World Press Freedom Day, they expect a Bangladesh where there will be no obstacles to the truth and where the media can speak freely for the people. He extended greetings and congratulations to journalists, media workers and all those involved in the newspaper industry.  

Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Mia Golam Porwar, has alleged that the government is deliberately steering the country towards a deep political and constitutional crisis by ignoring what he described as the people’s verdict in a referendum. He said the referendum verdict is being denied under the cover of the July Charter. “This is not just a political strategy, but a stance directly against the people's mandate,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking at a seminar titled “Government against Referendum Verdict: A Country Facing Crisis,” organized by Khulna Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami at the Banquet Hall of Khulna Press Club on Saturday. Current Jamaat different from 1971 version: Porwar Golam Porwar further alleged that the government is deliberately creating confusion in the public mind by separating the July Charter from the referendum verdict. He claimed that the government and its ministers have repeatedly promised to implement the July Charter in Parliament, but are maintaining silence on the direct verdict given by the people in the referendum. Mentioning that 47 out of the 84 proposals for constitutional reform involve legal and constitutional changes, Porwar said that although there is consensus on these issues, BNP has given a note of dissent on 10 important points, which, in reality, weakens the overall structure of the reform. He consistently stated that the issues on which BNP has raised objections include: the Prime Minister not being allowed to serve as party leader simultaneously; refusal to accept the proportional representation (PR) system in the upper house; non-compliance with the obligation to present and ratify international treaties in Parliament; opposition to an independent commission for the appointment of judges; and rejection of proposals to reduce the influence of the Prime Minister in the Public Service Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission. He said, “If these 10 points are left out, the entire reform becomes meaningless. The government actually wants to maintain its control in these areas.” He stressed that the verdict reached through the direct participation of about 5 crore people in the referendum is stronger than the delegated power of Parliament. “Members of Parliament are representatives of the people; they exercise delegated power. But in a referendum, the people make decisions directly. Denying that decision means denying the sovereignty of the people.” Referring to Article 7 of the Constitution, he said that the will of the people is the supreme law. “Parliament never has absolute power.” He described the current position of the government as authoritarian and fascistic. He said, “The verdict of the people is being denied by the power of the majority. This is not democracy, but a sign of fascism.” He warned that if this trend continues, a situation of conflict, instability, and bloodshed may arise again in the country. The Jamaat Secretary General clearly stated that if the referendum verdict is not implemented in Parliament, those concerned will be forced to take to the streets. “If the verdict given by 5 crore people is not implemented in Parliament, we will go back to the people. A movement is the only way,” he said. He called on the government to return to implement the referendum verdict. However, he warned that time is running out. “There is still a chance. If we want to avoid a crisis, we have to respect the mandate of the people. Otherwise, the government will have to take responsibility,” he said.

Addressing a May Day rally, Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, on Friday said improving the lives and livelihoods of workers is essential for national progress. “Working class do perform the duty risking their lives. We want to build a just society for them,” he said while addressing a rally at Bhogra Bypass in Gazipur, marking the historic International Workers' Day. The programme was organised by the Bangladesh Workers’ Welfare Federation Gazipur Metropolitan unit. Female workers face widespread discrimination: Jamaat women’s wing secretary

Nurunnisa Siddiqua, secretary of the women’s wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has lamented that female workers in Bangladesh continue to face widespread discrimination both at workplaces and in society. In a statement marking International Workers' Day, she expressed solidarity with workers across the country, saying they are the main driving force of the country’s economy, sustaining production in all sectors from agriculture to industry through their sweat and hard work. However, many are still deprived of fair wages, safe working conditions and basic rights, Nurunnisa Siddiqua said. Highlighting the condition of women workers, she said a large number of women are engaged in the workforce but continue to face “double discrimination”—both at workplace and in society due to insecurity. “It is the moral responsibility of the state to protect their rights and ensure their dignity,” the Jamaat women’s wing leader added. Referring to Islamic teachings, she noted that the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SM) emphasises the payment of workers’ wages before their sweat dries. Nurunnisa Siddiqua called on the authorities concerned to take effective steps to meet workers’ legitimate demands, properly implement labour laws and improve working conditions. She said International Workers’ Day is not just a day but a symbol of the struggle to establish workers’ rights, urging all to work together to build a just society.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Friday said their party in its present form should not be equated with its 1971-era version. “The party’s constitution has been amended several times in line with the demands of the time. The introduction of the current constitution mentions respect for the sacrifices and struggles of the heroic freedom fighters of the Great Liberation War,” he said. The Jamaat leader was addressing a workers’ rally organised by the Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation’s Cumilla city unit at the Cumilla Town Hall Ground, marking historic May Day. He said despite so many constitutional changes, a group is trying to keep the old debate alive. “This is not an expression of patriotism or the spirit of independence; rather, it is part of a foreign conspiracy to divide the nation.” Porwar said such issues need to be resolved quickly in the interest of the country and stressed the importance of national unity to ensure a better future for the next generation. The rally was presided over by Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation’s Cumilla city unit President Prof Md Rafiqul Islam. Jamaat city unit Ameer Kazi Din Mohammad and Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation Central Vice President Md Mojibur Rahman Bhuiyan attended the event as special guests.