United News of Bangladesh

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Thursday dismissed the government's proposed Tk 9.38 lakh crore budget for fiscal year 2026-27 as overly ambitious and detached from economic reality, warning that the actual deficit could be nearly double the official figure. Reacting to the budget placed before parliament by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, NCP's Shadow Budget Committee chief and joint convener Atik Mujahid said the stated deficit of around Tk 2.5 lakh crore masked a far graver fiscal picture. "The actual deficit could approach Tk 4.5 lakh crore," Mujahid said, adding that the revenue collection target of Tk 6.95 lakh crore, equivalent to 10.2 percent of GDP, was simply unattainable under present economic conditions. "I believe the revenue shortfall alone could exceed Tk 2 lakh crore." While acknowledging that the proposed outlay is the largest in Bangladesh's history, NCP argued it may equally go down as the country's biggest deficit budget in real terms. The budget, tabled Thursday in the Jatiya Sangsad, projects total expenditure at 13.7 percent of GDP, up by Tk 1.48 lakh crore from the previous fiscal year. Development spending stands at Tk 3.16 lakh crore, including Tk 3 lakh crore under the Annual Development Programme, while non-development and other expenditures are pegged at Tk 6.21 lakh crore. Revenue income is projected at Tk 6.95 lakh crore, of which Tk 6.04 lakh crore is to come through the National Board of Revenue and Tk 91,000 crore from other sources.

Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Opposition Chief Whip Md Nahid Islam has described the recent remarks made by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed about “indiscriminate killings” by Indian forces along the border “deeply objectionable” and “humiliating,” and demand their immediate withdrawal. “To hear such remarks from a responsible state figure is a matter of profound national shame,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday night. Govt betraying July Revolution, constitutional reform must follow referendum mandate: Nahid Islam Nahid said even after four days, Salahuddin Ahmed has neither withdrawn nor clarified his remarks, while no official condemnation has been issued by the government. “Therefore, we are compelled to assume that the remarks reflect the government’s position on border killings,” he said. Criticising the interpretation of border-related deaths, the NCP leader said home minister attempted to downplay the crisis by narrowing the definition of border killings, arguing the term applies exclusively to fatalities occurring directly at the zero line. “He asserted that individuals involved in cross-border crimes or illegal trespass fall entirely under the domestic jurisdiction of the respective nation's law enforcement. By this logic, he claimed it is improper to classify these fatalities as border killings.” However, international legal frameworks, including United Nations human rights principles and the Geneva Conventions, strictly prohibit unlawful shootings, torture, or brutal treatment of unarmed civilians, he said. “The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols explicitly forbid violence against civilian populations, even during war or armed conflict. Furthermore, UN principles governing law enforcement dictate that security forces may use only necessary and proportionate force. Any excessive or indiscriminate use of lethal force constitutes a direct violation of international law,” Nahid said. Referring to the similar comments made by then Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in 2020, which sparked similar outrage, he said, “Momen's subservient stance toward India is widely recognised. This compliance ultimately relegated that regime to the dustbin of history. Against this backdrop, the compromising rhetoric from the home minister of the post-revolution government raises serious concerns.” On June 2, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said killings of individuals, who are involved in crime or illegal intrusion, by any border force within its own territory cannot be labelled as “border killing.” “If any foreign force kills someone by entering our border or at the zero line, then it can be called border killing. But if someone is involved in any sort of crimes within our borders and their borders or if someone commits illegal trespassing, then they (border forces) will address the issue as per their own local laws. In such cases, it should not be called border killing,” he had said.

A delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Md. Nahid Islam, met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at a hotel in Dhaka on Friday. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Fidan congratulated the NCP leadership for their role in the July Revolution, which led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, according to a Facebook post shared by the party on Saturday. The NCP delegation expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its continued diplomatic support and engagement in resolving the Rohingya crisis.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) chief organiser, northern region, Sarjis Alam has alleged that BNP is betraying the people and “rejecting the referendum in parliament,” adding that such behaviour will never be accepted by the public. He made the remarks while addressing as chief guest at an Eid reunion and joining programme organised by NCP at Chengarchar Degree College in Matlab Uttar upazila of Chandpur on Friday afternoon. NCP calls for national emergency over measles outbreak in Bangladesh NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary alleged that a recent government deal had resulted in the release of Selina Hayat Ivy Rahman, accusing BNP of falling into an “Awami League trap.” He also claimed that former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia “died without proper medical treatment.” He further made a series of allegations addressing BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, saying that those responsible were involved in the killing of his father, mother, numerous BNP and Jamaat leaders, journalists Sagar-Runi, the killings at Shapla Chattar, and the BDR mutiny at Pilkhana. The event was presided over by Matlab Uttar upazila NCP convener Arifa Tuhin and conducted by upazila joint convener Imadul Islam. During the programme, more than 100 leaders and activists from various political parties, including five elderly freedom fighters from the upazila, joined the NCP. They were formally welcomed with flowers by Sarjis Alam and Nasiruddin Patwary.

Dr Tasnim Jara, former senior joint member secretary of National Citizen Party (NCP) who contested the 13th parliamentary election as an independent candidate, on Monday dismissed claims that she held negotiations with BNP as false and imaginary. In a post on her verified Facebook page, Jara responded to what she said were rumours circulating about her political activities. “A false claim is being spread that Tasnim Jara had negotiations with BNP. Some are even claiming that Jara maintains a channel with BNP and that BNP gave her a green signal,” she wrote. Rejecting the claims, Jara said she had never engaged in any such discussion with BNP or any other political party. “I have never had any such discussion with BNP or any other party,” she said. She challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence. “Ask those who are spreading these claims, when, where and with whom this negotiation take place. They will not be able to provide any names, dates or evidence,” the former NCP leader wrote. She said no such incident had ever occurred and alleged that the rumours were being spread to serve a particular narrative. “The purpose of spreading this falsehood is to create a narrative that suits certain interests.” she added. Jara contested the 13th parliamentary election from Dhaka-9 constituency as an independent candidate but was defeated.

Police arrested National Citizen Party (NCP) Central Joint Member Secretary Tarek Reza in Jhenaidah on Sunday in connection with a case filed over alleged assault, vandalism and death threats. The case was filed by former Jhenaidah district Chhatra Dal vice-president Enamul Kabir. A protest press conference against what NCP leaders described as a “false case” was scheduled at the Family Zone auditorium near Jhenaidah Stadium at 6:30pm. 22 NCP leaders named in Chatra Dal case According to party sources, Tarek Reza arrived in Jhenaidah from Dhaka to attend the programme. Police arrested him after the vehicle carrying him stopped in front of the restaurant. Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Asaduzzaman, along with members of a special police team and plainclothes intelligence personnel, was present during the arrest. OC Asaduzzaman said a case had been filed on Saturday against Tarek Reza and 22 others on charges of assault, vandalism and issuing death threats. The NCP also alleged that Detective Branch (DB) police from Jashore arrested another youth named Ayan in connection with the same case. The development follows a clash involving local Chhatra Dal leaders and activists during a visit by NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary to Jhenaidah on Friday. Following the incident, Tarek Reza filed a case with Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station against eight local Chhatra Dal leaders and activists. The next day, Enamul Kabir filed a counter-case against 22 people, including Tarek Reza. Police, however, have not arrested any Chhatra Dal activists in the case so far.

A case has been filed against leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Jhenaidah amid an ongoing political conflict between the party and Chhatra Dal. The case was filed on Saturday with Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station by former vice-president of Jhenaidah district Chatra Dal, Md Enamul Kabir. In the case, NCP central joint general secretary, Tarekul Islam Tarek Reza, was made the prime accused. Besides, 22 named accused and 50 to 60 unidentified persons were sued. Other accused include Mehedi Hasan Ashik, Siam Uddin Turjo, Tanaim, Asif, Ayon Rahman Khan, Tain, Joynal, Alamgir, Shahriar Abhik, Lababul Bashar Labu, Shihab Shah, Nayan, Sultan, Hridoy, Rubayet Hasan Turjo, Sheikh Sami, Rifat, Hakim, Kaiser and Imran, Hridoy Master along with 50 to 60 unidentified individuals. According to the case statement, Enamul Kabir alleged that Nasir Uddin Patwari made “offensive and defamatory remarks” in his speech in Jhenaidah, about BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Jhenaidah district BNP president Advocate Abdul Majid and Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, allegedly at the instigation of prime accused Tarek Reza. Md Asaduzzaman, Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge(OC), said that a regular case had been filed under relevant sections of the Penal Code following the written complaint. Police operations are underway to investigate the incident properly and arrest the accused, he added. Earlier, the NCP had filed a case against 115 leaders and activists, including the president and general secretary of Jhenaidah district Chhatra Dal. Chhatra Dal filed the counter-case within 24 hours of that case.

National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary was attacked with eggs in Jhenaidah on Friday afternoon, triggering clashes that left at least six people injured, according to police and party sources. The incident took place around 2pm in front of the Old Collectorate Mosque in Jhenaidah town after Jumu’ah prayers. Nasiruddin Patwary voices concern over Sylhet roads, urges quick repairs Following the attack, NCP activists staged a protest procession and later took position at Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station, demanding improved law and order in the country and calling for the resignation of the home minister and law minister. NCP joint member secretary and Jhenaidah municipality mayoral candidate Tarek Reza said Nasiruddin Patwary was leaving the Old DC Court Jame Mosque after Friday prayers when Islami University (IU) Chhatra Dal convener Sahed Ahmed approached him to speak. During the conversation, Chhatra Dal activists allegedly threw eggs at him from behind, triggering tensions. He said the situation quickly escalated into a clash involving both sides, during which several NCP activists were injured. The NCP alleged that Chhatra Dal supporters also hurled bricks during the attack. However, IU Chhatra Dal convener Sahed Ahmed denied involvement, saying he went to request Nasiruddin Patwary to avoid making controversial remarks against BNP senior leaders during his district visits. Following the attack, Nasiruddin Patwary strongly condemned the incident, alleging that people backed by the law minister and Jhenaidah BNP leaders were involved. He also demanded the resignation of the home minister and law minister, claiming that the law and order situation had deteriorated severely. Doctors at Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital said five to six injured youths received primary treatment after being hit by bricks and other objects. Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Asaduzzaman said police brought the situation under control and stepped up patrols in key areas of the town He said a complaint had not yet been filed, but legal action would be taken after investigation once a written complaint is received.

Economists and policy analysts on Thursday called for a fundamental departure from the routine budget-making process, urging the government to craft a genuinely people-oriented budget backed by comprehensive tax reforms, digitised revenue collection anda faceless tax administration system. They made the call at a discussion titled "Bangladesh's Budget Amid Global Uncertainty: Priorities in Employment, Investment and Reform, and an Equitable, Prosperous Bangladesh" organised by the National Citizen Party's (NCP) Shadow Budget Committee at Kakrail, Dhaka. Opening the event, NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen criticised the budgets of the previous Awami League era as little more than paper documents serving a corporate clique that siphoned public money abroad. "Our expectation from the government is simple, this budgetmust not be a looters' budget. It must be for ordinary people." He noted that while education, health and marginalised communities are mentioned every year as budget priorities, the final document invariably mirrors the preceding year's allocations with cosmetic changes. NCP Shadow Budget Committee Chief Atik Mujahid said the committee consulted workers in Ashulia, small traders at Kawran Bazar and Chittagong's Khatun Bazar, SME owners, university students and government officials before formulating its recommendations. "People don't want charity from the government, they want fairness," he said. "They want a tax system they can trust, assurance that their investments are protected, and accountability in how public money is spent." Former Chairman, Sonali Bank PLC Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury warned of serious structural problems in financing the upcoming budget, pointing to the country's chronically low tax-to-GDP ratio. "If the government borrows from the domestic market, private sector borrowing costs will rise and investment will suffer. Printing money is not an option either, given persistently high inflation." He recommended consolidating over 100 social safety net programmes across 20 ministries under a single digital umbrella, which he said could reduce administrative costs and expand beneficiary coverage by 30 to 40 percent. He also called for closure or liquidation of insolvent banks and a fully faceless, digital tax collection system. Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Additional Research Director Towfiqul Islam Khan flagged a troubling fiscal reality: in FY2023-24, the government's current expenditure exceeded total revenue by Tk 40,000 crore, forcing a 25 percent cut in development spending in critical sectors like health and education. Private sector credit growth has since fallen to just 4 percent. He pointed out that despite legal requirements under the Public Finance and Budget Management Act 2009, including quarterly budget progress reports and submission of revised budgets by March, successive governments have routinely flouted these provisions. "Quarterly progress reports have disappeared from the website altogether. That is a transparency failure." To plug tax evasion, he proposed linking National ID cards with bank accounts, land registration and vehicle registration data within an integrated digital tax framework, and called for separating NBR's policy and collection functions to eliminate conflicts of interest. Development economist Dr Khan Zahirul Islam of the University of British Columbia, Canada, described the banking sector, the lifeline of any economy, as effectively "destroyed." He cited non-performing loans worth Tk 6.30 lakh crore against a proposed annual budget of Tk 9.30 lakh crore. "Had this money not been looted, imagine where our budget implementation would stand." he said, adding that the S Alam Group alone is alleged to have laundered Tk1.90 lakh crore, equivalent to the entire Annual Development Programme allocation. Zahirul also questioned the government's recent amendment to the Bank Resolution Act, which he said reopens the door for former owners implicated in banking irregularities to reclaim control of their institutions. NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, who chaired the session, stressed that without meaningful tax reform, public trust in the state would erode irreversibly. "The poor pay taxes while the wealthy loot the system," he said, warning that any further delay in NBR reform would deepen the disconnect between citizens and the state. The session was moderated by NCP Dhaka Metropolitan North Member Secretary (Acting) Sadia Farzana Dina.  

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser ,South, of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and MP from Cumilla-4, has said that the Awami League (AL) has no right to engage in politics in Bangladesh. “A party whose top leaders flee the country leaving behind millions of its leaders and activists has no right to do politics in this country,” he said. “We may have differences among ourselves, but we are united on the issue of the Awami League. The party will never be allowed to do politics in Bangladesh again.” Home Minister admitted ‘political hypocrisy’, Law Minister misled parliament: Hasnat Abdullah He made the remarks while addressing a procession and roadside rally as the chief guest at Chauddagram Bazar in Cumilla on Monday. Hasnat Abdullah said, “We have no houses or cars in Begumpara, but many of our elders own houses and vehicles there. Their children study abroad and go overseas for treatment. While ordinary people receive treatment in the country, some ‘special’ individuals go abroad. We must come out of this discriminatory system.” He also stressed the need to build an unemployment-free Bangladesh by engaging the youth in productive work. “Merit must be ensured in every government sector. At the same time, employment opportunities should be created in the private sector, and the SME sector must be made more dynamic. These demands should be included in the upcoming budget. The country’s education system also needs modernisation,” he added. Referring to the current political and administrative situation, he said, “We are now in the opposition. Some overenthusiastic police personnel, in hopes of promotion, are assaulting and harassing leaders and activists. However, this is not solely the fault of the police. The police administration must be kept free from political influence. In the past, people were arrested for posts on social media, and the same situation still exists. We do not want such a Bangladesh.” Describing Chauddagram as a border area, he said, “Those involved in drug trafficking are enemies of the country and the nation. They are destroying the youth. The police and drug traders cannot coexist. A zero-tolerance policy must be adopted against drug dealers.” The event was chaired by Abu Sufian Raihan, organising secretary of Jatiya Jubo Shakti’s Cumilla division, and moderated by Mamun Mazumder, joint convener of Chauddagram upazila NCP. Besides, leaders from various levels, also spoke.