Naseeruddin Patwari, Chief Coordinator of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has firmly declared, “Insha’Allah, we will go to parliament and form the government. There is no doubt about it.” He further stated, “Bangladesh has seen a bullet revolution, and a ballot revolution will happen next. No power can stop it. We will be victorious.”

He made these remarks on Saturday (June 28) at a discussion meeting and award ceremony organized in the capital on the occasion of International SME Day.

Naseeruddin Patwari issued a warning, stating that any party-affiliated SME-related institutions attempting to operate in the future will be stopped. He demanded that those who have looted the SME sector and the stock market in the last 15 years must be brought to justice.

Accusing previous governments of allowing specific party members to “become rich overnight,” Naseeruddin Patwari said, “We will work for everyone, rising above party lines. Bangladesh must not be harmed over our blood.” He also pledged to stop the culture of earning money through extortion and hooliganism.

Reminding the government that organizing elections is its duty, as is its responsibility towards the younger generation, Naseeruddin Patwari stated, “The government cannot simply sit comfortably and make grand statements without working. Fascism must be judged through judicial processes.”

At the same event, Sarjis Alam, Chief Coordinator of NCP’s Northern Region, said that a small number of people control 90% of the country’s businesses and have built an empire. He alleged that businessmen have joined hands with political parties through money, and everything from tenders is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. Sarjis Alam urged small business owners to unite, stating that media mafias and bank mafias are creating obstacles for them.

Serious allegations have been raised against Sadullapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kazi Mohammad Anik Islam for allegedly using government vehicles for personal and family purposes. On Saturday (June 28), a weekly holiday, the vehicle allocated for the Upazila Parishad Chairman was seen being used for a personal social visit by his family members, sparking widespread discussion and criticism across the upazila.

According to local sources, around 2:30 PM, the Upazila Parishad’s vehicle was observed parked in front of the UNO’s residence. A short while later, the UNO’s wife and mother boarded the car. Driver Samiul Islam then drove the vehicle to the front of Assistant Commissioner (Land) Jasim Uddin’s rented residence, where the Assistant Commissioner’s government vehicle was also present.

Samiul Islam, the Upazila Parishad’s driver, stated, “I took the UNO Sir’s wife and mother to Assistant Commissioner Sir’s house for a party. UNO Sir went to Rangpur for a meeting with his own car. That’s why he told me to use this car.”

Meanwhile, the UNO himself went to Rangpur with the government vehicle allocated for him. However, it could not be confirmed whether his Rangpur trip was personal or official. Repeated calls to the UNO’s official number went unanswered. Later, several calls were made to the UNO’s driver Shaheen Mia’s number at 7:00 PM. Although he answered at 7:02 PM, he remained silent for one minute and nine seconds.

A source revealed that the UNO had previously used government vehicles for personal travel to Rangpur and his hometown outside of official hours. In response to this incident of using government vehicles for personal and family purposes, conscious citizens, public representatives, and political leaders of the upazila have expressed strong anger at the UNO’s conduct. Many of them stated that improving the standard of public service and accountability is expected from an administrative officer, but his arrogance, negligence, and use of government resources for personal gain set an extreme example of irregularity. They have demanded a fair investigation and appropriate administrative action.

A senior official from the Ministry of Public Administration, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “It is strictly prohibited for any official to use a government vehicle for personal purposes other than official duties. Using a government vehicle with family members is also a serious irregularity. This amounts to a violation of the code of conduct. Strict investigation and appropriate measures are needed in these matters.”

It is worth noting that Kazi Mohammad Anik Islam, a 36th BCS cadre, has generated dissatisfaction since joining as UNO in Sadullapur, with multiple allegations circulating locally, including negligence in official duties, misbehavior with service seekers, failure to respond to calls or messages, and avoidance of responsibilities. Recently, several reports on these issues were published in local and national media, which have reignited intense discussion and criticism on social media.

In a startling wake-up call on Saturday morning, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck various regions of Bangladesh, causing panic among residents and leading to a brief exodus to the streets in the capital city of Dhaka.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake originated at 9:35 am local time, with its epicenter located 8 kilometers east-north-west of Ramganj in Lakshmipur. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) reported a slightly higher magnitude, measuring the tremor at 5.6 on the Richter scale, as confirmed by on-duty official Robiul Haque.

The effects of the earthquake were not confined to a specific region, as reports came in of tremors being felt in various parts of the country, including Rajshahi, Sylhet, Rangpur, Chuadanga, Noakhali, and Kushtia.

In the capital city, Dhaka, the seismic event prompted residents to evacuate buildings and gather on the streets, fearing the possibility of aftershocks. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and confusion as people hurriedly left their homes and offices to seek open spaces.

As of now, no casualties have been reported, and authorities are working to assess the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake. Emergency response teams are on standby, ready to provide assistance if needed.

The occurrence of earthquakes is not uncommon in this region, given its location on the seismically active Ring of Fire. Bangladesh has experienced earthquakes in the past, and efforts are continually made to raise awareness about preparedness and safety measures.