DHAKA, Feb 25, 2026 (BSS) – Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said the leaders and activists of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir must take comprehensive preparation to shoulder responsibilities at local and national levels in the days ahead. “From the grassroots to higher tiers, you have to develop yourself gradually to attain the competence required to provide leadership on a broader scale,” he said the day-long first general session of the Central Executive Council-2026 of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir held at Al-Falah Auditorium in Moghbazar in the capital on Tuesday. The session began in the morning with recitation from the Holy Quran (Darsul Qur’an). The Qur’anic discussion was presented by Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim. The session was chaired by Shibir’s central president Nurul Islam. The inauguration was declared by Md. Azadul Islam, father of martyred Md. Rejbul Haque (Plabon), while Nurul Islam delivered the inaugural speech. Conducted by Secretary General Sibgatullah, the programme was also attended by former central presidents of Chhatra Shibir Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Muhammad Selim Uddin, Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, Dr. Rezaul Karim and Zahidul Islam. The Jamaat Ameer said that amid the continuity of success there may arise a risk of moral decline. “The visible strength and dignity of Chhatra Shibir lie in its morality. Therefore, no compromise is acceptable in the case of moral standards,” he said. Jamaat Ameer said prayers (Salat) form the foundation of morality and no laxity in performing prayers is acceptable under any pretext.  “Those who become habituated to voluntary worship, both in private and in public, from their youth carry its impact throughout their practical lives. When moral excellence attracts others, no force on earth will be able to prevent their success,” he added. In his inaugural speech, central president Nurul Islam remembered those who embraced martyrdom while working for the Islamic movement over the years, starting from Chhatra Shibir. He said the Executive Council is the highest organisational body responsible for implementing the organisation’s principles, ideals and programmes. As members of the council, each must ensure self-supervision first and assist and advise the central president to keep organisational activities dynamic. Ensuring proper adherence to Islamic principles at all levels of the organisation, supervising implementation of programmes in light of the constitution and identifying and correcting any shortcomings are among the key responsibilities of the Executive Council, he added. He further said council members must discharge their duties following the method taught by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and imbued with the sincerity, obedience and sense of responsibility demonstrated by the companions (Sahaba).  “With Allah’s pleasure as the sole objective, duties must be carried out with dedication, piety and accountability,” he said. The day-long session included announcement of the results of the Executive Council election and oath-taking, presentation, review and approval of the Annual Plan-2026, formation of the Secretariat and appointment of regional directors. Speeches by outgoing Executive Council members, invited guests, accountability session (Ihtesab), concluding address by the central president, and special prayers marked the end of the session. The newly elected Secretariat for 2026 comprises: Central Office Secretary Azizur Rahman Azad, Media Secretary Mutasim Billah Shahedi, Literature Secretary Saidul Islam, Publication Secretary Amirul Islam, International Affairs Secretary DUCSU VP Shadik Kayem, Cultural Secretary Hafez Abu Musa, Publicity Secretary DUCSU GS SM Farhad, Student Welfare Secretary Rezaul Karim Shakil, Student Rights Secretary Mohibur Rahman Muhib and Social Service Secretary RUCSU VP Mostakur Rahman Zahid.  

DHAKA, Feb 25, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh Coast Guard arrested nine pirates including their ring leader Jahangir, 28 from Maheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar. A press release of the coast guard here said they also seized arms and ammunition during the drive. Coast Guard rescued four fishermen who were under the captivity of the pirates in a hijacked fishing boat, the release said. The press release said a fishing boat named ‘FB Mayer Dua-3’ fell victim to piracy near Sonadia Char under Maheshkhali Police Station in Cox’s Bazar.  The Coast Guard was informed of the incident through the emergency service number 16111.  Based on the information, the Coast Guard Stationed in Cox’s Bazar and Maheshkhali conducted a rescue operation in the area. After searching the boat, the team recovered three locally made firearms, four rounds of live ammunition and six locally made weapons.  Legal procedures against the arrested pirates are currently underway, and necessary steps regarding the rescued fishermen, fishing boat and seized items are being processed.