BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam inspired the oppressed to rise against tyranny, and his works provided courage during historic struggles for freedom and democracy in Bangladesh.
In a tribute on the poet’s death anniversary, Tarique wrote:
“Forty-nine years ago, the life of our national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam came to an end. He was one of the foremost poets and musicians of 20th century Bengali literature. Having endured hardship from childhood, his innate protest against injustice became the hallmark of his writings.”
Tarique highlighted that Nazrul’s poems and songs sparked a cultural renaissance and played a vital role in inspiring freedom fighters during the Liberation War, the 1990 pro-democracy movement, and the 2024 uprising. He added, “Kazi Nazrul Islam is a shining example of human love. I believe his works will continue to inspire patriotism for generations to come.”

In a recent meeting, leaders of several like-minded Islamic parties emphasized that the upcoming national parliamentary election must be conducted strictly on the basis of the July Charter. They warned that any deviation from this framework would not be accepted by the public, nor would it be considered legitimate by their parties.

The leaders stressed that ensuring the implementation of the July Charter cannot rely on mere rhetoric but must be secured through a solid legal framework. Raising pointed questions, they asked, “How can a government that is neither formed nor functioning under the Constitution organize national elections under the same Constitution?”

They further noted that while some claim that the current interim government operates under the existing Constitution, the reality is that this government is largely the product of a special political compromise among the participants of the July Revolution—a compromise that has no direct constitutional recognition.

The meeting was chaired by Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed, Secretary General of the Khelafat Majlis, and attended by leaders from Islami Andolan, Nezam-e-Islam Party, and Khelafat Majlis.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince stated that the party cannot take responsibility for personal remarks made by any leader outside the party framework. “Fazlur Rahman has been summoned because his comments embarrassed the party. He is a distinguished freedom fighter and a dedicated activist, and we respect him. However, his views are personal,” he said.
Prince also highlighted the party’s commitment to protecting the rights of minority communities in Bangladesh. He pointed out that during past regimes, minority groups faced land dispossession and persecution, and that the philosophy of Ziaur Rahman recognized the social, cultural, and religious identity of all communities. The party pledges to ensure these communities’ political, social, and constitutional rights.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has admitted that, despite decades of resilience, a growing sense of despair now shadows him as he witnesses the moral decay around him.

“I have never been disheartened in politics—I have always given people courage. But lately, despair has been following me everywhere. Because wherever I look, I see corruption and moral decline,” Fakhrul said.

He pointed to rampant corruption in offices and institutions, where ordinary people are being deprived of basic services. “Sadly, even political leaders have become entangled in this corruption, causing greater damage to the nation,” he lamented.

Fakhrul stressed that the expected moral transformation of society has not occurred, urging everyone to rise to the occasion to save the country. He also warned that efforts are underway to erase the memory of 1971.

“The Liberation War cannot be forgotten. Those who aided Pakistan back then are the very people making grand speeches today. The nation must remain vigilant,” he cautioned.

NCP leader Sargis Alam has condemned the police crackdown on BUET students protesting for their legitimate demands, accusing the administration of crossing a dangerous line.

“This administration must explain where it gets the audacity to unleash police violence and shed the blood of BUET students who are fighting for a just cause,” Sargis wrote.

Reaffirming his stance against all forms of quota-based privileges, Sargis expressed solidarity with the protesting students. He also denounced those responsible for the attacks, calling the assault on students “shameful and unacceptable.”

Bangladesh is pushing for significant reforms in its energy and infrastructure sectors to boost economic stability. Policymakers highlighted sustained GDP growth, lower inflation, record remittances, and a stable currency. Key initiatives include 32 investment reforms, multimodal transport planning, renewable energy incentives, increased LNG imports, and EV charging infrastructure development. BIDA is upgrading its services and establishing international economic zones, while solar programs and battery storage systems aim to stabilize the grid. These steps signal a long-term strategic vision for sustainable growth.

South Korea has passed a law banning the use of mobile phones and smart devices during school classes, effective from the 2026 academic year. The legislation aims to reduce smartphone addiction among students, enhance focus on studies, social life, and mental development, and make nationwide restrictions mandatory. While most schools already limited phone use, the law ensures uniform enforcement, allowing exceptions only for students with disabilities. Critics, including students and some teachers, question its effectiveness and broader impact.

U.S. President Donald Trump has convened a major meeting at the White House to discuss a resolution to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff said the U.S. aims to achieve a solution within this year. Talks with Hamas are being considered, and Hamas has shown willingness to negotiate. Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Despite Trump’s campaign promise to quickly end the conflict, recent fighting and humanitarian crises in Gaza persist.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration will seek the death penalty for every murder case in Washington D.C., aiming to curb crime in the capital. He acknowledged the policy could be controversial but said he would proceed. Under Biden, the death penalty was largely suspended, but Trump plans to reinstate it. His first term saw a significant rise in federal executions. Critics worry this approach could expand, while local crime rates have recently declined.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is prepared to restart nuclear negotiations provided the United States guarantees against military strikes. He warned that past attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities failed and cannot be replaced by diplomacy alone. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s readiness for all scenarios, including potential conflict with Israel, while highlighting growing cooperation with Saudi Arabia and regional neighbors. Talks are ongoing with European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal and the IAEA, aiming for fair and balanced negotiations.

Denmark has summoned a top U.S. diplomat following reports that several Americans attempted to covertly influence Greenland’s society and promote alignment with the United States. Danish intelligence warned of ongoing influence operations targeting the autonomous region. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stressed that any interference in internal affairs is unacceptable. The move comes amid President Trump’s repeated interest in acquiring Greenland, sparking concern in Denmark and highlighting tensions over foreign involvement in the strategically important Arctic territory.

India has suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, citing concerns over terrorism. The move comes after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan warns that any attempt to block its allocated river flows would be “equivalent to declaring war.” The treaty, signed in 1960 under World Bank mediation, governs water distribution between the countries. Experts warn India’s projects could threaten Pakistan’s irrigation-dependent agriculture, risking crop yields, food prices, and small farmers’ livelihoods.

Renovation work on the staircase leading to the Chandranath Hill temple in Sitakunda, Chattogram, will begin soon. The temple, located 1,200 feet above ground, will have its stairs upgraded, according to Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser. Any attempts to disrupt religious harmony will not be tolerated. Coordination with local officials is ongoing to resolve issues quickly. Additionally, permanent railway land has been allocated for Hindu religious institutions in Khilkhet.

The United States is set to impose stricter immigration rules following a recent 50% tariff on Indian goods. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized the H-1B lottery system and proposed prioritizing higher-paid applicants, potentially affecting thousands of mid-level Indian IT professionals. He also highlighted disparities in green card incomes and suggested a “Gold Card” program requiring $5 million investment for permanent residency. Experts warn these reforms may favor wealthy investors over skilled workers, creating fresh challenges for India’s economy and workforce.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused certain political parties of “making desperate pleas for PR benefits,” while also alleging that the Awami League is preparing to set up party offices in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Speaking at a workers’ conference in Dewanganj, Rizvi claimed that industrialist S. Alam Group had given Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Tk 2,500 crore and offered another Tk 2,000 crore, funds he alleged would be used to “fuel sabotage in the country.”
He urged the government to hold a national election before Ramadan and restore power to the people. Earlier in the day, the families of martyrs and injured from the Jamalpur mass uprising were provided with medical support and electric rickshaws.