BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince criticized the prior Awami League government for systematically undermining the education system. He highlighted issues such as mass pass rates, unregulated grading, and inflated GPA-5 results, which hindered genuine talent evaluation.

Prince urged a return to classroom-focused teaching and commended students’ leading role in the national movement, promising that their bravery will be remembered. He also noted the “July Declaration” and said a roadmap for the next national election will be announced before Ramadan. He called on teachers to actively support a meaningful and successful election process.

Several figures in the arts community faced backlash for posting “grief narratives” on Facebook regarding August 15, accused of symbolically rehabilitating fascism. A symbolic shoe-beating protest took place at Raju Sculpture at 5 PM, targeting celebrities including actors Chanchal Chowdhury, Shomi Kaiser, Shampa Reza, Jaya Ahsan, Shakib Khan, and others.

Journalists, writers, musicians, and educators were also criticized for allegedly sympathizing with cultural fascism. The July Revolutionary Alliance has declared certain celebrities unwelcome in Uttara for their perceived political stances.

Heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides have devastated northern Pakistan, leaving at least 307 dead in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province over the past 48 hours. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority confirmed widespread destruction, including dozens of homes damaged or destroyed. Relief efforts face major challenges due to washed-out roads and ongoing rainfall, expected to continue until August 21. Around 2,000 rescue workers are engaged, while the army and federal government have mobilized aid and announced significant financial support for affected districts.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said the country’s nuclear weapons are solely for national security, not threats or coercion. In an interview with Geo News, he criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying war with Pakistan has become a nightmare for him as India faces internal unrest. Asif claimed Pakistan fought only defensive wars and accused India of backing groups like the BLA and Taliban factions. He urged good neighborly relations, stressing peace and stability are vital for South Asia’s future.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, in a three-hour summit focused on ending the Ukraine war. Trump called the talks “extremely productive” but said some issues remain unresolved and that any final deal will depend on Ukraine and NATO allies. Putin described the war as a “tragedy” and stressed the need to address its root causes for a lasting solution, though he did not specify them. Both leaders pledged to keep pursuing peace.

BNP leader Ruhul Kuddus Talukdar Dulu warned of fresh conspiracies surrounding the upcoming elections. “Jamaat and the NCP do not want elections to take place in the country,” he said, asserting that these parties fear a BNP victory.

Dulu stressed the need for a neutral electoral process that allows citizens to freely exercise their right to vote. He urged everyone to unite in resisting efforts aimed at disrupting the elections, emphasizing that safeguarding democracy requires collective vigilance.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the responsibility for reaching a ceasefire deal now lies with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump revealed plans for a three-way summit with Zelensky and Putin. While no agreement was reached, Trump described the talks as successful, noting consensus on territorial compromises and U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine. He praised Putin as “strong” yet tough, stressing that Ukraine must agree. His advice to Zelensky: “You must make a deal.”

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that another controversial election would push the nation into uncertainty.

“Those making excuses to delay elections are not defenders of democracy,” he said. “Under Begum Khaleda Zia’s guidance, BNP is pursuing the democratic path. To build a true democracy, anti-fascist forces must unite nationally.”

He called on citizens to resist attempts to derail the electoral process, stressing that “those obstructing democracy with excuses are not on the side of democratic power.”

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has alleged that the 2008 election was “pre-planned and not free.”

Speaking at a party event, he said, “Awami League has systematically destroyed the country, including the education system.” He claimed nearly 5 million BNP activists faced politically motivated cases during Sheikh Hasina’s rule.

He added that the interim government has mentioned February for the next polls, saying, “We expect the Election Commission to announce a schedule soon.”

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has criticized what he described as a “replacement of one dogma with another.”

Speaking about extortion allegations against those who led the recent movement, he asked: “Why are such accusations being raised? Is this a repeat of Sheikh Hasina’s tactics?”

Referring to the July uprising, Rizvi said, “Like the Ababil birds, children took to the streets, and democracy was freed.” However, he expressed concern over emerging religiously motivated influences, warning that “Hasina’s spirit seems to be haunting the country again.”

Adviser Asif Nazrul has claimed that Bangladesh has the capacity to provide quality healthcare, reducing the need for people to seek treatment in India or Thailand.

He criticized unethical medical practices, saying, “Patients are forced to buy specific companies’ medicines. In which country do pharmaceutical reps get doctors’ time? Are you doctors or drug company agents? Please stop this exploitation—the people of Bangladesh are poor.”

Nazrul recounted how his own household help was prescribed 14 unnecessary tests at a private hospital, which he later avoided by seeking treatment outside Dhaka. He also highlighted poor nurse wages: “If a nurse earns only Tk 12,000, how can she stay motivated to provide good care?” He urged hospital owners to reduce profit margins for the sake of fair healthcare.

BNP leader Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has accused “communal forces and a defeated Awami League” of plotting to derail the upcoming election. Speaking at a discussion in Shahjahanpur Railway Alia Hafizia Madrasa, he urged all to remain vigilant.

“Neither the government nor the Election Commission can ensure a free and fair election on their own,” he said. “It requires the genuine goodwill of all contesting parties.”

He cast doubt on whether the election would even conclude properly, saying, “Until results are declared, we cannot be sure an election has truly taken place.” Goyeshwar also alleged years of repression against the people, including “inhumane treatment” of Khaleda Zia, vowing that a BNP government would put Awami League-era killings and crimes on trial.

The National Congress Party (NCP) has announced it will not participate in any election held under the current constitution.

Party leader Hannan Masud accused Dr. Muhammad Yunus of attempting to secure a “safe exit” through an agreement with one political party. “By only consulting one specific party, an election date was declared,” Masud said.

He argued that until the “July Charter” receives legal legitimacy, those who support it remain “traitors.” According to Masud, the interim government has betrayed the July movement by legitimizing the constitution under Article 106, which he says does not authorize it to conduct elections.

“The government is now cornered, seeking a safe exit by trying to manipulate Article 106 through a new provision and a High Court ruling,” Masud added. The NCP has demanded a Constituent Assembly election, warning they will not participate in a general election without such reforms.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has said that introducing a proportional representation (PR) system alone will not ensure credible elections without proper reforms.

Speaking at a gathering in Chauddagram, he stressed that reforms must be legally institutionalized to prevent a repeat of “fascist rule” under the Awami League.

“We support the Chief Adviser’s call for constitutional changes,” Taher said, criticizing the premature announcement of election dates without prior reforms.

Ukrainian military officials have expressed skepticism about the outcome of the high-level meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Officers on the front lines say they do not expect meaningful agreements, citing Russia’s history of untrustworthiness and lack of genuine interest in ending the conflict in Donbas. They also criticized Trump for treating Putin as a legitimate leader rather than holding him accountable for war crimes, warning that the summit is unlikely to produce tangible results.