Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board has ruled that Jamaat-e-Islami is not a terrorist organization, rejecting accusations made by the Canadian government. The ruling comes after a two-year legal battle following a 2022 report by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which had deemed an individual named Rahman inadmissible due to his affiliation with Jamaat-e-Islami. CBSA had claimed Jamaat was linked to terrorism. However, the tribunal dismissed these allegations, citing expert testimonies from international security analysts who defended Jamaat-e-Islami.

NCP Chief Organizer Hasnat Abdullah claimed that ongoing conspiracies against Bangladesh persist. “We will overcome all these challenges,” he vowed. He criticized the treatment of madrasa institutions as secondary and accused the government of consistently sidelining Islamic scholars, leading to their political persecution and imprisonment. However, he noted that people now have freedom of speech. Referring to events after August 5, he claimed Bangladesh had been transformed into a model of communal harmony. Despite internal and external conspiracies, he urged patience among devout Muslims and expressed hope that Debidwar would become known as an NCP stronghold.

NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari declared that the upcoming “ballot revolution” would be won by the youth. “We will enter parliament, no matter what,” he asserted, emphasizing that young people are now focused on parliamentary representation. He warned that any group attempting to obstruct this path would face strong resistance. Patwari further stated that the upcoming election would see the nomination of mosque imams and respected community figures—candidates who previously couldn’t afford to contest elections. He reiterated that the party’s struggle is now focused on banning the ruling Awami League and revoking its registration with the Election Commission.

The Secretary-General of Khelafat Majlis, Ahmad Abdul Kader, has emphasized the need to maintain national unity to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty. He stated that to honor the sacrifices of millions who laid down their lives in 1971, the fundamental goals of independence—equality, human dignity, and social justice—must be ensured. He further added that following the mass uprising of 2024, which led to the fall of the fascist Hasina regime, there is now an opportunity to secure people’s rights. The country must swiftly undergo necessary reforms and proceed towards a free and fair national election to build a stable, prosperous, and thriving Bangladesh.

Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Abu Hanif has stressed the importance of preserving the national unity that emerged through the July mass uprising. He acknowledged that cracks have appeared in this unity and warned against any statements or actions that could further damage it. “Defeated forces are actively trying to sabotage the unity of the people,” he stated. Hanif accused the Awami League of committing enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and political oppression over the past 15 years. He claimed that following the July-August movement, the party fled in the face of public outrage and has been politically ostracized by the people. Hanif also alleged that as Eid approaches, the Awami League is plotting subversive activities while the public remains preoccupied with celebrations. He further warned against any attempts to create a divide between the Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising, stating, “We do not want to pit 1971 against 2024.”

On the occasion of Shab-e-Qadr, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman extended his greetings to the nation and prayed for its well-being. He remarked that devout Muslims spend the holy month of Ramadan engaging in fasting and self-purification, culminating in the blessed night of Shab-e-Qadr, which brings immense divine mercy. “On this sacred night, believers immerse themselves in worship, offering voluntary prayers, reciting the Holy Quran, and making supplications,” he stated. He also prayed for the welfare of the country, the progress and prosperity of the Muslim Ummah, and for divine mercy to be showered upon everyone. “Ameen,” he concluded.

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution outlining the framework, methods, format, and organization of a high-level conference addressing the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minority groups in Myanmar. The resolution passed without opposition, though 10 countries abstained from voting. Sponsored by Malaysia and Finland, the resolution was adopted on Wednesday, as confirmed by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. Russia had proposed several amendments, which Bangladesh did not accept. Following a voting initiative by the General Assembly President, the resolution was passed with 141 votes in favor.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince has alleged that there are deliberate efforts to create a false opposition between the Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising. He stated that while 1971 and 2024 are distinct events, neither should be undermined. “The Liberation War was a struggle to free the country from colonial shackles, while the 2024 mass uprising was a movement to liberate an independent country from fascist rule,” he said. Prince highlighted that the spirit of 1971 also fueled the November 7, 1975 movement, as well as the uprisings of 1990 and 2024. Any attempt to diminish the Liberation War is tantamount to denying independence itself, he added. BNP believes that a roadmap for elections must be announced soon, and national elections should be held within this year to rescue the country from chaos and conspiracy.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary Mia Golam Porwar has claimed that Bangladesh did not achieve true independence in 1971, arguing that political leaders compromised the nation’s sovereignty for power.

“Those who claim to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War actually sold the country to Delhi for political gains. That’s why the 2024 mass uprising marks our second independence,” he stated.

Porwar further accused past governments of empowering anti-liberation figures, claiming that 12 to 13 war criminals were made presidents, ministers, and MPs. He also warned that those who challenge Jamaat-e-Islami will face the same fate as Sheikh Hasina.

In Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, a loudspeaker was vandalized while broadcasting a speech by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Independence Day. The incident occurred at the Muktijoddha (Freedom Fighters’) building, where organizers had set up a sound system to play the speech.

Local residents reportedly opposed the broadcast and asked for it to be stopped. When the caretaker, Sagar Hossain, refused and continued playing the speech, an enraged crowd stormed the venue and damaged the loudspeaker.

The Mirsharai Upazila administration imposed Section 144 due to tensions between two factions of the BNP. However, despite the restrictions, a group led by former Upazila BNP secretary Gazhi Nizam, backed by Chattogram North District BNP’s joint convener Nurul Amin Chairman, visited the Shaheed Minar on Wednesday at 9 AM with over a hundred activists to place floral tributes.

Nizam stated, “The administration enforced Section 144 fearing unrest, but we are peacefully paying our respects.” Meanwhile, Upazila Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Mahfuza Zerin clarified that only groups of less than five people were allowed to offer tributes.

Amid ongoing protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Turkish authorities detained at least seven journalists, including an AFP photojournalist, on Tuesday. The mass demonstrations have continued for seven consecutive days. Authorities claim the detained journalists were participating in ‘illegal protests.’ AFP’s CEO has sent a formal request to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, demanding the journalist’s release.

BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, commemorated Independence Day by highlighting the role of former President Ziaur Rahman in the Liberation War. In a Facebook post, he claimed that on this day in 1971, then-Major Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence, rallying the nation against Pakistani forces. He described the event as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s sovereignty and reiterated his commitment to safeguarding democracy, people’s rights, and inclusive development.

Sirajum Munira, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Sarail, Brahmanbaria, faced intense criticism after a Facebook post from the account ‘Acland Sorail’ referred to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the ‘proclaimer of independence.’ The post sparked backlash from local BNP activists and other groups. At an Independence Day event at Annada High School, BNP members confronted her. The post was deleted within an hour, with claims that her account had been hacked. However, BNP leaders dismissed this as a cover-up and demanded her immediate removal from office. She has since been temporarily relieved of her duties.

Police detained three individuals at the National Martyrs’ Memorial on Independence Day for allegedly attempting to ‘create instability’ by chanting the slogan ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.’ The incident occurred when members of the Liberation War Family Command and Liberation War Generation League paid tribute to martyrs. The arrested individuals include Selim Reza (47), General Secretary of the Liberation War Family Command; Shahidul Islam (50), Organizational Secretary of the same group; and Sohel Parvez (41) from Ashulia. All three are reportedly affiliated with the ruling Awami League.