A 12-party alliance held talks with the Left Democratic Alliance and several progressive political parties to discuss implementation of the July national charter. Participants advised against unnecessary delays by the reform commission on matters not essential to the charter and urged continued momentum for the election-focused reform process.

Leaders at the meeting emphasized that Bangladesh has boarded the “election train” and must keep that journey moving. The 12-party alliance said attendees agreed, for the sake of national consensus, to sign implementation commitments and pledges even if compromises are required. They warned against any pretext that could obstruct the election and stressed that there is no alternative to democracy.

Left-alliance leaders cautioned that holding referendums on election day could create complications. They also recommended that fundamental constitutional reforms be implemented in the next parliament rather than through emergency measures.

National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman said that conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State are comparatively improving and that this is the moment to take substantive political steps. Speaking at a discussion organized by the U.S. State Department, he recalled Bangladesh’s own history of mass atrocity and displacement half a century ago, when nearly a million Bangladeshis fled across the border into India before returning after the conflict ended.

Khalilur Rahman reported that the Arakan Army now controls some 85–90% of Rakhine territory and that Bangladesh maintains regular communications with the group. He said Arakan Army representatives recently sent him photographs showing internally displaced Rohingya returning from camps and engaging in dialogue with the Arakan Army as they returned to their home villages.

“As we move forward, we must come together in the coming months. We will invest politically in resolving this crisis and must make that commitment both to ourselves and to the refugees,” he said, adding that Bangladesh does not want to keep spending on refugee camps indefinitely. “Within three to four years, we should not be funding refugee encampments. Rather, part of those funds should be invested inside Myanmar so Rohingya can begin new lives and reclaim their futures.”

Awami League Advisory Council member Tofail Ahmed, whose political activities are currently banned, has been placed on life support at Dhaka’s Square Hospital. His family has requested prayers for his recovery.
Ahmed, who has long relied on a wheelchair following a stroke that left part of his body paralyzed, has been under regular medical supervision. A nine-time Member of Parliament, he was last elected from Bhola-1 in a controversial “dummy election.” He also served for years as a Presidium member of the Awami League.

NCP convener Nahid Islam has pledged that the party’s election manifesto will ensure equal dignity and rights for all citizens, regardless of community or faith.

After visiting Dhakeshwari Temple during Durga Puja, Nahid urged the government to guarantee security so that Hindus can celebrate their festival without fear.

He stressed that NCP will ensure participation from all communities in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. “Since the July uprising, we have been working toward building an inclusive Bangladesh, based on unity across religion, ethnicity, and ideology,” Nahid said.

He acknowledged that while the interim government tried to address many demands of the Hindu community, much remains unfulfilled. “Our manifesto will reflect the vision of equal rights and dignity for every citizen,” he affirmed.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused Jamaat-e-Islami of losing its balance in pursuit of power, calling it a branch of a foreign political movement rather than an independent Bangladeshi party.

Rizvi extended BNP’s greetings to the Hindu community for Durga Puja, emphasizing that festivals unite rather than divide people. “Though religions differ, our national identity is one. Rabindranath, Nazrul, and Lalon belong to all of us,” he said.

He accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of fostering divisions for political gain but asserted that Bangladesh’s true beauty lies in its unity.

Rizvi also warned of ongoing conspiracies to create unrest in remote areas, particularly during festivals. “If anyone casts an evil eye on even an inch of Bangladesh’s land, we will gouge it out,” he declared.

During a courtesy meeting with Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru at the Jamaat Amir’s office in Bashundhara, a new party logo was spotted, sparking speculation about a rebranding effort.

Jamaat leader Maulana Abdul Halim later confirmed that the party is working on a new logo under the Amir’s guidance. “Several designs have been made, but the final choice has not yet been decided. The logo seen today appeared in photos by mistake,” he clarified.

Halim added that the logo issue has been discussed in the party’s executive council and the official version will be unveiled soon. He also noted that the old logo was never officially adopted by the party, but was widely used by media outlets.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu emphasized that elections are the only legitimate path to a change of power in Bangladesh.

“Some groups fear they have no future if elections are held, so they are making excuses to delay the process. But they are living in a fool’s paradise,” he said.

Dudu declared that Bangladesh needs an inclusive, representative parliament and government. “The future belongs to nationalism. For 16 years, the people have struggled for their rights, and elections are the only way to restore them,” he stated.

He warned against attempts to impose decisions on citizens without elections, stressing that democracy must reflect the will of the people. Dudu also cautioned against “dark forces abroad” that seek to destabilize Bangladesh through violence during this period.

Farooq Hasan, Acting President of Gano Odhikar Parishad, has claimed that India wants to position Jatiya Party as the main opposition in Bangladesh, with the hidden goal of “rehabilitating” the Awami League.

“If Jatiya Party contests the election, they could win over 100 seats. But behind this lies a deep conspiracy,” Hasan said, adding that election authorities and institutions remain under Awami League’s control.

He asserted that 80% of the police and 70% of the administration back the ruling party, creating an uneven playing field. “In such a scenario, Jatiya Party is bound to perform well,” he remarked.

Hasan said his party would participate only if elections are free, fair, and neutral, stressing the need for administrative restructuring. “If the government wishes, elections can be held as early as December instead of February,” he said.

BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Rafiqul Islam Mia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Sunday evening after suddenly falling ill around 5 p.m. He is currently receiving treatment in a cabin.

The veteran politician has been in poor health since 2018, suffering from multiple complications including spinal fractures. His wife, Dr. Shahida Rafique, is a professor at Dhaka University and an adviser to the BNP Chairperson.

NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud has alleged that a conspiracy is underway over Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts, accusing India of attempting to seize the territory.
“We will not surrender even an inch of our land,” Masud declared, comparing the situation to Bangladesh’s resistance against Pakistan in 1971. “Just as we fought Pakistan, we will confront India in 2025.”

He accused India of playing its “last trump card” by destabilizing the region and instigating communal tension through a fabricated rape case between hill people and Bengalis. Masud further said young political leaders are being deliberately discredited when they begin working closely with the people.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s influence on global independence movements, he noted, “Indonesia and Nepal followed Bangladesh’s path to achieve independence. Indonesia has a prime minister aged just 35—Bangladesh too will have a 35-year-old prime minister, Inshallah.”

Masud urged voters not to be swayed by “guest birds” who appear only during elections. “I am your son, not a visitor. Vote for the one who stands by you in your time of need,” he said.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has extended greetings to Hindus in Bangladesh and around the world on the occasion of Durga Puja, urging vigilance against any attempt to disrupt communal harmony.

He warned that, as in previous authoritarian regimes, there may be efforts to create unrest during the festival. Law enforcement agencies, he said, must remain alert to safeguard peace.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s tradition of interfaith friendship and brotherhood, Rahman stressed that ensuring the safety of all citizens is a constitutional obligation. He also invoked a Hadith, warning against oppressing or depriving non-Muslims under state protection.

“Communal harmony is the essence of Bangladesh’s cultural and social values. Any attempt to destroy it must be strongly resisted,” he concluded.

Kamal Ahmed, chairman of the Media Reform Commission, has criticized the government for failing to implement any of the commission’s recommendations on press freedom and media reform.

He cited the murder of journalist Tuhin in Gazipur as an example of the dangers faced by reporters, stressing that many lack even basic safety training due to institutional neglect. “If media owners don’t ensure staff training, the proposed Journalism Protection Act must hold them accountable,” he said.

Ahmed also called for clear qualifications for journalists, editors, and publishers, as well as the establishment of an independent, effective media regulatory body instead of reviving the “half-dead” Press Council.

He urged withdrawal of all false cases against journalists and welcomed political parties’ pledges to allow the media to work independently.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has drawn a striking comparison between Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and late President Ziaur Rahman, the party’s founder.

“When Professor Yunus spoke, it felt as though I was hearing President Ziaur Rahman’s voice,” Fakhrul said, noting that Yunus’s vision for a democratic, prosperous, and corruption-free Bangladesh reflected Zia’s ideals.

He stressed that Bangladesh’s youth will play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s future and highlighted BNP’s openness to embracing their modern outlook. “The people of Bangladesh are inherently resilient. They know how to unite and fight in times of crisis. July proved that spirit, and BNP will continue to act in the interest of the people,” he added.

National Congress Party (NCP) leader Samanta Sharmin has claimed that BNP is weakening its own electoral prospects by its leaders’ statements.

“This election will overturn every equation,” she said, accusing vested interests and certain NGOs of manipulating pre-election polls to serve political agendas.

Sharmin argued that the upcoming election is “conspiratorial,” involving interim government actors, BNP, Awami League, Jamaat, and even certain international stakeholders. “A project is underway to keep Bangladesh trapped in the old establishment, but that project will eventually be exposed,” she warned.

She further noted that 60 percent of Bangladesh’s population is youth, many of whom see this election as an act of protest. Floating voters, she said, will play a decisive role. “BNP leaders expose their political weakness every time they speak—and with each statement, their vote bank shrinks.”

Sudan Gurung, a prominent youth leader of Nepal’s Gen-Z movement, has announced his candidacy in the country’s upcoming national elections.

Gurung revealed plans to launch a political platform called Movement for Change, uniting supporters nationwide. “Previous governments have corrupted politics. The ousted rulers are selfish and corrupt. If this is the politics they want, then we will fight and not back down,” he declared.

He stressed that his team is preparing to contest as a political party rather than as independents. Volunteers are already forming committees across Nepal, aiming to listen to people in every corner of the country.

The elections are scheduled for March, and Gurung expressed hopes that voters will reject old, corrupt leaders and demand accountability for past crimes.