Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has claimed that poverty could be eradicated from Bangladesh within three to four years if Zakat were officially collected and managed.

He proposed mobilizing Zakat funds from across the Muslim world to create massive employment opportunities.

For example, he suggested that if a youth were given Tk 500,000 from Zakat funds to run 10 small food carts, each could employ 10 people, generating Tk 700–800 in daily profits and Tk 90,000 monthly income for the owner.

“This way, thousands of crores could be mobilized for nationwide employment,” Taher said, also praising the sacrifices of expatriates in past movements.

GOP leader Rashed Khan has warned that introducing a Proportional Representation (PR) system in elections could destabilize Bangladesh.

“If PR is implemented, MPs will be bought and sold every morning and evening. Stability will collapse. In reality, PR is not feasible for the lower house, though discussions could be held for the upper house,” Rashed argued.

He further cautioned that the system might rehabilitate the Awami League and risk triggering ethnic divisions and religious strife.

Rashed questioned the Election Commission’s stance on reforms, accusing both the Commission and government of trying to shirk responsibility. “It is the government’s duty to bring differing opinions into consensus,” he said, while also questioning why an “invisible government” was controlling the interim authority.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has said that his party will never compromise on Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

Speaking at a rally, Taher declared:
“Some try to scare us by saying that if we come to power, India will invade. I pray they do invade. Once they do, the false stigma placed upon us in 1971 will disappear, and we will have the chance to prove ourselves as true freedom fighters. At least five million youths will wage a war of independence against India.”

Taher elaborated that one group would launch guerrilla attacks while the other would spread out across the region, igniting a full-scale resistance. He also linked the idea to prophetic traditions of battle.

Criticizing the Awami League, Taher claimed the ruling party would never fight India but rather assist them. “When the time comes, the organized force will be us. Then we will be the true liberation fighters, and no one will be able to devour Bangladesh,” he said.

BNP leaders held a meeting with a visiting European Parliamentary delegation to discuss the country’s political climate ahead of the upcoming general election.
BNP representatives emphasized the need for a free, fair, and participatory election, ensuring equal opportunity for all political parties. The delegation included election monitoring and follow-up experts Ricardo Celleri, Mete Bakken, and Manuel Wali.
BNP’s side was represented by senior leaders Nazrul Islam Khan, Salahuddin Ahmed, Ismail Jobiullah, and Shama Obaid.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin assured that the Election Commission will not issue instructions favoring any side and will operate strictly in line with the law.
He emphasized that the Commission is determined to hold a historic and credible election in February, despite visible and invisible challenges. Commissioner Anwarul Islam added, “The backbone of the Commission remains strong. We will conduct the vote with utmost professionalism.”
Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the upcoming polls would be more challenging than any in the past, particularly in preventing AI misuse and facilitating voting for expatriates.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed satisfaction with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s address at the UN General Assembly.
Fakhrul highlighted that Yunus gave a “clear and powerful” message about holding national elections in February 2026, removing all doubts. “We are convinced the election will take place. For the first time, opposition parties were brought into the government’s international narrative, showcasing national unity,” Fakhrul said. He added that BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman fully supported this inclusive effort.

Controversy erupted at the mausoleum of former President Ziaur Rahman when Dr. Sabrina, accused of having links with the Awami League, faced protests from BNP’s student wing, Chhatra Dal. A video circulating on social media shows activists confronting her, demanding she leave the premises.
Sabrina insisted she had never raised slogans in favor of Sheikh Hasina, rejecting the allegations. However, Chhatra Dal leaders argued she was not authorized to attend. Despite initially refusing to leave, Sabrina eventually departed the site by car, saying, “Zia’s shrine belongs to everyone.”

BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has declared that the era of conventional politics in Bangladesh is over. Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony of the Zia Swimming Carnival, he emphasized that the July uprising has brought about a psychological shift among the people—something future politics must embrace.
He stressed that just as democracy is needed in politics and economics, sports too should be democratized to ensure equal opportunities for all. Khosru further said, “Public expectations from politics are changing. The people want to see BNP as a truly ideological and principled political party.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqur Rahman pledged that if his party comes to power, citizens will not need to protest in the streets to have their demands met. He promised that within five years, even if a “bullet train of development” cannot be achieved, an “express train of development” will be delivered. He criticized past governments for failing to create opportunities for the youth and vowed to rebuild Bangladesh with public cooperation. Rahman also condemned the current education system, arguing that policymakers send their children abroad while ordinary students suffer in a flawed system.

AFM Solaiman Chowdhury, founder and former convener of AB Party, has resigned from all party posts and announced his return to Jamaat-e-Islami. He expressed disappointment, stating that AB Party, launched in May 2020 with the vision of equality, dignity, and justice, has become Dhaka-centric and strayed from its founding ideals. Chowdhury said he has already held initial discussions with Jamaat’s leadership and was warmly welcomed back.

Violence broke out in front of the UN headquarters in New York when two leaders affiliated with Awami League and its banned student wing were assaulted. The injured, Z.I. Russell and Hridoy Khan, were hospitalized with injuries. Police arrested Riaz Rahman, a U.S.-based BNP activist, in connection with the attack. Video footage shows Russell alleging that BNP and Jamaat activists attacked him, while opposing voices claimed it was a response to “Awami League terrorism.” Another Awami League leader was also reportedly targeted later the same day.

The National Committee Party (NCP) has revoked the expulsion order of its Joint Member-Secretary Mahin Sarkar. The decision was formalized in a letter signed Friday by NCP’s Office Secretary Saleh Uddin Sifat. Previously, Mahin Sarkar had been expelled indefinitely for serious violations of party discipline under directives from Convenor Md. Nahid Islam and Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie reflected on his political journey, saying:
“From the very beginning, my politics was not confined to rallies and processions. We prioritized social and humanitarian work as well. Politics is not only about movements—it must address people’s social and human needs.”

Annie noted that during his time, such initiatives were rare, but now competition in this field has grown. He stressed that outdated political practices are no longer enough and highlighted the importance of prioritizing student voices in politics.

Speaking about Ramgati, his home region, Annie praised local youth for pursuing education despite immense challenges like poverty and natural disasters. He emphasized that unity beyond party lines is key to building a better society, tackling drug abuse, and addressing river erosion, which remains Ramgati’s greatest challenge.

National Youth Force has demanded immediate punishment for those involved in the abduction of July fighter K.M. Mamunur Rashid.

At a press briefing, convener Tarikul Islam said:
“The shadow clique’s amateur drama has failed. They are conspiring to undermine the credibility of NCP and Youth Force by spreading false propaganda. If anyone tries to fracture the anti-fascist alliance, we will give a strong response.”

He urged journalists to expose the conspirators behind the smear campaign, announcing that a lawsuit would be filed on Saturday against those who defamed NCP and Youth Force on Facebook by linking them to Rashid’s disappearance.

Ganasamhati Andolon leader Zonayed Saki alleged that Sheikh Hasina is “preparing to do whatever it takes to turn the country into hell after her defeat.”

Speaking at a political program, he said:
“She cannot succeed if we remain united. Not even foreign money will help her. We have achieved one victory, but we need a greater one—to stabilize, unite, and rebuild the nation.”

Saki reaffirmed his long-held stance that the Awami League government was fascist and destined for downfall, stressing the need for a new political arrangement built on justice, reform, and elections.

“The July charter is written in blood,” he said. “It must be legitimized and implemented by future representatives through law. Neither BNP, Jamaat, nor NCP are free from corruption. Even within anti-discrimination student movements, allegations of corruption have surfaced.”