Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque criticized the interim government, saying it is “trying to walk in the fallen regime’s torn shoes.”

He cautioned that authoritarian tendencies are emerging among some of its leaders, remarking:
“In the anti-fascist uprising, young people lit the flames of rebellion for the past 14 months, but the government kept pouring water on it. The youth have been repeatedly betrayed. Their dream of securing rights has turned into frustration.”

Haque warned that many leaders exploit youth power for mob politics and violence while denying them rights. He called on the youth to safeguard their spirit of resistance and urged the government to abandon hidden agendas, focus on justice and reform, and prepare for free and fair national elections in February.

Jamaat-e-Islami staged protest rallies and gatherings in Godagari and Paba, Rajshahi, pressing for a five-point demand including holding the next national election under a Proportional Representation (PR) system.

On Friday, a rally began from Mahishalbari Bazar and ended in front of the Upazila Parishad gate, followed by a public meeting. Addressing the gathering, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman declared:
“The people of Bangladesh no longer want to witness the fascist rule of authoritarian forces. Elections must be held under the PR system. This will ensure representation of all parties in parliament according to the votes they receive, while closing all doors to fascism.”

At the UN General Assembly, the Chief Adviser was joined by six leaders from three different political parties. Among them, NCP leader Tasnim Jara emphasized the importance of unity, writing:
“Differences are a natural rule in politics. Yet, our true strength lies in standing together despite those differences.”

She further remarked:
“Opportunities like this are rare—when we can represent Bangladesh on the global stage, beyond party lines. I feel proud to be part of a moment where unity is prioritized over division, and where we show the world that our shared responsibility to the people comes first.”

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has been named as a member of the Fulgazi Sadar Union BNP Committee in Feni, her ancestral home.

Khaleda has been repeatedly elected to Parliament from the Feni-1 constituency.

On Thursday night, the Fulgazi BNP announced new full-fledged committees for six unions under the upazila. Each committee includes a 10-member advisory panel and a 71-member executive body.

Khaleda Zia was listed as the first member of the Fulgazi Sadar Union committee. The new leadership includes Monir Ahmed as president and Md. Yasin Mahmud Mojumdar as general secretary.

Asaduzzaman Fuad of AB Party has alleged that several political parties are using businessman S. Alam’s money to campaign for Sheikh Hasina’s return with support from Delhi.

Speaking at a rally, Fuad said: “The July uprising ended the politics of division and corruption. We cannot allow new conspiracies funded by S. Alam to bring back Hasina.”

He warned against delaying elections to hand Bangladesh over to “Delhi’s old loyalists,” saying such attempts would “vanish like dinosaurs.”

Fuad added that his party would pursue people-oriented politics without bribes, corruption, or extortion. “We will compete and criticize each other politically, but we will not resort to foul language or violent politics,” he pledged.

BNP leader Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has claimed that some political forces are distressed by the prospect of voters choosing BNP’s election symbol, the paddy sheaf.

Speaking to party workers, he warned that attempts might be made to disrupt Durga Puja festivities to create political unrest. “For the sake of the election, BNP has remained silent. Those who opposed the creation of Bangladesh now want to sabotage the polls,” he said.

He added that BNP will consider formally entering the election field after the Puja celebrations, stressing that only free and fair polls can prevent fascism from gaining ground.

Jamaat leader Golam Parwar stated that if his party is given the opportunity to serve the country, it will tackle unemployment and work to build a prosperous, humanitarian Bangladesh.

Speaking in Dumuria-Fultala, he highlighted chronic waterlogging issues caused by Bil Dakatiya and promised a comprehensive development plan, including transforming Dumuria into a business hub. He also outlined initiatives to reform educational and religious institutions, ensuring students find jobs immediately after graduation or receive unemployment benefits.

Parwar emphasized the role of youth and students in shaping the country’s future, calling on them to lead a “vote revolution” in the upcoming election to create a new, equitable, and humane Bangladesh.

The BNP-aligned teachers’ group Sada Dal has expressed serious concerns over allegations of fraud and irregularities in the Dhaka University Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections.

In a statement, the group referenced a recent investigative report revealing widespread electoral malpractice, describing the findings as “deeply damaging to Dhaka University’s democratic values and reputation.”

Teacher leaders demanded immediate, transparent explanations from the university administration and called for an independent investigation, potentially involving members from outside the university. They emphasized that proven misconduct should result in exemplary punishment for the individuals involved. Furthermore, if the allegations are confirmed, they insist that election results should be suspended and a free, fair, and impartial re-election conducted promptly.

Political tensions in Bihar are heating up ahead of the upcoming state election, with immigration becoming a flashpoint. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently accused Congress and the RJD of sheltering illegal migrants, warning that such infiltration posed a “demographic crisis” and threatened women’s safety.

In a sharp rebuttal, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi dismissed Modi’s claims, declaring:
“Modiji says there are Bangladeshis in Bihar. I say there are none in Bihar or in the border regions. But you do have a Bangladeshi sister in Delhi—send her back, and we’ll ensure the borders are secure.”

Owaisi’s pointed remark was a direct reference to fugitive former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is believed to be in India.

Meanwhile, the controversy has intensified over the revision of Bihar’s voter rolls. The Election Commission admitted to detecting some Nepali, Bangladeshi, and Myanmar nationals registered as voters. Opposition parties, however, argue this is a ploy to disenfranchise legitimate voters.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav slammed the ruling BJP, saying:
“Even if we assume there are infiltrators, what have you done all these years? You’ve been in power at the Center for 11 years and have ruled Bihar for two decades. Why raise the alarm now?”

BNP leader Barkatullah Bulu has warned that if religious fundamentalists come to power in Bangladesh, the country could descend into a state similar to Afghanistan or Syria, leaving its future deeply uncertain.

Speaking at an event in Begumganj Upazila and Chaumuhani Municipality, where financial aid and food were distributed to 26 Durga Puja pavilions, Bulu urged citizens to safeguard the spirit of secularism and honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters.

“The upcoming national election is a crucial moment,” he said. “To protect our future and build a non-communal Bangladesh, people must cast their votes wisely.”

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has extended greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja and called on authorities to ensure adequate security. He highlighted Bangladesh’s reputation as a global model for communal harmony, recalling international recognition, including praise from the Australian High Commissioner. “Durga Puja should further strengthen our bonds of tolerance and harmony,” he said, wishing peace and prosperity for all communities.

Amid escalating global tensions, Iran has unveiled plans for a new nuclear power plant in Hormozgan province. The “Iran Hormoz” facility, with a projected capacity of 5,000 megawatts, will soon enter its design and equipment phase, according to Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization. Officials say the project is a significant step toward fulfilling strategic objectives outlined in Iran’s nuclear industry roadmap, reinforcing the country’s long-term energy and technological ambitions.

U.S. President Donald Trump met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the White House to discuss four key issues: the Gaza conflict, the Ukraine war, Syria, and F-35 fighter jet sales. Trump indicated a potential “big announcement” on Syria and hinted at lifting sanctions on Turkey if it stops buying Russian oil. Both leaders agreed on supporting the Syrian central government, reflecting improved relations compared to past tensions. The talks also focused on hostages and bilateral defense cooperation.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that the Israel-Palestine conflict is resolvable through dialogue if there is genuine political will. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, he expressed hope for the near-term implementation of a two-state solution. He emphasized that a sustainable Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, coupled with reconstruction in Gaza, is essential for lasting peace. Arab and Muslim nations have consistently highlighted the risks of West Bank occupation, and constructive negotiations remain key to regional stability.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew an unusual route to New York for the UN General Assembly, bypassing common European airways. His official plane, Wings of Zion, traveled over the Mediterranean, Greece, and Italy, entering the Atlantic via Gibraltar, adding nearly 600 km to the journey. Analysts say this detour helps him avoid the ICC arrest warrant issued last year for alleged war crimes in Gaza. France permitted his airspace use, but Netanyahu opted for a different path. He will address the UN and meet U.S. President Trump next week.