BNP leader Aman Ullah Aman confirmed that the upcoming parliamentary elections will not follow the proportional representation (PR) system. According to the Chief Adviser, elections are scheduled for the first half of February.

“The people of this country do not understand the PR system, and there will be no elections under it,” Aman said. He recalled the August 5 student movement, which ended authoritarian rule, and asserted that true democratic voting rights are yet to be fully restored. “Through the next national elections, the people’s voting rights will be reinstated, establishing democracy in the country.”

Aman urged voters to support the “Dhanner Sheesh” symbol. Barrister Irfan Ibne Aman will contest from the Dhaka-2 constituency, he added.

BNP leader Saeed Sohrab distributed leaflets at Mirzapur market to promote the party’s 31-point program, calling for public awareness of its key initiatives.

He assured, “BNP will serve as vigilant guardians to ensure the safety of every Puja Mandap in the country.” Sohrab added, “As a son of Mirzapur, I seek your support in the upcoming elections. If BNP nominates me, I will gift the Tangail-7 seat to the party with your collective backing.”

He also highlighted that BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had declared the 31-point program on July 13, 2023, emphasizing citizens’ rights, the rule of law, equality, and the restoration of democracy. Sohrab called on the public to vote for the “Dhanner Sheesh” symbol in the upcoming election.

Jatiya Party Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud and Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader reaffirmed their faction’s legitimacy, dismissing claims over the party’s plough symbol.
Their statement followed CEC A M M Nasir Uddin’s remark that multiple groups are contesting ownership of the symbol.
They emphasized that the party’s last national council was conducted lawfully, where Mahmud and Hawlader were unanimously elected.
They accused rival groups of filing misleading applications, adding that the Election Commission can only allocate the symbol based on applications from the party’s constitutional leadership.

BNP leader Asadul Habib Dulu criticized the proposed proportional representation (PR) electoral system, claiming it will detach MPs from their constituencies.
“People may vote in Lalmonirhat but end up with an MP from Gazipur. This leaves MPs with no accountability,” he argued.
He accused ruling parties of misleading the public with new electoral models while ignoring demands for free and fair elections. Dulu further blamed past governments for the decline of sports in Bangladesh, saying the public was deprived of healthy entertainment.

Ganatantra Parishad and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) are working together in movements and hinting at possible unification, according to NCP’s northern organizer, Sarjis Alam.
“People want both parties to stay united,” he said. Discussions are already underway.
Ganatantra Parishad Secretary General Rashed Khan confirmed that formal talks will take place once its President Nurul Haque Nur and NCP leader Akhtar Hossain return from abroad.
Sarjis also asserted that the Awami League and Jatiya Party must be banned from future elections and held accountable for their past actions.

Following a High Court directive, the Election Commission (EC) has officially registered the Bangladesh Labour Party as a political party.
The certificate, issued Thursday, referenced the May 29 High Court ruling under the Representation of the People Order, 1972. Party president Mostafizur Rahman Iran had filed a writ petition in September 2023 seeking registration.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam assured that extensive security measures have been taken ahead of Durga Puja.
“Minor incidents do occur during festival preparations, but we act immediately upon receiving reports,” Alam said after inspecting preparations at Banglabazar Puja Mandap.
He warned that “disgruntled Awami League elements” could attempt to create unrest, but police and intelligence agencies remain vigilant to prevent any destabilizing activities.

Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher revealed that visa complications prevented him and other political leaders from joining the Chief Adviser’s motorcade during a recent trip.
Speaking in an interview with journalist Khaled Muhiuddin on Thikana, Taher explained: “The Chief Adviser’s team held G-1 visas, while ours were regular tourist visas requiring fingerprint clearance. This communication gap forced us to walk to immigration, even as the Chief Adviser waited over 10 minutes.”
Taher also addressed the airport egg-throwing incident, saying he was nearby but unaware until later. He noted tensions among supporters during the event, which led to some embarrassing moments.

Maulana Mamunur Rashid, known as the “July Fighter,” has been missing for over three days, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said in a statement.
“The family is in deep anxiety. His whereabouts must be identified and he should be returned home without delay,” Rahman urged, adding that although the family contacted authorities, the response from law enforcement has been unclear.

Jamaat leader Shafiqul Islam Masud has warned that no political party can shield the Awami League from public outrage.

“The people will not allow the Awami League to create chaos after looting for 15 years and fleeing abroad. If law enforcement fails, the public will rise up, and the consequences for Awami League will be dire,” Masud said.

He urged the government to complete national elections in February under a PR-based system, with July’s accord providing legal grounds for justice.

Masud also blamed Awami affiliates at Bangladesh’s New York mission for enabling attacks on opposition leaders abroad. He demanded a ban on the Awami League and its 14-party allies, calling them “a threat to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.”

Ahead of Durga Puja, GOP leader Rashed Khan has called for installing CCTV cameras in temples to ensure security.

He warned that “defeated forces and hidden fascist elements” may attempt attacks or idol vandalism. “The government must provide adequate protection, while political parties and citizens must remain vigilant,” he said.

Khan further cautioned against conspiracies aiming to incite communal tensions. “Bangladesh must never fall into the trap of religious conflict. We must uphold harmony and move forward together,” he stressed.

Political leader Fazlur Rahman has strongly rejected the idea of holding elections under Muhammad Yunus, insisting instead on a three-month caretaker government to oversee fair polls.

“I don’t believe—at least 90 percent sure—that elections will take place in February, though my party still believes so,” Rahman told supporters. He accused Yunus of building a “political dice” favoring Jamaat-e-Islami, claiming Yunus uses his inner circle to dictate leadership decisions.

“His press secretary has already declared who will be the next prime minister. This is unacceptable,” Fazlu said, alleging “night-time relations” between Jamaat and Yunus’ camp.

Rahman concluded: “We want elections only under a legally formed caretaker government. With its advisers, it should deliver a fair election within 120 days.”

The Rangpur Metropolitan branch of Bagchas has suspended the organizational membership of its convener, Imtiaz Ahmed Imti, after allegations surfaced that he assaulted students.

According to Mahfuzur Rahman, the joint office secretary, the suspension was enforced under the organization’s constitution. A three-member probe committee has been formed to investigate the matter and instructed to submit a neutral and comprehensive report within 72 hours to central leaders Abu Bakar Mojumdar and Zahid Ahsan.

Imti is accused of storming into a classroom at Harati High School on September 4 and beating more than 50 students. He also serves as the president of the school’s ad-hoc committee. A guardian later filed a general diary with police, but the incident only came to light on Tuesday after victims failed to receive legal remedies.

In his defense, Imti admitted to scolding students, claiming it was for their betterment. “I have been working hard for six months to ensure the children achieve good results. Ninety-five percent of students have no complaints. The matter has been exaggerated and already resolved,” he said, urging others to view it with forgiveness.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmad warned that conducting elections under a proportional representation (PR) system could produce another authoritarian or weak government like Sheikh Hasina’s, leaving the country permanently unstable. He argued that one motive for pushing PR is to win more seats, and another is to create disunity and instability so no single majority party can govern. Salahuddin said PR benefits less-popular parties and stressed that the constitution clearly prescribes direct election of representatives. He urged Jamaat to consult the constitution before advocating changes, and said unconstitutional or unlawful demands from any party cannot be accepted. He cautioned that public opinion surveys are being misinterpreted — noting that while many people may not understand PR, claims that 70 percent favor it are misleading.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said elections are expected in February and that the chief adviser and the military are conscious of the need for a credible process. However, he warned that adversaries are attempting to keep Bangladesh unstable and urged a collective effort to resist such designs. Speaking with Khaled Mahmud, Fakhrul urged rebuilding public trust where skepticism has grown and stressed that progress requires concrete action. He said other political parties are aware elections are imminent and that while the military and advisers are vigilant, there is no simple solution to the country’s problems. He expressed concern that planned mob violence, arson and factory attacks appear increasingly organized. On the NCP–Jamaat issue, Fakhrul described bargaining and political negotiation as the nature of party politics and noted that many discussions have already taken place, creating space for further talks.