After being harassed by Awami League activists in the U.S., NCP Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain took to the streets of New York with counter-slogans that turned the city’s roads into a protest zone.
Following the airport incident, clashes of slogans erupted again outside his Manhattan hotel. Joined by Tasnim Jara and other leaders, Hossain chanted: “Down with Mujibism! Long live revolution! Justice for Sheikh Hasina’s crimes! Fascism no more!”

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has strongly condemned the assault on its ally, Akhtar Hossain, in New York, expressing outrage at the lack of security. The party accused the Chief Adviser of endangering political leaders by neglecting proper arrangements during his UN trip.
Party spokesperson Ataur Rahman warned that such negligence raises fears about political leaders’ safety during the upcoming national elections. He alleged that the Chief Adviser used state resources to promote three political parties abroad, undermining a level playing field.
The party demanded that U.S. authorities act against the attackers and that an inquiry be launched to hold those responsible for the security lapse accountable.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir and Charmonai Pir, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, declared that any party failing to understand the proportional representation (PR) system lacks the capacity to lead the country.
Rezaul accused BNP of opposing the system because, in his words, they do not even command 20% of the national vote. He further alleged that India does not want Bangladesh to pursue state reforms or visible justice, as that would weaken India’s grip on its neighbor.
Criticizing the interim government for announcing election dates before addressing the July uprising, he said, “The victims who were killed, maimed, or blinded have yet to see justice. Instead, the election has been prioritized.” He reaffirmed his party’s long-standing demand, raised first in 2008, for PR-based elections as the only path to true democracy.

Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport has become the first airport in Bangladesh to receive jet fuel directly through a dedicated pipeline.

The 6-kilometer Jet A-1 pipeline, constructed by Padma Oil Company Limited, was officially inaugurated this week.

Energy Secretary Saiful Islam said,
“This is the first airport in Bangladesh where jet fuel will be supplied via pipeline. The project ensures modern, eco-friendly, and efficient fuel delivery, reducing accident risks, lowering transport costs, and boosting operational efficiency.”

The Tk 1.7 billion project, titled “Jet A-1 Pipeline from Main Installation to Shah Amanat International Airport”, was launched on December 19, 2023, but completed at a reduced cost of Tk 1.55 billion.

NCP Joint Convener Taznuva Jabin has strongly condemned the attack on party leaders in New York, alleging blatant negligence by the interim government.

In a statement, Jabin wrote:
“Since entering politics, women like us have endured every imaginable slur and cyberbullying. Vulgar insults have become routine. But what happened in New York – the vile abuse hurled at Zara and the attack on Akhtar – is beyond disgraceful, especially as they were traveling as official companions of the Bangladesh government.”

She demanded accountability from the interim government:
“Why were political representatives not given protection? Why was the only female political delegate left exposed? Shame! The interim government owes Zara and the people of Bangladesh an apology. They talk endlessly about women’s rights, yet abandoned her to face the attack alone.”

Holding the government responsible, Jabin added:
“Akhtar is not just an NCP leader – he is a living symbol of resistance against fascism. To fail in protecting him is a betrayal. The NCP will not let this go unanswered.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has strongly condemned the harassment of Akhtar Hossain and other political leaders in New York.

He accused former ruling elites of attempting to create fresh chaos:

“Those who imposed autocracy for 15 years are again conspiring to destabilize politics. We must remain vigilant against backdoor deals with dictators,” Rizvi said.

He further alleged that new propaganda campaigns against BNP began after August 5, aimed at reviving “minus-one” style politics.
“Just as Khaleda Zia could not be forced into exile, BNP too cannot be eliminated. We will resist such conspiracies,” Rizvi declared.

He also instructed party activists to act as guardians during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations to ensure peaceful festivities.

The interim government has expressed regret after several political leaders, including NCP Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain, were harassed in New York.

In a statement, the government alleged that supporters of Sheikh Hasina were behind the incident, which echoed the violent political culture of her regime.

Officials said the delegation initially entered the airport through the VVIP gate but later faced unexpected visa complications and inadequate security arrangements.

Authorities confirmed that one person has already been arrested, with a formal investigation underway. Security around Chief Adviser Yunus and his delegation has since been tightened, with assurances of legal and diplomatic measures in response.

BNP central leader and Liberation War veteran Hasan Uddin Sarkar has raised alarm over the widespread drug crisis in Bangladesh.

Speaking at a meeting with teachers at Tongi Shahaj Uddin Sarkar School and College, he said:

“Drugs have infiltrated every part of society. If we fail to protect our youth, destruction is inevitable. Without saving the younger generation from this menace, the nation will have no future leadership.”

He urged urgent collective action to tackle the drug epidemic.

Abidul Islam Khan, a defeated VP candidate in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, has accused the university administration and the Election Commission of deliberately delaying investigations into election irregularities.

After meeting the Vice Chancellor, Abidul said he demanded updates on the probe but received little clarity.

“We submitted written complaints, including evidence of ballot papers found in the basement of Gausul Azam Super Market. Yet, the commission refuses to take them into account,” he said.

Abidul, along with Umaama Fatema and Abdul Kader, raised further concerns over irregularities in polling at SM Hall and Zahurul Haq Hall. Fatema noted that the administration still has not explained discrepancies regarding ballot papers.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has urged party activists not to respond to insults or criticism with hostility.

“Those who insult Jamaat deserve no reply. Our response will be our program, Insha’Allah,” he said in a recent address.

He emphasized that Jamaat’s core responsibility is to work for the welfare of the country and its people.
“Ultimate judgment rests with the Almighty. Patience and trust in Allah must be our greatest tools. May Allah protect our beloved Bangladesh from all dangers,” Rahman added.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam has accused the government and relevant ministries of failing to ensure security, leading to the attack on Akhtar Hossain.

He said, “The fascist Awami League continues targeting July Uprising leaders. We saw assassination attempts in Gopalganj during the July march, and attacks abroad on our leaders like Mahfuz Alam. Yesterday’s attack on Akhtar Hossain is part of the same pattern.”

Nahid added that many Awami League members accused of violence are freely roaming after bail and even threatening families of martyrs. “The government must identify and punish these collaborators of fascism,” he said.

On the lotus symbol issue, Nahid said NCP will give its official response once the EC announces a decision. He also confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding a possible merger between GOP and NCP.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul has condemned the attack on NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and others at New York airport, blaming the ruling Awami League.

“What happened proves again that Awami League feels no remorse for its injustices,” Fakhrul said in a statement. He vowed that all past wrongs committed by the party will be brought to justice through law, urging BNP supporters to remain patient “for the sake of the party and the nation.”

NCP leader Sarjis has demanded that the Election Commission grant the party its requested lotus symbol, warning of consequences otherwise.

“The EC Secretary admitted there is no legal barrier, only that the lotus is not on their symbol list. But NCP clearly applied for it during registration. Whose responsibility was it to update the list?” Sarjis questioned.

He accused the EC of acting under external influence and warned, “Since there is no legal obstacle, NCP must get the lotus symbol—there is no other option. If denied, we too will see how elections are held and who dreams of coming to power to enjoy its fruits.”

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mia Golam Porwar has strongly rejected BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul’s claim that Jamaat pressured BNP over proportional representation after being denied 30 seats.

Calling the remarks “false and vindictive,” Porwar challenged Fakhrul to present evidence. “If Jamaat indeed demanded seats, let him show proof to the nation,” he said, adding that Jamaat functions under its own leadership and has “no involvement with seat-bargaining politics.”

Porwar demanded that Fakhrul either prove his claim or apologize to the public for tarnishing Jamaat’s image. He urged BNP leaders to refrain from making “baseless and misleading statements” in the future.

BNP leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has firmly rejected the idea of imposing constitutional or presidential mechanisms that bypass direct voting. “The people of Bangladesh are accustomed to voting directly under the constitution. They have never practiced proportional representation voting, not in 54 years of Bangladesh, not in 24 years of Pakistan, nor during British rule,” he said.

He warned, “If such a system is imposed through constitutional orders or presidential decrees, the people will not accept it. BNP will never agree to it.”

Zahid reaffirmed that the interim government must ensure elections are held strictly in line with the constitution, the supreme law of the land.