Several Western nations, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and Portugal, formally recognized the State of Palestine on September 21, marking a historic shift in foreign policy. Israel condemned the move, while the U.S. criticized it as mere “showmanship,” emphasizing priorities like hostage release, Israeli security, and regional peace. Palestinians in Gaza welcomed it as a victory. Netanyahu reaffirmed that no Palestinian state will be established west of the Jordan River. Other countries may announce recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly.

In Mymensingh’s Gafargaon upazila, more than 50 BNP leaders and activists have officially defected to Jamaat-e-Islami.
The group joined Jamaat on Sunday evening at Charshankhchura village under Paikbagh union. Local Jamaat leaders welcomed them with flowers at a reception ceremony.
Upazila Jamaat Ameer, Maulana Ismail Hossain Sohel Master, said the new members were inspired by Jamaat’s ideology and joined to work against drugs, terrorism, bribery, and corruption while striving for an Islamic governance system.

BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu has stressed that Bangladesh must hold elections without delay, warning that delays would worsen the country’s situation.
Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with imams and muezzins, Pintu said:
“People support the traditional election system. They neither know nor accept any other process. Voters must be able to choose their candidates freely.”
He added that despite possible conspiracies, the public would resist all plots, and elections would be held by February next year.

The Islami Andolan Bangladesh has demanded that BNP leader Annie Chowdhury withdraw her recent remarks and issue a public apology. In a joint statement, Sheikh Fazle Bari Masud, Joint Secretary General, and Ariful Islam, Secretary, said Annie made “obscene and fabricated” comments about Islami Andolan’s Amir and Pir Sahib of Char Monai during a public rally—remarks they described as grossly irresponsible and against political etiquette.

The leaders argued that Annie’s comments have “pained the political and conscious sections of society” and accused the BNP of being complicit with autocracy by legitimizing the 2018 “dummy election” and sending six MPs to Parliament. “Falsehood is Annie Chowdhury’s only capital, but the people of Bangladesh now see through it,” they said. They further alleged that BNP is unable to accept the emerging unity among Islamists and accused the party of “betraying the nation” by engaging in extortion, land grabbing, looting, and terrorism. Annie, on her part, had branded Islami Andolan and the Char Monai Pir as “national traitors.”

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has accused the Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), led by the Charmonai Pir, of strengthening Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s grip on power through repeated electoral cooperation, calling it a betrayal of the people.

Speaking on the formation of a consensus government, Annie said:
“Through implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point agenda, we can bring about a national unity government. In such a setup, elected representatives would form the lower house, while unelected leaders from different political groups could join the upper house to ensure inclusive governance.”

He alleged that for 17 years, Islami Andolan played a key role in propping up Hasina’s rule:
“In the elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024, Islami Andolan extended support to Hasina, thus strengthening her permanence in power. For this, Charmonai Pir and his party have been marked as traitors by the people of Bangladesh.”

Criticizing their current stance, he added:
“Today they parade on the streets against elections, but where were they during our 17 years of struggle? Back then, we didn’t see their so-called movement. Now they threaten, march, and disrupt the electoral atmosphere. To overcome this situation, unity is our only strength.”

Annie also recalled Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in frustrating opposition unity in earlier decades:
“In 1986 and 1996, Jamaat did not just obstruct us, they obstructed the entire nation.”

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has said that the party’s liberal democratic vision is crucial for ensuring a peaceful and stable socio-economic environment in Bangladesh.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Danish Ambassador H.E. Christian Brix Møller. The two discussed Bangladesh’s political climate, participation of different parties in upcoming elections, and Denmark’s investment interest.
The ambassador highlighted Denmark’s plan to invest nearly $2 billion in coastal infrastructure and renewable energy projects, particularly in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. Both sides expressed optimism that stronger democratic stability in Bangladesh would enhance bilateral cooperation.

Uyghur-American activist Kuzzat Altay says China’s economic influence silences Muslim countries on Uyghur persecution. In a video message, he explained that trade and investment ties with Beijing prevent these nations from speaking out. Altay claimed China spends billions to pressure governments and media, while controlling information about repression in Xinjiang. He urged global support, warning that Muslim citizens would demand action if properly informed. Rights groups allege mass detentions, forced indoctrination, and abuses in China’s “re-education” camps, which Beijing denies.

Student organizations at Rajshahi University have demanded postponement of the long-awaited RUCSU election following campus unrest over a teacher’s humiliation.
With the campus under a “complete shutdown” and most students leaving dormitories and messes, candidates supported by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal argued that voter participation would be severely compromised.
VP candidate Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir said, “Elections without full student participation cannot be fair. We want the polls to be held after Durga Puja, if necessary.”
Other student panels and independent candidates echoed the call, stressing that unresolved issues like the controversial “dependent quota” must be addressed to ensure inclusive participation.
Candidate Tasin warned that with major religious holidays and shutdowns disrupting campaigns, the election — being held after 35 years — risks losing legitimacy.

Syria’s interim government has set October 5 for the People’s Assembly election, the first since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster last year. Of 210 seats, one-third will be appointed by President Ahmed al-Shara, while the rest will be elected under the electoral commission. The vote aims to rebuild state institutions and gain legitimacy, though critics warn of limited representation. Security concerns persist in Suwayda, Hasakah, and Raqqa, while al-Shara pushes regional diplomacy, including potential security talks with Israel.

The Election Commission (EC) is preparing to grant official registration to six new political parties, including the National Citizen’s Party (NCP) and the Bangladesh National League.

According to EC sources, a field-level verification of 22 parties has been completed. Following this process, the National Citizen’s Party, Bangladesh Aam Janagon Party, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, and Bangladesh National League are among the six parties recommended for final approval.

Files recommending their registration have already been submitted to the commission. After the relevant branch concluded its review and signed off on the documents last Sunday, the file is being placed before the commission today for approval.

The commission may amend or adjust the proposals before granting final consent. Once approved, a public notice will be issued, giving 15 days for objections and hearings. After resolving any disputes, symbols will be allocated, and the EC will publish the final gazette.

Islamic movement leader Faizul Karim has sharply criticized the country’s ruling class, saying they have failed to bring any meaningful welfare to the people in the past 53 years.

Addressing a gathering, Karim said:
“For decades, the rulers have been tested, but they have given the people nothing worthwhile. Now, I urge you—test Islam once. Islam has not come into this world to fail; it has come to triumph. If we fail, we will not come before you again.”

During the event, he also announced Dr. Noor Alam Siddique, President of Islami Andolon Bangladesh’s Dinajpur South District branch, as the party’s candidate for the Dinajpur-6 parliamentary seat.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that competent officials are being sidelined in the administration over accusations of ties with the BNP’s student wing, Chhatra Dal, while key posts such as deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) are being awarded to ruling party loyalists.

He warned of possible “sabotage and untoward incidents” under ongoing domestic and international conspiracies. Rizvi also claimed a smear campaign against BNP has intensified since August 5, comparing the government’s actions to the era of “1/11.”

He accused authorities of trying to eliminate BNP from politics by branding it with various labels. Rizvi urged party members to remain vigilant and continue guarding puja mandaps across the country.

Abidul Islam Khan, a defeated vice-president candidate in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, has accused the administration of deliberately delaying responses to written complaints of irregularities.

He alleged that ballot papers lacked serial numbers, and the number of used and unused ballots was never disclosed. Khan also claimed that polling officers misinformed journalists, student leaders were repeatedly harassed by mobs, and outsiders entered the campus with the help of BNCC, Rover Scouts, and Girl Guides.

“Students are questioning whether individuals cast multiple votes,” he added. Despite the alleged irregularities, Khan emphasized that his panel refrained from protests, hoping the university would ensure transparency and accountability through proper investigation.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus departed Dhaka on Sunday night to attend the 80th UN General Assembly in New York. He is scheduled to address the session on September 26, highlighting the interim government’s reforms, the July 2024 Uprising, and commitments to free, fair, and participatory elections in February 2026.

Dr. Tasnim Zara, traveling as part of the delegation, stated: “As representatives, we will present Bangladesh’s democratic transformation and inclusive participation as a positive example on the world stage. I humbly seek prayers from everyone.”

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju has cautioned that the much-debated July Accord—and the February 2026 national elections—may be jeopardized due to “rigid stances and missteps” by some political groups.

He emphasized that the July Uprising demanded national unity, but political infighting and mudslinging are undermining that spirit. “The Chief Adviser’s steps remain unclear. Any miscalculation must not derail the February polls,” Monju warned.