BNP leader Barkat Ullah Bulu has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of conspiring to prevent Tarique Rahman from becoming the next Prime Minister. He alleged that Jamaat, a party with a history of opposing Bangladesh’s independence, is using the pretext of a proportional representation (PR) system to create unrest around the election process.

“Elections must be held under the same system used previously. Otherwise, the people of this country will resist,” Bulu declared.

Recalling history, he said Jamaat joined forces with the Awami League in 1996 and enforced 173 days of hartals, but when contesting against Khaleda Zia, the party managed to secure only three seats.

He also reminded that in 1947, Jamaat did not vote in favor of Pakistan but rather for a united India. “Jamaat has never stood with the country; they have always acted against national interests,” he added.

Bulu expressed hope that elections would be held in February, after which a newly elected government could bring back the wealth allegedly laundered during the Awami League’s tenure. He further accused Sheikh Hasina of attempting to kill Khaleda Zia with “slow poisoning” in prison, while hailing Ziaur Rahman for giving the nation its map by declaring independence on March 27, 1971.

Argentina’s President Javier Milei narrowly escaped injury after being attacked with stones, bottles, and other projectiles by an angry crowd during a rally in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. He was campaigning for upcoming local and midterm elections alongside his sister, Karina Milei, when the incident occurred.
Several objects struck the president, though he managed to flee the scene with his team. The attack comes at a time when Milei is facing public outrage over a corruption scandal that has fueled widespread criticism of his administration.

A case has been filed against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-politician Thalapathy Vijay following allegations that his bodyguard misbehaved with a fan during a recent rally. The actor, who has drawn significant attention by declaring a political battle against the BJP, announced earlier this month that he would contest the 2026 Assembly elections from Madurai East—his most direct confrontation with the ruling DMK to date.
At the rally, Vijay pledged to work for the release of Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka and ensure the safety of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen—long-standing demands in state politics. Presenting TVK as a “clean and uncompromising force,” Vijay declared: “We are not a party that secretly makes deals or betrays the people. We fear no one. The people of Tamil Nadu, especially women and the youth, stand with us.”
On social media, he also condemned the arrest of sanitation workers in Chennai, calling it “fascist” and “inhumane.”

Islamic Movement leader Maulana Ahmad Abdul Kayum has said that establishing a fascism-free society requires proportional representation (PR) elections.
“Fascism thrives when power is centralized in one hand. The constitution has been amended repeatedly to serve partisan interests. Only a PR-based election system can save this country, Islam, and humanity,” he argued.
Kayum stressed that the people of Bangladesh have already risked their lives to free the nation from fascism. He called for visible justice for past atrocities, constitutional reforms, and a transition away from “the old arrangements.”
Referring to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said: “On August 5, the killer, fascist, and money launderer Hasina didn’t even realize she would have to flee the country. Those who fail to learn from history will face the same fate.”
He warned extortionists and vested interest groups: “The people are now united. They will throw these looters and killers into the Bay of Bengal.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the Election Commission is being used as a tool by the ruling BJP during elections.
“I respect the Election Commission, but it cannot become BJP’s lollipop,” Mamata said. She also criticized discrimination against Bengali speakers in India, claiming they face obstacles in jobs, education, and even basic hospitality.
Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she asked: “Why does he say money is stopped because Bengalis are thieves? If theft is the issue, look at Uttar Pradesh or Maharashtra. Why target Bengal?”
Mamata accused the central government of financially depriving West Bengal through discriminatory policies.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Daksu VP candidate Jalal Ahmad Jalal in a case of attempted murder of his roommate.
Reacting to the development, Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Rashed Khan defended Jalal, recalling his role in past movements. “In 2018, when we were arrested, Jalal reorganized the quota reform movement and sought support from national leaders. With their help, we were freed and successfully revived the movement,” Rashed said.
He added that Jalal also stood by activists during the 2024 quota reform protests when Akhtar Hossain was arrested. Raising questions about the Mohsin Hall incident, Rashed asked: “Is this truly a personal dispute, or something else? His candidacy should not be canceled without a fair investigation.”
Rashed further alleged that Jalal had been a victim of enforced disappearance in the past and suffered severe trauma from electronic shocks to his tongue, leaving him mentally scarred. “If guilty, punish him—but do not strip him of his studentship,” he urged.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam inspired the oppressed to rise against tyranny, and his works provided courage during historic struggles for freedom and democracy in Bangladesh.
In a tribute on the poet’s death anniversary, Tarique wrote:
“Forty-nine years ago, the life of our national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam came to an end. He was one of the foremost poets and musicians of 20th century Bengali literature. Having endured hardship from childhood, his innate protest against injustice became the hallmark of his writings.”
Tarique highlighted that Nazrul’s poems and songs sparked a cultural renaissance and played a vital role in inspiring freedom fighters during the Liberation War, the 1990 pro-democracy movement, and the 2024 uprising. He added, “Kazi Nazrul Islam is a shining example of human love. I believe his works will continue to inspire patriotism for generations to come.”

In a recent meeting, leaders of several like-minded Islamic parties emphasized that the upcoming national parliamentary election must be conducted strictly on the basis of the July Charter. They warned that any deviation from this framework would not be accepted by the public, nor would it be considered legitimate by their parties.

The leaders stressed that ensuring the implementation of the July Charter cannot rely on mere rhetoric but must be secured through a solid legal framework. Raising pointed questions, they asked, “How can a government that is neither formed nor functioning under the Constitution organize national elections under the same Constitution?”

They further noted that while some claim that the current interim government operates under the existing Constitution, the reality is that this government is largely the product of a special political compromise among the participants of the July Revolution—a compromise that has no direct constitutional recognition.

The meeting was chaired by Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed, Secretary General of the Khelafat Majlis, and attended by leaders from Islami Andolan, Nezam-e-Islam Party, and Khelafat Majlis.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince stated that the party cannot take responsibility for personal remarks made by any leader outside the party framework. “Fazlur Rahman has been summoned because his comments embarrassed the party. He is a distinguished freedom fighter and a dedicated activist, and we respect him. However, his views are personal,” he said.
Prince also highlighted the party’s commitment to protecting the rights of minority communities in Bangladesh. He pointed out that during past regimes, minority groups faced land dispossession and persecution, and that the philosophy of Ziaur Rahman recognized the social, cultural, and religious identity of all communities. The party pledges to ensure these communities’ political, social, and constitutional rights.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has admitted that, despite decades of resilience, a growing sense of despair now shadows him as he witnesses the moral decay around him.

“I have never been disheartened in politics—I have always given people courage. But lately, despair has been following me everywhere. Because wherever I look, I see corruption and moral decline,” Fakhrul said.

He pointed to rampant corruption in offices and institutions, where ordinary people are being deprived of basic services. “Sadly, even political leaders have become entangled in this corruption, causing greater damage to the nation,” he lamented.

Fakhrul stressed that the expected moral transformation of society has not occurred, urging everyone to rise to the occasion to save the country. He also warned that efforts are underway to erase the memory of 1971.

“The Liberation War cannot be forgotten. Those who aided Pakistan back then are the very people making grand speeches today. The nation must remain vigilant,” he cautioned.

NCP leader Sargis Alam has condemned the police crackdown on BUET students protesting for their legitimate demands, accusing the administration of crossing a dangerous line.

“This administration must explain where it gets the audacity to unleash police violence and shed the blood of BUET students who are fighting for a just cause,” Sargis wrote.

Reaffirming his stance against all forms of quota-based privileges, Sargis expressed solidarity with the protesting students. He also denounced those responsible for the attacks, calling the assault on students “shameful and unacceptable.”

Bangladesh is pushing for significant reforms in its energy and infrastructure sectors to boost economic stability. Policymakers highlighted sustained GDP growth, lower inflation, record remittances, and a stable currency. Key initiatives include 32 investment reforms, multimodal transport planning, renewable energy incentives, increased LNG imports, and EV charging infrastructure development. BIDA is upgrading its services and establishing international economic zones, while solar programs and battery storage systems aim to stabilize the grid. These steps signal a long-term strategic vision for sustainable growth.

South Korea has passed a law banning the use of mobile phones and smart devices during school classes, effective from the 2026 academic year. The legislation aims to reduce smartphone addiction among students, enhance focus on studies, social life, and mental development, and make nationwide restrictions mandatory. While most schools already limited phone use, the law ensures uniform enforcement, allowing exceptions only for students with disabilities. Critics, including students and some teachers, question its effectiveness and broader impact.

U.S. President Donald Trump has convened a major meeting at the White House to discuss a resolution to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff said the U.S. aims to achieve a solution within this year. Talks with Hamas are being considered, and Hamas has shown willingness to negotiate. Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Despite Trump’s campaign promise to quickly end the conflict, recent fighting and humanitarian crises in Gaza persist.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration will seek the death penalty for every murder case in Washington D.C., aiming to curb crime in the capital. He acknowledged the policy could be controversial but said he would proceed. Under Biden, the death penalty was largely suspended, but Trump plans to reinstate it. His first term saw a significant rise in federal executions. Critics worry this approach could expand, while local crime rates have recently declined.