Dr. Zahid stated that the people of Bangladesh are now firmly on board the path to elections, and no conspiracy can derail the democratic process. “Any attempt to suppress this momentum will fail,” he declared.

He also emphasized the role of the interim government in delivering justice, implementing reforms, and restoring people’s rights—tasks that have already consumed ten months. “For the past 17 years, our movements have reached their climax in July and August, often culminating in mass uprisings.”

Dr. Zahid further criticized past elections, saying, “Look at what former Chief Election Commissioners Nurul Huda and Habibul Awal are now saying. Elections in 2014, 2018, and even 2024 were pre-designed blueprints that deprived citizens of their fundamental voting rights.”

Speaking at a rally, NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwary called on the government to take responsibility for the youth and ensure justice through legal proceedings. “Just holding elections is not enough. The government also has a duty toward the younger generation. Empty words from the comfort of luxurious chairs won’t bring change,” he said.

He stressed the need to bring fascism to justice through the judicial system and predicted a shift in political power. “We’ve seen bullet revolutions in Bangladesh. Now, a ballot revolution is coming. And we will emerge victorious.”

Patwary also urged the authorities to prosecute those who looted the SME sector and the stock market over the last 15 years. “The previous governments allowed a select few to grow rich overnight. We are committed to working beyond party lines—for all citizens. Any blow to Bangladesh must first strike through our blood.”

Police have arrested five suspected muggers armed with homemade weapons from in and around the venue of Islamic Andolan Bangladesh’s grand rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday afternoon.

According to witnesses, bystanders apprehended the suspects and handed them over to police. The detainees have been identified as Md. Enamul Hossain, Alam, Moniruzzaman, Mamun, Zakir Hossain, and Russel.

Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge confirmed the arrests, saying, “These five individuals were caught while attempting to pickpocket and snatch from rally-goers. Members of the public detained them from different spots at the event and handed them over to law enforcement.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed readiness to reconnect with former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating he is always open to dialogue and meetings. Putin acknowledged Trump's willingness for talks and emphasized the importance of arranging such engagements. On June 14, prior to the U.S. strike on Iran, both leaders had their fifth phone call this year, discussing the Middle East. Previous conversations focused on restoring bilateral ties and resolving the Ukraine conflict.

The United States reportedly used 60–80 THAAD interceptors in just 12 days to defend Israel from Iranian missile attacks, according to Military Watch Magazine. Each interceptor costs $12–15 million, totaling up to $1.2 billion. The expense highlights the unsustainable cost gap between defense and offense in prolonged conflict. Iran’s barrage included high-speed missiles like Fattah-1, traveling at Mach 15. With limited annual production of THAAD units, replenishment could take years. The system was deployed in Israel ahead of rising tensions with Iran.

Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan, stated that there is growing public expectation for unity among Islamist groups. “From the beginning, I have advocated for bringing all Islamist votes into one ballot box,” he said. He also noted that not only Islamic parties but several patriotic political groups might join this unified ballot box system in the upcoming elections, InshaAllah.

The Chormonai Pir reflected on the July coup’s primary aim to save the country from dictatorship and criticized those undermining fundamental reforms as betraying the July movement. He stressed that unless there is consensus on key issues such as the Proportional Representation (PR) system in both houses of parliament and state principles, a referendum may be necessary. He further emphasized the importance of justice in the political process.

On Saturday evening, Tarek Rahman contacted Masud Kamal from London to inquire about his health. Expressing his sympathy for the ailing leader, Tarek also discussed the current political situation in the country and shared his thoughts on future prospects during the call. Additionally, he spoke with Masud Kamal’s wife, journalist Shakila Sultana Swati.

Starlink plans to connect through Indian telecom Bharti Airtel at the Petrapole border, linking Bangladesh’s Fiber@Home data center to Equinix in Oman. This arrangement, approved by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, supports Starlink’s data transmission service. Experts question the reliance on Indian infrastructure over Bangladesh’s own. The government explains that current submarine cables lack landing rights in Oman, but hopes to establish direct connection by 2026 via the new SMW-6 cable. This move marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s digital progress.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah emphasized that just as the public is demanding elections by February, they should also demand justice and reform. “Without reform, elections will not yield fruitful outcomes,” he stated. Abdullah stressed that he does not believe in politics driven by revenge. “If someone throws a stone at me, I will respond by offering flowers and embrace them,” he added.

Speaking from Debidwar, he recalled past incidents where religious leaders’ beards were forcibly pulled and microphones were shut down during gatherings. He pointed out the high costs involved in becoming Members of Parliament, highlighting that those who sacrificed their lives on the streets did not aspire to become MPs but sought genuine reform for the country.

Hasnat Abdullah reaffirmed NCP’s commitment to non-violent politics and vowed never to compromise or bow to injustice.

At a Dhaka conference, water experts from several countries urged the Bangladesh government to reveal the environmental damage caused by upstream water withdrawals from 54 shared rivers. They warned of recurring floods, river drying, and severe ecological disruption impacting agriculture, biodiversity, and livelihoods. The sudden release of water from India's Tripura was cited as a recent disaster. Experts called for a multilateral body to manage transboundary rivers, stressing the need to prioritize nature over political boundaries and protect downstream communities.

Bangladesh's garment sector is facing daily transaction disruptions worth Tk 2,600 crore due to a prolonged work stoppage by National Board of Revenue (NBR) staff. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan warned that smaller factories risk bankruptcy, threatening worker livelihoods and industry stability. Business leaders criticized the unprecedented NBR shutdown, urging swift resolution to prevent long-term economic harm. While they oppose the call to remove the NBR chairman, they stressed that halting revenue operations endangers the entire economy.

In a joint operation led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, around 6.90 acres of forest land worth Tk 35 crore were reclaimed in Gazipur Sadar Upazila. A total of 205 illegal structures in the Bokran Monipur area were demolished. The operation involved the army, RAB, BGB, local administration, forest department, and police. Authorities emphasized that similar drives will continue under the government’s zero-tolerance policy against forest encroachment and to protect biodiversity and wildlife.

Nasiruddin Patwari, a senior leader of the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP), has issued a public apology for a congratulatory message he sent to 71 TV, acknowledging that it has hurt the sentiments of many patriotic citizens.

“I sincerely apologize to the people of Bangladesh for the message I gave congratulating 71 TV,” Patwari wrote in a statement. “It was never my intention to offend anyone, especially those who deeply value our nation's history and struggle.”

He further stated, “I have always stood, and will continue to stand, with those who fight against fascism and injustice. I fully respect the feelings of the people and reaffirm my unwavering commitment to their struggle.”

Patwari faced widespread criticism after sharing a message mentioning that "many senior journalists from 71 TV joined us in July," which sparked backlash due to the channel’s perceived political stance.

The Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) has declared that state reform and reconstruction will be their central issues for voters in the upcoming election. Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju stated that rebuilding the nation beyond political consensus is impossible without recognizing the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs who toppled an authoritarian regime.

He acknowledged that although all parties agree on Article 70 of the Constitution, significant disagreements remain regarding the Prime Minister’s tenure and powers, presidential elections, and appointments to constitutional institutions. These issues have yet to reach political consensus, and intense disputes continue over institutional appointments.

Considering these challenges, Manju urged for a political approach that addresses these realities. Meanwhile, former founding convener Solaiman Chowdhury called on party nomination hopefuls to strengthen the grassroots organization in preparation for the election.

As part of a central program by the BNP-affiliated Krishak Dal, over 500 farmers in Monohardi, Narsingdi received free seeds and fertilizer. The initiative, directed by acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, took place at Arjunchor High School field. Leaders emphasized supporting farmers to strengthen the economy, following the vision of former President Ziaur Rahman. Each farmer received 20 kg of fertilizer and 5 kg of high-yield seeds. Local BNP and affiliated leaders were present during the distribution ceremony.