Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mia Golam Parwar has expressed optimism about an emerging electoral alliance among Islamic parties ahead of the upcoming national elections. Speaking to reporters, Parwar said, “Islamic scholars and religious leaders in the country have realized the urgent need for unity among all Islamic forces in this election. Efforts are underway in that direction, and we firmly believe that a consensus among the parties will be reached very soon.”

He further stated, “Victory in the upcoming national election is the only way to fulfill the dreams of those visionaries who could not live to see the birth of a truly Islamic Bangladesh. By preserving the ideals of Islamic forces, we can repay our debt to them.”

Parwar also elaborated on the organization’s vision: “Our mission is to shape public opinion in favor of Islamic values and prepare competent individuals to lead the nation. Through this effort, we will witness the triumph of faith, please our Creator, and—God willing—earn His forgiveness and paradise.”

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of seizing the opportunity to ensure a free and fair election, which he described as a crucial chapter in the nation's political history.

BNP leader Rumeen Farhana declared during a party meeting in Durgapur that she has risked her life fighting against what she described as the "fascist rule" of the Awami League. “I stood alone against 300 MPs of an illegitimate government,” she said. Rumeen emphasized her commitment to the nation and promised to transform the Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail-Ashuganj) constituency if elected. “I will work for the development that people aspire to,” she affirmed.

Umama Fatema has formally announced her departure from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement following the formation of its new National Council. She cited internal politics, online and offline pressure, smear campaigns, and attempts to sideline her despite her role as spokesperson. Fatema revealed she initially voted in the council elections with hopes of positive change but later withdrew her support. Expressing deep disappointment, she said the platform has been hijacked by opportunists and no longer holds promise. Concluding her statement, she said she would not forgive those who wronged her and urged students to focus on their education, ending with, “Fi Amanillah.”

Islamic Andolan Bangladesh held a massive rally at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday, demanding electoral reform including the adoption of proportional representation. Though the main session was scheduled to begin at 2 PM, the venue was filled from early morning with supporters from across the country. The rally began at 10 AM with a Qur’an recitation, followed by speeches from district and city leaders. The party is calling for national elections to be held under a reformed system that ensures justice, fairness, and proper representation.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that following the Pahalgam attack and last month's intense but brief military standoff with Pakistan, India has lost credibility on the international stage due to a lack of transparency and the dissemination of false information. Speaking on Friday, Bilawal stated, “The global audience has seen and accepted reports from Pakistani media. It is now widely understood that the Indian government is not being truthful. Despite claims of neutral journalism, the Indian media has failed to substantiate its assertions.” He praised Pakistan's leadership for its transparency, noting that while India took a month to acknowledge the downing of its fighter jet, Pakistan revealed it immediately. He also cited a U.S. general’s recent testimony before Congress, calling Pakistan “an exceptional partner in the fight against terrorism.”

Rashedul Islam, Chief Coordinator of the National Coordination Party (NCP) in Rajshahi, has resigned just eight days after taking office. In a letter to the central committee, he stated, “With utmost respect and a heavy heart, I resign from my position.” Citing personal reasons, he added, “Serving the nation under the NCP banner has been an honor, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in me.” Sources indicate that internal conflicts within the local organization prompted his decision.

Police in Mathbaria, Pirojpur have arrested a student leader for allegedly kidnapping a young Saudi expatriate and demanding ransom over the phone.

The accused is Naeem Hossain, General Secretary of the Student League at Mathbaria Government College. The victim, Riazul Islam, left for Saudi Arabia four years ago, but recently his mobile phone went unanswered. On June 24, a relative of Riazul in Saudi Arabia received a call from an unknown group claiming they had detained Riazul and demanding 50,000 taka as ransom. The family sent 20,000 taka before filing a police report, leading to Naeem’s arrest. Meanwhile, the expatriate’s family has confirmed that Riazul has been released by the kidnappers.

Jamaat-e-Islami plans to plant one million trees in Dhaka to create a safer and more livable city. Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul, the party’s Dhaka Metropolitan South Amir, emphasized the importance of social forestry and family nutrition gardens for environmental protection. He called on citizens to plant at least one tree each and urged the interim government to support social forestry initiatives. The party also launched a month-long tree plantation campaign at Old Paltan College grounds, distributing saplings to participants.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, accused India of being the largest state sponsor of regional terrorism. Speaking at the 52nd Common Training Program, he urged neighboring countries to stay alert against India’s proxy terrorist activities. Munir emphasized Pakistan’s desire for friendly ties with Afghanistan but warned against using Afghan territory for Indian proxies. Recently awarded the Field Marshal title, Munir highlighted India’s internal discrimination against minorities as a root cause of terrorism and assured Pakistan’s full military preparedness.

BNP advisor Zainul Abedin Farroque has declared that general elections will be held before Ramadan without further delay. “The recent London meeting cleared all confusion. We must now prevent any new conspiracies,” he said.

He urged the Chief Adviser to follow the example of former Chief Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, who held elections within three months of Ershad's fall. Farroque also criticized the current education system, blaming it on the governance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her late father. “If we fail to reform education, national development will remain a dream,” he added.

Violent clashes broke out across Kenya during anti-government protests held to mark the anniversary of last year’s deadly tax hike demonstrations. At least 16 people were killed—most by police gunfire—and nearly 400 injured. Protesters rallied in major cities including Nairobi, demanding President William Ruto’s resignation. Despite barricades, they carried flags and placards, setting fires and clashing with police. Tear gas, water cannons, and batons were used to disperse crowds. Several court buildings were set ablaze, and hospitals reported dozens of gunshot victims.

The EU has extended its sanctions on Russia for six more months, keeping restrictions in place until at least 2026. Despite surviving earlier sanctions by shifting trade toward China and India, Russia’s wartime economy is now under pressure. Inflation has reached 10%, interest rates have risen to 20%, and recession fears are growing. The Kremlin’s military spending is worsening labor shortages and inflation. President Putin has urged the central bank to balance inflation control with economic growth amid ongoing financial stress.

A nine-member BNP delegation, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, is returning to Dhaka Friday night after a four-day official visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese Communist Party.

Before departing China, Fakhrul stated that the visit marks a new chapter of understanding between the two parties, potentially strengthening bilateral strategic ties. The delegation visited a model community in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, and a museum showcasing China’s revolutionary and independence history for children.

BNP leader Aminul Haque announced plans to plant over 20,000 neem trees in the Pollabi and Rupnagar areas under the direction of acting party chairman Tarique Rahman. Tree planting will begin after the party's membership renewal drive ends on July 3.

He said BNP’s youth, student, volunteer, and cultural wings will be actively involved in the initiative. "BNP isn’t just about politics; we also uphold social responsibilities like environmental conservation," Aminul noted. He added that disciplinary and legal action would be taken against any party members involved in misconduct.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mia Golam Porwar warned that a lack of neutrality from the Election Commission could result in national catastrophe. “If the EC leans towards any political side, all aspirations of the nation will be shattered,” he said.

Porwar urged the Chief Adviser to remain cautious about the advice he receives. “You’ve pledged a free and fair election to the nation. The members of your advisory council should be transparently scrutinized. Be wary of whose advice you’re following,” he warned. He also confirmed that Jamaat plans to participate in the upcoming elections as a politically active party.