Following nationwide protests on August 5 last year, the Khanasama Upazila Awami League office in Dinajpur was vandalized and set on fire, leaving it abandoned and in ruins. Once a center of political power, the building now serves as a public toilet and houses small shops. Local residents say the office symbolized oppression under the party’s rule. Since the party’s fall, many leaders have gone into hiding or left the area, while the office remains deserted and a reminder of political turmoil.

In Cumilla's Meghna Upazila, Abdul Mannan Miah, formerly an Awami League ward secretary, was unexpectedly appointed as BNP ward president for Barkanda Union. The decision, made during a June 17 BNP meeting, has caused uproar among local BNP leaders who accuse the party of sidelining loyal activists. Meghna Upazila BNP officials have since called to cancel the committee and warned that those responsible for the appointment will face disciplinary actions, emphasizing that BNP leadership opposes including Awami League members in their committees.

Following Israel’s recent strikes on Iran’s military sites, concerns are growing that Turkey could be the next target. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s comments mocking the Ottoman Empire, seen as a jab at President Erdogan, have heightened fears. Turkey condemned the attacks, ramped up defense measures, and held diplomatic talks with regional leaders and the US. Turkish politicians suggest Israel aims to curb Turkey’s regional ambitions. Erdogan vows full defense independence and stresses readiness for war as the key to peace.

At an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Jagannath University Journalists’ Association, BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie said that their political movement is not solely for elections, but to rebuild the country. He emphasized implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan to move the nation forward.

"The July uprising didn’t happen by chance—sacrifices were made by many, and we honor them," he said. Annie also accused the current regime of fascism, stating that those who speak out face jail and persecution. He called for justice and emphasized that judicial reform is a continuous process.

Shakil Uzzaman, leader of the People’s Rights Council, proposed reforms to the presidential election system to prevent authoritarian rule. He argued that the current indirect appointment method leads to a fascist-style governance and has sparked public uprisings demanding its abolition. According to the Council’s proposal, a total of 576 voters would elect the president through a secret ballot. This voter base would include 500 members of parliament from both the upper and lower houses, mayors of 12 city corporations, and chairpersons of 64 district councils.

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman urged leaders and activists to be ready to make any sacrifice for establishing justice and fairness in the country. He highlighted that oppression against the Islamic movement is a historical continuity and emphasized the necessity of unwavering efforts to achieve victory for the faith. Speaking at the ‘Rukon Training Camp 2025’ in Mirpur, he called for unity under Allah’s guidance to ensure peace in the world and salvation in the Hereafter.

Former presidential candidate Muharrem İnce is back in the spotlight as Turkey’s main opposition party, CHP, seeks to bring him back. CHP leader Özgür Özel visited İnce’s Homeland Party HQ, urging him to return. İnce said he would consult his party before deciding. Once a prominent CHP figure, İnce left in 2021 after failed reform efforts. His return could help unite the opposition against President Erdoğan, especially with his own party now polling at a mere 0.17% in recent local elections.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has finalized its constitution, introducing a three-year term for the central committee and a provision restricting any individual from holding the positions of president or general secretary more than twice. The new constitution received final approval at a general meeting held on Friday, according to Akhtar Hossain, the party’s member secretary.

Hossain explained that the central president and general secretary will be elected independently through votes by councilors from across the country. The party must complete its next council within the last three months of the current term. Additionally, the central president and general secretary will be accountable to the party’s political council.

The political council will consist of 11 to 15 members, including at least three female members, all elected by the councilors. This new framework aims to enhance internal democracy and gender representation within the party leadership.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has launched its nationwide campaign to select candidates for all 300 parliamentary constituencies ahead of the upcoming elections.

On Friday, the party organized grassroots opinion-gathering events in three constituencies under Dhaka South. Local leaders and activists, including both male and female units, participated in the selection process through a secret ballot.

Based on the grassroots feedback, the central committee will finalize the list of candidates. Speaking at the event, party leader Imtiaz Alam emphasized the need for unity among Dhaka residents to establish a welfare state free from terrorism, extortion, and land grabbing.

He called on the people to stand united for Islam and humanity and to work together to end all forms of tyranny and fascism.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that not only BNP supporters but the entire nation is eagerly awaiting the return of party acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

Speaking at a prayer event commemorating late Gano Forum president Mostafa Mohsin Montu, Khasru said, "Tarique Rahman will return to the country soon, and preparations are already in motion."

He also expressed hope that the Election Commission would engage in dialogue with all political parties before making decisions on issues like the abolition of electoral symbols and proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO).

Additionally, Khasru confirmed that a BNP delegation will depart for China tomorrow for a three-day official visit, which he believes will strengthen longstanding bilateral ties.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mujibur Rahman has called for the establishment of Islamic governance based on the Quran to eradicate corruption and immoral practices from society.

Speaking at a public event, he said, "Justice cannot be achieved without the law of Allah. Islam is a complete way of life, but its proper practice is impossible without state-level implementation. To cleanse society of corruption, interest-based transactions, bribery, obscenity, and extortion, we must establish Quranic rule."

He urged the people to give Jamaat-e-Islami a chance to form a government at least once, saying it is essential for meaningful change. Rahman also emphasized the need to carry out judicial reforms before the next general election, expressing his party’s rejection of disputed elections like those in the past. "We demand a truly free and fair election," he added.

At an event held at Jagannath University, Jamaat leader Shafiqul Islam Masud stated that previously, students from opposition groups had to seek permission to enter the university premises or attend exams, often facing attacks by the ruling student wing, Chhatra League. However, today, student organizations including Chhatra Shibir and others share the same platform peacefully at the same university. Masud emphasized that Jagannath University will not only be a model within Bangladesh but also serve as an example of democracy and coexistence worldwide. He added that the rise of fascism in Bangladesh was instigated by journalists, who also played a crucial role in its downfall. Masud recalled a journalist questioning Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina about quota policies, to which Hasina famously replied, "If freedom fighter quotas are not given, will the children of Razakars receive them?"

Outgoing German Ambassador to Bangladesh, Achim Troster, paid a farewell courtesy visit to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on Friday at 8:30 PM. The meeting took place at her residence in Dhaka.

According to BNP’s media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, several senior party leaders were present during the meeting, including BNP Standing Committee members Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, and Begum Zia’s personal secretary ABM Abdus Sattar.

JAGPA spokesperson Rashed Pradhan has called for a peaceful national election in Bangladesh, free from foreign — particularly Indian — influence. Emphasizing that there is no alternative to national elections in the effort to build a truly democratic Bangladesh, he stated, "We have managed to avoid the feared confrontation between the BNP and the government, which is a positive development."

However, Pradhan expressed surprise over the announcement of Bangladesh’s proposed election date coming from outside the country, as well as the issuance of a joint statement by the government and a political party. “These moves have undermined the credibility of the interim government,” he said.

He also raised concerns about external destabilization efforts, claiming that India is pushing Rohingya and Indian militants into Bangladesh to create unrest. He urged the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the government to take decisive action to counter these threats.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, emphasized the need for a comprehensive hydrographic database and precise seabed mapping to strengthen Bangladesh’s economy and develop a sustainable maritime policy. He highlighted the Bay of Bengal’s importance for national security, economy, and environment. The Bangladesh Navy’s Hydrographic Department plays a vital role in surveying coastal areas, ensuring maritime safety, and supporting blue economy initiatives. He called for increased professionalism and dedication in the sector to fully utilize maritime resources and advance regional economic goals.