BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has called on the interim government to quickly initiate steps for a democratic transition, referencing recent discussions held in London. He expressed hope that the decisions reached in those talks would soon be formally communicated to the Election Commission. However, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin stated that he only knows about the London declaration from media reports and declined to comment further.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has stressed the urgent need for an independent electoral system in Bangladesh, stating that without judicial independence, any government can slide into fascism. Annie alleged that political opponents, including himself, have faced harassment, torture, and even enforced disappearances. He mentioned that the recent meeting between BNP’s Tarique Rahman and the chief adviser has set the stage for possible elections. Annie was acquitted today in an explosives case alongside eight others.

A leaked memo reveals the Trump administration is planning to impose travel bans on 36 additional countries if they fail to meet U.S. security standards within 60 days. The move would significantly expand existing restrictions, which already fully ban travel from 12 countries and partially restrict seven more. Affected nations span Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. The administration claims the measures are necessary to safeguard the U.S. from foreign terrorists and other national security threats.

Two BNP leaders have been detained following clashes in Kaliakoir, Gazipur, over demands to dissolve the party’s local convening committee. The district detective police arrested them Sunday night. One of the detainees, committee member Helal Uddin, was released Monday morning, while the other, Parvez Ahmed, remains in custody. The BNP has recently dissolved committees in eight units across the district, forming new convening committees. Parvez and his supporters rejected the new committee, leading to rival processions and eventual violent confrontations.

BNP’s Tarique Rahman criticized Sheikh Mujib and Sheikh Hasina for curbing press freedom in Bangladesh. NCP leader Sargis Alam echoed the sentiment, further highlighting the rising trend of media misinformation. Sargis alleged that many media outlets deliberately publish unverified reports for political motives or TRP gains, later deleting them after the damage is done. He stressed that while press freedom is essential, misuse must be addressed with laws and proper investigations.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the recent meeting in London between the Chief Adviser and BNP’s Acting Chairman was a success. Speaking after his return to Bangladesh, he claimed, “The people’s demand for an election before Ramadan has been fulfilled.” He added that February is still far off, allowing sufficient time for the judicial processes and reforms to take place through consensus, a process he expects will take no more than one to one and a half months. “There is ample time for reforms,” he said, emphasizing that an elected government will ultimately implement those reforms. According to Khasru, once the Election Commission announces the poll date, the nation will officially enter the election phase.

Bangladeshi journalists are observing "Black Day" today, recalling June 16, 1975, when the BAKSAL regime shut down all newspapers except four aligned with the government. The move left thousands of journalists jobless and marked a dark chapter in the country's media history. Journalist unions are holding commemorative events nationwide. Critics say recent years under the Hasina government echoed similar repression, with media outlets closed and journalists persecuted. The day serves as a reminder of the enduring struggle for press freedom in Bangladesh.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, like her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, attempted to reintroduce a one-party system in Bangladesh. In a statement, he claimed that both leaders pursued their true ideological goal of one-party rule by enforcing various draconian laws to suppress journalists and the media. Tarique further said that it was later President Ziaur Rahman who restored multi-party democracy in the country, abolishing the autocratic laws of the BAKSAL regime and reestablishing press freedom. He argued that although the fall of the fascist regime on August 5 allowed partial media freedom, the press is still not entirely free from authoritarian forces. Ensuring full press freedom, he said, is essential to safeguard democracy and its permanence.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has initiated multiple surveys to select candidates for Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election. Party sources indicate that priority will be given to those who have actively participated in the pro-democracy struggle, demonstrated personal integrity, and maintained strong popularity in their constituencies. BNP leader Hafiz Uddin stated that through these surveys, deserving candidates will emerge and receive nominations.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook met with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday to discuss bilateral relations, upcoming elections, and political reforms. The meeting, held at BNP Chairperson’s political office, also included senior BNP leaders Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan and Shama Obaid. Both sides shared their views on Bangladesh’s political situation and the path to democratic reforms.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General, former MP Prof. Mia Golam Porwar, has pledged to protect press freedom and the interests of journalists if his party comes to power. Speaking on Bangladesh’s ‘Black Day of Journalism,’ he accused both Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s and Sheikh Hasina’s governments of suppressing the media through censorship and restrictive laws like the Digital Security Act and Cyber Security Act. Porwar vowed that Jamaat would defend freedom of speech and work for the betterment of journalism in Bangladesh.

BNP leader Abdul Awal Mintoo has stated that a recent meeting between acting party chairman Tarique Rahman and the BNP’s chief advisor resulted in a decision to push for early elections. If the election is held by February, it will signal that the talks were successful. He also claimed that such a move would help restore political stability and stimulate economic growth. Mintoo said that most of the 62 political parties in the country support a February election timeline.

At least 30 people were injured in a violent clash between supporters of two rival candidates during the biennial conference of the BNP’s Putikhali Union chapter in Bagerhat. The meeting was suspended by district BNP joint coordinator Khadem Niamul Nasir Alap. Despite police presence, the situation escalated, prompting the deployment of the army. The arrival of military personnel eventually dispersed the crowd.

At around 6 AM on Sunday, banned Awami League members conducted a surprise rally in Manikganj. By 4:15 PM, Rajidul Islam, general secretary of the banned Chhatra League, shared videos and images of the rally on Facebook. The march was led by former Daulatpur Upazila Chairman Shafiqul Islam and Rajidul Islam. Additional Superintendent of Police Salauddin confirmed that Rajidul is a wanted suspect and will be arrested when located.

Sawmik Bhowmik Joy, Deputy Organizing Secretary of the banned student organization Chhatra League’s Suhrawardy College unit, has been arrested in connection with a sabotage case in Khulna. On Saturday night, he was caught and beaten by students and locals at Khulna United Club before being handed over to the police.

Khulna Police OC Hawladar Sanwar Hossain Masum confirmed the arrest.