GOP leader Rashed Khan has claimed that “Hasina leaving the country” is the only notable achievement of the current government. He listed 12 major failures over the past year, including the lack of arrests or accountability for Awami League militants, impunity for the Sheikh family, unaddressed extrajudicial killings by security forces over 16 years, and no reforms in police, intelligence agencies, or the judiciary. He also criticized the lack of media reform, continuation of pro-Awami administration in universities and local governance, and failure to bring systemic change in education and healthcare. His remarks contrast the Press Secretary's earlier list of 12 government successes.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has apologized to Dhaka residents for the traffic chaos caused during the party’s Victory Rally. The rally, held on August 6 from BNP's Nayapaltan headquarters to Shahbagh, marked the anniversary of the fall of "Awami fascism" following last year’s July–August student and public uprising. Massive public participation led to major traffic disruptions. Rizvi expressed regret for the inconvenience caused.

Nurul Islam Tipon Mia, assistant freedom-fighter affairs secretary of Singdha Union BNP in Barhatta, Netrakona, has been showcaused for multiple allegations, including embezzling mosque funds and stealing construction materials from a road project. Tipon allegedly used his political influence to become president of the local mosque committee and later misappropriated donations. He’s also accused of looting stones from a partially completed road and pocketing revenue from a leased river. The local BNP leadership has stated that anyone tarnishing the party's image through misconduct will face disciplinary action.

BNP senior leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury declared that Bangladesh is on a path to restoring democracy after 16 years of sacrifice, imprisonment, disappearances, and killings. Speaking at a rally in Chattogram, he claimed that public support is firmly behind the BNP and its election symbol, the paddy sheaf. He warned that those who oppose elections will be rejected by the people. Khasru also reiterated that discipline is essential within the party, adding that politics should be based on mutual respect despite ideological differences. He accused the ruling party of undermining democracy and vowed that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the BNP would oust authoritarianism.

NCP leader Dr. Mahmuda Mitu has sharply criticized attempts to revive the Shahbagh movement narrative, claiming it represents a cultural imposition by the Awami League. “Even children despise that narrative. Resurrecting it means reactivating the Awami League’s cultural dominance,” she said.

Mitu recounted how her political awakening stemmed from opposition to that narrative and her experiences during the 2013 Shapla Chattar incident. “They called me a 'razakar' thousands of times, but after the July 24 martyrdom, there’s no way we’ll allow the Shahbagh-Awami narrative to return,” she added, calling for continued resistance against state oppression masked under the 1971 legacy.

Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairman of BNP, will hold a virtual meeting with top leaders of the 12-Party Alliance this Friday at 3 PM at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Jatiya Party (Zafar faction) Chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider confirmed the meeting during a press briefing, stating that the coalition partners of the simultaneous movement have been invited to discuss future strategies.

Amid speculation and criticism, Sarzis Alam went live on Facebook from Cox’s Bazar, highlighting climate concerns listed as the 21st point in the NCP’s 24-point charter. He stressed the urgent need for government action to protect coastal communities from rising sea levels, stating, “We fear many homes may be lost to the sea. The government has a key responsibility here.”

Alam condemned unregulated construction near the coastline and urged citizens to become more aware of environmental and climate issues. “Our ocean is a resource—let’s not let it become a threat.”

Leaders of the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy have issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Election Commission, demanding the revision of recently released media guidelines ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

During a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), journalists highlighted several restrictive clauses that they believe hinder press freedom. A memorandum outlined four major concerns: lack of consultation with media stakeholders; unrealistic restrictions on journalist access to polling centers; bans on interviews and live coverage inside booths; and the inclusion of punitive clauses without ensuring reporter safety.

Forum President Kazi Jebell warned that if the rules are not revised, journalists will boycott election coverage and announce further action.

BNP Standing Committee member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy stated that while the July Uprising was a significant first step toward change, the ultimate victory will come only through timely elections.

He warned against any attempts to delay the election under the pretense of reforms and called for unity among all democratic forces committed to the spirit of the Liberation War. Goyeshwar reaffirmed confidence in the Chief Advisor’s election promises but cautioned that vested interests may try to sabotage them.

He also criticized past atrocities and demanded justice for war crimes and state repression. Goyeshwar urged BNP activists to prevent anyone from fleeing the country in exchange for money and advised student leaders to stay out of the spotlight to avoid government crackdowns.

Maulana Mamunul Haque, the Ameer of Khelafat Majlis, has criticized the recently announced July Declaration and the decision to set the date for the next national election based solely on discussions with one political party. “This clearly shows a disregard for the sacrifices, opinions, and organizational contributions of Islamist groups,” he said. Haque expressed frustration that the roles of Islamic scholars, madrasa teachers and students, expatriates, and online activists in the July uprising were completely ignored.

He also condemned the lack of reference to major historical incidents such as the 1947 independence, the 2013 Shapla Chattar massacre, and the Pilkhana tragedy—events he deemed pivotal in Bangladesh’s political evolution. While he refrained from welcoming the election date announcement, Haque emphasized the importance of a level playing field and demanded legal validation of the July Charter.

BNP leader Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin has claimed that some members of the Advisory Council are displeased with the election announcement, as are certain political parties with little public support and a history of opposing the 1971 Liberation War.

Speaking at a rally in Rajshahi, Hafiz accused these groups of enjoying their time in power without accountability. He thanked the Chief Advisor for honoring commitments made during the London meetings and clarified that BNP is not obsessed with power, but is ready to take responsibility if elected through a fair vote. “This is Ziaur Rahman’s party,” he said. “We do politics for the welfare of the people.”

Two days before the deadline for Russia to end the Ukraine war, U.S. President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for over three hours. The meeting comes amid Trump’s warning of 100% tariffs on Russia if no agreement is reached and his promise to supply Ukraine with advanced Patriot missile defense systems. Kremlin called tariff threats against Russia’s trade partners “illegal.” Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev expressed optimism about the dialogue’s success.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China for the first time in over seven years to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. The move signals efforts to ease strained ties with Beijing amid escalating U.S.-India tensions. Washington has imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods and warned of further sanctions over Russian oil purchases. Modi’s visit follows a thaw in relations after talks with Xi Jinping. Top Indian officials are also engaging with Russia on defense and energy cooperation.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tareque Rahman held a private meeting in London with Tracy Ann Jacobson, the Acting US Ambassador to Bangladesh, in the second week of July. The meeting focused on BNP’s plans for the upcoming national elections and the party’s vision for governance if elected. Key topics included electoral strategies and how the BNP intends to shape the future of Bangladesh. The meeting was confirmed by both the US Embassy and Rahman’s foreign affairs advisor, Humayun Kabir.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, in a virtual speech marking the anniversary of the July Uprising, declared that a rare opportunity has arisen to establish democracy by permanently ending fascism through national unity. He warned that without utilizing this moment, fascist forces could re-emerge.

He expressed support for the July Declaration and the proposed interim government roadmap, stating that it offers a path to reclaim democratic and political rights. He highlighted the repressive past under fascist rule, marked by widespread political persecution, enforced disappearances, and human rights violations. Tarique emphasized that true peace and safety are impossible without democracy and the rule of law.

He reiterated BNP's 31-point outline for governance, promising a democratic, reformed state if the party is elected. He appealed for public support to implement these reform agendas. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also addressed the rally, stating that BNP activists have never bowed to oppression but have always stood tall in the struggle.