Jagannath University authorities have suspended all social, cultural, and welfare activities on campus to maintain discipline and a fair environment ahead of the upcoming Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) and hall student council elections. The decision, announced through a notice signed by Acting Registrar Professor Sheikh Gias Uddin, will remain effective from the day before nomination paper distribution until the announcement of election results. According to the election code of conduct, no external individuals or organizations are allowed to participate in campaign activities. However, former students may join campaign efforts with special identity cards approved by the returning officer. Each full panel may have up to 50 authorized campaigners, while partial panels and independent candidates are allowed two each.

A political controversy has emerged in Bhola’s Borhanuddin upazila after reports that 30 leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at a large rally on Thursday. The event, attended by thousands of BNP supporters, saw the alleged Jamaat members present flowers to former MP and BNP candidate Hafiz Ibrahim. However, the local Jamaat leadership denied the claim through a press release, stating that those individuals were not part of their organization and that the position of 'joint secretary' mentioned does not exist in their structure. BNP leaders, on the other hand, insisted the defection was genuine and visible to all. The conflicting statements have sparked mixed reactions locally, with discussions intensifying as the national election approaches.

At a discussion event organized by the Dinajpur district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ahead of the upcoming 13th national election, the most prominent seat on stage was deliberately left empty in honor of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The event, held at Paradise Community Center in Dinajpur suburb, featured senior BNP leaders including Professor Dr. Zahid Hossain and Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal. The central seat bore a nameplate for Khaleda Zia, symbolizing respect for her leadership and lifelong dedication to democracy despite her illness and absence. Local BNP leaders stated that the gesture represented the deep admiration and emotional connection party members and Dinajpur residents feel toward her. Attendees expressed appreciation for the symbolic tribute, which became a focal point of the gathering.

Twenty leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami from Damurhuda upazila’s Darshana thana and municipality have joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The formal joining took place at the residence of Chuadanga District BNP President and central BNP Deputy Treasurer Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu in Andulbari village, Jibannagar upazila. Among the new members are Islamic scholar and Bangladesh Quran Education Foundation Vice President Maulana Nazmul Hasan Biplobi and Darshana Municipality Ward-7 Jamaat President Md Abdul Hamid. The event was attended by several BNP and affiliated organization leaders, including local youth and student wing representatives. The move is seen as part of BNP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its grassroots presence in Chuadanga ahead of future political activities.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has withdrawn the expulsion order against Siddhirganj Thana BNP General Secretary Md. Iqbal Hossain, nearly 11 months after he was removed from the party for alleged misconduct. A notice signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced that Iqbal has been reinstated as a primary member under the party’s constitution. Iqbal was expelled in December last year following an incident involving journalist Minhaj Aman, which was deemed a violation of party discipline. He later appealed for reconsideration, and the BNP leadership decided to restore his membership. Iqbal expressed gratitude for the decision, saying he accepted the earlier punishment and is now committed to working for the party’s success in upcoming elections.

The Bangladesh government has announced new appointments for divisional commissioners in four administrative divisions — Khulna, Rajshahi, Barishal, and Mymensingh. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Thursday night, Md. Moktar Hossain, previously the Mymensingh Divisional Commissioner, has been transferred to Khulna. Dr. A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, has been appointed as Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner. Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, will serve as Barishal Divisional Commissioner, while Farah Shammi, Chairman of the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation, has been assigned as Mymensingh Divisional Commissioner. The order was signed by Deputy Secretary Aminul Islam.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has not yet received any official communication regarding interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s announcement to hold the next national parliamentary election and a referendum on the July Charter on the same day. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin told reporters that he had not heard Yunus’s speech and therefore could not comment without reviewing the details. He added that the EC would discuss the matter formally once it receives an official proposal and then provide its opinion. When asked whether organizing both events simultaneously would pose logistical challenges, the CEC declined to comment, emphasizing that any assessment should follow a formal review of the proposal. Yunus earlier declared in a televised address that both the election and referendum would take place concurrently.

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen and Security Consular Colonel Borat Tasdelen paid a courtesy call on Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud, Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP), at the Ansar headquarters. During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh Ansar and Turkey’s Gendarmerie Force. The discussions focused on strengthening technical capabilities, expanding training programs, and exploring new areas of collaboration under TIKA initiatives. Ambassador Sen expressed particular interest in Ansar-VDP’s skill development and entrepreneurship programs aimed at improving members’ livelihoods. The meeting was seen as a step toward deepening Bangladesh-Turkey relations in security, training, and development sectors. Additional Director General Brigadier General Fida Mahmud was also present at the meeting.

The Bangladesh government has approved two new ordinances to combat fraud, manipulation, and malpractice in air ticket sales. Under the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, offenders may face up to one year in jail or a fine of up to 1 million taka. The laws introduce 11 new grounds for suspending or canceling travel agency licenses, including overpricing, unauthorized transactions, and altering passenger data after booking. Agencies must now display ticket prices clearly, and digital distribution systems must be registered. The ordinances also empower authorities to impose temporary travel bans on offenders and promote transparency through AI and blockchain use. Officials say the reforms aim to protect migrant workers, ensure fair pricing, and modernize Bangladesh’s aviation sector.

The Islami Andolan Bangladesh, led by the Pir of Charmonai, is emerging as a formidable contender in three key constituencies of the Barishal region—Barishal-5 (Sadar), Pirojpur-3 (Mathbaria), and Patuakhali-4 (Kalapara-Rangabali). The party’s deputy chief, Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, is contesting against veteran BNP leader and five-time MP Mojibur Rahman Sarwar in Barishal-5, a traditional BNP stronghold. Analysts suggest that if Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamist groups unite with Islami Andolan, it could significantly challenge BNP’s dominance. The Islami Andolan has shown growing voter support, securing around 30,000–33,000 votes in recent local elections. Party leaders claim voters will prioritize clean candidates over party loyalty, while BNP leaders remain confident of retaining the seat. Observers see this as one of Sarwar’s toughest political tests.

Leaders from eight Islamic political parties in Bangladesh accused the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of failing to confront what they termed 'fascist forces' and their allies. Speaking at a rally in Comilla’s Town Hall, they declared that their parties would not participate in any election without the implementation of the July Charter and a national referendum. The speakers, including senior figures from Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Khelafat Majlis, said the people of Bangladesh would not accept elections that disregard these demands. The gathering was organized to protest against alleged acts of sabotage and subversive activities by fascist elements, and to call for stronger resistance against them. The event was chaired by Kazi Din Mohammad, the city chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Comilla.

BNP-nominated candidate for Munshiganj-1 constituency, Sheikh Md. Abdullah, reaffirmed his commitment to remain close to the people as the national election approaches. Speaking on Thursday morning in Patharghata, Sirajdikhan upazila, while assisting farmers in harvesting paddy, he said that true representatives are those who stand by the people. Abdullah pledged that if elected, his party would work to ensure farmers’ rights and overall prosperity. Local BNP and Krishak Dal leaders, including Sirajdikhan BNP General Secretary M. Haidar Ali and Krishak Dal central committee member Advocate Omar Faruk Russell, were present at the event, showing grassroots-level engagement in the election campaign.

Bangladesh police have arrested 42 Awami League leaders and activists in Savar, Ashulia, and Dhamrai within 24 hours as part of a special operation to maintain security and prevent sabotage surrounding the party’s banned 'Dhaka Lockdown' program. According to police, 28 were detained in Savar, 11 in Ashulia, and 3 in Dhamrai. Authorities have intensified patrols, set up checkpoints, and deployed additional police, RAB, and intelligence personnel across key points of the Dhaka district. The army and RAB also maintained joint patrols. Despite the heightened security, no untoward incidents were reported in the affected areas. Dhaka District Police stated that the enhanced deployment and surveillance aim to ensure public safety and prevent any potential violence or subversive activities related to the political program.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central executive council has declared that the government’s decision to hold the national election and referendum on the same day is not acceptable to the nation. The statement came after a meeting chaired by Naib-e-Ameer and former MP Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher. The council reviewed the chief adviser’s recent speech and expressed disappointment that public demands were ignored. Members discussed the overall political situation, public expectations, and the evolving context ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election. The meeting concluded with a call for unity, public cooperation, and prayers for a peaceful, just, and prosperous Bangladesh.

In Shariatpur’s Gosairhat upazila, the Awami League’s announced lockdown saw little to no participation from party leaders or activists, who reportedly remained in hiding. Despite the call for a shutdown, daily life continued normally with shops, markets, and schools open, and local transport operating as usual. Residents said they noticed no signs of a lockdown, while police maintained heightened vigilance to prevent any untoward incidents. In contrast, BNP activists were seen holding a motorcycle rally in protest against the lockdown, claiming that people had rejected the Awami League’s program. Police officials confirmed that additional forces were deployed across key areas to ensure law and order and to prevent any potential acts of sabotage or unrest.