Islami Andolon Bangladesh has expressed strong disapproval of the National Consensus Commission for excluding the Proportional Representation (PR) voting system from the discussion agenda for the lower house. Secretary General Maulana Yunus Ahmad stated that the party has long advocated for PR since 2008 and has recently mobilized public opinion on the matter. He added that despite providing written submissions and voicing support during one-on-one talks, the issue was ignored in the commission’s second round of discussions.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has called on its leaders and workers from all 64 districts to assemble at the central Shaheed Minar on August 3.

Addressing party activists nationwide, the NCP stated, “With overwhelming enthusiasm and mass participation, the NCP has successfully concluded its month-long ‘July March to Build the Nation’ campaign. Our leaders had promised to convey the people's voices at the end of this march and announce the commitments for a new Bangladesh.”

The party further stated, “On August 3, 2024, at the same Shaheed Minar where the first phase of our declaration was made, Nahid Islam, the announcer of that declaration, will arrive with the NCP. There, he will present the thoughts and demands gathered from citizens over the past month, outline the NCP’s promises for building the future Bangladesh, and announce the next steps in the campaign for the implementation of the July declaration and charter.”

NCP urged its leaders and workers from all 64 districts to be present at the event on August 3.

The statement concluded with a powerful message: “On August 3, something new is coming for Bangladesh. See you at the dawn of building a new Bangladesh.”

BNP leader Sultan Salauddin Tuku declared that the party demands a wage management system instead of the proportional representation (PR) system. He accused authorities of plotting to delay elections by raising issues around this demand.

Tuku emphasized that the people want their voting rights restored, recalling that they missed elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024. He stated that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, BNP has been fighting to restore voting rights. He clarified, "We don’t claim power for ourselves; we want the people’s voting rights returned so they can choose their representatives."

Additionally, Tuku commented on Bangladesh’s recent cricket series win over Pakistan in T20, criticizing unfair public remarks comparing election promises and outcomes to unrelated geographic mismatches.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Professor Mujibur Rahman urged voters to elect representatives who support the Quranic path in the upcoming general elections. He emphasized that true independence requires burying man-made ideologies and honoring those who sacrificed their lives opposing tyranny, as recognized by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

He noted that Bangladesh has achieved two independent moments—first in 1971, and again in mid-2024—and called for a third independence through a struggle to uphold devotion to Allah, free from human servitude.

Leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have proposed that members of reserved women’s seats in the National Parliament should be elected by direct popular vote rather than party nomination. At a party seminar, senior joint convener Samantha Sharmin stressed women’s integral participation in Bangladesh’s formation but highlighted their absence from decision-making political cores.

Participant Tajnuva Jabin called for united, equal efforts to uphold women’s dignity beyond political ideologies.

BNP leaders Salahuddin Ahmed and Nazrul Islam Khan, along with local activists, visited Hathazari Madrasa where they partook in a traditional lunch of dal, rice, and beef. They paid respects at the graves of renowned Islamic scholars Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi and Allama Junaid Babunagari. The delegation held courtesy meetings with Hefazat leaders and madrasa teachers.

The lunch was served in the madrasa director’s office, where leaders also met Sheikhul Hadith Sheikh Ahmed and Hefazat joint secretary Maulana Ashraf Ali Nizampuri. Salahuddin expressed his fondness for dal and rice, while Nizampuri shared that the madrasa provides free dal and rice twice daily to approximately 9,000 students. Additionally, beef is served on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir shared positive news regarding recent trade negotiations. He noted that the U.S. had initially imposed a 35% tariff on Bangladeshi exports, which would raise prices significantly and hurt sales. Thanks to discussions led by the Foreign Ministry and advisers, the tariff was successfully reduced to 20%.

Fakhrul expressed gratitude to the interim government for their role in negotiating this reduction, calling it a major responsibility well-handled.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that complete liberation from fascism will only be possible if the Awami League is politically wiped out. He emphasized the need for unity to ensure that Sheikh Hasina never returns to power in the country. Fakhrul declared, "There can be no compromise with looters. We have temporarily escaped a terrifying fascist regime, but this freedom will be final only when we completely eliminate them politically."

He expressed disappointment that the government has not yet finalized the rehabilitation for families of martyrs within a year, but acknowledged ongoing efforts. Fakhrul expects a comprehensive reform report to be released soon. He stressed the necessity of holding elections by February and expressed anticipation for Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, highlighting the public’s trust in him. Fakhrul added that Tarique Rahman has plans to build a ‘New Bangladesh’ with social welfare initiatives like ‘Pharma Cards,’ ‘Health Cards,’ and ‘Family Cards’ aimed at marginalized communities.

Despite the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government following mass protests in 2024, Human Rights Watch reports that the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus has failed to protect human rights effectively. Arbitrary arrests, continued abuses by security forces, and rising violence against minorities and political opponents persist. Although several reform commissions were formed, implementation remains slow. HRW urges urgent security sector reforms, accountability for abuses, and stronger support from international bodies to ensure lasting human rights improvements in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari, called Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime a carbon copy of Mussolini’s fascist rule. Speaking at an event in Mexico City, he likened Chhatra League to Mussolini’s Blackshirts and accused Hasina of creating a culture of fear and flattery. He praised student protesters and opposition alliances for bringing down her regime and demanded justice for victims of state violence. He warned that conspiracies will grow if national unity weakens and stressed the need for democratic reforms.

West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari stirred controversy by declaring that "Joy Bangla" is not an Indian slogan but a Bangladeshi one, and should not be used in India. The incident unfolded when a Trinamool Congress worker chanted “Joy Bangla” near Adhikari’s convoy, prompting a heated exchange. Adhikari responded with "Jai Shri Ram" and labeled the worker a “Rohingya,” sparking a sharp retort. He further stated, “Say ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ if you're Indian. If you're Hindu, say ‘Jai Shri Ram.’ Muslims don’t need to say it.” He also accused CM Mamata Banerjee of being anti-Hindu.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the Financial Times that Tehran still has the capability to enrich uranium and is taking a tougher stance on nuclear talks. He said new conditions are being set for any renewed negotiations with the U.S., especially after Washington's involvement in the recent Israel conflict. Iran demands compensation and assurances against future attacks during talks. Araghchi also confirmed plans to activate a new enrichment facility near Isfahan, highlighting increased resistance within Iran’s leadership to diplomatic engagement.

India has officially declined the U.S. proposal to purchase F-35 stealth fighter jets, citing concerns over recent crashes and a renewed emphasis on defense self-reliance. The offer was made during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S., but India has now informed Washington of its disinterest. Additional concerns stem from a British F-35’s emergency landing in Kerala and continued technical issues. India’s rejection comes amid strained trade relations following U.S. tariffs on Indian goods.

The U.S. has imposed a revised 19% tariff on Pakistani goods, reducing it from the earlier 29% set by the Trump administration. Pakistan is now among 69 nations facing new U.S. tariffs ranging from 10% to 41%. President Trump stated the move aims to correct trade imbalances and protect national interests. An executive order was issued, and some countries reached tariff agreements. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the reduction, praising a historic trade deal that could boost future bilateral cooperation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized recent Western recognitions of Palestine, calling them irrelevant without Israel’s consent. In a Fox Radio interview, he argued that no country has the authority to establish a Palestinian state and warned such moves harm peace efforts. Rubio claimed Hamas still holds hostages and accused pro-recognition states of siding with Hamas. He said these decisions encourage Hamas to resist ceasefires and delay hostage releases, driven more by domestic politics than concern for regional stability.