Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed hope that elections will be held early next year, but stressed that fundamental reforms and visible punishment of top criminals must precede them. He lamented that the people were unable to vote in the last three elections, calling it a national tragedy. Dr. Rahman warned that failure to punish criminals will lead the youth back to the streets, this time in a fight against corruption. Jamaat has started documenting the victims and martyrs of the July mass uprising and promises to honor these families if they come to power.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), criticized India’s border killings and the policy of Muslim oppression. Speaking at a rally in Habiganj, Nahid stated that their struggle continues against Mujibism and fascist governance. He warned that extortionist and land-grabbing politics are resurfacing in the country and urged the public to stand against these threats. Emphasizing human rights, he called for unity among Muslims, Dalits, and oppressed groups across South Asia to build solidarity.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has condemned the rise in mob justice, stating that it is fostering widespread public fear. Speaking at a membership drive event in Moulvibazar on Thursday, Rizvi urged the public to hand over any suspected criminals to law enforcement instead of taking the law into their own hands.

He also criticized police inaction regarding a recent attack on NCP leaders in Gopalganj. "During our movements, police could locate and arrest BNP leaders from hiding places—where are they now?" Rizvi questioned. The event was also addressed by other central and local BNP leaders.

BNP leader Dr. Abdul Moin Khan criticized the use of NGO and corporate policies in governance, warning they could lead to disaster. Speaking at a PRI seminar, he accused NBR officials of taking bribes and stressed the need for free expression to ensure fair elections. He questioned Bangladesh Bank’s dollar rate control and criticized the country’s weak tariff agreements. Dr. Khan emphasized building public trust to ensure political stability, saying Bangladesh’s emotional and complex society demands responsible leadership.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has directed his military to maintain full readiness for real war, urging forces to develop the capability to annihilate enemies in combat. He issued the order while observing a live-fire artillery drill. The warning comes amid increasing North Korean military support for Russia in the Ukraine war. Intelligence reports suggest Pyongyang has sent weapons and troops, with hundreds reportedly killed. Kim also pledged full backing for Moscow and signed a mutual defense pact with Putin during a rare summit.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has located two properties in Virginia, USA, allegedly owned by Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, purchased in 2014 and 2024. The properties, valued at over BDT 53 crore, were not declared in his income records. The ACC is initiating legal steps to seize them and may involve U.S. authorities. Additionally, the ACC is investigating claims of 13 more properties and a shopping mall in Joy's name in the United States.

The Secondary and Higher Education Division has issued the admission policy for class 11 for the 2025-26 academic year. Admission will be based solely on SSC or equivalent exam results, with no entrance test. Students from various streams can choose from multiple departments, including science, humanities, business, Islamic studies, and vocational courses. Reserved quotas include 2% for children of education ministry employees and 5% for children of freedom fighters. Admission will be merit-based, and application certifications from relevant authorities are required.

Iran has outlined crucial conditions before engaging in talks with the U.S., including restoring trust, rejecting the use of negotiations for secret agendas or military threats, honoring Iran’s nuclear rights under the NPT, and lifting sanctions. Tehran remains distrustful of Washington and prepared for military defense. Past indirect talks, mediated by Oman, were disrupted after Israeli attacks on Iranian sites. Following Israeli and U.S. strikes, Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks on Israel and the U.S. base in Qatar. A ceasefire was later implemented to temporarily halt the conflict.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in London to sign a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, described as a turning point in bilateral ties. The deal, finalized after legal reviews, promises increased market access, job creation, and economic growth for both countries. It includes tariff reductions on key goods like textiles, leather, cars, and whisky, and features a social security pact. The agreement also paves the way for £6 billion in new investments and expanded operations by British companies in India.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Iran is fully prepared for a second round of war with Israel if necessary. He expressed skepticism about the current ceasefire and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its uranium enrichment program, claiming it complies with international law. Despite taking a tough stance, he indicated openness to diplomacy but stressed that Iran will not compromise its sovereignty. Tensions remain high following recent military clashes involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

In a major policy shift, former President Donald Trump now supports the crypto industry as the U.S. Congress passes the Genius Act, granting legal status to stablecoins. These digital currencies must be backed by U.S. dollars or equivalent assets, ensuring stability and safer transactions. The law addresses long-standing demands for regulation, boosting investor confidence. While critics warn of potential risks from increased tech-company involvement in finance, supporters see it as a step toward a modern, innovative financial system.

Germany has approved the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey, marking a significant step in defense cooperation. A German government spokesperson confirmed written assurance has been sent to Ankara. The UK and Turkey also agreed to move forward with the jet export during a defense expo in Istanbul, where a memorandum of understanding was signed. UK officials hailed the multibillion-pound deal as a key move to strengthen NATO’s defense capabilities and deepen UK-Turkey industrial and defense ties.

Originally allotted in 2003 and later canceled due to non-payment, the plot was allegedly reallocated unlawfully in 2009 with the help of certain officials from RAJUK and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. According to the ACC, the plot transfer was completed without full payment, using only a submitted check. The commission suspects collusion among government officials in this matter.

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has declared a renewed commitment to national reform, even at the cost of life and blood. Speaking at a rally in Brahmanbaria on Thursday, he emphasized the need to rebuild institutions weakened by decades of politicization.

The event, held at the municipal open stage, concluded a march honoring the martyrs and injured of the July uprising. The demonstration was led by NCP central leaders and saw participation from people across various professional groups.

The Gono Odhikar Parishad has released its first list of 36 candidates ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Elections. The announcement was made Thursday at the party’s central office by Senior Joint Secretary General Hasan Al Mamun, in the presence of party President Nurul Haque Nur and General Secretary Rashed Khan.

Key figures include Nurul Haque Nur, who will contest from Patuakhali-3, and Rashed Khan, who will run in Jhenaidah-2. Hasan Al Mamun himself is set to contest in Netrokona-2. Several central leaders will also contest from key constituencies such as Chattogram, Tangail, Gazipur, and Sylhet. The party has stated that it plans to eventually field candidates in all 300 constituencies across the country.