Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar dismissed allegations that the party distributed cash to influence voters as baseless. “There is not a single piece of evidence showing money was handed out to woo voters. Why would we do that? These are groundless claims,” he said, responding to accusations that certain village committees (VCs) belong to Jamaat.

Parwar challenged critics to publish names if they insist 16 VCs are Jamaat’s, asking who controls the remaining VCs — pointing out that they belong to other parties. On recent organizational changes in Chattogram — including the removal of metropolitan amir Shajahan Chowdhury and others — Parwar said leadership changes were made for organizational reasons, not due to irregularities. “For organizational needs, we appointed a new acting amir there,” he said, noting that no one is above discipline and the party acts when misconduct is discovered.

The four-day South Asia Trade Fair 2025 in Dhaka features participants from SAARC countries, offering visitors a variety of products under one roof. Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka have brought items ranging from textiles, fashion, and electronics to processed foods, jewelry, home appliances, and kitchenware. The event highlights regional trade opportunities, cultural diversity, and business potential while attracting buyers and promoting both local and international market growth. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Sunday.

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqur Rahman has declared that Islami Chhatra Shibir’s victory in both Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) elections will have far-reaching political implications.

Speaking to supporters, he said the results had left many “astonished” and predicted that the win would influence the upcoming national elections. “With those who love us and whom we love, we aim to contest all 300 seats in the next election,” Rahman stated.

He praised party leaders for enduring imprisonment, repression, and even sacrificing their lives under the previous government. According to him, their sacrifices paved the way for today’s “free and independent political environment.”

Referring to the mass uprising of July–August 2024, Rahman called it a turning point that ushered in a “new Bangladesh,” achieved through sacrifice and struggle.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie stated that the party will ensure the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ election symbol remains prominent in the upcoming elections under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

Annie stressed the need to strengthen Tarique Rahman’s leadership through unity and to support party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. “We must focus on the next elections. A strong leadership will emerge from the upcoming conference, which will help us reach every household,” he said.

He added, “Following Tarique Rahman’s guidance, we will mobilize our team to reach the younger generation and honor the sacrifices of mothers and sisters who participated in past movements. At the local level, councilors, delegates, and ward leaders will unite to strengthen the party. Today, we stand together with no divisions, as we successfully built a bond of unity in Ramganj.”

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has accused the government of undermining Bangladesh’s economy over the past 15 years, describing its rule as “authoritarian” and detrimental to the nation’s growth.

Moin highlighted that $234 billion of the hard-earned money of ordinary Bangladeshis has been illegally transferred abroad—a sum that, he noted, could have funded the construction of 100 Padma Bridges. He further claimed that the government misappropriated much of the funds allocated for the Padma Bridge project, diverting them through corrupt channels.

On a different note, Moin defended the legacy of the late President Ziaur Rahman, asserting that despite various false allegations against him, no one has ever been able to prove him corrupt or dishonest. He emphasized that eradicating corruption from society is essential for Bangladesh’s development and for ensuring politics remain relevant to improving people’s lives.

Acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tareq Rahman, urged party activists to reject personal profiteering and to accept party decisions unconditionally. Addressing the Kishoreganj district BNP triennial conference, he warned that an “invisible force” is becoming visible and stressed that activists cannot afford to remain idle if they want to secure citizens’ rights and advance development.

“Everyone must ensure that no one uses our name to create confusion among the people,” he said, calling for unity among all supporters of the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol who still strive to establish democracy. “We must remain united at any cost — there is no alternative.”

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah clarified that his party visited Cox’s Bazar on August 5, but media reports claiming a meeting with former U.S. Ambassador Peter Haas were misleading.

Hasnat Abdullah expressed concern over media bias, stating that despite all parties having recommended advisors in the caretaker government, NCP was unfairly held responsible for its failures. “If the media continues its double standards, the invisible forces conspiring against the nation will gain strength,” he said.

He further emphasized the party’s stance against media and military elements working against Bangladesh, noting that NCP fought largely on its own. “We speak truth to the media and call out falsehoods. Yet, media trials have tarnished the reputations of NCP leaders,” he added. While the party is not against media, Hasnat Abdullah stressed the need for objective and factual reporting.

Mexico is positioning its southern rail corridor across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec as a faster alternative for shipping goods from Asia to the U.S. amid Panama Canal water shortages. South Korea’s Hyundai has already used the route, with major U.S. automakers expressing interest. The government is investing $540 million to expand ports and rail lines, aiming to establish a full freight corridor. The route cuts transit time to the U.S. by several days compared to Panama or Canadian routes, boosting southern Mexico’s logistics potential.

Canada and Mexico have agreed to boost cooperation as trade uncertainty grows under Trump’s tariff policies. Following talks in Mexico City, both nations pledged unity in negotiations with Washington ahead of the 2026 USMCA review. Tariffs of up to 50% on Canadian steel and aluminum and sector-specific duties on Mexico have disrupted supply chains, raising costs. Analysts warn stalled talks could strain North America’s competitiveness, while compliance with USMCA rules and alternative sourcing are seen as key strategies.

Ahead of the Sharadiya Durga Puja, cash gifts were distributed at 131 puja mandaps in Comilla city on behalf of BNP leader Tarique Rahman.

The event’s chief guest, BNP leader Aminur Rashid Yasin, highlighted the party’s commitment to supporting citizens of all faiths. “BNP believes in ‘Religion for everyone, festival for all’ and has consistently worked to maintain communal harmony,” he said.

Yasin emphasized that Sharadiya Durga Puja is an integral part of Bengali culture. He added, “Tarique Rahman respects people of all religions and backgrounds. Today’s gift distribution is a reflection of his sincere affection. To build a healthy and prosperous Bangladesh, communal harmony must be preserved.”

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone for 90 minutes, agreeing to meet in South Korea next month. Trump described the talk as constructive and praised Xi’s cooperation. He said he would visit China next year, followed by Xi’s U.S. trip. The leaders are expected to discuss TikTok ownership and trade. Recently, Washington and Beijing reached a preliminary deal allowing U.S. investors to hold at least 80% of TikTok shares, ensuring its operations in America.

BNP leader Ahmed Azam Khan has accused those agitating over proportional representation (PR) and attempting to disrupt the upcoming February 2026 general election of being “dark forces working against the country’s democratic interests.”

“These groups are dragging the nation back toward fascism,” Azam said, urging citizens to remain vigilant. He questioned why political parties are even debating whether the election will be held in February 2026, emphasizing that holding elections on time is crucial for democracy.

Azam pointed out that when discussions were held in the consensus commission, PR was not raised as a priority issue for the national parliamentary elections—only a handful of parties in the Upper House had made the demand. “The BNP’s position is clear: the nation is not prepared for PR at this stage. It requires time.”

He warned that without elections, Bangladesh cannot progress on its democratic path. “We call on all parties to come to the electoral field, refrain from disruptive politics, and prove their patriotism,” he said.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General Redwan Ahmed sharply accused Jamaat-e-Islami of consistently working against Bangladesh’s peace, order and sovereignty. Speaking at a party event, Redwan said historical evidence shows Jamaat’s opposition to nationhood: “During the partition of India, Maulana Maududi opposed the creation of Pakistan. During our Liberation War, Ghulam Azam opposed the creation of Bangladesh.”

He accused Jamaat of now raising “unrealistic” demands for proportional representation (PR) to obstruct the upcoming national election, and suggested the party has never sought the country’s welfare. “They once took up arms on the side of Pakistani invaders against freedom fighters,” Redwan said.

Redwan also claimed external influence is undermining Bangladesh’s democracy. “With India’s support, Sheikh Hasina has been able to suppress democracy here,” he said, while stressing that historical friendship with India — born from solidarity during the independence movement — should not come at the cost of Bangladesh’s sovereignty. “We want friendship, but not by surrendering our independence and sovereignty.”

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, has slammed recent statements suggesting that elections would not be allowed unless proportional representation (PR) is implemented, calling them “echoes of Sheikh Hasina-style authoritarian rhetoric.”

He argued that before the next election, people expect to see visible reforms in the justice system, yet the interim government has shown little progress beyond lofty promises. “The July Charter remains trapped in table discussions,” he said.

Terming the February national election a crucial milestone for Bangladesh’s democratic transition, Saiful warned that pushing narrow party agendas could derail necessary reforms. If the election is obstructed, he cautioned, the country’s fragile state could deteriorate further, with social unrest spiraling into political chaos.

“Political competition must not be dragged onto the streets,” he added.

Bangladesh has launched the Dredging and Dredged Material Management Policy, 2025, mandating that all river, canal, haor, and waterbody excavation use government-approved dredgers. The policy aims to protect river flows, wetlands, agricultural land, and biodiversity while supporting fisheries, irrigation, and navigation. Environmental impact assessments and a “Dredging Master Plan” are required before operations. Unauthorized dredging is prohibited, particularly in environmentally sensitive or erosion-prone areas, and coordination among relevant authorities is emphasized to restore river channels and manage dredged materials sustainably.