BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said the recently announced roadmap for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections was timely and aligned with public expectations.
He stressed that the roadmap must now translate into free and fair polls. His remarks echoed those of BNP’s Amir Khasru, who earlier emphasized that elections would bring economic transformation and new opportunities for nation-building.
The Election Commission has already finalized its action plan, including issuing registration notifications for new political parties by September.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is on her way to Evercare Hospital from her residence, Firoza, for routine medical examinations, BNP’s media cell confirmed. She was scheduled to leave around 7 p.m.
This marks her second hospital visit in recent weeks. On July 23, a medical board oversaw a series of urgent tests at Evercare. Earlier this year, on January 8, she traveled to London aboard a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar for advanced treatment, under the supervision of specialists Prof. Patrick Kennedy and Prof. Jennifer Cross at London Clinic. Khaleda Zia returned home on May 6.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has sharply criticized the announcement of the election roadmap before finalizing the July Charter, calling it a violation of commitments made by the Consensus Commission and the interim government.
NCP leader Ariful Islam Adib said the public expected justice and reform from the government, but the lack of a clear implementation roadmap in the July Charter draft was deeply disappointing. Adib revealed that six proposals were discussed within the Consensus Commission, including demands for a Constituent Assembly election, while other parties pushed for a referendum or constitutional reforms.
He expressed frustration that, despite these discussions, the Chief Adviser unilaterally announced an election date. “We accepted it in the greater interest of the nation, but it was agreed that substantial progress in reforms and justice must precede elections,” Adib stressed.
He warned that preparing for elections without finalizing the Charter’s implementation process risks future political crises.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has welcomed the Election Commission’s announcement of a national election roadmap.
“The nation is now moving toward elections. If polls are held, it will bring a major economic shift. The time for political games is over—it’s time to build the nation,” he said.
Khasru added that BNP has prepared to create 10 million jobs within 18 months if elected, stressing equal opportunities for all political parties.

BNP leader Hafiz Uddin Ahmed dismissed calls for constitutional change through the “July Declaration,” stating:
“No charter can ever stand above the Constitution. Across the world, only elected representatives amend constitutions—not unelected groups.”
He argued that proportional representation (PR) is unfamiliar to most citizens and would make elected officials inaccessible. Hafiz emphasized BNP’s demand for elections under an interim government, saying only the people’s mandate should determine constitutional amendments.

The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has announced its full candidate panel for the upcoming Jaksu elections.

Mir Mosharraf Hossain has been nominated for Vice President (VP), while Tanzila Hossain Boishakhi will contest for General Secretary (GS). Sajjadul Islam has been nominated for Assistant General Secretary (Male), and Anjuman Ara Ikra for Assistant General Secretary (Female).

Thursday marked the last day for nomination withdrawals, with final candidate lists scheduled for release on Friday. Campaigning will officially kick off thereafter, leading up to the election on September 11.

The BNP-backed Abid-Hamim-Mayed panel has released a 10-point manifesto ahead of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) elections, vowing to prioritize education, research, and student welfare.

The manifesto emphasizes creating safe campuses, ensuring freedom in dress for female students, abolishing the restrictive evening law, and providing effective measures against sexual harassment.

Other commitments include:

Quality healthcare and insurance for students.

Inclusive facilities for students with disabilities.

Modernization of curriculum, infrastructure, and examination systems.

Improved transport services, including battery-operated shuttle vehicles.

Interest-free student loans and campus-based employment opportunities.

Expanding sports, cultural activities, and digital facilities with cybersecurity measures.

Eco-friendly campus initiatives with waste management and greenery programs.

Strengthening Daksu’s role nationally and internationally.

BNP leader Barkat Ullah Bulu has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of conspiring to prevent Tarique Rahman from becoming the next Prime Minister. He alleged that Jamaat, a party with a history of opposing Bangladesh’s independence, is using the pretext of a proportional representation (PR) system to create unrest around the election process.

“Elections must be held under the same system used previously. Otherwise, the people of this country will resist,” Bulu declared.

Recalling history, he said Jamaat joined forces with the Awami League in 1996 and enforced 173 days of hartals, but when contesting against Khaleda Zia, the party managed to secure only three seats.

He also reminded that in 1947, Jamaat did not vote in favor of Pakistan but rather for a united India. “Jamaat has never stood with the country; they have always acted against national interests,” he added.

Bulu expressed hope that elections would be held in February, after which a newly elected government could bring back the wealth allegedly laundered during the Awami League’s tenure. He further accused Sheikh Hasina of attempting to kill Khaleda Zia with “slow poisoning” in prison, while hailing Ziaur Rahman for giving the nation its map by declaring independence on March 27, 1971.

Argentina’s President Javier Milei narrowly escaped injury after being attacked with stones, bottles, and other projectiles by an angry crowd during a rally in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. He was campaigning for upcoming local and midterm elections alongside his sister, Karina Milei, when the incident occurred.
Several objects struck the president, though he managed to flee the scene with his team. The attack comes at a time when Milei is facing public outrage over a corruption scandal that has fueled widespread criticism of his administration.

A case has been filed against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-politician Thalapathy Vijay following allegations that his bodyguard misbehaved with a fan during a recent rally. The actor, who has drawn significant attention by declaring a political battle against the BJP, announced earlier this month that he would contest the 2026 Assembly elections from Madurai East—his most direct confrontation with the ruling DMK to date.
At the rally, Vijay pledged to work for the release of Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka and ensure the safety of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen—long-standing demands in state politics. Presenting TVK as a “clean and uncompromising force,” Vijay declared: “We are not a party that secretly makes deals or betrays the people. We fear no one. The people of Tamil Nadu, especially women and the youth, stand with us.”
On social media, he also condemned the arrest of sanitation workers in Chennai, calling it “fascist” and “inhumane.”

Islamic Movement leader Maulana Ahmad Abdul Kayum has said that establishing a fascism-free society requires proportional representation (PR) elections.
“Fascism thrives when power is centralized in one hand. The constitution has been amended repeatedly to serve partisan interests. Only a PR-based election system can save this country, Islam, and humanity,” he argued.
Kayum stressed that the people of Bangladesh have already risked their lives to free the nation from fascism. He called for visible justice for past atrocities, constitutional reforms, and a transition away from “the old arrangements.”
Referring to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said: “On August 5, the killer, fascist, and money launderer Hasina didn’t even realize she would have to flee the country. Those who fail to learn from history will face the same fate.”
He warned extortionists and vested interest groups: “The people are now united. They will throw these looters and killers into the Bay of Bengal.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the Election Commission is being used as a tool by the ruling BJP during elections.
“I respect the Election Commission, but it cannot become BJP’s lollipop,” Mamata said. She also criticized discrimination against Bengali speakers in India, claiming they face obstacles in jobs, education, and even basic hospitality.
Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she asked: “Why does he say money is stopped because Bengalis are thieves? If theft is the issue, look at Uttar Pradesh or Maharashtra. Why target Bengal?”
Mamata accused the central government of financially depriving West Bengal through discriminatory policies.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Daksu VP candidate Jalal Ahmad Jalal in a case of attempted murder of his roommate.
Reacting to the development, Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Rashed Khan defended Jalal, recalling his role in past movements. “In 2018, when we were arrested, Jalal reorganized the quota reform movement and sought support from national leaders. With their help, we were freed and successfully revived the movement,” Rashed said.
He added that Jalal also stood by activists during the 2024 quota reform protests when Akhtar Hossain was arrested. Raising questions about the Mohsin Hall incident, Rashed asked: “Is this truly a personal dispute, or something else? His candidacy should not be canceled without a fair investigation.”
Rashed further alleged that Jalal had been a victim of enforced disappearance in the past and suffered severe trauma from electronic shocks to his tongue, leaving him mentally scarred. “If guilty, punish him—but do not strip him of his studentship,” he urged.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam inspired the oppressed to rise against tyranny, and his works provided courage during historic struggles for freedom and democracy in Bangladesh.
In a tribute on the poet’s death anniversary, Tarique wrote:
“Forty-nine years ago, the life of our national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam came to an end. He was one of the foremost poets and musicians of 20th century Bengali literature. Having endured hardship from childhood, his innate protest against injustice became the hallmark of his writings.”
Tarique highlighted that Nazrul’s poems and songs sparked a cultural renaissance and played a vital role in inspiring freedom fighters during the Liberation War, the 1990 pro-democracy movement, and the 2024 uprising. He added, “Kazi Nazrul Islam is a shining example of human love. I believe his works will continue to inspire patriotism for generations to come.”

In a recent meeting, leaders of several like-minded Islamic parties emphasized that the upcoming national parliamentary election must be conducted strictly on the basis of the July Charter. They warned that any deviation from this framework would not be accepted by the public, nor would it be considered legitimate by their parties.

The leaders stressed that ensuring the implementation of the July Charter cannot rely on mere rhetoric but must be secured through a solid legal framework. Raising pointed questions, they asked, “How can a government that is neither formed nor functioning under the Constitution organize national elections under the same Constitution?”

They further noted that while some claim that the current interim government operates under the existing Constitution, the reality is that this government is largely the product of a special political compromise among the participants of the July Revolution—a compromise that has no direct constitutional recognition.

The meeting was chaired by Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed, Secretary General of the Khelafat Majlis, and attended by leaders from Islami Andolan, Nezam-e-Islam Party, and Khelafat Majlis.