BNP leader Barkat Ullah Bulu has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of prioritizing its own interests, recalling that in 1996 the party campaigned alongside the Awami League for a caretaker government and later formed a coalition with them.
Bulu noted that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia first introduced the caretaker government in Bangladesh, but Jamaat is now advocating for a “PR system” election unfamiliar to the public.
He credited the ousting of the “autocratic Hasina government” to the united movement of students, the BNP, other political parties, farmers, and workers, warning that without this, repression would have worsened. Bulu urged all parties to unite for a free and fair election.

BNP leader Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has claimed that Bangladeshis were deprived of their right to vote in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections. Speaking in Tangail, he said the public wants a stable Bangladesh through free and fair elections—not power for power’s sake.
Tuku alleged that those who conspired over elections have become disconnected from the people and urged unity to build a democratic Bangladesh. He also warned against fascist collaborators plotting to destabilize the country, stressing the need for a people-oriented government.

NCP leaders met with US Acting Ambassador Traci Ann Jacobson at her Gulshan-2 residence on Monday. The US Embassy’s Political Counsellor Eric Gillan also attended the meeting.
From the NCP side, Nahid Islam, Akhter Hossain, and Tasnim Jara were present. Discussions focused on Bangladesh’s current political situation, the upcoming national election, democratic processes, and international cooperation. NCP leaders emphasized the importance of political stability and inclusive elections.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has alleged that Fazlur Rahman, once an Awami League supporter and self-proclaimed Mujibist, has now become a “narrator and orator for the BNP” while still echoing ruling party talking points.
In a recent event, Fazlu reportedly called NCP’s central leaders, including Nahid Islam, “illegitimate,” sparking outrage within the party. Sarjis accused him of representing the “killer League’s” narrative, claiming that pro-Awami League media outlets actively promote his speeches.
“We respect senior politicians, but those like Mr. Fazlu—who show no basic decency, act as fascist collaborators, and reject the people’s uprising—must bear responsibility for public anger,” Sarjis wrote. He warned that if no action is taken against such statements, the public may believe the BNP leadership itself endorses them.

Former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur has warned that without student union elections in universities this time, such polls might not occur again for three decades. Speaking at Rajshahi University, he called for ending hall-level politics while allowing healthy campus political activity through consensus among student groups.
Nur expressed doubt over the February national polls, citing deep divisions among political parties despite their claims of supporting the mass uprising. He also criticized aspects of the BNP’s PR approach, noting that while the proposal passed, dissent notes were recorded.

The government has expanded its Food-Friendly Program from 5 million to 5.5 million beneficiaries, extending its duration from five to six months. Starting August 17, each family will be able to purchase 30 kg of rice per month at Tk 15 per kg, Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder announced.
He urged transparency and integrity in implementation, calling for a thorough verification of OMS dealers, proper beneficiary selection, updated distribution lists, and timely delivery. The adviser also stressed building emergency food reserves, ensuring fair prices for farmers, stabilizing market prices, and securing food warehouses.

Jamaat-e-Islami has called for a peaceful protest demanding legal recognition of the “July Declaration” and “July Charter” and holding the national elections under their framework.
The rally will be held Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the Bijoynagar Panir Tank area, attended by senior Jamaat leaders, including Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar.
The party urged Dhaka residents and supporters to participate peacefully, stressing the goal of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has claimed that while the autocratic regime may have fled, it left behind devastation across all sectors of government. Speaking at Naogaon district BNP’s biennial conference, he said the BNP’s prior experience in governance positions it to steer the nation out of the crisis.
Rahman asserted that the people trust the BNP not to harm national interests, and party leaders must safeguard that trust. He acknowledged that should the BNP win the upcoming elections, the new government will face significant challenges. The conference generated visible excitement among grassroots party members after a 15-year hiatus.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has issued a statement branding the Awami League as a fascist entity, accusing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of dismantling democracy by establishing BAKSAL, marking the start of fascism in Bangladesh.
The group alleges that for the past 15 years, the Awami League has entrenched a fascist regime through enforced disappearances, killings, torture, and suppression of dissent, most recently extending it through “mass killings” during the July uprising.
They warned that remnants of Mujibist politics remain embedded in administration, media, and cultural spheres, and vowed that if attempts are made to revive it, all anti-fascist forces will unite to resist. The organization called for decisive government action to uproot these elements.

Nizam Uddin, Deputy Coordinator of NCP’s Chattogram Metropolitan Branch, has been issued a show-cause notice amid allegations of collecting Tk 5 lakh extortion and pressuring for an additional Tk 5 lakh to halt port-centric protests. A video detailing the accusations went viral on Sunday evening.

The notice, signed by Arif Moinuddin, Deputy Coordinator (Office) of Chattogram Metropolitan NCP, cited violations of party discipline. Nizam Uddin has been asked to submit a written explanation within 24 hours to Chief Deputy Coordinator Mir Arshadul Haque.

One of the five Al Jazeera journalists killed in the Israeli attack on Gaza is Anas Al-Sharif. Before his death, he sent an emotional message urging the world to stand by Palestine and its innocent children and requested that people not remain silent. He wrote, “I hoped Allah would grant me a long life so that I could return with my family and loved ones to our occupied city of Ashkelon (Al-Majdal). But Allah’s will is final.” He prayed to Allah to accept him as a martyr and to forgive his sins. In his final line, he wrote, “Do not forget Gaza... and do not forget me in your sincere prayers.”

India’s Election Commission’s “Special Intensive Revision” to remove fake voters has sparked controversy as Bengali-speaking residents, even with valid documents, face detention on suspicion of being Bangladeshi in several states. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee calls it an attack on constitutional rights and cultural identity. National and international media report wrongful detentions, with opposition parties accusing the BJP of divisive politics. The BJP denies language bias, but the issue has become a broader fight for pluralism, democracy, and Bengali identity across India.

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the US have fallen for almost two years, with earnings from nine major markets, including Europe and Canada, dropping 8.79%. Emerging markets like Japan and Australia are driving overall sector growth. The central bank warns of challenges from global economic slowdown, trade policy shifts, and India’s import restrictions. Despite similar US tariffs on competitors, government support offers a competitive edge. Diversifying products, boosting efficiency, and cutting costs are seen as keys to sustaining export momentum.

The National Consensus Commission has started discussions with legal and constitutional experts to find ways to make the July National Charter legally binding and determine its implementation process. The meeting, held Sunday at the National Parliament’s LD Hall, brought together retired justices, law academics, senior advocates, and barristers. Key commission members, including Vice-Chairman Dr. Ali Riaz, joined the talks alongside Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Monir Haider. The dialogue aims to build consensus on the charter’s legal framework and enforceability.

Delhi Police arrested Indian National Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi on Monday morning as they led a protest march towards the Election Commission office in Delhi. The protest, organized by the India Alliance, was against alleged voter fraud in Bihar’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Authorities stated the march lacked official permission. The Congress and allied parties strongly oppose the Election Commission’s new voter eligibility rules for Bihar, which discard previously accepted documents like Aadhaar and voter ID cards in favor of 11 alternative proofs, including birth certificates and passports.