Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has been admitted to a hospital for bypass surgery. According to a statement on his official Facebook page, Jamaat’s chief advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, called to inquire about Dr. Rahman’s health and treatment progress. The post added: “We express our heartfelt gratitude to the chief advisor and pray for his well-being. May Almighty Allah reward him generously. Ameen. – Admin.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the party is not desperate to gain power, but emphasized the need to restore the people’s ownership of the state. “If elections are held by February, many of the country’s ongoing issues could be resolved,” he said.

Fakhrul mentioned that political parties have reached consensus on 12 fundamental issues, and are working toward agreement on others. “We should focus on reforms based on the agreed-upon fundamentals and leave out unresolved points,” he added. He called for civility in democratic discourse to avoid future bitterness, and urged unity in remembrance of the martyrs of July and August to rebuild the nation collectively.

A court has issued a temporary injunction preventing GM Quader, Chairman of the Jatiya Party, from carrying out any organizational activities. At the same time, the court has ordered the reinstatement of several senior leaders who were previously expelled from the party.

In response, Jatiya Party Co-Chairman ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader said, “This historic verdict proves that law and justice are still alive in this country. It sends a strong message against autocracy, authoritarianism, and illegal seizure of power.” He added, “The Jatiya Party is not the personal property of any one individual; it represents the hopes and aspirations of millions across the nation.”

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Coordination Platform (NCP), stated that any consensus reached among political parties must be given constitutional and legal backing; otherwise, it will hold no real value and remain merely a historical document. He rejected the proposal to implement such agreements within a two-year timeframe, warning that NCP will not endorse or sign off on such a deal.

He further emphasized that the July declaration must be announced by July 36 (likely a typo or specific deadline), with no room for delay. “If this is not legally endorsed, all anti-fascist forces will be united to demand its implementation,” he added. Akhtar also clarified a common confusion: “The July Declaration and the July Charter are two distinct documents—while the Charter outlines state structure reforms, the Declaration narrates the sequence of events that led to the July movement.”

Despite political activities being restricted, several Awami League activists are reportedly receiving guerrilla training with the aim of destabilizing the country and seizing control of Dhaka. Thousands are allegedly undergoing training both domestically and abroad, with a core group already completing initial phases.

Shockingly, some of the trainees are said to be retired government officials now aligned with the Awami League, as well as members of the banned Chhatra League. Locations for training allegedly include Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka, and Gopalganj. Sources claim former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the central figure behind this operation, aiming to paralyze the state by taking over Shahbagh and regaining power.

Nahid Islam denied that Sadik Kayem was a coordinator of the group known as “Baibichaa,” asserting that he only adopted that label after August 5.

“He falsely claimed that the Dhaka University chapter led the coup,” said Nahid. “This wasn’t the doing of Shibir alone, nor was it directed by them.”

Nahid alleged that on August 2, 2024, a faction led by Zulkarnaine Sayer attempted a military coup. Students in a so-called “safe house” were pressured to demand single-point demands via Facebook and cut ties with other groups. He also accused BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul of lying about receiving proposals for a national government from student leaders, stating that such a proposal was indeed sent to Tarique Rahman but rejected.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed described the July Charter as a historic national commitment that could offer a new direction amid Bangladesh’s current political and social crisis.

“Its strength lies in the pledges made—backed by promises to amend laws and the constitution if necessary,” he said.

He stated that the Parliament will be the primary platform for implementing the commitments within two years of its formation. The final version of the charter will carry the signatures of the Chief Adviser, commission members, and political leaders. Salahuddin questioned whether any political party would dare undermine such a united social contract.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has criticized the draft of the reform charter sent by the Election Commission, saying it lacks a solid legal foundation and is therefore unenforceable.

"Unless the reform proposals are backed by law, they cannot be implemented—and Jamaat will not endorse them," he said.

Taher noted that although consensus had been reached on key points during discussions, the draft failed to set any timeline regarding the government's or commission's mandate, raising concerns about its seriousness. He added that there is still an opportunity to legally formalize the charter, urging that it not go to waste.

BNP leaders in Shyamnagar have held rallies protesting the draft plan to redraw the boundaries of Satkhira-4 constituency. They allege the move is politically motivated and aims to benefit a particular party. Speakers pointed out that merging geographically isolated and disaster-prone upazilas like Shyamnagar and Ashashuni into one constituency is illogical and against public interest. The BNP demanded an immediate withdrawal of the draft and restoration of the previous boundaries, even suggesting the declaration of Shyamnagar as a separate constituency.

Oman has extended the deadline for undocumented Bangladeshi migrants to legalize their status until December 31, 2025. The announcement was made by advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul, who urged Bangladeshis to take this opportunity to regularize their stay without facing fines. He advised migrants to contact the Bangladesh Embassy if they need assistance during the process.

Gazipur district's parliamentary constituencies have increased from five to six in proportion to population growth recorded in the latest census. The newly proposed constituency includes all wards of Tongi East and West police stations under Gazipur City Corporation, four wards (39–42) from Pubail, and five out of seven wards from Gacha. Wards 32 and 33 have been moved to Gazipur-2. This redistribution has reportedly satisfied BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, who believe it reflects fair demographic representation.

UP Bangladesh has announced a mass rally at Shahbagh, Dhaka, on August 1 if the government fails to release the promised July Declaration and Charter by July 31. The platform criticized a leaked draft as failing to represent key national struggles, including the 2024 uprising and other historic movements. They demand official recognition of people’s sacrifices and the inclusion of major events omitted from the draft. Citizens of Dhaka and across the country have been urged to join the protest.

Authorities in Jhenaidah have begun verifying BCIC fertilizer dealers amid fears of a distribution conspiracy involving fugitive and inactive dealers. Over 50 of the 67 dealership licenses are tied to Awami League leaders or their families. Several dealers are fugitives or no longer control their businesses, raising concerns over irregularities during the peak farming season. The Agriculture Ministry has ordered updated records, with officials identifying those facing legal cases or violating policies. Authorities fear potential misuse of fertilizer due to political favoritism and regulatory loopholes.

Sultan Ahmed Rahi, president of the newly formed committee of Rabi Chhatra Dal, accused the Vice Chancellor of Rabi University of betraying the blood and trust of ordinary students. Speaking at a brief pre-march rally, Rahi questioned whether the VC has been using certain so-called student leaders within the administration to embezzle hundreds of crores of taka from various banks and government institutions under the guise of extortion.

He said students are asking how much commission the VC has taken to recommend extortion fees, and if these allegations are true, he called for tearing the VC’s chair and throwing it into the Padma River as a symbolic act. Rahi further demanded the VC clarify whether he is committed to ensuring a fair academic environment for students or merely increasing the bank balances of these so-called student leaders.

He warned the university administration that if they think they can manipulate the RAKSU (Rabi University Students Union) election through staged tactics and seize control like a "Ruar" (local gangster), they are mistaken. He assured that neither the Chhatra Dal nor the general students will allow such farcical elections to take place.

BNP leader Zainul Abedin Faruk stated that as the country advances towards a free and fair election under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, some political parties are attempting to hinder the process by raising various unfounded excuses. Faruk said that friends of Jamaat-e-Islami once stood by them. Now, while the people of Bangladesh await change, opposing the election on baseless grounds is tantamount to betraying the public. Some demand a caretaker government system (PR), while others insist no election will be acceptable without constitutional amendments. These excuses lack any foundation.

Faruk also praised the initiative to crack down on extortionists but urged the government to publicly reveal the list of extortionists responsible for siphoning off Tk 200 billion. He added that people are eager to know the election date. Referring to former President Shahabuddin Ahmed, who ended Ershad’s decade-long repression and conducted elections within just three months, Faruk criticized the current delay, saying that even after 11 months, no election date has been announced.

He urged the government to reduce gas and essential commodity prices, take strict action against extortionists, maintain law and order, and promptly announce the election schedule.