Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has proposed regaining the authority to cancel voting across an entire constituency in cases of electoral irregularities. It currently holds the power to nullify votes at specific centers only. The EC also decided to allow expatriate Bangladeshis to vote through an IT-based postal ballot system, allocating Tk 48 crore for the project. Additionally, it will no longer use EVMs in elections and plans to revise voter lists, redefine constituency boundaries, and enforce stricter affidavit requirements for candidates.

Muslim umbrella organizations from across Europe have jointly issued the "Gaza Declaration" in Brussels, calling for an immediate ceasefire, release of detainees, and unrestricted humanitarian aid in Gaza. Representing over 15,000 mosques and Islamic institutions, the leaders condemned civilian killings, infrastructure destruction, and violations of international law. They outlined seven key demands, including recognition of Palestine and press freedom in Gaza. The declaration also emphasized unity against extremism and urged continued respectful dialogue with Jewish communities across Europe.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi criticized the push for a Proportional Representation (PR) voting system, stating, “It’s the politically orphaned parties that advocate for PR.” He argued that PR confuses voters, as it requires voting for party-nominated lists rather than individual candidates. Rizvi accused the reform advocates of plotting to delay elections after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina succeeded in conducting one-sided polls. He added, “Reforms must be implemented by an elected parliament—how can you renovate without a building?” At the event, BNP leader Aminul Haque called on party workers to stay connected with the people and announced a symbolic tree-planting campaign.

Nahid Islam, the convenor of the National Change Platform (NCP), has demanded the implementation of the July Declaration and the July Charter by August 3. "If the government fails to meet this deadline, we will take to the streets once again, joined by students and citizens across the country," he warned. He further stated that despite a popular uprising in July, the country continues to face deep-rooted crises. "To rebuild Bangladesh, we need justice for those involved in fascism, fundamental reforms, and a new constitution," he emphasized. NCP plans to hold a mass gathering at Dhaka’s Shaheed Minar on August 3.

The second phase of discussions by the National Consensus Commission ended without a final decision on the proposed caretaker government system. Jonayed Saki stated that past experiences with caretaker government heads and judicial involvement were not fruitful. He noted that political parties have proposed a seven-member committee, elected by Parliament, to choose the chief advisor before national elections. Another suggestion was made to select the Chief Justice from a pool of two candidates rather than automatically appointing the senior-most judge. Concerns were raised over political influence in past judicial appointments, with calls for a more transparent and revised process for appointing the Chief Justice.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has welcomed the interim government’s directive to prepare for elections by December, calling it a positive and promising step. Speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club, he said the BNP has submitted its July Declaration to the government, underscoring the importance of the July uprising. Fakhrul supported political reforms but stressed the need to acknowledge the repression faced by BNP members over the past 17 years. He also highlighted issues including border killings, unresolved water-sharing with India, the potential imposition of a 35% U.S. tariff, and the need for national unity to restore democratic governance. Jamaat leader Mia Ghulam Parwar echoed the need for synergy among political parties, the public, and the media.

Tahsina Rushdir Luna, wife of missing BNP leader M Ilias Ali, has urged religious leaders to play a unified role not only in spiritual matters but also in promoting justice, human rights, and societal harmony. Speaking at a discussion with the Imam Association in Osmaninagar, she said Imams are the successors of prophets and have a crucial role in guiding society towards righteousness. She emphasized BNP’s longstanding respect for religious values and the clergy community.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam has expressed concern over the lack of student union elections in universities despite high expectations following the mass uprising. Speaking at a rally at the main gate of Islamic University on Wednesday night, he stated that student unions are essential for safeguarding students' rights, promoting free expression, and initiating reforms. He called for immediate elections in all universities, including Dhaka and Islamic University. Nahid emphasized that the mass uprising was not just about regime change, but about transforming the state structure and people’s lives. He urged universities to eliminate discrimination based on religion or political identity and promote democratic coexistence.

Jamaat-e-Islami has declared its readiness to participate in national elections at any time, provided that seven core demands are met — including implementation of a proportional representation (PR) electoral system and adoption of the "July Charter." Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsan Mahbub Zubayer announced plans for a massive rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on July 19, expected to draw hundreds of thousands. He added that all anti-fascist parties, including the BNP, will be invited to join.

Rana Sanaullah, an adviser to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, has warned that participants in PTI’s protests may be arrested if the demonstrations turn violent. While reaffirming the right to peaceful protest, he stressed that the government would act firmly against any unrest.

He noted that Prime Minister Sharif had invited PTI for dialogue and mentioned that while some rallies may occur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, overall turnout is expected to be low elsewhere. Sanaullah also met with senior JUI-F leaders in Islamabad to discuss political developments and the upcoming Senate elections in KP.

Sarjis Alam, Chief Organizer of the Northern Region for the National Citizens' Party (NCP), has questioned the Election Commission’s decision to ban the water lily as a political symbol.

He argued that just like the paddy sheaf, jute leaf, and star—elements derived from national symbols—the water lily is a part of the national emblem and should be allowed as an electoral symbol. “If one part of the national emblem can be used as a party symbol, so can the water lily,” he said, opposing the ban.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka Metropolitan North branch held a rally and assembly on July 19 in the Karwan Bazar and Farmgate areas to mobilize support for their national convention. Addressing the crowd, Metropolitan Amir Mohammad Selim Uddin urged activists to work tirelessly towards achieving the party’s seven-point demand plan aimed at building a new Bangladesh free from discrimination, extortion, and terrorism. He emphasized that people would no longer have to seek their rights elsewhere, as elected representatives will act as servants of the people, not rulers. He invited residents of Dhaka to participate in the upcoming national convention.

National Citizen Party (NCP) activists were allegedly attacked at the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) regional office in Mohammadpur while protesting against extortion.

According to the NCP, a group of assailants led by Mahbub Alam confined the protesters to a room and attacked them with local weapons, seizing their mobile phones and wallets. At least six individuals were injured and admitted to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital.

The party accuses Mahbub Alam of being closely associated with Mayor Atiqul Islam and being involved in lobbying, tender manipulation, and extortion within the DNCC. The Mohammadpur police station’s officer-in-charge stated that an investigation will begin upon receiving a formal complaint.

A crude bomb (cocktail) exploded outside the National Citizen Party (NCP) office on Wednesday night at 10:58 PM, injuring Imon Howlader, the Joint Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Kalabagan. He was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

This marks the third such incident outside the NCP office, with previous attacks occurring on June 23 and July 2, leaving several others injured. Police have launched an investigation into the latest explosion.

Aminul Haque, Convener of BNP's Dhaka North Metropolitan Unit, has criticized the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, calling it “disconnected from the people.” He argued that individuals who are not even qualified to be Union Parishad members are now dreaming of becoming Members of Parliament under this system.

Speaking at a party event, Haque stated that the people of Bangladesh have been deprived of their voting rights for the past 15 years and are now eagerly waiting for a truly free and fair election—one in which they can elect candidates of their own choosing.

He called on party leaders and activists to remain disciplined, emphasizing that no injustice should be done to ordinary citizens and urging coordination with law enforcement agencies to maintain order.

Expressing hope that the next general election will be held by February, Haque urged all BNP supporters to stay united and vigilant. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to confronting all political conspiracies under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.