Following the fall of the Awami government on August 5, several entertainment industry figures faced a tough situation. In a recent interview, actress Nusrat Faria, who played a role in Mujib: The Making of a Nation, stated that she has no regrets about doing the film.

“For five years, from 2019 to 2023, I maintained the same look for this role. I didn’t dye my hair, kept it black, and stayed within a specific weight range,” she said. Nusrat further added, “When a project is offered at the government level, it’s difficult to refuse, even if it’s not something you personally prefer.”

She also revealed that she was in Canada during the uprising and acknowledged that “a mistake is always a mistake.” Reflecting on that period, she said, “At that time, I made posts in support of the students.”

The National Consensus Commission has started discussions with political parties to finalize reform recommendations. The BNP, National Citizens' Party (NCP), and Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) are scheduled to meet the commission today. BNP will present its views at 1 PM, followed by NCP at 2 PM, and CPB at 2:30 PM. Ali Riaz, vice-president of the commission, is leading the talks.

Rashed Khan, a leader of the Gana Adhikar Parishad, has urged the Chief Adviser to call for a national dialogue to discuss banning the Awami League. He stated that such a move, if initiated, could immediately lead to the party’s prohibition. He emphasized that banning the party responsible for mass killings should be a political and governmental decision.

Sargis Alam has refuted claims that General Wakar-uz-Zaman pressured for the rehabilitation of the Awami League. He contradicted a Facebook post by Hasnat Abdullah, clarifying that the army chief merely expressed his perspective rather than making a direct proposal. Sargis admitted that the general stated, "You people lack wisdom and experience. We have been in this service for at least 40 years," but emphasized that it was not in a threatening tone.

Fatah, the political faction led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, has called on its rival Hamas to relinquish power in Gaza to protect the “existence” of the Palestinian people. A Fatah spokesperson stated, “Hamas must step down. The impending war could lead to the annihilation of the Palestinian people if they remain in power in Gaza. Hamas must show compassion towards the people—children, women, and men alike.” However, Hamas has indicated that it is unlikely to compromise or surrender control.

Mass protests have erupted in Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, with thousands taking to the streets demanding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s resignation. Many are calling this the largest anti-government movement since 2013, when protests resulted in at least eight deaths. Authorities have shut down several key roads in Istanbul and imposed a five-day ban on public gatherings in protest-hit cities. In response to Thursday’s violent clashes, a metro station near Ankara University has also been closed. Despite government crackdowns and threats, demonstrators have vowed to continue their movement.

BNP leader Amanullah Aman has announced his son, Barrister Irfan Ibn Aman Ami, as a candidate for the upcoming national election. Aman, who serves as an advisor to BNP Chairperson, stated that all major developments in Keraniganj happened during BNP’s tenure. “If Barrister Ami is elected, the BNP government will construct a bridge over the Buriganga River, connecting Kholamura and Kamrangirchar, InshaAllah,” he promised. Aman further declared, “We will not be subservient to India. The new Bangladesh, built on the sacrifices of thousands of BNP leaders, activists, and students, will not bow to any submissive foreign policy.”

BNP leader Barrister Naushad Jamir has firmly rejected the idea of a proportional representation election system, which has been proposed by some political analysts, including Professor Ali Riaz. “BNP will not accept proportional representation elections. This is nothing but an attempt to rehabilitate fascists and their allies,” he asserted. Citing Nepal as an example, he noted that their government changed nine times in just two years under a similar system. Jamir also warned that criminals are misusing the nationalist party’s name to commit crimes and called for strong action against them.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has labeled the ruling Awami League as a “sleeping monster” and urged for unity to prevent its return. He stated, “After 16 years of bloodshed, we can finally breathe a sigh of relief. To make this peace permanent, we must ensure free and fair elections, an independent judiciary, and tolerance for opposing views—essential elements of democracy.” Rizvi warned that though the defeated autocrats pretend to be dormant, they occasionally attempt to rise again. “No matter our differences, we must remain united to stop the return of this sleeping monster and prevent the resurgence of a new authoritarian regime,” he emphasized.

Sarjis Alam, chief organizer of the National Citizens’ Party in the northern region, dismissed rumors about removing the army chief, stating that there is no scope for making the army an opponent. Speaking at an Iftar event at the National Press Club, he emphasized the nation’s trust and respect for the army, reaffirming its crucial role in Bangladesh’s stability. He also supported setting a fixed election date and stressed the importance of constructive discussions instead of confrontation with institutions.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie stated that the Army Chief must not be dragged into controversy. He stressed that political discussions should remain within political parties rather than targeting individuals. Annie alleged that a deep conspiracy is underway to manipulate the electoral process and keep BNP from power, urging everyone to remain vigilant.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince warned that the country will plunge into a severe crisis if elections are not held soon. He emphasized that only an elected government can restore stability and order. Prince called for electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections, asserting that despite relentless conspiracies, the ruling Awami League has failed to detach BNP from the people.

Police have arrested Musabbir Mahmud Sani, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, for allegedly leading an attack on the under-construction Model Mosque campus in Pirojpur. On Friday, a group of 10-12 people under Sani's leadership vandalized the premises, assaulted employees, and looted BDT 500,000. Additional Superintendent of Police Mukit Hasan Khan visited the scene to investigate the incident.

Police have arrested Khairul Islam Talukdar Babul, the General Secretary of Bhuyapur Municipality Awami League and former district council member, as part of "Operation Devil Hunt." Officer-in-Charge AKM Rezaul Karim confirmed that Babul was detained from Shialkol and will be handed over to Tangail Sadar Police Station on Sunday before being presented in court on charges of sabotage.

BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the party has expelled nearly 2,000 leaders and activists over allegations of misconduct. However, he clarified that those found innocent after investigation have been reinstated. Khosru urged the government to take legal action against criminals regardless of their political affiliation. He also accused certain quarters of trying to undermine BNP’s popularity by falsely portraying the party as an ally of the ruling Awami League.