NCP Joint Convener Taznuva Jabin has strongly condemned the attack on party leaders in New York, alleging blatant negligence by the interim government.

In a statement, Jabin wrote:
“Since entering politics, women like us have endured every imaginable slur and cyberbullying. Vulgar insults have become routine. But what happened in New York – the vile abuse hurled at Zara and the attack on Akhtar – is beyond disgraceful, especially as they were traveling as official companions of the Bangladesh government.”

She demanded accountability from the interim government:
“Why were political representatives not given protection? Why was the only female political delegate left exposed? Shame! The interim government owes Zara and the people of Bangladesh an apology. They talk endlessly about women’s rights, yet abandoned her to face the attack alone.”

Holding the government responsible, Jabin added:
“Akhtar is not just an NCP leader – he is a living symbol of resistance against fascism. To fail in protecting him is a betrayal. The NCP will not let this go unanswered.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has strongly condemned the harassment of Akhtar Hossain and other political leaders in New York.

He accused former ruling elites of attempting to create fresh chaos:

“Those who imposed autocracy for 15 years are again conspiring to destabilize politics. We must remain vigilant against backdoor deals with dictators,” Rizvi said.

He further alleged that new propaganda campaigns against BNP began after August 5, aimed at reviving “minus-one” style politics.
“Just as Khaleda Zia could not be forced into exile, BNP too cannot be eliminated. We will resist such conspiracies,” Rizvi declared.

He also instructed party activists to act as guardians during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations to ensure peaceful festivities.

The interim government has expressed regret after several political leaders, including NCP Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain, were harassed in New York.

In a statement, the government alleged that supporters of Sheikh Hasina were behind the incident, which echoed the violent political culture of her regime.

Officials said the delegation initially entered the airport through the VVIP gate but later faced unexpected visa complications and inadequate security arrangements.

Authorities confirmed that one person has already been arrested, with a formal investigation underway. Security around Chief Adviser Yunus and his delegation has since been tightened, with assurances of legal and diplomatic measures in response.

BNP central leader and Liberation War veteran Hasan Uddin Sarkar has raised alarm over the widespread drug crisis in Bangladesh.

Speaking at a meeting with teachers at Tongi Shahaj Uddin Sarkar School and College, he said:

“Drugs have infiltrated every part of society. If we fail to protect our youth, destruction is inevitable. Without saving the younger generation from this menace, the nation will have no future leadership.”

He urged urgent collective action to tackle the drug epidemic.

Abidul Islam Khan, a defeated VP candidate in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, has accused the university administration and the Election Commission of deliberately delaying investigations into election irregularities.

After meeting the Vice Chancellor, Abidul said he demanded updates on the probe but received little clarity.

“We submitted written complaints, including evidence of ballot papers found in the basement of Gausul Azam Super Market. Yet, the commission refuses to take them into account,” he said.

Abidul, along with Umaama Fatema and Abdul Kader, raised further concerns over irregularities in polling at SM Hall and Zahurul Haq Hall. Fatema noted that the administration still has not explained discrepancies regarding ballot papers.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has urged party activists not to respond to insults or criticism with hostility.

“Those who insult Jamaat deserve no reply. Our response will be our program, Insha’Allah,” he said in a recent address.

He emphasized that Jamaat’s core responsibility is to work for the welfare of the country and its people.
“Ultimate judgment rests with the Almighty. Patience and trust in Allah must be our greatest tools. May Allah protect our beloved Bangladesh from all dangers,” Rahman added.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam has accused the government and relevant ministries of failing to ensure security, leading to the attack on Akhtar Hossain.

He said, “The fascist Awami League continues targeting July Uprising leaders. We saw assassination attempts in Gopalganj during the July march, and attacks abroad on our leaders like Mahfuz Alam. Yesterday’s attack on Akhtar Hossain is part of the same pattern.”

Nahid added that many Awami League members accused of violence are freely roaming after bail and even threatening families of martyrs. “The government must identify and punish these collaborators of fascism,” he said.

On the lotus symbol issue, Nahid said NCP will give its official response once the EC announces a decision. He also confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding a possible merger between GOP and NCP.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul has condemned the attack on NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and others at New York airport, blaming the ruling Awami League.

“What happened proves again that Awami League feels no remorse for its injustices,” Fakhrul said in a statement. He vowed that all past wrongs committed by the party will be brought to justice through law, urging BNP supporters to remain patient “for the sake of the party and the nation.”

NCP leader Sarjis has demanded that the Election Commission grant the party its requested lotus symbol, warning of consequences otherwise.

“The EC Secretary admitted there is no legal barrier, only that the lotus is not on their symbol list. But NCP clearly applied for it during registration. Whose responsibility was it to update the list?” Sarjis questioned.

He accused the EC of acting under external influence and warned, “Since there is no legal obstacle, NCP must get the lotus symbol—there is no other option. If denied, we too will see how elections are held and who dreams of coming to power to enjoy its fruits.”

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mia Golam Porwar has strongly rejected BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul’s claim that Jamaat pressured BNP over proportional representation after being denied 30 seats.

Calling the remarks “false and vindictive,” Porwar challenged Fakhrul to present evidence. “If Jamaat indeed demanded seats, let him show proof to the nation,” he said, adding that Jamaat functions under its own leadership and has “no involvement with seat-bargaining politics.”

Porwar demanded that Fakhrul either prove his claim or apologize to the public for tarnishing Jamaat’s image. He urged BNP leaders to refrain from making “baseless and misleading statements” in the future.

BNP leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has firmly rejected the idea of imposing constitutional or presidential mechanisms that bypass direct voting. “The people of Bangladesh are accustomed to voting directly under the constitution. They have never practiced proportional representation voting, not in 54 years of Bangladesh, not in 24 years of Pakistan, nor during British rule,” he said.

He warned, “If such a system is imposed through constitutional orders or presidential decrees, the people will not accept it. BNP will never agree to it.”

Zahid reaffirmed that the interim government must ensure elections are held strictly in line with the constitution, the supreme law of the land.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has revealed that Jamaat-e-Islami demanded 30 parliamentary seats from BNP, but the party showed little enthusiasm for the proposal. Speaking to India’s Ei Samay, Fakhrul said, “We proposed a much smaller number, which Jamaat did not accept. In reality, Jamaat is not as powerful as it is often portrayed. We have given them undue importance in the past.”

Fakhrul stressed that Jamaat is preparing for elections independently, already announcing candidates in various constituencies. He noted that people across the country are strongly demanding elections. “The army wants it, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus wants it, and the polls will be held in February without doubt,” he said.

On the role of student protests, Fakhrul remarked, “It was the students who ignited the flame against Sheikh Hasina. But now NCP has nothing left. They never demanded seats from us—only Jamaat did. The NCP’s sole agenda now is to prevent BNP from forming a government.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that the party has not given the green signal or nomination to any candidate for the upcoming national elections.

He explained that nominations will be given strictly according to the party’s constitution. BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has urged aspirants to be “people-friendly,” stressing that those who have been active in party and public service will be prioritized. Rizvi further accused the government of fostering conspiracies as elections approach, alleging attempts to exploit “fallen fascism” for political gain.

Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed has clarified that NCP will not be allowed to use the ‘Shapla’ (water lily) as its electoral symbol, as it is not included in the EC’s official list of 115 approved symbols.

He urged the party to propose an alternative symbol from the existing list. Meanwhile, NCP remains adamant, having twice requested the Shapla symbol in its registration applications. The EC will begin dialogues with political parties participating in the national polls from September 28, with schedules adjusted around Puja holidays.

Police in New York have arrested Mizan Chowdhury, the man accused of attacking NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain. He is scheduled to be produced before a court on Wednesday.

Mizan, identified as an Awami League activist from Jakiganj, Sylhet, allegedly threw eggs and hurled abuses at Hossain upon his arrival at the airport with the Chief Adviser’s delegation for the 80th UN General Assembly. The incident has sparked outrage within NCP and beyond.