AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad has branded the Jatiya Party as a “historical threat” to Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and national interests.

“Since its inception, the Jatiya Party has undermined the country’s security. It rehabilitated Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League in politics, ruled the country without elections for nine years, and later acted as Awami League’s ‘B-Team’ for 16 years to serve Delhi’s interests,” Fuad alleged.

He further claimed that every reason behind the people’s uprising against the Awami League also applies to the Jatiya Party, saying the only difference lies in the degree of involvement.

A meeting of the five-party liaison committee was held at the central office of Islami Andolon Bangladesh to review the country’s political situation.

The participants discussed ways to strengthen public opinion for holding the next national election under the framework of the July Declaration, emphasizing its legal recognition. The committee also decided to engage with political, social, and religious leaders to build momentum for this demand.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader, Secretary General of Khelafat Majlis; Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis; Maulana Abdul Majed Athari, Vice-President of Nezame Islam Party; Maulana Mujibur Rahman Hamidi, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon; and Islami Andolon Secretary General Maulana Yunus Ahmad.

Marking International Democracy Day, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Golam Parwar has called for institutionalizing democracy in Bangladesh and ensuring that the next general election is held under a Proportional Representation (PR) system.

In a statement, Parwar said: “Democracy is the foundation of equality, rule of law, civil rights, and freedom of expression. The absence of democracy leads to the absence of these values.”

He accused what he termed a “fascist regime” of destroying democracy over the past 17 years, depriving citizens of voting rights, justice, social security, and fundamental freedoms. Referring to the July uprising as a “historic opportunity,” he urged all political parties and citizens to unite beyond party lines to institutionalize democracy.

Jamaat, he said, is committed to free, fair, and fearless elections under a PR system and demanded strict measures against election malpractice, including vote-buying, muscle power, and ballot-box capture.

Gono Adhikar Parishad leader Rashed Khan has ruled out forming any fresh political alliances, emphasizing instead the need to strengthen the unity of anti-fascist forces.

“Different political parties may have their own programs and demands, which must be respected in a democratic state,” he said. “But we will not be part of any move that risks fragmenting the anti-fascist struggle and paves the way for an Awami League comeback. Our priority is building unity to completely eradicate fascism.”

Rashed pointed to recent multi-party meetings at the party office and solidarity rallies at Shahbagh as steps toward this goal. “We must unite the entire nation to achieve economic prosperity, equality, human dignity, and justice. There is no alternative to staying united, as urged yesterday by the Honorable Chief Adviser,” he added.

A Dhaka court has acquitted BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, senior leader Mirza Abbas, and 106 others in two cases of violence from 2013.

Judge Sabbir Faiz accepted a police final report and cleared 77 accused, including Fakhrul, Abbas, and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, in a case involving the torching of vehicles in Shahbagh in 2019.

In a separate case over clashes during a protest march in Shantinagar on March 2, 2013, Dhaka’s Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Wahiduzzaman acquitted Fakhrul and 29 other BNP leaders and activists.

The cases stemmed from BNP’s demonstrations demanding a caretaker government, which led to violent clashes with police and ruling party supporters.

Gono Adhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur has been released from Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) after 18 days of treatment. He left the hospital in an ambulance and has since been taken to his residence in Rampura’s Metropolitan Project area.

DMCH Director General Dr. Md. Asaduzzaman confirmed that Nur’s condition had improved significantly, prompting the medical board to approve his discharge. Speaking briefly while leaving the hospital, Nur said, “I’m not fully recovered yet. For now, I will rest at home and later seek treatment at another hospital.”

Family sources confirmed that Nur has been moved to his Rampura home for continued care.

A delegation of top industrialists met Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman for a courtesy call to discuss the country’s investment climate and labor issues.

The delegation included Square Group MD Tapan Chowdhury, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, and Employers’ Federation President Fazle Shamim Ehsan.

Discussions focused on industrial growth prospects, new investments, and challenges surrounding the upcoming 2025 labor law. Rahman emphasized improving labor-employer relations to safeguard industries and sustain economic stability. He also thanked the business leaders for their visit and concern for his health.

Jamaat leader Hamidur Rahman Azad has reaffirmed that his party practices politics within Bangladesh’s legal and constitutional framework, acknowledging the country’s independence as non-negotiable.

“Denying the Liberation War would mean denying Bangladesh itself,” Azad said. He stressed that elections based on the legal framework of the July Charter would be both fair and historically significant.

He further stated that establishing good governance, justice, democracy, and accountability requires reforms under the July Charter’s legal foundation. Azad suggested that anchoring this constitutional order in Article 7 — which enshrines people’s sovereignty — and validating it through a referendum would make it the strongest possible framework.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said that the collective efforts of Bangladesh’s youth will help the country emerge as a developed, humane, and innovative nation.

Highlighting the role of youth in education, healthcare, environmental protection, poverty reduction, and social justice, Yunus emphasized that no barrier can halt progress when driven by innovation and determination.

He stressed that volunteerism is not only a service to humanity but also a path to self-development, character building, and leadership. Calling on young people to apply their talent and creativity to national progress, Yunus presented the Youth Award 2025 to 12 outstanding individuals for their contributions to nation-building.

Islamic Movement chief Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim has said that Islamic political parties are close to reaching a consensus on consolidating their votes in the upcoming national elections.

He announced a series of protest programs — September 18 in Dhaka, September 19 in divisional cities, and September 26 across districts and upazilas — pressing a five-point demand that includes implementing proportional representation, ensuring a level playing field, and upholding the “July Charter.”

Karim warned that sidelining reforms and justice while prioritizing elections indicates a return to “old arrangements.” He hinted at a joint movement if the government does not respond positively. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami announced similar programs separately.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a series of protest rallies demanding a national charter and five-point reforms, while warning of tougher movements if elections are not held under a proportional representation (PR) system.

Naib-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher revealed the schedule: a rally in Dhaka on September 18, divisional protests the next day, and nationwide demonstrations on September 26.

He cautioned that without a legal framework for the July Charter, mass uprisings could falter. Taher also noted that several parties may join under similar demands, though he stopped short of calling it a united movement. Talks with other pro-Charter groups are reportedly ongoing.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Allama Ahmadullah, the head of Chattogram’s Al Jamia Al-Islamia Patiya Madrasa.

In a condolence message, Tarique described Ahmadullah as a revered scholar whose teachings in Qur’an and Hadith inspired countless students to lead righteous lives. “His humility, wisdom, and courtesy made him beloved by all. With his death, the nation has lost a dedicated alim whose absence will not be easily filled,” he said.

Tarique prayed for the scholar’s departed soul and extended sympathy to the bereaved family and followers.

New York Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani declared on Saturday that, if elected, he would order the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival in the city.

Calling it a pledge he intends to fulfill, Mamdani said, “This city will stand with international law. Despite the U.S. not recognizing the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction, we will honor the arrest warrant.”

The ICC issued a warrant against Netanyahu last year for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. In February 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump had retaliated against ICC judges following the warrant.

Nearly 300 Bangladeshi expatriates gathered in Tokyo on Saturday evening for the National Committee of Protest (NCP)’s remembrance event titled “Remembering Our July Heroes.”

The program featured a documentary on the martyrs and wounded of the July Movement, followed by speeches from leaders Sarjis Alam, Nasiruddin Patwari, and Mahbub Alam. They emphasized constitutional reforms, warning that without them, “fascists like Sheikh Hasina will continue their reign.”

Several individuals were honored for their contributions to the July uprising. NCP delegates are expected to return to Bangladesh on September 17.

LDP Secretary General Dr. Redwan Ahmed downplayed fears that Islami Chhatra Shibir’s victory in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) polls signals a larger national trend.

Speaking to reporters, he said, “Shibir did not win with its own votes alone. Students from diverse political leanings backed them, largely as a protest against the ruling party. But national elections are different—people vote for parties and their symbols.”

Redwan added that BNP, backed by allied parties in the ongoing joint movement, is poised to contest and win the upcoming general elections. He accused India of undermining Bangladesh’s democracy to keep Sheikh Hasina in power, insisting, “The people never voted to keep her there.”