NCP leader Tasnim Jara has said that the future Bangladesh must belong to everyone—youth, women, and ordinary families alike.

“Tomorrow’s Bangladesh is your Bangladesh, my Bangladesh, the youth’s Bangladesh, the women’s Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh of our mothers and aunts,” Jara declared. “We are striving to build a nation that belongs to all, under a constitution that protects everyone’s rights. Our journey is long. We know victory will not come easily. This struggle will be prolonged, and we are ready for it.”

She accused Sheikh Hasina’s government of “limitless killings, enforced disappearances, and oppression,” and branded all elections during her 15-year rule as “illegal.” Jara added: “It was the youth who, with their blood, overthrew Hasina and installed the interim government. Yet for the past year, these revolutionary young people have been belittled—called too young to govern. But it is precisely these so-called ‘small people’ who carry the greatest love for this country. Young people dare to question power and challenge authority.”

Addressing the role of women in politics, she said: “Revolutionary women are now victims of cyberbullying. It is the state’s duty to ensure safe spaces for women who wish to join politics. The government must take strict measures to protect them.”

BNP leader Begum Selima Rahman has called on party workers and supporters to spread Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform agenda to households across the nation.

“Through this program, the BNP will return to power in the upcoming election to rebuild the country,” she said.

She emphasized that BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman was “the first leader of reform in Bangladesh,” and his son Tarique Rahman is now continuing that legacy.

“Tarique’s 31-point plan is designed to overhaul a decayed system. Once implemented, no further reform will be needed. There is no justification for perpetuating undemocratic practices in the name of reform,” Selima asserted.

BNP leader Amir Khasru has declared that elections will be held in the first half of February, warning that obstructing the process would be tantamount to denying democracy itself.

“The people of this country now see their dreams reflected in Tarique Rahman’s vision,” he said. “He has pledged that if entrusted with governance, one crore (10 million) jobs will be created in the first 18 months. Primary healthcare initiatives for all citizens are ready, and large-scale investments in education and skills development are being prepared.”

He stressed the need to democratize the economy: “Every Bangladeshi must have the opportunity to contribute to national economic development. To restore democracy, we must hold free and fair elections that form a truly democratic government.”

Khasru added: “BNP today is the largest political party in South Asia. This is because of Ziaur Rahman’s patriotism, development initiatives, and his inclusive vision for farmers, workers, and professionals alike.”

Chittagong City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain praised BNP as a liberal, democratic political party. He urged BNP leaders and activists to uphold the party’s ideals and prepare to regain governance with public support.
Reflecting on BNP’s founding by Ziaur Rahman on this day in 1978, he noted the party’s successes in parliamentary and government leadership over the years. He lauded Zia’s vision for national unity, development, and democracy, and emphasized Begum Khaleda Zia’s role in sustaining the party through political crises, including the post-2007 emergency period. Hossain said the country now awaits the return of BNP leader Tarique Rahman.

Chief Election Commissioner A. M. M. Nasir Uddin stated following a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador that the upcoming 300-seat parliamentary election will be conducted fairly, with no advantage for those attempting to incite disturbances.
He emphasized that preparations have been accelerated since receiving instructions from the Chief Advisor and assured that the Election Commission is ready to manage the elections without bearing any blame. Uddin expressed optimism that political parties will reach a consensus on the election and praised the Chief Advisor’s efforts in allowing the commission to operate independently.

A Dhaka University student, identified as Ali Hossain, has sparked outrage after threatening Daksu election candidate B.M. Fahmida Alam with gang rape in a Facebook post.
Islami Chhatra Shibir condemned the incident and filed a formal complaint with the university proctor.
Shibir’s Dhaka University president, S.M. Farhad, said, “We immediately urged the administration to act against the accused. This culture of slut-shaming and abusive language against female students must be fought collectively.”
He also alleged that a “syndicate” was spreading propaganda against Shibir on social media. Meanwhile, Ali Hossain denied any political affiliation in a Facebook Live video.

Authorities have identified two Chhatra League members responsible for violent clashes at Chittagong University, including one who attacked students with a machete. The individual has been identified as Faisal Mahmud Trishad, an outlawed Chhatra League leader and coordinator of West Gujra Union-11.
Another leader, Jahir Uddin Chowdhury Titu, reportedly incited locals to participate in the clashes and directed attacks on students. The university’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Md. Kamal Uddin, confirmed witnessing the violence firsthand. Despite this, law enforcement has yet to apprehend the leaders involved.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stressed the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue despite differences among political parties. Speaking after receiving NCP’s anniversary greetings, he stated that democratic culture must prevail to eliminate past authoritarian tendencies.
He called for a national unity against fascism and encouraged fostering good political practices. NCP leader Sarjis Alam added that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has undermined both democracy and political culture, noting that building a “new Bangladesh” requires harmonious relationships among parties. Samanta Sharmin also warned against judicial manipulation for political influence in the DUCSU elections.

BNP leader Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu highlighted the historical struggles behind the party’s formation, stating that 47 years ago, the BNP was founded by the late President Ziaur Rahman to rescue citizens from extreme misrule. He condemned the Awami League’s past authoritarian practices, saying millions were held hostage under its oppressive regime.
Dulu reaffirmed that no one can dismantle the BNP as long as Bangladesh, the Bengali language, and national sovereignty endure. He also criticized past attacks on the Zia family, including the forced exile and neglect of Zia’s son, Arafat Rahman Koko, despite his non-involvement in politics.

On the occasion of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) 47th founding anniversary, a delegation from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sarjis Alam, visited BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office at 7:30 PM to convey their greetings.
Other NCP leaders present included Samanta Sharmin and Ariful Islam Adib. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Salahuddin Ahmed received the floral tributes on behalf of the party.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has warned that any attempt to manipulate the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections will be met with strict action. Speaking at a coordination meeting on security and traffic arrangements for DUCSU Elections 2025, he stated that the DMP is fully prepared to provide complete support in accordance with the directives of the Election Commission.
He emphasized that a coordinated effort by all government agencies is crucial to ensuring a safe and smooth election. “By working together, we can guarantee a fair and peaceful voting process,” the commissioner added.

BNP leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain called on supporters to take pride in belonging to the party, describing BNP as the party of democracy, patriots, and freedom fighters.
He warned ruling powers not to assume absolute authority, reminding them that ultimate power rests with the people. Zahid asserted that attempts to foil the February election, whether domestic or foreign, will be resisted by pro-democracy forces, who will elect Tarique Rahman to lead Bangladesh.
He added that BNP’s 31-point reform plan envisions a Bangladesh for all, contrasting it with rival parties he accused of surrendering national interests and imposing one-party rule.

BNP leader Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has accused “fascists” of attempting to destabilize Bangladesh and derail the upcoming national election with foreign backing.
Speaking at a program, Tuku alleged that fascist forces have opened offices in neighboring countries with the intent of obstructing Bangladesh’s democratic process.
“We must move forward in unity so that Sheikh Hasina and her fascist allies cannot succeed in their conspiracies,” Tuku said, adding that BNP is the only modern democratic party in the country.
He further claimed that those responsible for atrocities in 1971—including genocide and crimes against women—are now seeking to disrupt stability and hinder elections under different guises.
“Some are saying elections cannot be held without proportional representation. You made mistakes in 1971, and you are still continuing with the politics of mistakes,” he added.

Israel is reportedly conducting secret underground excavations beneath Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, destroying Islamic archaeological sites. Palestinian authorities claim these actions aim to erase Al-Aqsa’s historic identity and further Judaize the city. A leaked video shows Israeli forces carrying out illegal digs, targeting Umayyad-era relics. The Jerusalem Governor’s Office warned that the excavations risk the mosque’s foundations and called on the UN and UNESCO to intervene. Palestinians view this as part of a broader plan to reshape East Jerusalem.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade advisor, Peter Navarro, has criticized India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that while Modi is a capable leader, he is aligning with leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. Navarro said Brahmins are benefiting at the expense of ordinary Indians and urged that this practice stop. He also linked India’s purchase of Russian crude oil to economic support for Russia, prompting the U.S. to impose tariffs on Indian goods.