Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Helal Uddin has pledged that if his party comes to power, it will build a state free from discrimination, ensuring fundamental rights, social justice, and equal opportunity for all.

“A welfare state means guaranteeing basic rights for every citizen, ensuring safety and justice, and removing all sources of discrimination,” he said.

Highlighting women’s challenges, Helal emphasized skill-building for unemployed women: “Women in our country remain far behind. Jamaat will provide education and training to turn them into a productive workforce. Creating separate workspaces for women will not only advance the country but also strengthen families.”

He further promised safe transportation for women in Dhaka and improved hostel facilities, adding that Jamaat values women with the highest respect.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas has alleged that a “new Minus-Two Formula” is being revived at the behest of domestic and foreign quarters to remove BNP from politics and render Bangladesh politically leaderless.

“After the fall of Awami League, attempts are underway to eliminate BNP from the political arena as well. Some pro-Awami bureaucrats are again becoming active, thinking they will benefit personally if BNP is sidelined,” Abbas said.

He accused some Islamist groups and political forces of raising disruptive demands to block the path of the February elections. “One party has even declared that elections will not be allowed until their demands are met. They are behaving like fascists,” he added.

Abbas also warned of “sinister conspiracies” centering on Saint Martin’s Island, Sajek in Khagrachari, and the New Mooring Container Terminal, which he said threaten Bangladesh’s sovereignty and national interests.

On the issue of Islamist alliances, Abbas said: “BNP is not worried. The people of Bangladesh are moderate Muslims; they prefer democratic and centrist parties, not sectarianism.”

Nahid Islam, a key leader of the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP), arrived in Malaysia on Friday afternoon.

He landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 5 p.m. local time on a US-Bangla Airlines flight, where members of the NCP Diaspora Alliance Malaysia greeted him with flowers and a warm reception.

Following his arrival, Nahid offered Maghrib prayers at Putrajaya Grand Mosque, marking the start of his visit. He was accompanied by joint member-secretary Alauddin Mohammad.

The diaspora alliance has urged expatriate supporters to actively participate in his programs during the three-day visit, from August 22–24.

Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haque Nure has called on Awami League activists to atone for their past misdeeds and seek forgiveness from the people.

“Everyone must repent according to the extent of their sins. If you try to raise your hood like a snake, the people will crush it,” Nure warned.

Addressing Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League members, he said: “Our message is clear—we want to build a new Bangladesh. Those who committed minor wrongdoings will be forgiven. But those responsible for plunder, enforced disappearances, killings, and attacks on opposition voices must pay for their crimes.”

Nure further declared that Awami League will not return to national politics: “If you think Awami League will rise again, you are living in a fool’s paradise. If you want to do politics, join other parties—BNP, Jamaat, or Gono Odhikar Parishad.”

On political reforms, he expressed frustration: “We spent two months discussing reforms and consensus commissions, but no meaningful progress was made. If the July charter does not reflect people’s aspirations, our party will not sign it.”

Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, has declared that elections in Bangladesh will no longer be allowed under the existing system.

He asserted that the majority of political parties now favor a Proportional Representation (PR) model. “If necessary, a referendum must be held to determine whether the people want PR,” he said.

Karim accused the interim government of breaking promises regarding reforms and accountability. He further demanded that the perpetrators of the July massacre be brought to justice before the next national election is held.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has declared that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina must face justice in Bangladesh for her role in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
Fakhrul accused Hasina of being “directly responsible” and insisted she receive the “highest punishment.” He claimed that 1,700 BNP leaders and activists had been forcibly disappeared under her rule.
The BNP leader broke down emotionally while recalling the suffering of families who lost multiple members, including children, to enforced disappearances. He reiterated the party’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable, including Hasina herself.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has called for a shift in Bangladesh’s political culture, stressing that politics should be pursued “for service and dignity, not for profiteering or dominance.” He urged leaders to abandon the mentality of using politics as a means of personal gain.
Annie reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to rebuilding the nation under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, vowing to resist what he termed “fascist Hasina’s legacy.” He added that Rahman aims to introduce a new era of uncompromising politics and social reform, following the vision of late President Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

In a dramatic move, eight leaders of the ruling Awami League from Nonikhir Union, Muksudpur upazila, Gopalganj, have resigned from all party positions.

Announcing their decision at a press conference, the leaders said, “We are voluntarily stepping down from all posts in Nonikhir Union Awami League. However, we remain committed to safeguarding the independence, sovereignty, and interests of the people of Bangladesh.”

The resigning leaders include: Vice Presidents Monoj Moulik and Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Deputy Publicity Secretary Russell Sheikh, Member Swapon Sheikh, Ward-1 President Md. Nur Alam Mia, Ward-6 Organizing Secretary Subal Roy, Ward-9 Labor Secretary Akkach Chokdar, and Union Volunteer League General Secretary Jalil Kazi.

They affirmed that they would continue working for the nation’s welfare beyond partisan interests and declared that they have severed all ties with Awami League, permanently.

The National Consensus Party (NCP) has submitted its formal feedback on the draft July Charter to the National Consensus Commission.

The submission came Friday afternoon, following the Commission’s decision to extend the deadline for political parties to provide input. Earlier in the week, BNP and five other parties shared their recommendations, followed by Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday.

So far, a total of 11 political parties—including JSD, Khilafat Majlis, and Marxist BSD—have given their opinions on the final draft.

BNP leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has cautioned opposition groups that insisting on a Proportional Representation (PR) voting system could inadvertently strengthen a fallen authoritarian regime if it delays elections.

Speaking on Thursday, Zahid questioned whether such parties were “indirectly working in favor of dictatorship.” He urged political unity, saying, “We must resist authoritarianism through politics, not brute force.”

He further argued that reforms within BNP had already begun, whereas parties now demanding reform had shown no such initiative in the past.

A Dhaka court has acquitted Selim Bhuiyan, BNP’s Organizing Secretary for Comilla Division, in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The case, lodged in June 2019, accused Bhuiyan of concealing assets worth over Tk 10.9 million and possessing unexplained wealth totaling Tk 13.1 million. According to ACC findings, his total assets were valued at Tk 44.3 million.

After lengthy hearings, the court ruled in his favor, clearing him of all charges.

Azizur Rahman Bacchu, father of BNP Information Affairs Adviser Mahfuz Alam, has been elected General Secretary of Ichapur Union BNP in Ramganj upazila, Lakshmipur.

He secured 266 votes under the “rooster” symbol in Thursday’s election held at Srirampur High School, where 453 members cast their votes. Bacchu previously served as Vice President of the same union committee.

In the same election, Md. Oli Ullah was elected as Union BNP President. BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie attended the election as chief guest.

Abdus Salam, veteran freedom fighter and adviser to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has been admitted to a private hospital in Dhaka after falling ill.
His personal aide said Salam first developed mild cold symptoms during BNP’s biannual conferences in Rajshahi and Naogaon last week. His condition worsened due to overwork, lack of sleep, and weather changes, leading to hospitalization.
Doctors have begun treatment following urgent tests, and his condition is now stable. Physicians have restricted visitors, allowing only close family members. Salam has sought prayers for his recovery.

The student platform Bagchash has announced its ‘Student Unity Forum’ panel for the upcoming Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) elections.
The declared panel includes Arifuzzaman Ujjal as Vice President (VP), Abu Touhid Md. Siam as General Secretary (GS), Zia Uddin Ayan as Assistant GS, and Maliha Namlah as Women’s Assistant GS.
However, the announcement sparked internal discord. Joint convener Md. Nazmul Islam resigned, citing nepotism and favoritism in panel formation. Another senior joint convener, Kawsar Alam Arman, also threatened resignation.
In response, panel nominee Abu Touhid Md. Siam said, “Selections were made based on organizational decisions, prioritizing competence and representation.”

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has warned that any travel agency found involved in abnormal ticket price hikes or syndicate practices will face deregistration and strict punitive action.

In a circular, the ministry noted that earlier directives issued in February to curb ticket overpricing have not been fully implemented. Some agencies have ignored the requirement to print ticket prices on tickets.

Agencies are now required to clearly display their name, license number, and ticket price on all tickets. Passengers have also been urged not to purchase tickets from unregistered agencies.

The ministry’s warning comes amid mounting passenger complaints, with the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) earlier urging the government to strengthen monitoring and fully enforce its directives.