US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have called for the quick passage of a sanctions bill targeting countries that continue trading with Russia, particularly India, due to its oil imports. They praised the recent 25% tariff on Indian goods signed by Donald Trump and pushed for a 500% tariff on Russian energy buyers. With strong bipartisan support—85 co-sponsors—the senators emphasized the urgency of passing the bill to pressure Russia and deter future conflicts.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, completed one year focusing on a balanced foreign policy prioritizing national interest and mutual respect. Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain highlighted the government’s diplomatic successes, including strengthened relations with China, normalized ties with Pakistan, and constructive engagement with India despite challenges. The administration protested border killings firmly, expanded global diplomatic missions, and prioritized migrant worker welfare. Rohingya repatriation remains complex, but Bangladesh continues pursuing pragmatic international cooperation.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that any future threat to the nation’s security will provoke an unimaginable and harsher response than Operation True Promise 3. The statement was made on the 40th day of mourning for fallen Iranian commanders. The IRGC said it remains ready to retaliate firmly against the U.S., Israel, or their allies. The warning follows recent military clashes, including Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iranian facilities and Iran’s missile strikes on Tel Aviv and a U.S. base in Qatar.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeşkian is set to visit Armenia within the next two weeks and China next month, where he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The announcement was made by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who termed the president’s recent Pakistan visit — where 12 cooperation agreements were signed — as very successful. Pezeşkian has previously visited several countries, including Iraq, Russia, and Egypt, reflecting Tehran’s focus on strengthening regional and international diplomatic ties.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh once the national election schedule is officially announced, according to high-level party sources.

Given that the election is anticipated in early February, the party expects Rahman’s return around December. On Thursday evening, Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Mohammad Sanaullah reaffirmed that the schedule would be declared in the first half of December.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Mohammad Sanaullah has confirmed that the schedule for Bangladesh’s 13th national election will be announced in the first half of December.

Speaking after a commission meeting, Sanaullah said the Chief Adviser had proposed holding the election before Ramadan in early February. The code of conduct for candidates and political parties is expected to be finalized next week.

Sanaullah added that overseas voter education will begin next month and confirmed that drone use will be prohibited on election day. Those registered by October 31 will be eligible to vote.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has strongly criticized his party for issuing a show-cause notice instead of standing against “dishonest media and intelligence conspiracies.” In a written statement, Hasnat explained his absence from a major political declaration event, stating that several injured and frontline activists of the movement were excluded, which he termed a “moral and political failure.”

He also expressed disagreement with portions of the final draft of the declaration, particularly clauses suggesting that constitutional reform should be left to a future elected government, calling it “inconsistent with the aspirations of the uprising.”

Hasnat further stated that he had informed organizers of his travel plans and condemned the rumor linking him to Peter Haas as “deliberate misinformation.”

BNP leader Zainul Abedin Farroque has stated that if Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus cannot ensure a free and fair election that surpasses even the standards set during President Shahabuddin Ahmed’s tenure, the responsibility for that failure will rest solely on him.

Farroque expressed general satisfaction with the ongoing discussions about the election process, but noted he would be even more pleased once the election date is officially announced. Criticizing the proposal by the Home Affairs Adviser to reassign police superintendents (SPs) and officers-in-charge (OCs) via a lottery system, Farroque cautioned that those involved in manipulating the elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 should not be included in the lottery pool.

He further stated that police officers who were complicit in undermining democracy and tarnishing the country’s electoral integrity must not be assigned any responsibility in the upcoming February elections. “It must be investigated whether those who gave orders to fire on protesters with intent to kill are still serving in the police force,” he added.

Farroque also shared a personal note, recalling that he was in jail during a critical period and was unable to see his mother’s body before burial. He took the opportunity to criticize both Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during his remarks.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu has called on Jamaat-e-Islami to acknowledge and apologize for its controversial role in the 1971 Liberation War, saying, “You still have a chance to correct the mistake. You have not apologized yet. If you do so and participate in the upcoming election, it could help redeem some of the past.”

Dudu warned that taking to the streets to resist the election would only double the historical mistake. He reminded Jamaat that at one point, BNP had stood by them for the sake of democratic struggle—even though it cost the BNP politically. “If you remember that, it would be beneficial both for you and for the country,” he added.

Highlighting BNP’s continued national presence, Dudu claimed, “BNP remains the only political force with a strong presence across the country. If it rises again, there will be no need for police or military to defend the country—the people will do it themselves.”

He voiced optimism that under Dr. Yunus's leadership, a credible election is possible. However, he warned against calls from certain quarters to obstruct the election or take to the streets to press for demands. “If the election doesn’t happen, the country will be pushed into an uncertain future,” he cautioned.

Dudu also criticized the post-independence governance of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, stating, “The nation’s expectations were not met. During his rule, 40,000 opposition leaders were killed, and people died from starvation during a famine.”

NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwary responded to a show-cause notice regarding his recent trip to Cox’s Bazar, stating that he had no prior political or state obligations on August 5. He said the trip, taken at the invitation of school friend Hasnat Abdullah, was purely personal and involved other couples, including Sarjis Alam and Taznim Zara. He said the trip was intended for introspection, not politics. Patwary criticized rumors involving US Ambassador Peter Haas as false and labeled the show-cause notice unrealistic. He concluded, “Travel is not a crime. History is sometimes written in solitude or by the sea—not just in political meetings.”

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi stated that the interim government fulfilled public expectations by calling for elections before Ramadan. Speaking after visiting the family of Masuma Begum, who died in a recent plane crash, Rizvi reiterated the public’s desire for a transparent and credible election. He emphasized BNP's willingness to fully support the process. Responding to controversy over NCP leaders’ recent trip to Cox’s Bazar, Rizvi said there's no reason to hide such activities, adding that the public does not expect conspiracies or secrecy from those fighting for democracy. He concluded by stating that the people want a governance model rooted in accountability. The BNP also extended financial support to Masuma’s family, with Tarique Rahman pledging to cover her son Abdullah’s education.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has affirmed that the BNP is not aligned with either the left or the right, but is a centrist, pro-Bangladesh party. He emphasized BNP's commitment to fostering a political environment where all parties can come together for the national interest, despite ideological differences. Acknowledging the current government's efforts amid challenges, he noted there could have been greater achievements, particularly in law and order. Salahuddin stated that BNP supports the Chief Advisor's vision for national progress and confirmed BNP's openness to forming alliances with like-minded parties until the election schedule is announced. He stressed that the military should play the central role in conducting a fair election, with police offering support despite current structural limitations.

Senior Naib-e-Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, visited Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at the hospital on Wednesday evening. Dr. Rahman, who recently underwent heart bypass surgery, is currently recovering in a cabin and has been seen walking with assistance. Faizul Karim offered prayers for his full recovery and extended best wishes on behalf of his party. Dr. Rahman has also requested prayers from the public for his complete recovery.

GOP leader Rashed Khan has claimed that “Hasina leaving the country” is the only notable achievement of the current government. He listed 12 major failures over the past year, including the lack of arrests or accountability for Awami League militants, impunity for the Sheikh family, unaddressed extrajudicial killings by security forces over 16 years, and no reforms in police, intelligence agencies, or the judiciary. He also criticized the lack of media reform, continuation of pro-Awami administration in universities and local governance, and failure to bring systemic change in education and healthcare. His remarks contrast the Press Secretary's earlier list of 12 government successes.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has apologized to Dhaka residents for the traffic chaos caused during the party’s Victory Rally. The rally, held on August 6 from BNP's Nayapaltan headquarters to Shahbagh, marked the anniversary of the fall of "Awami fascism" following last year’s July–August student and public uprising. Massive public participation led to major traffic disruptions. Rizvi expressed regret for the inconvenience caused.