Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has been acquitted in three arson-related cases filed in connection with petrol bomb attacks on a bus and a covered van in Chauddagram, Comilla, in 2015.

The court ruled that Khaleda Zia could not have been involved, as she was confined to her residence in Gulshan during the incidents. Citing the politically motivated nature of the cases, the Law Ministry ordered their withdrawal. With this decision, no pending cases remain against Khaleda Zia in Chauddagram Police Station.

Bangladesh's National Human Rights Commission has been inactive for eight months since its chairperson and members resigned in November 2024. Over 300 complaints have been filed during this period, but investigations are stalled due to the absence of leadership. Rights groups report a surge in violations, including mob killings, political violence, custodial deaths, and sexual assaults. Human rights activists have expressed concern over the government's inaction, urging immediate reformation of the commission to address the worsening human rights situation.

Bangladesh lacks the conditions necessary for a free and fair election, said Mia Golam Parwar, Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. He criticized the absence of a level playing field and stated that the government's actions have failed to assure the public of a neutral electoral process.

Despite the challenges, Jamaat is not in favor of delaying the upcoming elections. Instead, the party is calling for a conducive environment that ensures fairness and transparency.

While visiting Suhrawardy Udyan on July 7, Parwar announced that Jamaat-e-Islami will hold a national grand rally on July 19. The rally will press for key demands, including a level playing field before the election, the implementation of proportional representation (PR) in the voting system, essential electoral reforms, and visible steps toward justice.

He urged citizens from all walks of life to participate in the rally and support the call for fair and democratic elections in Bangladesh.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has condemned recent remarks by a student leader comparing a "16-year struggle to 7 minutes" as deeply disrespectful to martyrs. Ishraq emphasized that no single group should claim sole credit for a movement and highlighted the sacrifices of leaders who were abducted or killed, including Ilyas Ali, Chowdhury Alam, and others. He warned that if the sacrifices of the fallen are dishonored and patience runs thin, the public will not hesitate to reject their leaders.

Samanta Sharmin has compared Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to "the Yazid of Bengal," invoking the legacy of Karbala as an eternal source of strength, dignity, and sacrifice in the fight against colonialism, fascism, and autocracy. Drawing parallels between historical female warriors and modern struggles, she wrote that every land is a Karbala, every day an Ashura. Referring to the memory of a young woman from the July movement who asked, “Am I old enough to be widowed?”, Samanta criticized the government’s record on enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of women’s partners. She emphasized the need for new perspectives on women's rights and resistance.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), expressed optimism that the country will move forward through elections. He hopes that an interim government will oversee national elections by February. Speaking in Sylhet after visiting the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R), Fakhrul emphasized the need for electoral progress. He also attended a prayer session for the recovery of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and the well-being of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Later, he honored families of those killed in the July–August uprisings.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly criticized Elon Musk’s newly announced political party, calling the initiative “arrogant,” “foolish,” and “ridiculous.” Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently declared the formation of a third political party named the “America Party.” Trump warned that a third party could disrupt the country’s two-party system, stating that Musk is now acting like a “runaway train.” Once considered close allies, tensions have grown as Musk becomes increasingly critical of Trump’s policies. Trump also voiced opposition to Musk’s proposal to mandate electric vehicles nationwide.

Following Elon Musk’s announcement of forming a new political party, the “America Party,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant advised Musk to step away from politics and focus on managing Tesla and SpaceX. Besant warned that Musk’s political ambitions may conflict with his corporate responsibilities and board expectations. In response to Musk’s political move, Azoria Partners has already suspended a joint investment project. Musk said the new party aims to challenge the entrenched two-party system.

Abdul Kader, former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, claimed that Nasir Uddin Nasir, General Secretary of Chhatra Dal, first proposed the idea of wearing red badges instead of black during last year's National Mourning Day on July 29. He said the plan was finalized in consultation with Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir. However, SM Farhad, president of DU Chhatra Shibir, has also claimed to be the originator of the idea.

A delegation from the "We Are BNP Family" group met with Naeema Erin Nitu, the ailing wife of martyred activist Muttakin Billah, following instructions from BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The visit took place Sunday in Dhaka’s Tolarbagh, led by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. During the meeting, Rizvi conveyed Tarique Rahman's message of solidarity and inquired about the family’s well-being.

BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Mahmuda Begum, a distinguished educator and the mother of Dr. Mahmudur Rahman. In his condolence message, Rahman described her as a model teacher and mother who contributed greatly to the education of many students and the upbringing of her son. He prayed for the eternal peace of her soul and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.

Conservative activist Laura Loomer, known for her ties to former President Donald Trump, has predicted that Elon Musk’s newly launched “America Party” could soon be joined by media personality Tucker Carlson, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Congressman Thomas Massie. Musk, who was a major political donor in the 2024 elections, launched the party with the goal of reducing government spending and challenging the dominance of the two-party system. “The America Party will restore true freedom in the country,” Musk reportedly said.

Sarzis Alam, a key NCP organizer from the north, said the dreams envisioned on August 5 remain unfulfilled, and the struggle will continue. Speaking at a public meeting, he warned that future political leaders will not go unquestioned and cautioned government officials against taking sides. He called for a united movement against inequality, corruption, and authoritarianism, urging the public to remain vigilant.

Despite growing discussion around adopting a Proportional Representation (PR) voting system for Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections, BNP remains skeptical. Party Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan stated, “PR works differently in different countries. Those promoting it in Bangladesh haven’t explained how it would be implemented here.” While talks with the National Consensus Commission are ongoing, no final decision has been made.

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Consensus Platform (NCP), accused an unnamed political party of stalling key electoral reforms within the consensus commission. Speaking at a rally in Rajshahi, he said, “While most anti-fascist parties agree on reforms, one group is blocking progress. But change will come through people's power.” Hossain also claimed that the public’s emotional drive has already led to the fall of autocratic rule, and NCP’s reform agenda is gaining massive traction in northern Bangladesh.