Mufti Syed Muhammad Fayzul Karim, Senior Deputy Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, revealed during a public gathering in Tangail that discussions are underway with other Islamic parties to form an electoral alliance for the 2026 national parliamentary election.

“If these talks are successful, Islami Andolan Bangladesh will participate in the election as a united front,” he stated. “We are committed to this path, but if the negotiations do not yield results, we will assess the situation and decide accordingly.”

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has returned home after undergoing medical examinations at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She left the hospital at 11:17 PM on Wednesday for her residence in Gulshan, confirmed BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan. Khaleda Zia had arrived at the hospital at 7:47 PM for routine health check-ups.

After 17 long years, a special seminar commemorating the 44th martyrdom anniversary of the Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was organized on Thursday at Dhaka University by the BNP-supported teachers’ organization, Sada Dal.

The event was chaired by Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, convener of Dhaka University’s Sada Dal. BNP leader Professor Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan attended as the chief guest, while Ruhul Kabir Rizvi was present as a special guest. During the seminar, Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Dhaka University, presented a detailed paper on the topic.

The previous restriction that halted all flight operations for nearly one hour during VIP flights at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has been revoked. Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated this decision aims to reduce public inconvenience. He emphasized that while the Special Security Force must ensure security, they should avoid causing hardships to travelers. The lifting of the ban is expected to ease travel for ordinary passengers. Dr. Yunus also highlighted the challenges of modern security threats in today’s fast-changing technological landscape.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party, claimed that political parties opposing the National Constitutional Council (NCC) aim to retain a fascist system. Speaking at a political dialogue in Dhaka, he questioned whether the interim government wants to continue authoritarian practices. Nahid criticized past inaction by institutions like the Human Rights Commission and ACC, and called for reforms to reduce executive power. He supported forming the NCC but opposed including the President, Chief Justice, or authority over armed forces in it.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue military operations against Iran. Speaking outside the White House, Trump confirmed daily conversations with Netanyahu and expressed strong support for his actions. When asked about a potential U.S. attack on Iran, Trump remained vague, saying no one knows what he might do. He added that Iran is in trouble and now wants to negotiate, but criticized them for not coming to the table earlier when they had the chance.

The United States is set to deploy a third aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, near the Middle East amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran. Although the deployment was pre-planned, growing regional instability suggests the carrier may move closer to potential conflict zones. Another carrier may also be repositioned to either replace or join the USS Carl Vinson. These moves underscore a significant escalation in U.S. military presence, raising the risk of direct involvement in any future confrontation.

Germany has announced it will run special commercial flights from Jordan to bring back German citizens wishing to leave Israel. A spokesperson from the German Foreign Ministry said these flights will continue as long as needed and conditions remain favorable. A flight with fewer than 200 seats is arranged for today, with another planned for Thursday. Although commercial flights from Amman to Jordan are operational and the Israel-Jordan border is open, limited travel options via airlines have prompted Germany to organize these special flights.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that the Pentagon is fully prepared to execute any military orders from President Donald Trump regarding Iran. During a Senate hearing, he refrained from disclosing whether specific attack options had been presented but emphasized that the Department of Defense stands ready to implement decisions related to war or peace. This statement highlights the US’s active preparation amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, with the Pentagon awaiting the President’s instructions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has declined Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to mediate in the Israel-Iran conflict. Speaking at the White House, Trump said he told Putin to first resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war before getting involved elsewhere. Trump emphasized that it would be more appropriate for Putin to address his own country’s conflict rather than interfering in other global crises. The statement underscores the U.S. stance on prioritizing Russia’s accountability in the Ukraine war before accepting its role as a peacemaker.

As Israel intensifies strikes on Iran, Russia remains unusually silent, avoiding military intervention due to its ongoing war in Ukraine and strategic economic ties with Gulf states. Drawing lessons from its failed gamble in Syria, Moscow is instead positioning itself as a neutral mediator. While Iran’s regime faces collapse, Russia sees a chance to retain influence through diplomacy, not force. Rising oil prices from the chaos also benefit Russia economically—turning regional instability into strategic opportunity.

AB Party Chairman Majibur Rahman Manju, speaking at the National Consensus Commission (NCC) dialogue, emphasized that meaningful reforms are essential to honor the spirit of the recent popular uprising. He stated that under the guise of the executive branch, appointments to key constitutional positions have long been made solely based on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s personal preferences.

Manju pointed to instances where even Supreme Court judges have publicly declared themselves "pledged politicians," and blamed partisan and incompetent appointments for systemic failures—such as the unprecedented leakage of Public Service Commission exam papers. He stressed that to ensure democratic accountability and prevent the recurrence of fascist tendencies, the AB Party supports the formation of the NCC and endorses the electoral college system for electing the President.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed voiced opposition to the proposed National Constitutional Commission (NCC), citing concerns over inadequate accountability.

He argued that the responsibilities intended for the NCC are traditionally carried out by the executive, legislature, or through constitutional provisions. “Creating a new body for these tasks may disrupt institutional balance,” he said.

On the matter of presidential elections, he emphasized that members of parliament, along with an upper house if formed, should elect the President, rather than introducing a new electoral mechanism involving approximately 70,000 votes from the grassroots level.

Professor Mamun Mahmud, Convener of Narayanganj BNP, urged party members to remain vigilant against infiltration by opportunists. “Many associates of the ruling party are now trying to join BNP after August 5, some offering as much as one lakh taka,” he said.

“I warn our leaders and activists—don’t sell your decades-long political career for the lure of money,” he added, stressing that fascist elements must not be allowed into the party.

In a rare display of political civility, BNP’s Salahuddin Ahmed, NCP’s Nahid Islam, and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher held hands and shared a symbolic message of solidarity. The gesture took place during a break in the National Consensus Commission’s ongoing discussions on reforms related to the women’s reserved seats, bicameral parliamentary system, and the process for appointing the Chief Justice.

Following the moment, Salahuddin warmly embraced Nahid Islam in a show of goodwill.