Nahid Islam, Convener of the Nationalist Civic Party (NCP), has declared that Mujibism will have no role in the future of Bangladesh’s politics and elections. He asserted that the current judicial process will determine the fate of the ruling Awami League and suggested that the party’s participation in politics is questionable until the legal proceedings conclude. He urged political parties to reach a consensus on this matter, warning that divisions within leadership pave the way for opportunistic non-political forces.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, speaking virtually at an Iftar gathering in Dhaka, warned that the rise of religious extremism would lead to the collapse of democracy and tarnish the country’s global image. He urged everyone to remain vigilant against such threats and emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has strongly denounced Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza, stating that the country continues its genocide even during the holy month of Ramadan, violating all principles of humanity, laws, and agreements. In his statement, he prayed for the protection of the people of Gaza and Palestine, seeking divine intervention for justice. He also revealed that over 400 people have lost their lives in the latest Israeli assault, which violates the ceasefire.

Unidentified attackers set fire to the home of Central Chhatra Dal’s Assistant General Secretary Zubaida Islam Zerin in Matlab Uttar. The fire quickly spread to multiple rooms, reducing everything to ashes before firefighters could bring it under control. Locals reported that after the Taraweeh prayer, a group of unidentified individuals arrived on five motorcycles, and shortly after, the house was set ablaze. Zubaida Islam Zerin accused local Awami League members of orchestrating the attack.

While BNP acknowledges the need for constitutional and electoral reforms to ensure a free, fair, and credible election, the party has made it clear that it will not support any changes that could delay the electoral process. The party plans to align its stance with the 31-point framework and assess the five proposed reform commissions accordingly. BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stated that while general feedback has been sought on various reforms, the party may refrain from commenting on those deemed unnecessary at this stage. The party’s views on the National Consensus Commission’s proposals have been prepared and are currently being discussed with allied parties before submission.

A court has approved different durations of remand for former ministers Hasanul Haq Inu, Rashed Khan Menon, Anisul Haque, Dipu Moni, and former MP Sadeq Khan in connection with various cases. In the case of the shooting death of Shahid Obaidul Islam in Jatrabari, the court granted a four-day remand for Inu, Menon, and Dipu Moni. Meanwhile, in the case of Shahid Md. Sujan’s fatal shooting in Basila, the court approved a three-day remand for former minister Anisul Haque. Additionally, former MP Sadeq Khan was placed on a three-day remand for the murder of Shahid Mirajul Islam Arnob in Basila.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar has been acquitted of a 17-year prison sentence in an arms possession case. The case, filed on June 3, 2007, at Gulshan police station, led to his conviction on October 30 of the same year by a special tribunal. Babar appealed against the verdict, and the case was stayed by the High Court. He was released from Dhaka Central Jail on January 16 this year.

The Attorney General’s office announced on Wednesday that the state has appealed against the acquittal of Tarique Rahman and all other accused in the August 21 grenade attack case. The hearing is expected today. On December 1, a court had acquitted them, despite a 2018 verdict sentencing former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar and BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu to death, while Tarique Rahman and 18 others received life imprisonment.

The High Court has ordered an investigation into the ‘unbelievable fraud’ involving K-Telecom, a company linked to Shamim Osman’s family. The CID and BTRC have been directed to submit a report within 90 days. According to sources, Sakhawat Hossain, who owns a small travel agency in Fakirapool, was shocked to find his name listed as a partner and managing director of K-Telecom, an international IGW company, without his knowledge. Originally licensed to Shamim Osman’s family, the company was later transferred to Sakhawat and two others without their consent. K-Telecom reportedly owes BTRC over Tk 126 crore.

Ali Ahsan Junaid has called for unity in building a new Bangladesh free from fascism, economic disparity, and corruption. He accused the pre-July Hasina regime of suppressing the people under Delhi’s hegemony and persecuting Islamic scholars. Junaid emphasized the need for ethical leadership, an inclusive economic model, and a fair political landscape. He called for an end to Islamophobia and sectarianism, advocating for an equitable system that ensures justice and sustainable progress.

A police station in Khetlal, Joypurhat, came under attack by BNP activists over extortion allegations. The attack, led by BNP’s organizational secretary Mehedi Ashik Partha, aimed to free three detainees from police custody. Two police officers and five others, including BNP’s upazila general secretary Abu Bakkar Siddique, were injured. Army personnel later intervened, dispersed the attackers, and arrested three individuals from the scene.

Chittagong’s Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shahjahan Chowdhury has demanded justice under Islamic law for the rape and murder of young Achia in Magura. He warned that failure to deliver swift and exemplary punishment would encourage further such crimes. Chowdhury also called for the prosecution of past perpetrators of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Additionally, he demanded the release of Jamaat’s central leader ATM Azharul Islam, who he claimed was falsely imprisoned. He insisted on judicial, police, and educational reforms to build a new and respected Bangladesh.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, suggested that local government elections should be held before national elections to alleviate public hardships. He argued that local elections are non-political and should take precedence. According to him, politics should be about accountability and unity, not self-interest or competition for power. In a meeting with the UN Secretary-General, Dr. Taher emphasized the need for unity to safeguard national sovereignty, ensure sustainable democracy, hold fair elections, and eliminate corruption.

BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain accused past autocrats of continuing their conspiracies despite fleeing the country. He stated that the people had been deprived of voting rights for 16 years, which the new government has pledged to restore. He urged the government to announce election dates soon, believing this would engage the people in the electoral process. Mosharraf asserted that the ongoing people's movement against Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule would culminate in the elections of July-August 2024.

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, paid a courtesy visit to Supradip Chakma, Adviser to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. During the meeting, Chakma praised the EU’s contributions to Bangladesh’s development. He highlighted key issues in the hill tracts, including the need for quality education, solutions to water scarcity in remote areas, livelihood development, and environmentally friendly brick production. He also emphasized the importance of renewable energy, particularly solar power, in maintaining ecological balance. In response, the EU Ambassador expressed interest in investing in solar and renewable energy sectors in Bangladesh.