Abidul Islam Khan, joint secretary of the Dhaka University unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), has said that allegations surrounding the recent Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election must be addressed by the administration and Election Commission.

“If they fail to ensure proper accountability, there is every possibility of a fresh election—and we will fight for it,” Abid declared.

He pointed out that unlike in past years, JCD refrained from violent protests after the results, choosing instead to remain patient. “We have tried to introduce a new political culture in Bangladesh’s student politics,” he said, though he criticized what he called a “web of manipulation” during the voting process.

Abid concluded that the outcome should not be seen as a defeat, but as a sign that an “invisible political force” is asserting dominance across universities.

The Bank of England has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 4 percent, ending a series of five consecutive cuts since August last year. The central bank highlighted that inflationary pressures have eased, supported by tight monetary policy, though wage growth remains a key factor. The UK economy is growing slowly, with some labor market slack and spare capacity. Future monetary policy adjustments will depend on the underlying trend of inflation to achieve the 2 percent medium-term target.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has asserted that his party’s journey has been built on struggle, not privilege. Speaking at a triennial conference in Kishoreganj, he said, “BNP has faced conspiracies and false propaganda, but it has always given its best for Bangladesh.”

Fakhrul assured party activists there was no reason to fear: “BNP never bowed its head. Tarique Rahman will continue the vision of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia to rebuild Bangladesh.”

He added, “Even those who were newborns during independence, or opposed it, now criticize us. Like the phoenix, BNP has risen again and again despite attempts to destroy it. Those who tried to break us with killings and disappearances have fled the country.”

The UK, France, and other Western states plan to formally recognize Palestine, potentially at the upcoming UN General Assembly. Nearly 75% of UN members already do so, but the move remains largely symbolic since Palestine lacks defined borders and full sovereignty. Israel and the U.S. strongly oppose the initiative, calling it a reward for terrorism. Supporters argue it could revive the two-state solution and pressure Israel amid the Gaza humanitarian crisis and growing global outrage.

A U.S. federal judge has dismissed Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, publisher Penguin, and two reporters, calling it overly long, insulting, and procedurally flawed. The complaint, stretching 85 pages with just two defamation claims, was deemed inappropriate. Trump alleged the defendants acted as Democratic mouthpieces and published false claims about his business, education, and family wealth. The judge allowed him 28 days to refile. The Times dismissed the suit as intimidation of the press.

BNP leader Nilufar Chowdhury Moni has claimed that the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, not the ruling party’s student front, was behind the brutal killing of BUET student Abrar Fahad.

Speaking at a discussion, she alleged that “Shibir members disguised as the so-called ‘Helmet Brigade’” carried out the attack. “People used to call them Chhatra League, but they were actually Shibir, hiding their identity,” she said.

Nilufar argued that the involvement of lawyer Shishir Monir—defending the accused—proves who orchestrated the crime. “Abrar was beaten to death by the Helmet Brigade, by Shibir operatives,” she concluded, accusing the government of being surrounded by Jamaat influence.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed has stressed that political disputes can only be resolved through dialogue. Speaking to reporters, he said, “If someone insists on elections under a proportional representation system, the people will ultimately decide.”

He urged students to actively demand change rather than just rely on appeals. Highlighting constitutional uncertainties, Salahuddin noted that the judiciary has yet to clarify how the July declaration would be implemented.

Meanwhile, NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah criticized the government for blaming coalition partners for failures despite having advisors nominated by all parties. He warned that biased media coverage only strengthens “invisible conspirators” seeking to destabilize the country.

BNP leader Hasan Uddin Sarkar has alleged a deep-rooted conspiracy to manipulate the upcoming elections, specifically to prevent BNP from returning to power.
He expressed confidence in party acting chief Tarique Rahman, describing him as a “thoughtful and shrewd leader” who will overcome all conspiracies and return to Bangladesh, sparking a people’s uprising.
“This may be my last election. If the party nominates me, I will fulfill many unfinished tasks. Denying me the ticket will deprive my constituents, not me,” Sarkar said.
Recalling his previous contest, he noted, “Even with a disability, I ran in the 2018 Gazipur City polls under the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol and won the people’s mandate. But the fascist regime robbed me of victory.”

Shyamoli Sultana Jedni, former organizer of the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangshad (BAGSAS), has become engaged to Abdul Hannan Masud, Senior Joint Chief Coordinator of the NCP.
The engagement took place in a small, family gathering on Thursday.
Shyamoli had earlier resigned from her student organization post on February 28 this year. Masud, meanwhile, left for Saudi Arabia on Friday, where he will stay for over a week to perform Umrah and participate in party programs.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hamidur Rahman Azad has declared that holding elections without reforms would go against the aspirations of the people. Addressing a protest rally in Sylhet, he accused a particular political party of obstructing necessary reforms.
“Reform is not a party agenda of Jamaat—it is the demand of the people. We do not want to derail elections. Those who block reforms and oppose proportional representation are the ones truly trying to sabotage the polls,” Azad said.
Following the rally, a massive protest march was brought out from Registrar Field, parading through key city points before concluding at Amberkhana. Thousands of activists from various city, thana, ward, and unit-level organizations joined the march in groups.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mujibur Rahman has called for introducing a Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, arguing that it is the only way to ensure that every vote truly counts.

Speaking at a rally in Barishal on Fazlul Huq Avenue as part of a five-point national program, Mujibur urged the government to conduct a referendum if necessary to gauge public opinion on the system. He insisted that elections should only be held after implementing the July Charter and ensuring a level playing field by removing “fascists and their accomplices” from positions of power.

He further demanded accountability for parties, including the Jatiya Party, that supported authoritarian regimes in the past.

BNP leader Salahuddin Tuku announced that if the party comes to power, it will introduce a “Family Card” program in every household, issued in the names of mothers, as part of a broader commitment to women’s dignity and social welfare.

Speaking at the foundation-stone ceremony of the Shri Shri Mandir at Porabari cremation ground in Tangail, Tuku criticized those who, he said, “hid their identity to do politics under someone else’s banner and later shifted principles.” He labeled such figures as “munafiqs (hypocrites)” who, he asserted, the people of Bangladesh would never accept.

He added: “Ziaur Rahman always acted for the people, Khaleda Zia did the same, and Tarique Rahman will carry it forward. Together, we must build this country without caste divisions, guided by humanity.”

Tuku also reassured Hindu communities that BNP had previously ensured security during Durga Puja celebrations and would continue to stand by them.

Masud Saeedi, a Jamaat-backed candidate, hailed what he described as a “landslide victory” for Islami Chhatra Shibir in recent Daksu and Jaksu student union elections.

He denounced efforts to brand victorious students as “Razakars,” saying such labeling serves no purpose. “The people of Bengal fought in 1971 to end Pakistan’s exploitation, achieving victory in just nine months. On August 5, we again saw the fall of a fascist regime. We must not allow the birth of another,” Saeedi declared.

Citing unmet promises by past leaders, he stressed that Bangladeshis still aspire to peace and prosperity. Highlighting local development initiatives of his late father, Allama Saeedi, he said: “Institutions like Pirojpur Shilpakala Academy, Nursing Institute, Youth Development programs, hospitals, and roads—these were all his contributions.”

Leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ward No. 7 unit under Mugda police station organized a mass signature campaign in Maniknagar, demanding a permanent solution to the ongoing gas crisis and immediate repairs to dilapidated roads in the area.

Speaking at the program, Jamaat leader Matiur Rahman Akn said:
“Maniknagar is a densely populated and important neighborhood, yet residents suffer from a persistent shortage of gas. People from all walks of life are facing daily hardship due to this crisis. It is the government’s responsibility to resolve it, and we hope the authorities will act swiftly.”

He further highlighted the dire condition of local roads:
“For a long time, the roads here have been badly damaged, filled with potholes that make commuting nearly impossible, especially during rain. These roads urgently need renovation.”

Residents participating in the campaign echoed the demands, warning that if their grievances remain unaddressed, they will escalate protests with human chains and public rallies.

Nahid Islam, convener of the Nationalist Students’ Coalition (NCP), admitted disappointment over the performance of their supported panels in recent Dhaka and Jahangirnagar University student union elections.

“We had backed the Bachsas panel, but they failed to meet expectations in Daksu and Jaksu polls. We must reflect on what went wrong over the past year and why we could not build the organizational strength we needed in universities and nationwide,” Nahid said.

He acknowledged that the country’s political turmoil after the July uprising had posed challenges, but urged student leaders to learn from the shortcomings.
“A democratic and safe campus must be ensured. Students played a key role in the uprising, and leadership must rise from them. Our supported panels had limited time in politics, but moving forward, we must be vigilant to avoid repeating mistakes.”