Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Halim has said that the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system is being deliberately misinterpreted. He argued that the system enhances the value of every voter and eliminates the practice of nomination trade.
Highlighting that around 90 countries currently use PR elections, he reiterated Jamaat’s demand for its adoption in Bangladesh.
Halim also urged for unity ahead of the next national polls, saying, “We must ensure the victory of the patriotic alliance.” He further clarified that if Jamaat comes to power, no one would be forced to wear the burqa, but social decency and women’s workplace rights would be safeguarded. Additionally, he demanded legal recognition of the July Charter.

Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Special Assistant to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Chief Coordinator of the Labour Party, has been admitted to a private hospital in Dhaka after falling ill.
His son, Nipun Biswas, said on Wednesday that his father began to feel unwell on Monday while traveling from Pabna to Dhaka. He was immediately admitted under the care of Dr. Abdul Malek with respiratory complications caused by lung issues, leading to breathing difficulties and sleep problems.
Doctors have started treatment following urgent tests, and his condition is now stable. Additional tests, including chikungunya screening, have been prescribed.
Nipun added that physicians have strictly restricted visitors except family members. “We request everyone to keep him in their prayers,” he said. Meanwhile, Labour Party’s publicity secretary Manjurul Islam announced that prayer gatherings are being organized nationwide for Shimul Biswas’s recovery.

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has sharply declined 212 days into his second term, with a net rating of minus 15 percent. Only 40% of Americans are satisfied, while 55% are dissatisfied. Confidence in his foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine, is falling. Economic expectations and immigration support have also weakened. Regional disparities show lowest approval in Democrat-leaning states. White and male voters remain most supportive, while younger, minority, and highly educated groups oppose him, including some traditional Republican seniors.

Ali Imam Majumdar, Food Adviser to the interim government, stated that rice prices are stable due to imports and the Food-Friendly Program. The government has halted rice purchases, increased warehouse releases, and allowed private imports to boost supply. Currently, 5.5 million families receive subsidized rice, and legal action will be taken against illegal hoarding. Record rice collection has been achieved this Boro season, and further imports are underway to ensure prices remain manageable and within the public’s purchasing power.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, doubling the previous 25% rate, aiming to pressure Russia to end the Ukraine conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is creating international pressure, including sanctions, to expedite peace. He recently met Ukrainian President Zelensky and hinted at a possible tripartite dialogue with Putin. European leaders have shown support, while the U.S. continues efforts to facilitate direct Russia-Ukraine talks for a long-term resolution.

A group of young Israeli settlers has attempted to establish a new settlement in Syria’s Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, specifically in Quneitra province. This area falls under the 1974 disengagement agreement. Videos shared on social media show the settlers crossing the security barrier and pouring concrete in the village of Bir Ajam. The planned settlement was named “Neve Habashan.” Reports also note that since the Assad regime weakened, Israel has increased military posts and patrols in Quneitra and has carried out attacks across various Syrian provinces.

India’s government has introduced a constitutional amendment bill in the Lok Sabha that would remove the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, or Union Territory ministers from office if they remain in custody for 30 consecutive days on serious charges. The ruling party says it will deter corruption, but the opposition warns it could be used to target rival leaders. Political experts fear risks to federalism and judicial independence. Heated protests suggest stormy debates ahead in Parliament.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan has voiced caution over the proposed adoption of the proportional representation (PR) system, stating that elections cannot be held solely based on this framework.

He criticized attempts to impose the system on citizens without consultation. While all political parties may accept the PR approach in principle, he emphasized that elections under this system are impossible without constitutional amendments. “Only an elected parliament can make such changes, and the current parliament is not elected by the people, making it unreasonable to implement the PR system now,” he said.

Nazrul Islam also raised concerns about changes to the entire electoral structure through the PR system, even as no final decision on electronic voting machines (EVMs) has been made, describing the move as undue pressure on the public.

AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Monju has expressed optimism that national elections can be held in February next year, despite ongoing concerns.

After meeting with the Election Commission, Monju said the party submitted a nine-point proposal. Key suggestions include recruiting non-voter youths as election volunteers, reducing campaign expenditures, and holding polls in open fields for transparency.

He also discussed voting rights for expatriates and dual citizens. While opposing a bicameral system, the party proposed introducing proportional representation (PR) in an upper chamber if established.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher said his party has observations on the July Charter and will discuss them with the National Consensus Commission.

Speaking after visiting BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in hospital, Taher emphasized that while parties have reached consensus on key issues, “the July Charter remains crucial for both Bangladesh’s future and its upcoming elections.”

Meanwhile, Fakhrul, who had returned home after treatment abroad, was re-hospitalized at midnight due to health complications but has since been discharged.

The deadline for political parties to submit their opinions on the July Charter has been extended until 3 PM on August 22, according to the National Consensus Commission.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that the party has already sent its observations on the charter to the commission on Wednesday. Earlier, on August 16, the draft was circulated among political parties seeking feedback.

The draft charter references several national incidents, including the Pilkhana massacre, the Shapla Chattar crackdown, and the 2018 quota reform movement, as part of its historical background.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a six-day program to mark its 47th founding anniversary on September 1. Senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan unveiled the plan, which includes:

August 31: Discussion at Engineers’ Institution auditorium in Dhaka.

September 1: Hoisting of national and party flags at BNP offices nationwide; wreath-laying at Ziaur Rahman’s grave in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar; discussions and rallies at metropolitan and district levels.

September 2: Colorful rally in Dhaka, beginning at 2 PM from the party’s Nayapaltan headquarters.

September 3: Discussions and rallies at upazila and municipal levels.

September 4: Tree plantation, fish release, free medical camps, and sports events nationwide.

September 5: Roundtable discussion in Dhaka (venue and time to be announced).

The party will also release a commemorative publication and posters marking the anniversary.

The Bangladesh Agricultural Students’ Association (BAGSCHAS) has announced its panel for the DUCSU polls. Abdul Kader has been nominated for Vice President (VP), Abu Bakar Mojumdar for General Secretary (GS), and Ashrefa Khatun for Assistant General Secretary (AGS). Other nominations include Nahiyan Faruk (Literature & Culture), Mohir Alam (Social Services), Md. Hasibul Islam (Liberation War & Democratic Movements), Md. Sakib (International Affairs), Al Amin Sarkar (Sports), Anika Tahsina (Law & Human Rights), Mitu Akter (Common Room & Cafeteria), Ahad Bin Islam Shoaib (Science & Technology), Sabbir Ahmed (Health & Environment), Rezwan Ahmed Rifat (Career Development), and Md. Ismail Hossain Rudra (Student Transport).
The organization dedicated its Research & Publications post to injured student Sanjida Ahmed Tonvi in solidarity. Thirteen additional member candidates were also nominated.

Three leftist student groups—Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, and Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL, left-leaning)—have unveiled a joint panel for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election. The alliance, named “Oporajeyo 71 – Odommo 24” (Invincible ’71 – Unyielding ’24), nominated Communication Disorders student Md. Nayeem Hasan Hridoy for Vice President (VP) and Political Science student Enamul Hasan Anoy for General Secretary (GS). Philosophy student Aditi Islam has been nominated for Assistant General Secretary (AGS).

The BNP has raised objections to clauses 2, 3, and 4 of the July Charter, citing inconsistencies in the final draft. Three party members have been tasked with reviewing the document and submitting opinions to the Consensus Commission. While supporting timely national elections, the party stressed concerns over domestic and international interference. BNP also opposes placing the Charter above the Constitution and seeks clarity on implementing agreed-upon reforms, notes of dissent, and constitutional amendments to ensure proper legal and parliamentary processes.