BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has alleged that the 2008 election was “pre-planned and not free.”

Speaking at a party event, he said, “Awami League has systematically destroyed the country, including the education system.” He claimed nearly 5 million BNP activists faced politically motivated cases during Sheikh Hasina’s rule.

He added that the interim government has mentioned February for the next polls, saying, “We expect the Election Commission to announce a schedule soon.”

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has criticized what he described as a “replacement of one dogma with another.”

Speaking about extortion allegations against those who led the recent movement, he asked: “Why are such accusations being raised? Is this a repeat of Sheikh Hasina’s tactics?”

Referring to the July uprising, Rizvi said, “Like the Ababil birds, children took to the streets, and democracy was freed.” However, he expressed concern over emerging religiously motivated influences, warning that “Hasina’s spirit seems to be haunting the country again.”

Adviser Asif Nazrul has claimed that Bangladesh has the capacity to provide quality healthcare, reducing the need for people to seek treatment in India or Thailand.

He criticized unethical medical practices, saying, “Patients are forced to buy specific companies’ medicines. In which country do pharmaceutical reps get doctors’ time? Are you doctors or drug company agents? Please stop this exploitation—the people of Bangladesh are poor.”

Nazrul recounted how his own household help was prescribed 14 unnecessary tests at a private hospital, which he later avoided by seeking treatment outside Dhaka. He also highlighted poor nurse wages: “If a nurse earns only Tk 12,000, how can she stay motivated to provide good care?” He urged hospital owners to reduce profit margins for the sake of fair healthcare.

BNP leader Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has accused “communal forces and a defeated Awami League” of plotting to derail the upcoming election. Speaking at a discussion in Shahjahanpur Railway Alia Hafizia Madrasa, he urged all to remain vigilant.

“Neither the government nor the Election Commission can ensure a free and fair election on their own,” he said. “It requires the genuine goodwill of all contesting parties.”

He cast doubt on whether the election would even conclude properly, saying, “Until results are declared, we cannot be sure an election has truly taken place.” Goyeshwar also alleged years of repression against the people, including “inhumane treatment” of Khaleda Zia, vowing that a BNP government would put Awami League-era killings and crimes on trial.

The National Congress Party (NCP) has announced it will not participate in any election held under the current constitution.

Party leader Hannan Masud accused Dr. Muhammad Yunus of attempting to secure a “safe exit” through an agreement with one political party. “By only consulting one specific party, an election date was declared,” Masud said.

He argued that until the “July Charter” receives legal legitimacy, those who support it remain “traitors.” According to Masud, the interim government has betrayed the July movement by legitimizing the constitution under Article 106, which he says does not authorize it to conduct elections.

“The government is now cornered, seeking a safe exit by trying to manipulate Article 106 through a new provision and a High Court ruling,” Masud added. The NCP has demanded a Constituent Assembly election, warning they will not participate in a general election without such reforms.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has said that introducing a proportional representation (PR) system alone will not ensure credible elections without proper reforms.

Speaking at a gathering in Chauddagram, he stressed that reforms must be legally institutionalized to prevent a repeat of “fascist rule” under the Awami League.

“We support the Chief Adviser’s call for constitutional changes,” Taher said, criticizing the premature announcement of election dates without prior reforms.

Ukrainian military officials have expressed skepticism about the outcome of the high-level meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Officers on the front lines say they do not expect meaningful agreements, citing Russia’s history of untrustworthiness and lack of genuine interest in ending the conflict in Donbas. They also criticized Trump for treating Putin as a legitimate leader rather than holding him accountable for war crimes, warning that the summit is unlikely to produce tangible results.

World-renowned fintech expert Brett King said Bangladesh could transition to a cashless economy within 10–12 years through mobile-based digital financial services and digital identity infrastructure. The shift would enhance financial inclusion, reduce government expenditure, and curb counterfeit currency. The first-ever “Bankers Meet 2025,” organized by UAE-based Filips Limited with support from City Bank, Prime Bank, and AB Bank, discussed technology-driven banking solutions. Experts emphasized improving internet and mobile networks, affordable smartphones, and investing in digital infrastructure for sustainable growth.

Ahead of his Alaska trip, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized his strong rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested potential business opportunities between the two nations, contingent on progress toward peace in Ukraine. Speaking on Air Force One, Trump noted that Russian businessmen are eager to invest but will wait until the conflict ends. He expressed optimism about the upcoming Alaska summit, highlighting mutual respect with Putin and the likelihood of productive discussions involving top Russian economic and foreign officials.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko by phone before his Alaska meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conversation, described by Trump as “great,” included thanks for a recent prisoner release and discussions on Putin’s upcoming trip and other bilateral issues. Belarus has deepened ties with Russia during the Ukraine war, serving as a key supporter and hosting part of the Russian invasion. Lukashenko has also strengthened trade and security cooperation with Moscow amid Western sanctions.

South Korean President Yoon Jae-myung has pledged to respect North Korea’s political system and work toward building military trust, following Pyongyang’s statement that it has no interest in improving ties. Since his election in June, Yoon has promised unconditional dialogue with the nuclear-armed North, marking a shift from his predecessor’s rigid approach. Speaking on National Liberation Day, he emphasized reducing tensions, restoring trust, and pursuing peaceful engagement, while dismissing reports of North Korea removing propaganda loudspeakers along the border.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at the potential for a new nuclear arms agreement with the United States ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump. Analysts suggest Putin aims to position himself as part of a broader peace process to ease Ukraine tensions while deterring new U.S. sanctions. The discussion may also foster trade and economic ties. With Russia holding the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, renewed talks could reshape global security dynamics, especially as the current New START treaty nears expiration in February 2026.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, in a message marking Janmashtami, emphasized Bangladesh’s longstanding tradition of religious harmony.

He extended warm wishes to Hindu communities, highlighting that festivals like Janmashtami unite people beyond communal divides and reinforce brotherhood. “Religious tolerance has always been an integral part of Bangladeshi culture,” Rahman said, adding that the BNP remains committed to safeguarding this spirit.

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine could be possible, hinting at the transfer of Ukrainian territory through a “land swap.” Speaking ahead of a meeting in Alaska, Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement and said the threat of economic sanctions might push Putin toward peace. Analysts interpret his comments as a signal of potential territorial compromise. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that changes on the battlefield could complicate peace efforts, though Trump aims to seek a solution through direct talks.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has praised Iran for its steadfast support of Lebanon and its firm stance against Israel. During a meeting in Beirut with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani, Qassem highlighted Iran’s role in defending Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, and independence. He described the Lebanon-Iran relationship as a pillar of resistance and perseverance in the region. Larijani also held talks with Lebanon’s President, Prime Minister, and Parliament Speaker during his one-day visit.