BNP leader Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie stated that July and August represent a call for justice against enforced disappearances and state crimes.

He noted disappointment over the lack of verdicts in over 200 cases filed against Prime Minister Hasina. “Even two rulings would have made a difference,” he added.

Annie declared there’s no place for fascism in Bangladesh and emphasized unity among opposition forces to rebuild the country. “A group wants to destroy our unity, but we won’t let that happen,” he asserted.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced plans to launch a mobile app to gather public opinions, concerns, and suggestions regarding the upcoming election.

The app aims to improve transparency and communication during the transition to an elected government.

Yunus cautioned that a certain group is eager to disrupt the election and urged all parties to prevent any potential conflict. He stressed that election manifestos must prioritize youth and women, stating, “The youth who transformed Bangladesh have the power to transform the world.”

BNP will organize victory rallies today (Wednesday) across all districts and major cities to commemorate the anniversary of the July Uprising.

At a press conference, BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi described the uprising as a historic event, not only for Bangladesh but globally.

He claimed that on August 5, fascists fled state institutions under public pressure. Rizvi emphasized that the uprising symbolized the culmination of a 16-year democratic struggle for identity, justice, and good governance.

He quoted Tarique Rahman, who urged people not to take the law into their own hands, refrain from mob violence or abuse against women, and remain respectful of others' freedoms.

Char Monai Pir, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, stated that the goal of July’s popular uprising was to ensure no more fascists, killers, or money launderers arise in Bangladesh.

He expressed regret that such elements still exist in society and emphasized the need to eliminate them.

The Pir advocated for a proportional representation (PR) electoral system that reflects all citizens' opinions and stressed the need for national unity. He warned that no group would be allowed to act arbitrarily.

BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman declared that the unity formed with the blood of martyrs has defeated fascism.

He stated that Bangladesh would never again be turned into a client state, and no opportunity would be given to destroy democracy. “1971 was the war for independence; 2024 was the war to protect that independence,” he said.

He accused the government of repression, enforced disappearances, corruption, and institutional decay. Calling August 5 a historic day, he claimed it marked the beginning of the fall of fascism through public resistance.

Tarique urged all parties to reject extremism and fascism and called for building a humane, justice-based state where every citizen, regardless of belief or background, can live safely. He also called for restraint and avoidance of mob violence.

Russia has announced its withdrawal from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, citing Western military actions as a direct threat to its security. This move follows the U.S. withdrawal in 2019 and signals a potential new arms race between East and West. Experts warn this weakens the global nuclear control framework and could escalate tensions reminiscent of a new Cold War, as countries increase missile deployments and military capabilities in Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions.

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to significantly increase tariffs on Indian products within 24 hours, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump criticized India as an unfair trading partner, imposing a 25% tariff earlier and now threatening to raise it further. The executive order issued on July 31 includes additional fines related to Russia oil imports, effective August 7. Despite US pressure, India has not stopped its oil imports from Russia amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is initiating a countrywide protest on August 5 demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, imprisoned on corruption charges last year. The party vows to continue demonstrations until the current government is removed. Despite government-imposed Section 144 restrictions and arrests of PTI members, rallies and awareness campaigns are planned nationwide. PTI accuses the government of political oppression, while Punjab officials condemn the protests as destabilizing and claim PTI has transformed into a fascist group.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on Indian goods, blaming India for buying cheap oil from Russia amid the Ukraine war. India's Foreign Ministry called the threat unfair and unreasonable, pointing out that the U.S. and EU still import from Russia despite sanctions. India emphasized its right to secure energy at fair prices, citing national interest. A 25% tariff is already set to take effect from August 7 under Trump’s new trade measures.

The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party has welcomed the announcement of general elections to be held in February 2026, ahead of the month of Ramadan.

In a prompt response, AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju called for the creation of an environment conducive to fair elections. He emphasized the need for visible justice and demanded that elections be held based on the principles of the July Charter.

Earlier, in a national address, Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus confirmed the February election timeline and reflected on recent progress since the July political shift.

“We have come a long way since the July transition. Peace and order have returned to our national life, the economy has regained momentum, and the crisis has been resolved,” he stated.

SM Farhad, President of DU Shibir, accused the political left in Bangladesh of introducing mob justice and claimed they continue to support Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s alleged conspiracies.

He termed the executions of war criminals like Nizami as “state-sponsored murders,” blaming not just Hasina but also the Shahbagh movement activists.

Farhad said the 1971 war was a glorious chapter, but the legacy was tainted by the formation of BAKSAL. He accused Shahbagh of turning Awami League into a fascist force.

He also alleged that Hindus who testified in favor of Delwar Hossain Sayeedi were abducted or trafficked to India and blamed the Hasina government for enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and corruption.

Nasir Uddin Nasir, General Secretary of the Chhatra Dal, has strongly condemned Islami Chhatra Shibir for displaying photos of convicted war criminals Nizami, Mujahid, and Ghulam Azam at Dhaka University’s TSC. Nasir stated this act insulted the spirit of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

He emphasized that Dhaka University played a foundational role in Bangladesh’s independence, being the place where the nation’s first flag with the country’s map was hoisted.

Nasir further alleged that Shibir once fielded a known Al-Badr commander as a candidate for DUCSU VP and used party publications to dishonor freedom fighters. He also accused the DU administration, including the Vice-Chancellor and Proctor, of enabling Shibir’s activities.

Citing past incidents like the murders of Tofazzal and Samya, graffiti vandalism targeting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and administrative inaction, Nasir argued that students are deeply frustrated by the situation.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna emphasized that the goal of the pro-uprising coalition was always the fall of fascism, not just the removal of a leader.

"We do not want yet another sham election like the last three. Necessary reforms must begin immediately."

Manna criticized the Chief Advisor for failing to complete even a single reform so far, and expressed concern over retaining the police force without any restructuring.

"If the government suddenly insists, ‘No election without this,’ we will face a crisis," he warned.

He also noted that constitutional reform requires parliamentary approval, and yet, many of the winning parties oppose the necessary changes, rejecting 10 of the 19 core reform points.

"Has anyone asked the BNP whether they will uphold the reforms they disagreed with if they come to power?" Manna asked. He stressed the need for a clear reform agenda and accountability from this point forward.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that while Sheikh Hasina may be gone, the legacy of petty authoritarianism remains embedded in the system.

"I am not the owner of this country," he declared. "The people of Bangladesh are. A democratic mindset must replace the culture of control."

He argued that elections and democratic processes are mechanisms of correction, and warned that those who demand blind obedience are no different from the former regime.

"Trust must lie in the hands of the people who hold the mandate," Khasru said. "It is not about personal mandates — it is about the people's will."

He urged for complete democratization, not partial efforts: "No half-democracy, no three-quarter democracy. We must also democratize the economy, not just politics."

NCP leader Samanta Sharmin raised a pressing question:
"Yes, the fascist Hasina may have fled in August, but can we truly speak freely now? Have we established a society free from fear and rooted in justice? The answer is no."

She emphasized that the journey for justice and democracy is far from over and that the nation must continue to fight its battles.

"If we laid the bodies of those martyred in this struggle in one room," she said, "there would be no space left. We must remember their sacrifices to truly grasp our responsibilities."

Sharmin questioned the intent of the liberation movement: "Did we sacrifice so many lives just for a parliamentary election?"
She criticized the current administration, including the Chief Advisor, for failing to comprehend the depth of the sacrifices made, and called for transparency about how officials from the old regime remain in power.