Beanibazar, Bangladesh — Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that his party does not support any delay in the upcoming national election, emphasizing that a fair and effective electoral process is essential to maintain the country's orderly governance.

Speaking at a manpower and intellectuals’ gathering in Beanibazar, Dr. Rahman called for a transparent and neutral national election to be held in early 2026, with a level playing field for all parties. He reiterated Jamaat’s vision to build a humane and justice-based Bangladesh, pledging to transform the youth into a skilled national workforce if the party comes to power.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant against corruption and injustice, while highlighting the resilience of Jamaat leaders who have stayed in the country despite political persecution.

Comilla, Bangladesh — Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer for the Southern Region of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has warned that the country could face serious danger if the Awami League regains power. Emphasizing the need for long-term political resistance, he called for unity among all anti-authoritarian political forces.

Speaking at a public meeting, Abdullah expressed his vision of establishing Comilla as a strategic stronghold—referring to it as the NCP’s future “cantonment.” He also demanded an impartial investigation into the recent Milestone Airlines crash and called for greater accountability.

Other NCP leaders at the event stressed the importance of unity against fascism, denounced corruption and extortion, and reiterated the demand to declare Comilla as a new administrative division.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that merely mentioning the Election Commission’s independence in the Constitution is not enough. He emphasized the need for a transparent and accountable appointment process. Speaking during a National Consensus Commission dialogue, he confirmed that a five-member selection committee has been proposed—comprising the Speaker, Deputy Speaker from the opposition, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and a judge nominated by the Chief Justice. The committee will lead the selection process, and a parliamentary law will establish accountability standards and a code of conduct for EC members. Ahmed reiterated BNP’s demand for elections under a neutral government and welcomed unity among opposition parties.

IDEF 2025, the 17th International Defence Industry Fair, has begun in Istanbul with over 900 Turkish and 400 international defense companies from 44 countries. Major firms like BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Airbus are showcasing advanced land, air, and naval technologies. National pavilions from countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are on display. The six-day event spans multiple venues and features ministers, military chiefs, and commanders from 103 countries. It is organized by KFA Fairs with support from Turkish defense authorities.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has strongly condemned U.S. and Israeli actions in Gaza, stating they have exceeded all humanitarian and moral standards. He warned that the U.S. will eventually be forced to withdraw its support due to overwhelming Palestinian resistance. Qassem criticized the silence of the international community and urged Arab and Islamic nations to close Israeli embassies, cut trade ties, and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. He expressed confidence that Israel’s aggression will ultimately lead to its downfall by divine will.

Senior officials from Iran, Russia, and China met in Tehran to boost cooperation against Western dominance, sanctions, and threats of the JCPOA snapback mechanism. They emphasized diplomatic coordination and mutual support, criticizing Western unilateralism. Iran warned that any new UN sanctions would be illegitimate and proposed practical steps for regional stability. The trilateral talks aim to create a broader strategic framework, with follow-up discussions planned with the European Troika. All three nations committed to deeper consultation in the coming months.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has alleged that the government, instead of facilitating the economy for the people through trade and investment, has handed it over to a select group of looters. “These groups looted banks, manipulated the stock market, laundered money abroad, and exploited mega projects for personal gain,” he said. According to him, the country has deviated from Ziaur Rahman's principles of a democratic economy, leading to monopolized control over both politics and the economy. He emphasized that BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman supports economic democratization—where ordinary citizens would have equal opportunities in business. Khasru also called for an end to bureaucratic control and monopolization in the economy.

On the 18th day of the National Consensus Commission’s dialogue, left-leaning parties CPB, BASAD, and Bangladesh JASAD staged a symbolic 10-minute walkout. The protest was in response to alleged police violence against students and parents protesting the Uttara plane crash. CPB leader Ruhin Hossain Prince said the incident reflects authoritarian tendencies. BASAD and JASAD members endorsed the protest and rejoined the dialogue after 10 minutes.

The National Consensus Commission announced an agreement among political parties on the process for appointing the Election Commission. A five-member search committee, headed by the Speaker, will include the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, the Deputy Speaker, and a judge nominated by the Chief Justice. The process will begin 90 days before the current commission’s term ends. After vetting candidates, the committee will submit a unanimous shortlist to the President, who will appoint the Commission for five years. Separate laws and a code of conduct are also proposed to ensure accountability.

BNP has rejected elements of the National Consensus Commission’s latest reform proposals, particularly the clause that would bar the party’s leader from becoming Prime Minister. The party cited examples from the UK and India, where party leaders typically assume the premiership. While BNP supports balanced power-sharing between the President and Prime Minister and welcomes necessary reforms, it insists that any elected parliamentary majority should determine the head of government. The party also expressed condolences for the victims of the Uttara plane crash.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a multi-party meeting on Wednesday evening at his Jamuna residence to discuss the aftermath of the Uttara Milestone School plane crash. Representatives from 13 political parties, including Rashtra Sanskar Andolon, Gonosonghoti, Revolutionary Workers Party, and Nagorik Oikya, were in attendance. This followed a separate discussion the previous night with leaders from BNP, Jamaat, and two other parties.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Deputy Ameer, Professor Mujibur Rahman, has urged authorities to establish a specialized burn unit in any government or private hospital in Uttara. Visiting families of victims from the Milestone School plane crash, he offered condolences and assured continued party support for medical expenses. He encouraged families to find solace in prayer and demanded a compensation list, an impartial investigation, and immediate steps to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called for national unity beyond party and religious divides in the face of a potential rise in fascist forces this July-August. In a Facebook statement, he urged all to unite against fascism, anti-social elements, and those threatening national order. Advising his party workers to remain patient and avoid provocation, he emphasized the importance of student, labor, and public solidarity in shaping a future for the next generation.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the Chief Adviser had initiated consultations in response to concerns about a resurgence of fascist forces in July and August. Speaking after a meeting in Gulshan, he confirmed that the BNP has pledged to cooperate with the government in this critical time. Fakhrul mentioned a prior meeting between Dr. Yunus and leaders of BNP and three other parties. He emphasized that a prompt election is the only solution and urged the government to act in good faith. He also denounced the attack on NCP as part of a conspiracy to derail the electoral process.

At a public rally in Chandpur, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Southern Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah demanded the resignation of Interim Government Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum. He alleged that her appointment was a result of nepotism by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Criticizing her inaction, questionable qualifications, and preference for treatment abroad, Hasnat urged her to return all state benefits and resign. Referring to the recent Uttara plane crash and corruption allegations, he called for unity across political lines to resist fascism. Families of victims at the rally demanded justice, followed by a mourning procession in memory of those killed and injured.