Gayeshwar Chandra Rai, BNP Standing Committee member, criticized the misuse of religion as a political tool. Speaking at a tree-planting event in South Keraniganj commemorating July martyrs, he said religion is a source of spiritual faith and moral guidance and should never be exploited for political gain.

He pointedly referenced Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing them of failing to admit their 1971 war crimes despite receiving forgiveness. Rai reminded all political parties of their responsibility to protect the safety and dignity of all religious communities and called for unity inspired by the spirit of the July revolution.

National Citizens Party convener Nahid Islam met with families of martyrs in Chattogram, listening to their grievances about financial hardship, insecurity, and neglect. He affirmed, "Martyrs belong to no party—they sacrificed for the nation."

Following the visit, NCP leaders departed for their march in Rangamati. In response to recent attacks in Cox’s Bazar, the Chattogram Metropolitan Police deployed SWAT and dog squads around NCP’s office and rally venues.

Nahid Islam expressed disappointment that despite government pressure, respect for martyrs’ families remains insufficient. He also voiced optimism ahead of a major NCP event scheduled for August 3 and the government’s upcoming July certificate issuance.

Abu Ahmed Lipu (49), Organizational Secretary of Sutrapur Thana Awami League, was arrested early Sunday morning by Shyampur police from the Hatkhola Road area of Tejgaon.

According to police, Lipu faces multiple cases including attempted murder and involvement in violent clashes registered with Wari and Shyampur police stations. The arrest followed a secret operation based on confidential intelligence. Legal proceedings against him are currently underway.

On Sunday, several senior leaders from various Islamic political parties visited Jamayat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at his residence following his illness during a rally speech on Saturday. Leaders from Islamic Unity Front, Bangladesh Khelafat Movement, Khelafat Majlis, and Nizam-e-Islam Party, along with central and city-level Jamayat ulema, gathered to check on his condition and prayed for his speedy recovery.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed gratitude for their support and well wishes.

After Jamayat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman fell ill, Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman personally contacted him to inquire about his health and assured full support. According to an official statement on the Amir’s verified Facebook page, the General’s phone call came after Dr. Shafiq experienced two bouts of illness while addressing a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday afternoon.

Dr. Shafiq was subsequently admitted to hospital but was discharged later that night. The incident has sparked sympathy and concern across political circles.

During a march program in Rangamati, leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP) emphasized the need to ensure equal rights for all people of both hill and plain regions. They strongly opposed any form of discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or caste. The leaders expressed their vision of building a new Bangladesh founded on harmony and goodwill. To achieve this, they called for the abolition of the Mujib-era constitution and the drafting of a new one.

Ahead of the march, security was tightened in the city with the deployment of 1,100 law enforcement personnel. The NCP leaders also urged for united resistance against political and administrative discrimination in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

During a rally in Rangamati as part of a national march, Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), called for the abolition of the current "Mujibist" constitution and the drafting of a new one that ensures representation of all ethnic communities in Bangladesh.

"We are reaching out to every community, in every village, as part of this march," Nahid stated. "Some groups benefit by keeping the Chittagong Hill Tracts divided and unstable — we will not let that continue."

He urged unity to eliminate division and unrest in the region. Speakers at the rally also criticized the practice of transferring corrupt officials to the hill districts as punishment, calling for accountability and justice.

Dhaka South Unit of the BNP’s volunteer wing has expelled Khan Monir, Convener of the New Market Thana Volunteer Team, following his arrest on extortion charges. The army detained him on July 16 with Tk 22,874 and a mobile phone, later handing him over to police. The party cited breach of discipline and stripped him of all positions, including primary membership. Members have been instructed to sever ties with him.

Bandarban, July 20 – Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain has stated that the implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord, now 27 years old, cannot be achieved overnight. "It has taken nearly three decades, and it's unrealistic to expect sudden implementation. Neither you should expect that, nor do we," he remarked at a public event in Bandarban.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting peace and development in the region. Highlighting concerns about the quality of education, he criticized the excessive competition for GPA-5, saying it has compromised academic standards.

Hill Affairs Advisor Supradip Chakma also addressed the gathering, noting that extreme poverty remains widespread across the three hill districts. "Despite government allocations, poor implementation and misuse have led to funds being returned unutilized," he said.

The event concluded with the distribution of saplings, livestock, sewing machines, and health-related financial support to local farmers and women, aimed at boosting livelihoods and social welfare in the region.

Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, Religious Affairs Advisor, visited Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at his residence following his recent illness. Dr. Rahman was hospitalized after falling ill during a speech at Suhrawardy Udyan and has since returned home. Prominent BNP figures including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Chairperson Khaleda Zia, Tareque Rahman, and chief advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus have also expressed concern. Yunus reportedly sent his press secretary to visit the Jamaat leader, who expressed gratitude for the well-wishes and prayers.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of three party activists who passed away while attending a national rally. In a condolence message, he described their sacrifice as a source of inspiration and prayed for their place in paradise. The deceased were identified as Abu Sayeed (Khulna), Mostafizur Rahman (Pabna, accident), and Shah Alam (Rangpur, heart attack). Several others were reportedly injured during the event.

Sarjis Alam, Chief Organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has come under fire for his remark describing Bandarban as a place to "send extortionists as punishment." Facing widespread criticism, Alam has publicly apologized for the comment.

The Hill Tracts Student Council declared him "unwelcome" in the region, condemning the remark as an insult to the hill communities and a reflection of state discrimination. In a Facebook post, Sarjis Alam expressed regret and reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for the rights and dignity of all ethnic groups. The student council had earlier warned that if no apology was made, all NCP activities would be declared unwelcome in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP) has announced the formation of a "July Uprising Cell" aimed at supporting the families of those killed and injured during the July Uprising.

Following a visit to martyr families in Chattogram, Convener Nahid Islam said the government is expected to issue a formal declaration by August 5, which would give legal recognition to the uprising if incorporated into the Constitution. He acknowledged delays in delivering on-ground support and announced a major public rally in Dhaka on August 3.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has made scathing remarks against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, declaring her a "disgrace to humanity and mothers," and asserted that she must be brought to justice.

Speaking at a rally at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman's shrine in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar under the 'Uprising 2024' program, Fakhrul cited the cries of martyr families, alleging state-sponsored killings by police and security forces. He announced the formation of a BNP fund to support the families of martyrs, stressing that future generations won’t forgive the BNP if it fails to honor their sacrifice.

Muhammad Rashed Khan, Secretary General of Gono Adhikar Parishad, has condemned the recent unrest in Cox's Bazar following provocative comments by NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari.

He warned that internal political division could lead to a repeat of the 1/11 military-backed takeover, potentially paving the way for Sheikh Hasina’s return to power. Khan recounted how Patwari previously had to de-escalate tensions after controversial remarks about Ziaur Rahman, involving late-night coordination with party leaders. He called for unity among anti-authoritarian forces and urged adherence to principled leadership.