Jamaat-e-Islami plans to plant one million trees in Dhaka to create a safer and more livable city. Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul, the party’s Dhaka Metropolitan South Amir, emphasized the importance of social forestry and family nutrition gardens for environmental protection. He called on citizens to plant at least one tree each and urged the interim government to support social forestry initiatives. The party also launched a month-long tree plantation campaign at Old Paltan College grounds, distributing saplings to participants.

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, accused India of being the largest state sponsor of regional terrorism. Speaking at the 52nd Common Training Program, he urged neighboring countries to stay alert against India’s proxy terrorist activities. Munir emphasized Pakistan’s desire for friendly ties with Afghanistan but warned against using Afghan territory for Indian proxies. Recently awarded the Field Marshal title, Munir highlighted India’s internal discrimination against minorities as a root cause of terrorism and assured Pakistan’s full military preparedness.

BNP advisor Zainul Abedin Farroque has declared that general elections will be held before Ramadan without further delay. “The recent London meeting cleared all confusion. We must now prevent any new conspiracies,” he said.

He urged the Chief Adviser to follow the example of former Chief Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, who held elections within three months of Ershad's fall. Farroque also criticized the current education system, blaming it on the governance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her late father. “If we fail to reform education, national development will remain a dream,” he added.

Violent clashes broke out across Kenya during anti-government protests held to mark the anniversary of last year’s deadly tax hike demonstrations. At least 16 people were killed—most by police gunfire—and nearly 400 injured. Protesters rallied in major cities including Nairobi, demanding President William Ruto’s resignation. Despite barricades, they carried flags and placards, setting fires and clashing with police. Tear gas, water cannons, and batons were used to disperse crowds. Several court buildings were set ablaze, and hospitals reported dozens of gunshot victims.

The EU has extended its sanctions on Russia for six more months, keeping restrictions in place until at least 2026. Despite surviving earlier sanctions by shifting trade toward China and India, Russia’s wartime economy is now under pressure. Inflation has reached 10%, interest rates have risen to 20%, and recession fears are growing. The Kremlin’s military spending is worsening labor shortages and inflation. President Putin has urged the central bank to balance inflation control with economic growth amid ongoing financial stress.

A nine-member BNP delegation, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, is returning to Dhaka Friday night after a four-day official visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese Communist Party.

Before departing China, Fakhrul stated that the visit marks a new chapter of understanding between the two parties, potentially strengthening bilateral strategic ties. The delegation visited a model community in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, and a museum showcasing China’s revolutionary and independence history for children.

BNP leader Aminul Haque announced plans to plant over 20,000 neem trees in the Pollabi and Rupnagar areas under the direction of acting party chairman Tarique Rahman. Tree planting will begin after the party's membership renewal drive ends on July 3.

He said BNP’s youth, student, volunteer, and cultural wings will be actively involved in the initiative. "BNP isn’t just about politics; we also uphold social responsibilities like environmental conservation," Aminul noted. He added that disciplinary and legal action would be taken against any party members involved in misconduct.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mia Golam Porwar warned that a lack of neutrality from the Election Commission could result in national catastrophe. “If the EC leans towards any political side, all aspirations of the nation will be shattered,” he said.

Porwar urged the Chief Adviser to remain cautious about the advice he receives. “You’ve pledged a free and fair election to the nation. The members of your advisory council should be transparently scrutinized. Be wary of whose advice you’re following,” he warned. He also confirmed that Jamaat plans to participate in the upcoming elections as a politically active party.

Following Iran’s declared historic victory, the National Revolutionary Council has called on Arab nations to refrain from reestablishing diplomatic relations or granting fresh recognition to what it termed the “aggressive, illegitimate state of Israel.”
The organization stated that it is now the urgent duty of Muslim countries to unite in collective struggle for the liberation of Muslims in Palestine, Arakan, and Kashmir.
Speaking at a rally near Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Mohammad Shamsuddin accused Israel of gross violations of the Geneva Conventions, severe human rights abuses, and creating turmoil in the global oil market.
He asserted that ultimately, both Israel and the United States have been defeated—not only militarily but also morally.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said the party believes preparations for the upcoming national elections can be completed by September. "We assume the Chief Adviser may have indicated to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to prepare for elections assuming a February timeline, but this is our interpretation. A clear picture will emerge once both parties officially communicate," he stated.

He emphasized that all political parties are seemingly in agreement on holding the national elections. "If that's the case, conducting local elections within the same timeframe would be unrealistic. Our long-standing struggle has been for a national election, not local polls," he added. Salahuddin also expressed hope that the interim government would maintain neutrality in managing the election process.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has demanded justice for the family of Anjum, who was brutally murdered in Kulaura. After visiting Anjum’s grave, he stated, “Every oppressed family in this country deserves justice. We will not tolerate any cover-up.”

Dr. Rahman accused certain forces of trying to divert the investigation and influence the legal process. He warned that any attempt to interfere with an impartial trial would not be forgiven, and reaffirmed Jamaat's commitment to standing beside the victims of injustice.

Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP), has said that in order to demonstrate the administration’s competence and impartiality, at least some local government elections—such as city corporation, upazila, or municipal polls—should be held before the national election.
He argued that both the caretaker government and the current administration are showing a clear bias toward a particular political party, anticipating that it will return to power.
“This is why many officials are already trying to curry favor with them in hopes of securing positions,” he claimed.
Nur added that except for one major political party, all other parties broadly agree on a proportional representation model for the election.
The Gono Odhikar Parishad plans to field candidates in all 300 constituencies in the next election.
He stressed that the country must first pursue justice and reforms before moving toward elections, and the government must play its part in eliminating muscle power and partisan influence.

The AB Party has declared a 36-day program to commemorate the July uprising. Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju said elections are the only legitimate means of changing power but accused the ruling party of trying to cling to power without them—just as during the Liberation War. Monju recalled the 1991 caretaker government elections, later enshrined in the constitution, and accused Sheikh Hasina’s regime of dismantling all democratic safeguards. He emphasized that simply installing a new government through elections would not fulfill the promises of 1971, 1990, and 2024. Instead, all parties must build consensus to create a new political order through free and fair elections.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has distanced the party from recent demonstrations at the income tax office, claiming a vested interest group is misusing BNP’s name to pursue its own agenda. “Anyone staging protests in BNP’s name without approval bears sole responsibility,” he said. Rizvi added that the hard-won opportunities created through sacrifice would ultimately lay the groundwork for genuine democracy. He further noted that even former Chief Election Commissioner Habibul Awal admitted elections under Hasina’s rule were rigged. Rizvi called for fair elections under an interim government, emphasizing the movement is not merely about changing governments but about restoring true democracy.

Following the collapse of the Awami League government on August 5 through mass protests, an interim administration led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus was formed on August 8. The Cabinet Division subsequently declared August 8 as “New Bangladesh Day.” In response, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the commemoration should instead fall on August 5. The National Committee for Political Change (NCPC) has also rejected the new date.