The National Citizen Party (NCP) held a dialogue with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen in Dhaka to discuss Bangladesh’s democratic transformation and reform process. The meeting, initiated by an invitation from the Chinese Embassy, focused on political stability, structural challenges, and inclusive governance. NCP leaders presented their perspective on sustainable democracy and emphasized the importance of the proposed “July Charter” as a moral and strategic step ahead of upcoming elections, honoring those who sacrificed during the July Movement for change.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused a malicious group of deliberately spreading false propaganda against Dr. Zobaida Rahman and her daughter Zaima Rahman on social media using fake IDs. He stated that these attacks are premeditated and often involve AI technology. Rizvi emphasized that neither Dr. Zobaida nor Zaima have official Facebook accounts. He warned that those responsible must face legal action, criticizing law enforcement for inaction. Rizvi urged for exemplary punishment to uphold truth in democracy.

In a late-night operation on the Dhaka-Mawa highway, the Bangladesh Army recovered excess fares from 13 bus operators and refunded over 200 passengers. The drive, led by officers from the Jatrabari Army Camp, inspected around 50 buses and found several, including Shatabdi, Kings, and Ilish Paribahan, charging more than BRTA-approved fares. Verified cases of overcharging led to immediate refunds. One bus was fined BDT 10,000 for expired documents, including route permit, fitness certificate, and tax token.

Six-year-old Sajidul Karim Abrar came from Dubai to his ancestral home in Gondamara, Banshkhali, Chattogram, to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha with his family. Tragically, on Thursday morning around 7:30 AM, he drowned in a pond behind their house. Despite immediate efforts by family and locals to rescue him and rush him to the Upazila Health Complex, doctors declared him dead. The family had recently returned to Bangladesh and traveled to their village home a day before the incident to celebrate Eid.

Md. Ataur Rahman Sarkar, Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for Brahmanbaria-4, pledged to transform Kasba-Akhaura into a peaceful and prosperous upazila free from terror, extortion, and drugs. Speaking at a constituency meeting, he emphasized the need for honest, skilled, and God-fearing leadership. He criticized the poor condition of roads between Brahmanbaria and Kasba and urged the interim government for urgent repairs. Eid reunion and outreach programs were finalized. Other Jamaat leaders also spoke at the event, highlighting the party’s local organizational strength.

DSCC Administrator Shahjahan Mia has avoided commenting on when Nagar Bhaban will reopen, calling it a political and sensitive issue. The building has been locked by supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain, who demand he be handed mayoral duties. The prolonged closure has disrupted city services, but essential departments like waste management and transport remain operational. Mia assured that Eid preparations are underway despite challenges. Ward offices remain open for public services, though some disruptions persist. Protesters have temporarily eased the blockade for Eid.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) urges the government to draft and publish the "July Charter" before declaring the next election date. NCP Convenor Nahid Islam said the charter symbolizes both policy reform and moral obligation to those who sacrificed during the July Movement. In a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador, he emphasized electoral reform, judicial independence, and inclusive participation. The NCP also demands a neutral Election Commission and phased elections to ensure transparency and accountability across all levels of governance.

The newly formed Cumilla South District Chhatra Dal committee has been suspended just 20 days after its announcement, following protests from leaders who were denied posts. The central leadership cited the ongoing agitation as the reason for the suspension. The partial committee, formed on May 15, faced immediate backlash that escalated into violence. Protesters blocked roads, broke into the local BNP office, and set it on fire, damaging vital documents and office equipment.

Election Commissioner Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Abul Fazl Md. Sanaullah confirmed after the commission’s sixth meeting that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will be granted registration along with its electoral symbol. He explained that according to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), a symbol granted to a party remains reserved for that party.

He also referred to a 2008 gazette that originally registered Jamaat with a symbol. The Supreme Court had earlier instructed the Election Commission to resolve Jamaat’s pending registration and any other related issues according to constitutional mandates.

JAGPA President Rashed Pradhan strongly rejected the budget’s provision to legalize black money, stating, “Who else holds black money besides the Awami League, who has plundered this nation?”

He lamented the lack of measures for 2.7 million unemployed, educated youth. While acknowledging some positive aspects—like a Tk 100 crore fund for new entrepreneurs and reduced prices on essential goods—he said the budget fails to meet public expectations in reducing poverty and unemployment. He welcomed the allocation for victims of the July uprising.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu said that nearly 10 months after the fall of the autocratic regime, democratic governance has yet to be restored. He criticized the current administration for preaching “development lessons” similar to those of Sheikh Hasina, under the guise of reform.

He asserted that democracy is essential to defeat fascism, adding that India is spreading propaganda against Bangladesh, and only elections can counter this. He echoed Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman’s views that the path to democracy must be protected and elections are the only solution.

A second person has died following internal clashes between BNP factions in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah. The victim, 62-year-old Yunus Ali, succumbed to his injuries after his brother, Mohabbat Ali, was previously killed in the same incident.

Mohabbat’s son, Enamul, filed a case naming 58 individuals and accusing 30-40 unidentified persons. The conflict stemmed from a long-standing power struggle between Nazrul Islam and Arif Hossain in Jamal Union. Although Nazrul was previously affiliated with the Awami League, he joined BNP after the recent political shift.

BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury criticized the government for announcing the budget without consulting political parties. Speaking at a press conference, he denounced the imposition of taxes on education, calling it unjustified. He pledged that a future BNP government would eliminate education-related taxes.

He added, “With inflation soaring and incomes declining, raising taxes will only burden the public. The budget should prioritize improving people's living standards, not widening inequality.”

GOP leader Rashed Khan criticized the interim government's proposed budget, stating that it mirrors the practices of previous regimes, including a deficit of Tk 2.26 trillion. He said, “Once again, the budget leans heavily on foreign dependency.”

He condemned the provision allowing black money to be legalized through real estate purchases and construction, calling it unconstitutional and unjust. However, he welcomed the allocation of Tk 405 crore for victims and martyrs of the July uprising. Khan expressed doubts about whether this fund will be used appropriately and warned that new currency printing could worsen inflation.

UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis emphasized that inclusive elections should focus on citizens’ participation rather than just the involvement of political parties. Speaking at a DCAB Talk in Dhaka, she voiced strong support for the current government's reform initiatives aimed at ensuring fair elections. She also stressed the importance of accountability for the July massacre. On the issue of aid to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, she clarified that the UN is not part of any discussions regarding the creation of a humanitarian corridor.