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.

The Bangladesh Navy has rescued 18 fishermen who were stranded for four days after their trawler Habiba suffered engine failure in the deep sea near Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar. The naval ship Shahid Farid conducted the rescue on Tuesday, providing the fishermen with food, water, and medical assistance. The crew expressed gratitude to the Navy. The trawler has since been escorted safely to Kutubdia.

During a meeting with representatives from 13 political parties and alliances at the state guesthouse, Interim Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus warned of a resurgence of anti-democratic conspiracies less than a year after the July uprising. He stressed the need for greater unity among political parties to resist fascism. Party leaders in attendance called for stronger law enforcement measures and demanded an all-party dialogue before the next election. They also expressed support for reforms, justice, and an inclusive electoral process.

The Bangladesh Air Force has paid tribute to Maherin Chowdhury, the courageous teacher who lost her life while saving students during the Uttara plane crash. On July 23, an Air Force delegation laid floral wreaths at her grave in Jaldi, Nilphamari. They prayed for her departed soul and offered condolences to her family. Maherin saved at least 20 students before sustaining fatal injuries in the incident.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met with Interim Government’s Chief Advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, on Wednesday afternoon at the state guesthouse Jamuna. The courtesy call was confirmed by the press wing of the Chief Advisor.

A case has been filed against 1,200 individuals for vandalism and attempted murder at the Secretariat. According to the complaint, on July 22, during a student-led "March to Education Ministry" protest following the Milestone School plane crash, demonstrators broke through police barricades, damaged the Secretariat gate, and attacked security personnel. The charges include destruction of public property and attempted murder. A court has ordered an investigation report by August 28.

A team of specialist doctors and nurses from India’s Ram Manohar Lohia and Safdarjung Hospitals have arrived in Dhaka to assist with the treatment of victims from the recent fighter jet crash at Milestone School in Uttara. The team landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Wednesday night. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that critically injured patients may be transferred to India for further treatment if necessary. A specialist doctor from Singapore had also arrived earlier. So far, 32 people have died in the incident, with over 150 injured—eight of them critically.

Pakistani Interior Minister and ACC President Mohsin Raza Naqvi paid a courtesy call on Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib. During the meeting, Naqvi expressed condolences over the recent Uttara aircraft crash and discussed bilateral cooperation. The two sides expressed interest in enhancing collaboration in sports—particularly cricket, hockey, and kabaddi—as well as in youth skill development and employment initiatives. They also discussed potential partnerships in education, scholarships, and renewable energy. Naqvi extended an invitation for an official visit to Pakistan.

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.

The Election Commission (EC) has issued new guidelines for journalists covering parliamentary and local elections. According to the new policy, live broadcasting from polling stations and taking photographs inside secret voting booths will be prohibited. Accredited journalists will be allowed to collect information and images with permission from the presiding officer but may not stay inside the polling booth for more than 10 minutes. Additionally, multiple media outlets cannot enter the booth simultaneously. Live coverage must be conducted from outside the polling station. These regulations will take effect starting from the 2025 elections.

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.