NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain warned that unless the Awami League is held accountable for its actions, Bangladesh could again fall into fascism and autocracy.

Speaking at the Jamaat rally, he said those opposing Proportional Representation (PR) in elections are betraying the nation. “The Awami League has even denied the people their basic right to practice Islam,” he claimed. He called for justice for the martyrs of 24 and pledged peaceful coexistence among all religious communities.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has strongly opposed the interim government's agreement to establish a United Nations Human Rights Commission office in Dhaka. In a joint statement, the group’s top leaders warned of stern programs if the deal isn’t canceled immediately. They argue the office is unnecessary for a peaceful country like Bangladesh and claim it serves foreign interests. Citing the 2013 Shapla Square crackdown, they criticized the UN’s silence on past human rights violations and urged the government to meet the demands of the "July Revolution."

Speaking at the Jamaat rally, NCP’s Northern Region organizer Sarjis Alam alleged that Mujibist elements were regaining strongholds in places like Gopalganj and pushing a pro-India agenda in Bangladesh.

He stressed that combating “Mujibism” requires a comprehensive approach—legally, economically, socially, and politically. Calling for unity among all dissenters, he demanded a trial of Sheikh Hasina, the drafting of a new constitution, and elections for a fresh constituent assembly. “We need unity, not blind loyalty,” he asserted.

Five people died in violent clashes during an NCP program in Gopalganj, but postmortems were not conducted on the initial four bodies. Families claim lack of support forced them to bury without examination, while police cite unruly crowds as the reason. Experts warn that without postmortems, holding perpetrators accountable becomes difficult. Legal experts say postmortems can still be ordered by courts later. The police have not clarified if further steps will be taken.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) launched a special cleanliness and mosquito control campaign in wards 74 and 75, involving over 600 workers and local residents. The initiative, held to commemorate the Student People’s Mass Uprising, focused on cleaning drains, gutters, and sidewalks and applying mosquito pesticides. Officials emphasized that success in dengue control depends on community participation and maintaining clean surroundings. DSCC also plans infrastructure development in new wards, aiming to build a healthier, cleaner city.

Interim government adviser on environment Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called for a long-term values-driven movement to protect the environment. Speaking on World Environment Day, she emphasized that one generation cannot achieve sustainable environmental change alone. She urged for multi-generational engagement, starting with children through eco-friendly educational tours and the use of reusable cloth bags. Rizwana also called for greater awareness to combat noise pollution. The event featured an art exhibition on environmental themes, with students of all ages participating and winners receiving awards.

At the Jamaat-e-Islami rally in Suhrawardy Udyan, Islami Chhatra Shibir's Literary Secretary Sadiq Kayem proclaimed that “the upcoming revolution will be an Islamic one.” He asserted that the people of Bangladesh have previously stood up to fascism and will do so again. Kayem referenced the martyrdom of activists at Shapla Chattar, on university campuses, and in the recent July uprising. He accused the previous Awami League government of committing mass killings following Delwar Hossain Sayeedi’s verdict and pointed to the deaths of students, including Abrar Fahad, at the hands of student wing members. “A new revolution is needed to achieve our seven-point demands and safeguard national sovereignty,” he stated.

At a local rally in Cox’s Bazar, NCP senior organizer Nasir Uddin Patwari alleged the rise of a new political godfather in the region. “Previously, we had Shamim Osman in Narayanganj under the Awami League. Now, a new godfather from Shillong is reportedly grabbing land and extorting locals here,” he said.

He called on the people of Cox’s Bazar to resist land grabbing and extortion, accusing local authorities of failing to reform. NCP leaders warned that unless their charter of demands is fulfilled by the end of July, a mass gathering would be held at the Shaheed Minar on August 3.

Government-issued prize bonds are facing increasing transaction deficits, as proceeds from new bond sales are insufficient to repay older liabilities. Investor confidence has waned due to lack of profitability, complex prize collection procedures, and a lottery-based system. As of January 2025, the deficit stands at Tk 20.9 crore, with similar trends continuing throughout the year. While sales spike before each quarterly draw, they quickly taper off, disrupting the original goal of encouraging savings. Currently, only Tk 100-denomination bonds are available, with limited promotional efforts and reduced public interest. The government is now forced to draw funds from other sectors to cover obligations—an alarming sign for the broader economy.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), stated that the era of political godfathers had ended under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership and vowed not to let a new generation of such figures emerge.

He criticized the ruling Awami League for allegedly exploiting Cox’s Bazar in the name of tourism, turning it into a hub of drug trafficking. He emphasized the need for environmentally friendly tourism and the protection of local people's rights.

On the Rohingya issue, Nahid said, “We have compassion for the Rohingya, but hosting them indefinitely is unjust to the people of Cox’s Bazar.” He urged for a prompt solution to facilitate their repatriation.

At the rally, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar called on young voters to support the party in upcoming elections. “To build a new Bangladesh based on good governance, the first vote of the new generation should go to the ‘Scales’ symbol,” he said.

Porwar claimed Jamaat is the most oppressed political group in the country. “By Allah’s mercy, we have stood beside the families of countless martyrs, unlike any other political party,” he added.

BNP Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has stated that his party has often had to bear the burden of Jamaat-e-Islami’s controversies. “People used to say BNP was a democratic party, one that contributed to the Liberation War. So why associate with war collaborators?” he questioned during a protest in Tangail Press Club against derogatory remarks about Ziaur Rahman and Tarique Rahman. Tuku announced that Tarique is calling for national unity against fascism and has plans to form a national government. Addressing Jamaat, he warned, “If you obstruct the people’s rights, you too will face rejection from the public.”

Dhaka, July 19 – Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman collapsed on stage toward the end of a mass rally at Suhrawardy Udyan while delivering his speech. He was quickly assisted by party members and resumed his address while seated on the stage.

Before falling ill, Dr. Rahman urged party members to uphold the values of sacrifice and humility. Reflecting on the legacy of the 24 martyrs, he warned against arrogance and disdain toward other political groups, stating, "Pride and contempt, if left unchecked, can lead to fascism." Although the incident caused concern among attendees, the situation quickly returned to normal.

In a striking display of public mobilization, thousands of people walked over eight kilometers to join Jamaat-e-Islami’s national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, due to an absence of available vehicles on the roads. Abdul Hannan Masud, Senior Joint Chief Coordinator of the NCP, expressed astonishment on Facebook at the massive turnout, calling it a “historic event” for those who have been politically sidelined for the past 16 years.

Jamaat-e-Islami presented a seven-point demand during the rally, including calls for free and fair elections, justice for mass killings, fundamental reforms, proportional representation in national elections, and ensuring voting rights for expatriates.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that his party was not officially invited to Jamaat-e-Islami’s national rally. Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Taher clarified that only parties supporting Proportional Representation (PR) were invited. The event formally began at 2 PM with Quran recitation, featuring speeches from party Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar. Jamaat organized the rally to press for a seven-point charter of demands.