There is no uncertainty surrounding the upcoming national elections, according to Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the interim government.

Speaking to reporters at an event at Comilla University, he assured that the elections will be held on schedule, as announced by the Chief Adviser, and all parties will have equal opportunity to participate.

He also noted that discussions are ongoing between political parties and election commissions regarding the proportional representation (PR) voting system.

Tens of thousands of supporters gathered at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s national rally. The grounds were already filled to capacity six hours before the program officially began.

Party leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman arrived at 12:30 PM, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from party members. The rally formally commenced at 2:00 PM under his leadership.

Earlier in the day, at 9:30 AM, Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar reached the venue. The rally was organized to press for a seven-point charter of demands, including proportional representation in elections, voting rights for expatriates, and the implementation of the "July Declaration."

This marks the first time Jamaat-e-Islami has held a solo national gathering at this landmark location.

At the SAFA International Conference 2025, Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin announced that the government is taking steps to end unfair competition in business caused by years of irregularities and the rise of criminal capital. He warned of the risks of a kleptocracy if transparency and equitable resource distribution are not ensured. Over 600 professionals from SAARC nations attended the event, where topics like GDP, economic growth, AI, and the changing role of accountants in global trade were discussed in technical sessions.

Taiwan’s semiconductor industry has recently faced a series of cyberattacks, reportedly orchestrated by Chinese-backed hacker groups. According to cybersecurity firm Proofpoint, at least three distinct groups were involved, using phishing emails and customized malware to breach companies tied to semiconductor design, manufacturing, and financial analysis. The attacks occurred between March and June, affecting the supply chain and major service providers. A fourth group also attempted to install malware named Spark. These new groups use tactics that differ from traditional Chinese cyber operations.

Continuous rainfall since early July has damaged crops on over 3,000 hectares of farmland in Jashore, Bangladesh. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, vegetables, Aus and Aman rice, jute, and chili fields have been affected, with low-lying areas waterlogged for days. Farmers in major vegetable-producing unions are reporting heavy losses. Seedling fields in areas like Churamankati are submerged. Officials warn of further rot if rain continues but assure support and guidance to help farmers recover from the ongoing agricultural damage.

Bangladesh is pushing forward with a reciprocal trade agreement with the US despite political and economic concerns. The deal includes conditions that may affect national sovereignty and demand significant purchases from the US, such as LNG and military equipment. While 85% of the terms have reportedly been agreed upon, negotiations continue over sensitive issues. Experts say Bangladesh lacks the economic leverage seen in countries like India or Vietnam and warn that poor coordination and transparency could weaken its negotiating position.

Ahead of its national rally scheduled for Saturday, July 19, at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has released a 20-point guideline for its members and supporters.

Key instructions include: fully occupying the rally grounds, remaining seated until the party chief (Ameer) finishes his speech, and staying put even in case of rain. Participants have been prohibited from carrying any flags other than the national flag and from chanting political slogans.

The directives also outline provisions for health services, food distribution, security, vehicle parking, and reception centers. Ten reception points have been set up in key locations, including Sayedabad, Gabtoli, and Kamalapur.

Thousands of Jamaat-e-Islami supporters turned Suhrawardy Udyan into a sea of people as the party held its national rally. The event began at 9:40 AM with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by a cultural segment.

Senior leaders started arriving on stage from early morning. According to Organizing Secretary Mia Golam Parwar, key national leaders will begin delivering speeches from 2:00 PM. Around 6,000 volunteers are working to manage the crowd and maintain order. Jamaat supporters from across the country arrived in processions, many dressed in attire featuring the party’s symbol, the balance scale, while occupying areas within and around the venue.

Hundreds of thousands of Jamaat-e-Islami supporters gathered at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka for the party’s national rally on Saturday. Processions began arriving in the capital early in the morning, quickly filling the venue. Around 20,000 volunteers managed the event’s security and logistics. Jamaat presented a 7-point charter including demands for justice for genocide, foundational reforms, voting rights for expatriates, PR-based elections, and equal political opportunities. The party claimed over one million people attended the rally from across the country.

A devastating gas leak explosion in Sutrapur, Dhaka, has claimed the lives of five members of the same family. The victims were identified as father Ripon, mother Chandni, and their three children—Ayesha (1), Rokon (14), and Tamim (22). All were admitted to the hospital with severe burns but died within a week. Chandni passed away en route to her village for treatment. Ripon, a rickshaw van puller, struggled financially. The incident has left the local community in mourning.

BNP central leader Aminul Haque alleged that a certain group is attempting to delay the national elections under the guise of "reform and justice." He also claimed that a newly emerged party is intentionally causing unrest and violence, trying to pin the blame on BNP. Speaking at a memorial rally in Mirpur, he asserted that people want a neutral and prompt election, not political theatrics. Haque called for press freedom and condemned ongoing bloodshed in the name of democracy. The event concluded with a silent procession.

Leftist intellectual and author Badruddin Umar remarked that following the July-August uprising, right-wing forces have gained political momentum while the left remains notably absent. Speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club, he stated that the uprising failed to bring any class-based transformation or labor-farmer demands into political discourse. Surprisingly, he said, the BNP now appears to be the most progressive force. Umar noted that the people hoped for a resurgence of the left, but religious and right-wing forces now dominate the political scene.

Leaders of the Barisal Division Association have called for coordinated initiatives between political leadership and the administration to advance the region’s overall development. At a reunion held at the National Press Club, they emphasized the need for projects like the Bhola-Barisal Bridge, the four-lane Bhanga-Barisal highway, enhancement of Payra Port, and utilization of Bhola’s gas resources for industrialization. The event was presided over by freedom fighter Iqbal Hossain Forkan, with retired Major Hafiz Uddin, a BNP Standing Committee Member, attending as chief guest.

Mufti Rezaul Karim, also known as Pir Saheb Charmonai and the leader of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, stated that the recent mass uprising is about more than just elections, as it has caused many deaths and injuries. He criticized those rejecting proportional representation (PR), saying they cannot claim to be true patriots. Addressing the youth, he urged them to reject extortion, murder, and corruption. He added that many now support Islamic governance and even minority communities have shown solidarity—mentioning notable Hindu participation in a recent Dhaka rally.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan emphasized that the party’s movement is not for power, but to restore democracy and the people's right to vote. Speaking at a discussion in Panchdona, Narsingdi, he affirmed that BNP would respect any government elected through a fair election. He called on the interim government to ensure free voting rights for all citizens. During the event, tributes were paid to those martyred and injured in the July-August mass uprising, with financial support given to affected families.