Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has stated that the Election Commission is fully prepared for the upcoming national elections. He conveyed this during a recent courtesy meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

According to the CEC, the Chief Adviser is committed to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election and expressed sincere interest in that process. However, Nasir clarified that the exact election date was not discussed during the meeting.

Meanwhile, in a separate meeting in London, BNP leader Tarique Rahman urged the Chief Adviser to hold the election in February. In response, Dr. Yunus indicated that elections could indeed be held in February, provided the necessary reforms are implemented.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has officially added 10 more names to the July Mass Uprising martyrs list, bringing the total number of martyrs to 844. The updated list was published in a government gazette on Monday under the July Mass Uprising Martyrs’ Family and July Fighters’ Welfare and Rehabilitation Ordinance, 2025. The newly included martyrs come from various districts including Kurigram, Shariatpur, Dhaka, Chattogram, Noakhali, Jessore, and Bagerhat.

In a powerful Facebook post, political activist Shafiqul Alam has launched a scathing criticism of the ruling Awami League, accusing the party of mocking martyrs, disrespecting protestors, and branding the entire nation as "militants."

Alam wrote, "There will never be peace with you until you stand in front of a mirror, see the blood on your hands, and say, 'I'm sorry.' We will continue to resist you—on the land, in the rivers, on the hills, and in the digital world."

Reflecting on the past ten months, Alam said the Awami League has demonstrated a colonial mindset and is actively conspiring to regain power through manipulation and oppression. "But this time it won't work," he added. "July has taught us courage and resilience. That strength has become a part of our collective consciousness."

He asserted that unless the ruling party apologizes and acknowledges the bloodshed of martyrs, they will never find peace. "The struggle will continue across every domain. Out of respect for those who have laid down their lives, Awami League must one day apologize—otherwise, they will never be at peace," he concluded.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized that blaming BNP for opposing reforms undermines national unity. He highlighted that BNP has long advocated for state reforms, announcing 31 demands earlier. Fakhrul stated that the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina fleeing opens a chance to build a democratic Bangladesh. Speaking at the July popular uprising anniversary event, he reiterated BNP’s commitment to democracy, unity, independence, and sovereignty, urging the government to implement the proposed “July Charter.”

The responsibility for managing Chattogram Port will be assigned on Wednesday, according to Shipping Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain. He confirmed that the port's operations will be handed over for a six-month period, but not through a formal tender process.

Addressing confusion over a recent gazette declaring port operations as an essential service, the adviser clarified that the existing notification is final and binding. He also acknowledged disruptions at the port caused by protests from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) staff but stated that the impact was not severe.

During a high-level meeting, several other key approvals were granted, including those for container handling at Chattogram Port, fertilizer procurement, LNG-related projects, and the reconstruction of 30 schools in Rangpur.

The government has approved a decision for the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) under its own management for six months or until a new operator is appointed. This comes as the contract with Saif Powertec Ltd., the current operator for 17 years, ends on July 6. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. No tender will be floated; a direct procurement process will be used.

The Bangladesh Food Security Network (KhaNi) has raised alarms over a severe food security crisis caused by skyrocketing rice prices and inflation. Human chains were held across eight districts demanding urgent government measures. KhaNi stated that rice alone caused 40% of May’s food inflation. Citizens are struggling to afford basic nutrition, with 20% facing food insecurity. KhaNi proposed five key solutions, including direct rice procurement from farmers, rationing for the poor, and stronger market regulation to stop hoarding and stabilize prices.

Finance Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has assured that the government will not adopt a tight-fisted approach in allocating funds for the upcoming national parliamentary elections. Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet Committee meeting on government purchases, he emphasized that necessary funds have been allocated for the electoral process, and there will be no hesitation in spending where needed. His statement comes amid growing discussions on election spending and signals the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and adequately funded electoral process.

Former Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda voluntarily confessed in court to responsibility for the controversial midnight voting during the 2018 elections. After eight days in remand, the PBI presented him before the court to record his statement. This case, filed by BNP leader Salah Uddin Khan, names Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and three Chief Election Commissioners and commissioners involved in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections as accused.

Nidhi, daughter of the disappeared student leader Parvez, has not seen her father for many years. Her emotional words brought BNP’s acting chairman Tareq Rahman to tears during the event titled “National Unity and Democratic Journey” held at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka. When Nidhi asked, “Will my brother and I ever be able to embrace our father again?” Tareq was seen wiping away tears. Several relatives of those who have been victims of enforced disappearance and torture also shared their painful stories at the event. Sanjida Islam Tuli of the organization Mayer Dak emphasized the urgent need to hold Prime Minister Hasina and others responsible for the disappearances accountable.

Rashed Khan, a key leader of the Gono Adhikar Parishad and a prominent figure in the 2018 quota reform movement, has criticized the erasure of that movement's historical significance. He emphasized that the quota reform protests were the precursor to any modern mass uprisings in Bangladesh.

Khan warned that ignoring the contributions of real activists only deepens divisions within the anti-authoritarian movement. He cautioned that such disunity could pave the way for the return of the Awami League and renewed suppression of dissent. He called for unity built on mutual respect and tolerance.

At a recent discussion commemorating the July uprising, Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gono Adhikar Parishad, expressed disappointment over remarks made in London by the group's chief advisor, suggesting a temporary ban on the Awami League for national security reasons.

Nur stated, “We are deeply disheartened by such comments. There will be no compromise on this issue.” He added that the government's failure to act on proposals for a national unity government has only deepened political divisions. He urged all political forces to rally around the ideals of the July uprising and avoid further polarization.

In a moving scene in Pirganj, Rangpur, Monowara Begum, mother of martyred activist Abu Sayeed, tearfully blessed Nahid Islam, Convener of the NCP, by placing her hand on his head. The moment marked the beginning of the party’s nationwide "July March."

Following a visit to Abu Sayeed’s grave, NCP leaders met with his family. Party representatives reaffirmed their commitment to building a new Bangladesh by realizing Abu Sayeed's dreams.

Akhtar Hossain, Member-Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has called for the prosecution of those responsible for genocide and crimes against humanity during the July uprising. Speaking in Rangpur after paying respects at the grave of martyred activist Abu Sayeed, Hossain demanded the abolition of the existing "Mujibist" constitution and the drafting of a new one through an elected constituent assembly.

He described Abu Sayeed as a symbol of resistance against inequality and pledged that the NCP, alongside students and citizens, would carry forward his legacy through continued struggle.

Leaders of the July Unity Platform have asserted that only the government has the authority to issue the "July Declaration and Charter" going forward. At the 'March for July Revives' rally held outside the National Museum, speakers criticized the government for failing to issue the declaration even 11 months after it was first demanded.

They warned that if the government continues to delay, the people—particularly students and youth—will take matters into their own hands. The platform also called for constitutional recognition of July uprising veterans, justice for persecuted journalists, and sweeping reforms in public administration.