Cumilla, Bangladesh – Following the rape incident in Muradnagar, Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud held those protecting ruling party criminals accountable for the worsening law and order situation.

He wrote that local Awami League-backed thugs are being empowered through shelter and political support, leading to extortion, violence, and sexual assaults on civilians. He also cited a past incident where a mafia group attacked a police station to free an extortionist caught red-handed.

Mahmud called on law enforcement to not only arrest the rapists but also bring their powerful backers to justice, warning that failure to do so would only embolden further criminal activity.

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Environmental lawyer and adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized that forests and natural resources are vital not just for the environment but also for the economy, biodiversity, and the safety of future generations.

Speaking at a workshop, she urged for inclusive management involving all stakeholders. “We must see forests not as carbon credits for trade, but as oxygen providers and biodiversity sanctuaries,” she said.

Rizwana criticized developed countries for focusing only on carbon trading rather than reducing emissions and called for realistic management plans, including reforestation and community-based conservation.

Dhaka, Bangladesh – BNP leader Aminul Haque reaffirmed the party’s commitment to aligning its political strategy with the will of the people. “Our oath is that our path is guided by the people,” he said.

He accused the ruling Awami League of imposing authoritarian control over the population for the past 17 years. He also stated that any party member involved in wrongdoing will not be shielded, and only those dedicated to the movement will be prioritized during membership renewals.

Haque cautioned against ongoing “domestic and international conspiracies” aimed at delaying the national elections scheduled for February and called for unity in facing these challenges.

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque expressed optimism that the recent meeting between the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the Chief Adviser has clarified uncertainties about the potential general elections in February 2026.

He urged the Election Commission to announce a clear roadmap promptly. “Elections have been turned into tools for political profiteering,” he remarked. To ensure fairness, he proposed making parliamentary positions less financially lucrative.

Haque criticized the government’s controversial stance on various issues, including its intention to lease strategic assets like seaports to foreign entities, arguing that a truly accountable government would never make such a move.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, has labeled Sheikh Hasina a “vile dictator” and declared that the Awami League can never come back with a positive public image.

Manna said, “There is no possibility of forgiveness for the brutal oppression, torture, and massacres the Awami League has committed over the last 15 years. Anyone supporting them should be arrested and punished.”

He also expressed doubts about the Awami League’s eligibility to participate in the upcoming national elections, saying that if Sheikh Hasina and her followers face legal consequences, they will be disqualified from running.

Regarding the recent uprising, Manna noted that young leaders have taken charge, earning public sympathy. However, he acknowledged their inability to fully connect with the masses so far and stressed the need for greater unity and maturity in their words and actions.

Bangladesh Bank has provided nearly Tk 53,000 crore in loans to 12 financially weak banks by printing money. This financial assistance, offered under guarantees and special facilities, has been ongoing since September last year. Despite this massive infusion, these banks have yet to recover.

Governor Ahsan H. Mansur has repeatedly stated that no more money will be printed to support weak banks. However, reports reveal that as recently as two business days before Eid, the central bank extended Tk 3,000 crore in loans to five banks. Facing severe liquidity crises, these banks received funds at 10% interest against DP (Deposit) notes for a 90-day term.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has announced that the party supports holding national elections within the government’s declared timeline—provided necessary reforms are implemented.

He proposed conducting local government elections first as a way to assess the Election Commission’s capabilities. “Without elected representatives, local government bodies are causing public suffering,” he noted.

Shafiqur also highlighted Jamaat’s long history of sacrifice and repression, stating that top leaders have been wrongfully executed and imprisoned. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to truth and justice.

Referring to past public uprisings, he said, “The spirit of the mass movements in July and August can never be erased. The patriotic people of Bangladesh must unite to build a nation free of inequality.”

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has promised that his party will create jobs for 10 million people within 18 months if voted into power. "Our top priority will be the IT sector," he said, adding that young people with at least an SSC qualification would be given employment opportunities in technology.

He also emphasized the need to keep politics and business separate, stating that the BNP would work to eliminate fascism and promote economic reforms. Khasru added that investors in agriculture would be supported and that there are plans to increase agricultural exports.

"Bangladesh’s economic creativity has been destroyed over the past 17 years. We can’t go back to old-style politics—people's expectations have evolved," he concluded.

In Fatikchhari, police have arrested Md. Alamgir Hossain (48), a local Awami League activist, for threatening to kill the Chief Advisor, Chief Justice, and Army Chief in a disturbing Facebook Live video.

The incident occurred on Friday night, during which Alamgir appeared on livestream brandishing a bloodied knife while issuing the threats. He also used obscene language throughout the video, which quickly went viral on social media and sparked widespread outrage. Many demanded his immediate arrest, which law enforcement executed shortly thereafter.

Government advisor Farida Akhter has criticized the import of powdered milk, calling it a "national shame." She stated, "The money we spend on importing powdered milk could be used to set up multiple chilling centers across the country. Why aren't we doing that?"

She assured that the government is planning to establish these centers and will also encourage the private sector to participate.

Farida further clarified that vaccines for diseases such as foot-and-mouth are not solely for meat exports but for the humane treatment of animals. “We want to ensure that livestock in Bangladesh are free from incurable diseases, just like in countries we import meat from,” she added.

Cumilla, Bangladesh – A woman in Muradnagar, Cumilla, has filed a rape case after an alleged assault occurred on Thursday night. She stated that around 11 p.m., while her parents were away, a man named Fazor Ali entered her home and raped her. Locals reportedly caught and beat the assailant, with some filming the incident and sharing it online.

The victim said her family had prior contact with Fazor Ali over a financial transaction. Police confirmed the accused is currently absconding, and legal action will be taken against those who distributed the video. Political affiliations have stirred controversy as some claim Fazor Ali is a BNP member, which party officials deny. Meanwhile, photos have surfaced showing him participating in Awami League rallies.

Dr. Zahid stated that the people of Bangladesh are now firmly on board the path to elections, and no conspiracy can derail the democratic process. “Any attempt to suppress this momentum will fail,” he declared.

He also emphasized the role of the interim government in delivering justice, implementing reforms, and restoring people’s rights—tasks that have already consumed ten months. “For the past 17 years, our movements have reached their climax in July and August, often culminating in mass uprisings.”

Dr. Zahid further criticized past elections, saying, “Look at what former Chief Election Commissioners Nurul Huda and Habibul Awal are now saying. Elections in 2014, 2018, and even 2024 were pre-designed blueprints that deprived citizens of their fundamental voting rights.”

Speaking at a rally, NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwary called on the government to take responsibility for the youth and ensure justice through legal proceedings. “Just holding elections is not enough. The government also has a duty toward the younger generation. Empty words from the comfort of luxurious chairs won’t bring change,” he said.

He stressed the need to bring fascism to justice through the judicial system and predicted a shift in political power. “We’ve seen bullet revolutions in Bangladesh. Now, a ballot revolution is coming. And we will emerge victorious.”

Patwary also urged the authorities to prosecute those who looted the SME sector and the stock market over the last 15 years. “The previous governments allowed a select few to grow rich overnight. We are committed to working beyond party lines—for all citizens. Any blow to Bangladesh must first strike through our blood.”

Dhaka, Bangladesh – A recent report by the Commission on Enforced Disappearances reveals that victims of enforced disappearance were often subjected to torture to extract forced confessions. This not only devastated their personal and family lives but also significantly damaged the integrity of the judicial system.

The commission noted that while bail was granted in some earlier cases, confessions obtained under custody—often through coercion—made legal relief nearly impossible. “The level of state repression reached such heights that many families lived in fear even within their own homes, especially during election periods,” the report stated.

The commission recommended disciplinary action against those who neglect their duties and emphasized the need for accountability to restore public trust.

Police have arrested five suspected muggers armed with homemade weapons from in and around the venue of Islamic Andolan Bangladesh’s grand rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday afternoon.

According to witnesses, bystanders apprehended the suspects and handed them over to police. The detainees have been identified as Md. Enamul Hossain, Alam, Moniruzzaman, Mamun, Zakir Hossain, and Russel.

Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge confirmed the arrests, saying, “These five individuals were caught while attempting to pickpocket and snatch from rally-goers. Members of the public detained them from different spots at the event and handed them over to law enforcement.”