Jamaat leader Matiur Rahman Akand emphasized the importance of a neutral environment for conducting free and fair elections. He stated that whether the election remains impartial depends on the government, the Election Commission, and the military. “If illegal power grabs continue, there will be no level playing field in the elections,” he warned. Akand said observers will monitor the situation closely and demand corrective action if the playing field is not leveled, identifying causes for any imbalance. He also highlighted the need to test the neutrality of the Election Commission and urged that CCTV cameras be installed at every polling station nationwide. Notably, he mentioned that if necessary, voting could be conducted over multiple days instead of a single day. He affirmed that the military will support Bangladesh and ruled out any opportunity to reinstate special groups.

Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, has ordered swift execution of Public Administration Reform Commission recommendations that ministries can implement independently. During a June 16 meeting, eight easily implementable proposals were highlighted, including improving highway petrol pump sanitation, dynamic ministry websites, forming school managing committees, community health center management, public hearings, revising information laws, restructuring the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, and enhancing digital services. Each ministry will form teams for timely action, with oversight by the Governance Innovation Unit and the Cabinet Division. Regular meetings will monitor progress.

Advocate Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, BNP Chairperson’s advisor, stated that fascist elements still deeply embedded in the government administration have gained international recognition. Speaking to Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus, he emphasized BNP’s commitment to assist but warned against arbitrary actions. Alal threatened to expose hidden fascist collaborators at all administrative levels if they are not removed promptly. The remarks were made at a youth rally demanding the arrest of fascist collaborators to ensure free and fair elections.

Following nationwide protests on August 5 last year, the Khanasama Upazila Awami League office in Dinajpur was vandalized and set on fire, leaving it abandoned and in ruins. Once a center of political power, the building now serves as a public toilet and houses small shops. Local residents say the office symbolized oppression under the party’s rule. Since the party’s fall, many leaders have gone into hiding or left the area, while the office remains deserted and a reminder of political turmoil.

In Cumilla's Meghna Upazila, Abdul Mannan Miah, formerly an Awami League ward secretary, was unexpectedly appointed as BNP ward president for Barkanda Union. The decision, made during a June 17 BNP meeting, has caused uproar among local BNP leaders who accuse the party of sidelining loyal activists. Meghna Upazila BNP officials have since called to cancel the committee and warned that those responsible for the appointment will face disciplinary actions, emphasizing that BNP leadership opposes including Awami League members in their committees.

Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, Director of Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education (MauShi), announced that instructions to prevent COVID-19 transmission have already been issued. Schools are preparing accordingly, and parents are urged to ensure their children follow safety measures. He emphasized that given the current situation, there is no option to close schools. Schools are set to reopen this Sunday, and everyone must adhere strictly to COVID-19 preventive guidelines. Earlier, MauShi had issued six directives to combat both COVID-19 and dengue outbreaks.

A 55-year-old woman, Sabila Begum, has died from COVID-19 while undergoing treatment in the ICU of Jessore General Hospital. This marks another fatality in the region, following two earlier deaths reported on Wednesday.

Sabila, identified as the first case in Jessore during the second wave of infections, was initially admitted to a private hospital with breathing difficulties on June 11. Her condition deteriorated, prompting a transfer to the general hospital where she later passed away.

At an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Jagannath University Journalists’ Association, BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie said that their political movement is not solely for elections, but to rebuild the country. He emphasized implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan to move the nation forward.

"The July uprising didn’t happen by chance—sacrifices were made by many, and we honor them," he said. Annie also accused the current regime of fascism, stating that those who speak out face jail and persecution. He called for justice and emphasized that judicial reform is a continuous process.

An unidentified man was found unconscious on a street in the Konapara area of Demra, Dhaka, after allegedly falling victim to a criminal group known as the “knockout gang.” Police rescued the man and took him to the emergency unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Demra Police Sub-Inspector Abdul Majid stated that despite questioning locals, they were unable to identify the victim. Authorities suspect the man was drugged and robbed. Legal proceedings are underway, and more details are expected once the man regains consciousness.

In a day-long operation on Thursday, police arrested 18 individuals involved in various criminal activities in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area. According to DMP Assistant Commissioner AKM Mehedi Hasan, the arrests include:

4 suspects preparing for robbery

4 individuals with outstanding warrants

7 involved in drug-related cases

1 murder suspect

2 accused in other DMP cases

All suspects have been presented before the court. In a separate operation in Shyampur, police arrested two female drug traffickers with 2,556 yaba tablets in their possession.

Mohammad Hanif Mia, a Bangladeshi village police officer, has died in India’s Tripura state near the Matiranga border in Khagrachari. A video of the deceased circulated online Friday afternoon, and his wife, Parvin Akter, confirmed the body was that of her husband. Mohammad Osman Ali, Secretary of Tabalchhari Union Parishad, reported that two men came to Hanif’s home last night and took him away. Since then, Hanif was missing and was found with injury marks on his body. According to police, Hanif along with four others crossed into the Indian border area but were chased by the BSF (Border Security Force). Four returned safely while one was detained by the BSF.

Shakil Uzzaman, leader of the People’s Rights Council, proposed reforms to the presidential election system to prevent authoritarian rule. He argued that the current indirect appointment method leads to a fascist-style governance and has sparked public uprisings demanding its abolition. According to the Council’s proposal, a total of 576 voters would elect the president through a secret ballot. This voter base would include 500 members of parliament from both the upper and lower houses, mayors of 12 city corporations, and chairpersons of 64 district councils.

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman urged leaders and activists to be ready to make any sacrifice for establishing justice and fairness in the country. He highlighted that oppression against the Islamic movement is a historical continuity and emphasized the necessity of unwavering efforts to achieve victory for the faith. Speaking at the ‘Rukon Training Camp 2025’ in Mirpur, he called for unity under Allah’s guidance to ensure peace in the world and salvation in the Hereafter.

Iran’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Mansour Chavoshi, has strongly condemned Israel's military actions in Iran, calling them violations of international law and conventions. Speaking to the media, Chavoshi expressed disappointment over the UN Security Council's silence and urged all nations, including members of the OIC, to take a firm stance against Israeli aggression.

He stated that even after substantial progress in nuclear discussions with the United States, Israel launched attacks, yet Tehran remains open to diplomatic talks. Chavoshi also thanked countries like Bangladesh for condemning the attacks. "We do not seek war, but if our sovereignty is attacked, we will have no choice but to respond," he said, warning of potential disruptions to global oil supply chains if the conflict continues.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has finalized its constitution, introducing a three-year term for the central committee and a provision restricting any individual from holding the positions of president or general secretary more than twice. The new constitution received final approval at a general meeting held on Friday, according to Akhtar Hossain, the party’s member secretary.

Hossain explained that the central president and general secretary will be elected independently through votes by councilors from across the country. The party must complete its next council within the last three months of the current term. Additionally, the central president and general secretary will be accountable to the party’s political council.

The political council will consist of 11 to 15 members, including at least three female members, all elected by the councilors. This new framework aims to enhance internal democracy and gender representation within the party leadership.