Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the upcoming national election will mark a new chapter in the country's political history. Speaking at the National Representative Conference of Mushlihin in Neserabad, Jhalakathi, he warned against any attempts at vote manipulation or polling center occupation, saying such actions would face strong resistance. Rahman emphasized continued struggle against oppression, fascism, and efforts to divide the nation, urging all Islamic forces to remain united for the cause of Islam. The event was attended by several Islamic and political leaders, including Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, who echoed the call for unity among Islamic parties to ensure electoral success. Thousands of devout Muslims participated in the gathering, which was presided over by Maulana Khalilur Rahman, Amir of Mushlihin.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that those attempting to claim ownership of the spirit of the July 2024 student-led mass uprising for political purposes will face negative consequences. Speaking at a rally organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ Council at the Central Shaheed Minar, he emphasized that the uprising was the culmination of years of struggle, not merely a short-term movement. The 2024 uprising, which began with student protests demanding quota reform, led to the fall of the Awami League government and the exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Salahuddin accused the Awami League of monopolizing national ideals and warned that similar attempts to control the uprising’s legacy would fail. He reiterated that the movement’s spirit belongs to all pro-democracy citizens. Other BNP leaders, including Ishteak Aziz Ulfat, Abdus Salam, Zainul Abedin Faruk, and Ishraq Hossain, also attended the event.

A fire broke out on Saturday afternoon at a multi-storey commercial building in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha area. According to the Fire Service and Civil Defence, the blaze started on the ninth floor of a 10-storey building around 3:00 p.m. The first unit from Siddikbazar Fire Station reached the scene at 3:14 p.m., followed by four additional units. After coordinated efforts by all five units, the fire was brought under control around 3:30 p.m. No casualties were reported immediately, and the cause of the fire as well as the extent of damage remain unknown. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine what triggered the blaze. The fire service has urged building owners to ensure proper fire safety measures in commercial properties to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Bangladesh, located in a seismically active region, often experiences earthquakes that can cause panic among children. Health experts explain that panic attacks occur when intense fear triggers abnormal physical and emotional reactions. To help children cope during or after an earthquake, parents are advised to remain calm, speak gently, and reassure them of safety. Redirecting the child’s attention to familiar or soothing activities, offering water or juice, and encouraging slow, deep breathing can help reduce anxiety. Physical reassurance, such as hugging, can also provide comfort and a sense of security. If a child remains unresponsive or distressed for more than an hour, parents should seek immediate medical or psychological assistance. Experts emphasize that early emotional support can prevent long-term trauma and help children recover from earthquake-related fear more effectively.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed declared that the death sentence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would be implemented, emphasizing that there is no place for dictatorship or fascism in Bangladesh. Speaking at a rally titled ‘Freedom Fighters and Generations Vigilant for Independence, Sovereignty and Democracy’ at the Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday, he accused the Awami League of being a mafia-fascist force operating under the guise of democracy. Salahuddin warned that failure to meet public aspirations could lead to the resurgence of fascist politics, urging all to uphold democratic practices. At the same event, BNP leader Ishraque Hossain alleged that Sheikh Hasina was using secret terrorists to obstruct elections and vowed that the Awami League would no longer be allowed to conduct politics in Bangladesh. The rally was presided over by Nationalist Freedom Fighters’ president Ishtiaq Aziz Ulfat and attended by several senior BNP leaders.

Following a 5.7 magnitude earthquake centered in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, that killed 10 people and caused significant damage, public concern has grown about possible aftershocks. In response, Google’s AI model Gemini explained that the duration and intensity of aftershocks depend on the main quake’s strength and the geological structure of the affected area. Aftershocks are smaller tremors that occur as the Earth's crust gradually releases the stress accumulated during the main quake. Typically, aftershocks last from a few hours to several weeks, but stronger earthquakes—magnitude 7.0 or higher—can produce aftershocks lasting months or even years. Gemini noted that the aftershock phase ends only when seismic activity returns to normal levels. Experts advise caution around damaged or weakened structures until stability is restored.

A mild earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale was recorded in Palash, Narsingdi, on Sunday morning, less than 24 hours after a stronger tremor struck Madhabdi. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation and Research Center confirmed that the latest quake was an aftershock of Friday’s event. Officials stated that Bangladesh is divided into three seismic zones based on earthquake risk. Zone-1 includes high-risk areas such as parts of Sylhet, Mymensingh, Tangail, Gazipur, Narsingdi, Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria, Khagrachhari, and Rangamati. Zone-2 covers moderately risky regions, while Zone-3, including Khulna, Jashore, Barishal, and Patuakhali, faces the lowest risk. Historical data show that between 1976 and 2015, at least five major earthquakes were felt in Bangladesh, mostly originating from Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Bandarban, and Cox’s Bazar. Experts warn that these regions remain vulnerable to future large-scale seismic activity due to nearby fault lines and tectonic boundaries.

ATM Azharul Islam, Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate for Rangpur-2 and a central executive member, declared that a national referendum is essential for protecting the country. Speaking during an election campaign rally in Rangpur on Saturday, he emphasized that all political parties had agreed to the idea of a referendum and questioned why it could not be held before the national election. Azharul Islam also highlighted his past work in local development, including road construction and education initiatives, and pledged to reopen a closed sugar mill and modernize hospitals if elected. He alleged that some local officials were biased toward a particular party but expressed confidence in achieving a level playing field. Claiming strong support from youth, women, and minority communities, he said he was confident of a decisive victory. The campaign event featured a large motorcycle procession with around 2,000 participants across several local areas.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sharply criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for using religion to gain political advantage, questioning the notion that supporting Jamaat guarantees spiritual reward. Speaking at a discussion organized by the Islamic Foundation Caretaker Welfare Council in Dhaka, Fakhrul said religion should not be misused for political benefit. He recalled that former President Ziaur Rahman had given Jamaat the opportunity to re-enter politics, but lamented that the party has been inactive in anti-government movements over the past decade. Fakhrul also accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of undermining citizens’ rights, including voting and religious freedom, while falsely claiming to defend Islam. Citing Indonesia’s model of religious institutional consultation, he noted Bangladesh lacks such structures. He called for national unity to ensure a fair and credible election that would restore democracy and empower parliament to address national issues.

Salauddin Jamil Saurav, a central member of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has collected and submitted his nomination form to contest from the Dhaka-5 constituency. The constituency, officially numbered 171, covers densely populated areas such as Jatrabari, Donia, and Kajla under the Dhaka South City Corporation. Saurav collected the nomination form from the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor on Tuesday and submitted it the same day. Speaking to reporters, he said he grew up witnessing the struggles and neglect faced by local residents and aims to ensure basic civic services through sincere effort, visionary planning, and transparent leadership. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s politics is at a turning point, and people now seek leaders who remain connected to citizens beyond power politics. The NCP, he added, is working to build such new leadership for the future.

Advocate Fazlur Rahman, the BNP-nominated candidate for Kishoreganj-4 constituency (Itna-Mithamain-Austagram), declared that he would take poison if Jamaat-e-Islami wins the election and forms a government. Speaking at a BNP workers’ rally in Itna on Friday night, Rahman criticized Jamaat members, calling them ungrateful and accusing them of betraying those who once saved them. He emphasized his ideological stance, stating he seeks votes only from supporters of the Liberation War, BNP, and its leaders, regardless of religion. Rahman also reiterated that Bangladesh’s independence was aimed at establishing a secular state. His remarks come amid heightened political tensions and renewed debates over the role of Jamaat in national politics. Local BNP leaders, including his wife Umme Kulsum Rekha and other party officials, were present at the event.

A large motor rally was held in Faridganj, Chandpur-4 constituency, in support of Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated parliamentary candidate and district Amir, Maulana Billal Hossain Miahji. Hundreds of motorcycles and vehicles joined the procession, which began from the Faridganj bus stand and paraded through key roads in the upazila. During the rally, Miahji urged voters to support the 'scale' election symbol, pledging to build a peaceful and terrorism-free Bangladesh. He dismissed rumors that Jamaat restricts women’s freedom, asserting the party’s commitment to women’s rights, employment, and empowerment. Miahji emphasized that Jamaat aims to serve the people rather than rule over them. Several local leaders, including Upazila Amir Maulana Yunus Helal, General Secretary Sakhawat Hossain, and other party representatives, participated in the event, which showcased strong organizational discipline and enthusiasm among supporters ahead of the upcoming election.

BNP’s Dhaka-6 parliamentary candidate Ishraq Hossain has declared that the ruling Awami League will no longer be allowed to engage in politics in Bangladesh. Speaking at a rally of freedom fighters and their descendants at the Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday, Ishraq accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of using secret militants to obstruct elections. He urged opposition groups to overcome internal divisions and unite under the spirit of the July movement, warning that disunity could weaken the nation and make it vulnerable to external domination. Ishraq emphasized that Bangladesh must not become a tributary state and called for collective action to protect national sovereignty. His remarks reflect the ongoing political tension between the BNP and the Awami League ahead of potential electoral confrontations.

Bangladesh strengthened their position in the Mirpur Test against Ireland after spinner Hasan Murad claimed a wicket with his very first delivery. Chasing a massive target of 509 runs, Ireland lost their third wicket for just 77 runs. Murad’s delivery, a slower arm ball, struck debutant Cade Carmichael on the pads, prompting an immediate out decision from the umpire, which the batter did not review. With this breakthrough, Ireland now stands at 77 for 3, still needing 432 runs to win, while Bangladesh requires seven more wickets to secure victory. The dismissal mirrored Murad’s earlier success in the match, further tightening Bangladesh’s grip on the game and putting them on the brink of a commanding Test win at home.

Police in Mymensingh’s Trishal upazila have arrested four individuals, including a woman, for allegedly luring a government doctor into a honey trap, assaulting him, and extorting Tk 300,000. The victim, Dr. Shafiqul Islam, a health officer at Sripur Upazila Health Complex in Gazipur, was allegedly deceived through a fake Facebook profile named 'Jui Chowdhury' used by a woman identified as Tania Akter. After being invited to meet in Trishal, the doctor was taken to a rented flat where several people ambushed him, recorded compromising videos, and demanded Tk 1 million under threat of death. He was forced to pay Tk 22,500 in cash and Tk 280,000 via mobile transfer. Following his release, he filed a case with Trishal Police Station. Officers later arrested four suspects—Rabiul Molla, Sonali Akter, Rajna Akter, and Amirun—and recovered Tk 56,850 and six mobile phones used in the crime. Police are continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects.