Six political parties that participated in the National Consensus Commission’s dialogue — including the National Citizens Party (NCP), Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BASAD), BASAD (Marxist), Bangladesh JASAD, and Gonoforum — have refused to sign the July National Charter 2025. The signing ceremony took place on Friday (October 17) at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, where 25 other parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, signed the document. The NCP announced earlier that it would not join, arguing the process lacked legal foundation and amounted to mere formality. Leftist parties also abstained, alleging that the proposals compromise the principles of the 1971 Liberation War and the 1972 Constitution. CPB President Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan and other left leaders reiterated that genuine national consensus requires adherence to constitutional ideals and legal legitimacy.

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now 78, is facing possible execution if found guilty of crimes against humanity, according to The Telegraph. Tried by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, Hasina is accused of ordering lethal force against anti-government demonstrators in 2024, resulting in around 1,400 deaths. Prosecutors allege that victims’ bodies were burned and the injured denied medical aid. The defense argues police acted in self-defense. Arrest warrants have been issued for Hasina and her former home minister, believed to be in India. Former police chief Abdullah Al-Mamun confessed to carrying out attacks under her orders. The final verdict is expected by mid-November, and her assets could be seized if convicted. Meanwhile, Hasina’s Awami League has been banned from elections as the BNP emerges as the favorite ahead of the February 2025 polls.

Power generation at the Barapukuria coal-based thermal power plant in Dinajpur has dropped sharply to just 50 megawatts due to mechanical failures. Out of three production units with a combined capacity of 525 MW, only one unit remains partially operational. Chief Engineer Md. Abu Bakkar Siddique said the 275 MW third unit was shut down Thursday night after turbine steam sensor valves failed. Repairs are underway, and the unit is expected to resume operations within a week. The second unit, with a capacity of 125 MW, has been offline since November 2020. The first unit, though functional, is generating only 50 MW instead of its full capacity. Established in 2006 and expanded in 2017, the plant has rarely achieved full production due to recurring technical issues. Currently, the adjacent coal yard holds about 440,000 tons of coal, raising storage concerns as mining continues.

A devastating fire broke out at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday around 2:15 p.m. The blaze originated in an area used to store imported goods, according to Fire Service duty officer Lima Khanom. Initially, firefighting units from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Bangladesh Air Force responded, followed by reinforcements from 28 fire service units. Personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force also joined the operation to contain the flames. Due to the intensity of the fire, airport authorities temporarily suspended all flight operations for safety reasons. Firefighters are working tirelessly to bring the situation under control. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage have not yet been determined. Authorities have urged everyone to remain calm and stay away from the affected area until further notice.

Following violent clashes with police at the South Plaza of Bangladesh’s National Parliament, the protest group known as the “July Warriors” has announced a nationwide highway blockade. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters after they broke through the gates and entered the Parliament area, setting fires and vandalizing property. Masud Rana Saurav, chief organizer of the July Warriors Council, declared a three-hour highway blockade in all districts from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 19. The protesters demand that the July martyrs be recognized as national heroes, that injured and disabled protesters receive constitutional recognition as heroes, and that a rehabilitation roadmap be announced for victims and their families. They also called for legal immunity and protection from harassment until allegations against them are proven. Security forces have since tightened control around the Parliament complex.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member-secretary Akhtar Hossain has said that if the unresolved aspects of the July Charter are not addressed, the party will make its next move in consultation with the people. Speaking to reporters on Friday, he explained that despite efforts to secure government assurances before signing, the roadmap for implementation remains unclear. As a result, the NCP chose not to participate in the Charter’s signing ceremony. Akhtar added that during the extended period granted to the Consensus Commission, the NCP expects clarification on implementation, resolution of disputes, a transparent draft order, and the inclusion of 2026 as a reference year for constitutional integration of political parties. He emphasized that if discussions fail to resolve these issues, the NCP will continue dialogue with the Commission while mobilizing people through political programs to ensure sustainable realization of the party’s reform goals.

After months of extensive discussions, the July Charter was officially signed on 17 October, a milestone hailed by Legal Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul. He expressed his satisfaction over the finalization of the charter’s content, calling the event “grand” and a significant achievement. However, the absence of student leaders from the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), who had led the July uprising, left him feeling regretful. Nazrul noted that while the leaders were not present, they had indicated that the Consensus Commission would continue functioning for another 15 days, during which they would consider additional matters, and could sign later if necessary. Emphasizing inclusivity, he added that the process would have been better if all stakeholders had participated together. The signing of the July Charter marks a historic moment in the ongoing political reconciliation process in the country.

On Friday, July freedom fighters staged a protest at the South Plaza of the National Parliament ahead of the scheduled signing ceremony of the July National Charter. They presented three demands: amend the charter, permanently incorporate it into the constitution, and officially recognize July fighters. Long before the ceremony began, they occupied the parliament premises, refusing to leave despite appeals. Dr. Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, announced that urgent amendments were being made to the charter’s fifth pledge to meet their demands, ensuring recognition, dignity, and protection for the fighters. He emphasized that political parties and the commission had agreed on these changes and stated that the commission would remain in effect until October 31 to monitor implementation. Law enforcement eventually escorted the protesters out, but the commission’s commitments mark a significant step toward addressing the July fighters’ longstanding concerns.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Bangladesh’s upcoming national election is creating a negative impact on the country’s economic prospects. Krishna Srinivasan, Director of IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, highlighted that political uncertainty and election-related factors are contributing to a slowdown in economic growth. The IMF cited three key reasons for the downward GDP revision: tighter monetary policies and financial sector weaknesses limiting credit flow, uncertainty due to additional U.S. tariffs, and political instability surrounding the election. Bangladesh’s GDP forecast for the fiscal year has been revised down to 4.9 percent from earlier projections of 6.5 percent in April and 5.4 percent in June. Inflation could reach 8.5 percent by year-end due to supply shortages. The IMF emphasized the need for continued financial reforms and improved revenue collection, and a mission will soon review the ongoing $5.5 billion loan program.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has criticized certain political parties for misleading the public under the banner of national unity. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Workers’ Force on 17 October, he said signing the July Charter or holding party meetings does not constitute genuine national unity. Nahid emphasized that true unity requires people from all professions, especially workers, to collaborate for the country’s welfare. He highlighted the lack of discussion on labor and health sectors, with reform commissions focusing only on elections. He also condemned the exploitation of workers, the undervaluation of their lives, and protection of past mafias’ businesses. Nahid asserted that the Workers’ Force will stand with those sustaining the nation’s economy and called for real reforms and justice.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Executive Committee member and Rangpur-2 candidate ATM Azharul Islam emphasized the need for a referendum before the next national elections to provide legal legitimacy to the upcoming July charter, which reflects the spirit of the historic mass uprising. Speaking at a roadshow in Daluya village, Badarganj, he highlighted that Bangladesh has abundant wealth but lacks honest and capable leadership, citing the siphoning of 27,000 crore Taka abroad over the last 54 years. He promised that if Jamaat-e-Islami comes to power, corruption will be eradicated, and teachers and other professionals will receive their rightful benefits. Azhar also remembered those who sacrificed their lives for systemic change and expressed gratitude to supporters who prayed for his release from death row, pledging to serve the people faithfully until his last moments.

Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, member of BNP’s National Standing Committee, emphasized that whether a political party signs the July Charter is entirely its own decision. Speaking on Friday morning at an event organized by the newly formed convening committee of the Diploma Medical Association of Bangladesh (DIMAB), he paid tribute at Ziaur Rahman’s grave. Dr. Zahid highlighted the sacrifices and participation of countless citizens, warning that hesitation or doubt over the July Charter could jeopardize Bangladesh’s credibility on the global stage. He stressed that since the state has undertaken the responsibility of signing and implementing the charter, no disagreement should arise, and all parties should participate. He also cautioned that refusal to sign could create uncertainty and concern among the public. Today, the July National Charter signing ceremony is scheduled at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, with top leaders of various political parties attending, though the NCP will not participate.

Sujan Chandra, a student of the 2022-2023 batch in the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Rajshahi University, has been elected as an executive member of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU). Contesting from the combined student alliance panel supported by the student wing, Sujan received the highest number of votes in the election. The official results were announced on Friday, October 17, at 8:30 AM by Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. F. Nazrul Islam at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium. Sujan, who hails from Ghoraghat Upazila in Dinajpur District, stated that his decision to join the panel was inspired by its strong principles and commitment to humanitarian values. “The student wing focuses on student-friendly initiatives and education-driven programs. Being elected from this platform is an honor, and I am deeply grateful to them,” he said.

A massive fire that broke out in the warehouses of Adams Caps and Textile Limited and Zhihong Medical Company in Chittagong’s Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) has been brought under control after nearly 17 hours. The fire, which began around 2:00 pm on Thursday, spread rapidly due to highly flammable materials stored in the warehouses. Twenty-five units, including 23 from the Fire Service and two from the Air Force and Navy, joined the firefighting operation, with additional support from the Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). A firefighting robot was also deployed to spray water automatically on the flames. Preliminary reports indicate the fire originated in the top-floor warehouse. While the fire is under control, authorities caution that complete extinguishment will take more time. The incident has caused significant concern over industrial safety standards in the zone.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DB) have successfully solved the high-profile theft of 500 vori of gold jewelry from Shampa Jewellers in Malibagh’s Fortune Shopping Mall, just days after the incident. Three gang members were directly involved: two entered the building using a rope while wearing burqas, and one waited below on a motorcycle. After stealing the jewelry, they fled and divided it among themselves. Utilizing advanced investigative techniques, the DB identified the main suspects and conducted nationwide operations, arresting four members. Over 150 vori of gold were recovered from one member’s home, along with additional gold and cash from others. The theft, reported on the night of October 8, involved breaking the store’s shutter and stealing jewelry from display cases. Police credit the prompt recovery as a major success, preventing the gang from selling the stolen gold. A detailed briefing will follow at a DB press conference.