BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that the party’s struggle is far from over, as democracy is yet to be fully restored.
Speaking on Thursday, he said, “To regain democracy, we may have to cross more dangerous paths ahead. Our leaders, activists, and nationalist forces are prepared.”
He alleged ongoing conspiracies and “master plans” to obstruct free and fair elections.
Rizvi credited Tarique Rahman for organizing the ongoing student-people movement and recalled Ziaur Rahman’s role in restoring multiparty democracy after the “dark age of Baksal.” He blamed international conspiracies for Zia’s assassination in 1981, calling it a blow to Bangladesh’s security and freedom.

BNP leader Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has claimed that nearly 450 BNP activists have been martyred in the party’s movement.
Speaking on Wednesday, he said, “Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the fall of fascism came at the cost of countless sacrifices.”
Tuku accused Sheikh Hasina of destroying electoral democracy, stealing people’s rights through midnight voting, and establishing a “robber government” that has now collapsed.
“They abducted and killed our leaders, tortured our chairperson in jail for six years. We are not in politics for power but to restore people’s rights,” he added.

Hefazat-e-Islam has expressed deep concern and outrage over the public death threats issued against researcher Dr. Mohammad Sarowar Hossain and writer Asif Mahatab Utso.
In a statement, Hefazat alleged that Safwan Chowdhury Rebel, identified as a homosexual activist, is not only engaged in anti-religious and anti-social propaganda but is also attempting to destabilize law and order through open threats of violence.
The statement described Dr. Hossain as a respected academic and researcher, known for his analysis on religion, nationalism, history, and politics, while Asif Mahatab was praised for his Islamic ideals and cultural resistance narratives that resonate with youth.
“Threats against such intellectuals are not merely personal attacks, but direct assaults on freedom of thought in Bangladesh,” Hefazat declared.

In a gesture of solidarity, Chhatra Dal and BAGSAS refrained from nominating Sanjida Ahmed Tanvir for the Research and Publications Secretary post in last year’s DUCSU elections, in honor of the injuries she sustained on July 15.

Tanvir expressed gratitude to those who trusted her abilities and believed she could fulfill students’ aspirations if elected. She emphasized her strong interest and experience in research, highlighting that a paper from her undergraduate work is pending publication in a reputed international journal, while her master’s research on the mental health of female students is ongoing. She noted that this research has been shortlisted for the National Science and Technology Fellowship and pledged to achieve her goals with continued support from peers.

The district administration’s investigation committee on the Sylhet white stone looting incident has finally submitted its report. The submission occurred on Wednesday, just hours after outgoing DC Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad vacated his office.

The committee, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Padmasan Singh, presented a seven-page report naming 137 individuals allegedly involved in the looting. Although the report has not been publicly released, sources indicate it includes ten recommendations to prevent future incidents, focusing on the protection of tourist sites and stones.

The three-member committee was formed on August 12 following the looting, which also led to the transfer of the then DC and the UNO of Companyganj.

BNP leader Khairul Kabir Khokon has criticized the idea of imposing the PR system on the Bangladeshi public, calling it unnecessary and ineffective.

Khokon asserted that no external force can stop the elections announced for February. He warned that those attempting to manipulate the election for personal gain would not succeed, emphasizing that the public is eager to vote for BNP. Reflecting on Bangladesh’s democratic journey, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of countless martyrs, praying for their eternal peace and expressing deep respect.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Halim has said that the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system is being deliberately misinterpreted. He argued that the system enhances the value of every voter and eliminates the practice of nomination trade.
Highlighting that around 90 countries currently use PR elections, he reiterated Jamaat’s demand for its adoption in Bangladesh.
Halim also urged for unity ahead of the next national polls, saying, “We must ensure the victory of the patriotic alliance.” He further clarified that if Jamaat comes to power, no one would be forced to wear the burqa, but social decency and women’s workplace rights would be safeguarded. Additionally, he demanded legal recognition of the July Charter.

Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Special Assistant to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Chief Coordinator of the Labour Party, has been admitted to a private hospital in Dhaka after falling ill.
His son, Nipun Biswas, said on Wednesday that his father began to feel unwell on Monday while traveling from Pabna to Dhaka. He was immediately admitted under the care of Dr. Abdul Malek with respiratory complications caused by lung issues, leading to breathing difficulties and sleep problems.
Doctors have started treatment following urgent tests, and his condition is now stable. Additional tests, including chikungunya screening, have been prescribed.
Nipun added that physicians have strictly restricted visitors except family members. “We request everyone to keep him in their prayers,” he said. Meanwhile, Labour Party’s publicity secretary Manjurul Islam announced that prayer gatherings are being organized nationwide for Shimul Biswas’s recovery.

Legal analyst and adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has warned that the problem of forged migration documents cannot be solved individually, stressing it has become a systemic crisis.

“If hundreds of thousands forge papers to go abroad, there’s little one can do,” he said, noting that violations by migrants abroad affect other nations too.

He praised government initiatives in labor migration and worker protection, highlighting unprecedented growth in overseas employment and remittance inflow over the past year.

Efforts are ongoing to expand labor markets in the Middle East and UAE, regulate female migration, and reintegrate workers deported during the July Movement protests.

Ali Imam Majumdar, Food Adviser to the interim government, stated that rice prices are stable due to imports and the Food-Friendly Program. The government has halted rice purchases, increased warehouse releases, and allowed private imports to boost supply. Currently, 5.5 million families receive subsidized rice, and legal action will be taken against illegal hoarding. Record rice collection has been achieved this Boro season, and further imports are underway to ensure prices remain manageable and within the public’s purchasing power.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has officially published the gazette on the Welfare and Rehabilitation Ordinance Rules for the families of martyrs and fighters of the July Uprising.

According to the gazette, recognized members of martyr families will receive a one-time savings certificate worth Tk 3 million along with a monthly allowance of Tk 20,000.

For those injured in the movement, benefits will vary by severity:

Critically injured: Tk 500,000 one-time grant + Tk 20,000 monthly allowance

Severely injured: Tk 300,000 one-time grant + Tk 15,000 monthly allowance

Injured: Tk 100,000 one-time grant + Tk 10,000 monthly allowance

In addition, welfare and rehabilitation committees will be formed at central, district, and upazila levels. The central committee will be chaired by the Minister or Adviser of the Liberation War Affairs Ministry, district committees by Deputy Commissioners, and upazila committees by UNOs.

Government adviser Asif Mahmud said the administration is fully preparing for the national election, but broader consensus on the July Charter would allow the process to move even faster.

He admitted that local government elections could not be held earlier due to party disagreements, though 23 development projects have been revised to reduce regional disparity.

Mahmud acknowledged past vote rigging and polling center takeovers, which led to the dissolution of several local government bodies. Many vacant posts are now being temporarily managed by officials, affecting normal operations.

“Despite challenges, with goodwill and consensus, Bangladesh can move steadily toward a credible election,” he said.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan has voiced caution over the proposed adoption of the proportional representation (PR) system, stating that elections cannot be held solely based on this framework.

He criticized attempts to impose the system on citizens without consultation. While all political parties may accept the PR approach in principle, he emphasized that elections under this system are impossible without constitutional amendments. “Only an elected parliament can make such changes, and the current parliament is not elected by the people, making it unreasonable to implement the PR system now,” he said.

Nazrul Islam also raised concerns about changes to the entire electoral structure through the PR system, even as no final decision on electronic voting machines (EVMs) has been made, describing the move as undue pressure on the public.

AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Monju has expressed optimism that national elections can be held in February next year, despite ongoing concerns.

After meeting with the Election Commission, Monju said the party submitted a nine-point proposal. Key suggestions include recruiting non-voter youths as election volunteers, reducing campaign expenditures, and holding polls in open fields for transparency.

He also discussed voting rights for expatriates and dual citizens. While opposing a bicameral system, the party proposed introducing proportional representation (PR) in an upper chamber if established.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has denied claims that Awami League members are conducting Bangladesh-related political activities within India.

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government is “not aware of any Bangladesh-opposing or illegal activities” by Awami League affiliates on Indian territory, stressing that India does not allow political operations against other countries from its soil.

He reaffirmed India’s hope that Bangladesh will hold “free, fair, and participatory elections reflecting the people’s mandate at the earliest opportunity.”

The denial comes after Bangladesh urged New Delhi to shut down an alleged Awami League office reportedly operating in India.