BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir shared that the country is currently facing extremely difficult times. Despite having a fascism-free environment, he said they are still struggling to find the right path for democracy. He stressed that a democratic Bangladesh remains their core aspiration and highlighted the urgent need for unity to resolve current issues through dialogue. Fakhrul assured that if the BNP is elected by the people, the party will implement its 31-point agenda. He called for immediate elections, emphasizing that only an elected government can bring about necessary reforms.

Hifazat-e-Islam’s central leader, Allama Mhuimuddin Rabbani, stated that while Hifazat does not engage in politics or seek power, political parties must align themselves with Hifazat’s demands. He emphasized that no one can attain power by bypassing Hifazat. He also criticized the current government for its oppressive tactics against Hifazat over the past 16 years, which resulted in numerous martyrs. He stated that no election should take place in Bangladesh without justice for the martyrs. Rabbani also condemned Israel’s violent actions in Palestine, calling it a disgrace to humanity, and expressed deep concerns about the persecution of Muslims in India.

In Gazipur’s Konabari, over 800 workers at a garment factory went on strike demanding their Eid bonuses, holiday pay, and half of this month’s salary. The strike began at 8:30 AM, and workers expressed dissatisfaction with the factory’s management, accusing them of neglecting their demands. The workers voiced frustration over the owner’s refusal to address their issues, particularly around the Eid holiday. Sample man Shamsuddin mentioned that staff would receive their overdue payments, but workers still struggle to secure their rightful wages.

In Netrokona, a human chain was formed demanding the release of Abdul Hamid (65), who was arrested on charges of raping his mentally disabled daughter. Speakers at the protest stated that Hamid has been serving humanity since the COVID-19 pandemic and was wrongly accused based on fabricated claims from his opponents. They called for a thorough investigation into the case. Netrokona’s police chief, Kazi Shahnewaz, confirmed that the arrest was made under the direction of the police superintendent and that the court had granted a one-day remand for further questioning.

In Bishwanath, five individuals have been arrested after attacking Abdul Ahad (40), suspecting him of stealing a mosque imam’s mobile phone. The attackers broke into his home, severely injuring him by breaking his right leg and gouging out his eyes. Police later rescued him in critical condition and sent him to the hospital. Ahad’s wife, Rahima Begum (30), filed a case against seven individuals at the Bishwanath Police Station, resulting in the arrest of five suspects, who have been sent to jail.

Hamas has called for large-scale protests and blockades in front of Israeli and US embassies worldwide. In a statement on Tuesday, the group accused the “occupying fascist government” of committing another round of brutal aggression and genocide in Gaza, violating humanitarian principles and religious laws. The statement emphasized that the blockade aims to exert maximum pressure on Tel Aviv and Washington to halt the ongoing assault on the people of Gaza.

The Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP Committee has issued a warning notice to three central BNP leaders—Mizanur Rahman Minu, Mosaddeq Hossain Bulbul, and Shafiqul Haque Milon. They have been accused of bypassing the local committee and independently organizing political programs under the party’s banner. The move has sparked controversy within the BNP and its affiliated organizations, with many considering the warning unprecedented.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the Nationalist Civic Party (NCP), has declared that Mujibism will have no role in the future of Bangladesh’s politics and elections. He asserted that the current judicial process will determine the fate of the ruling Awami League and suggested that the party’s participation in politics is questionable until the legal proceedings conclude. He urged political parties to reach a consensus on this matter, warning that divisions within leadership pave the way for opportunistic non-political forces.

The High Court has directed the issuance of a certification for the film The Remand, which depicts the bloody history of Bangladesh’s mass uprisings and revolutions. The ruling mandates that the certification must be granted within three days. The order follows a petition by the film’s producer and director, Syed Belayet Hossain Belal, after authorities initially denied approval. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, along with the Bangladesh Film Certification Board, were named as respondents in the legal challenge.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, speaking virtually at an Iftar gathering in Dhaka, warned that the rise of religious extremism would lead to the collapse of democracy and tarnish the country’s global image. He urged everyone to remain vigilant against such threats and emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values.

Malaysia’s Home Minister, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, has dismissed claims that the government granted citizenship to Dr. Zakir Naik. A viral social media post falsely suggested this, using a 2017 photo of Naik receiving an award from Perkasa’s former chief, Ibrahim Ali. Malaysian authorities confirmed that Zakir Naik remains a permanent resident and has not applied for citizenship. Indian authorities have been seeking him since 2016, but Malaysia stated he would not be extradited unless he causes issues. A previous ban on his public speeches has now been lifted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened further attacks after Israeli airstrikes killed at least 436 Palestinians, including 183 children, in Gaza. Strikes continued overnight, devastating multiple areas. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and Egypt has condemned the attacks, calling them a clear violation of the ceasefire. Netanyahu insists Israel is waging a full-scale war against Hamas. Hamas has rejected U.S.-backed changes to the ceasefire agreement, calling them unacceptable. The conflict has escalated, raising fears of further violence in the region.

Following the exclusion of Italy-based footballer Fahmidul Islam from Bangladesh’s squad for the India match, many fans have accused the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) of favoritism and syndicate politics. In response, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud held a meeting with BFF officials, emphasizing that no deserving player should be deprived of opportunities for the country’s sake. He urged the BFF to ensure fair selection processes, free from nepotism or favoritism, and warned of government action against any proven corruption. Meanwhile, the BFF President clarified that Fahmidul was not permanently excluded but given additional time for development.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has strongly denounced Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza, stating that the country continues its genocide even during the holy month of Ramadan, violating all principles of humanity, laws, and agreements. In his statement, he prayed for the protection of the people of Gaza and Palestine, seeking divine intervention for justice. He also revealed that over 400 people have lost their lives in the latest Israeli assault, which violates the ceasefire.

The Trump administration is set to lay off over 1,500 scientists and researchers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce government spending. A congressional report reveals that only a few may be transferred to other agencies, while most will lose their jobs. The EPA currently employs around 1,700 scientists, but Trump has proposed cutting 65% of its workforce. Democratic lawmakers have strongly criticized the move, accusing Trump of trying to dismantle science after previously politicizing it. Source: AP