BNP leader Aman Ullah Aman confirmed that the upcoming parliamentary elections will not follow the proportional representation (PR) system. According to the Chief Adviser, elections are scheduled for the first half of February. “The people of this country do not understand the PR system, and there will be no elections under it,” Aman said. He recalled the August 5 student movement, which ended authoritarian rule, and asserted that true democratic voting rights are yet to be fully restored. “Through the next national elections, the people’s voting rights will be reinstated, establishing democracy in the country.” Aman urged voters to support the “Dhanner Sheesh” symbol. Barrister Irfan Ibne Aman will contest from the Dhaka-2 constituency, he added.

BNP leader Saeed Sohrab distributed leaflets at Mirzapur market to promote the party’s 31-point program, calling for public awareness of its key initiatives. He assured, “BNP will serve as vigilant guardians to ensure the safety of every Puja Mandap in the country.” Sohrab added, “As a son of Mirzapur, I seek your support in the upcoming elections. If BNP nominates me, I will gift the Tangail-7 seat to the party with your collective backing.” He also highlighted that BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had declared the 31-point program on July 13, 2023, emphasizing citizens’ rights, the rule of law, equality, and the restoration of democracy. Sohrab called on the public to vote for the “Dhanner Sheesh” symbol in the upcoming election.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized that no country can achieve youth empowerment alone. Speaking at the commemorative meeting, Yunus stated that without global cooperation, it is impossible to remove obstacles, ensure justice, or cultivate intergenerational leadership. “I believe young people will make the right decisions—for themselves, the world, and the future,” Yunus said. Reflecting on Bangladesh, he added, “Last year, we witnessed the extraordinary strength of our youth. They courageously ended authoritarianism and guided the nation toward a new path, entrusting me with the responsibility of reform and democratic transformation.” Yunus highlighted that while youth worldwide are a driving force for change, they remain the first to be affected by inequality, conflict, climate change, security issues, and digital divides. Unemployment among young people remains a critical challenge. Bangladesh has implemented the National Youth Entrepreneur Policy to provide financing, skill development, and market access, cultivating young people not just as job seekers but as job creators. Youth participation has been ensured in reform commissions, and national policy competitions have been launched. Globally, Yunus affirmed support for initiatives including the Youth Action Plan, Pact for the Future, the UN Youth Strategy 2030, and the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda.

Jatiya Party Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud and Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader reaffirmed their faction’s legitimacy, dismissing claims over the party’s plough symbol. Their statement followed CEC A M M Nasir Uddin’s remark that multiple groups are contesting ownership of the symbol. They emphasized that the party’s last national council was conducted lawfully, where Mahmud and Hawlader were unanimously elected. They accused rival groups of filing misleading applications, adding that the Election Commission can only allocate the symbol based on applications from the party’s constitutional leadership.

BNP leader Asadul Habib Dulu criticized the proposed proportional representation (PR) electoral system, claiming it will detach MPs from their constituencies. “People may vote in Lalmonirhat but end up with an MP from Gazipur. This leaves MPs with no accountability,” he argued. He accused ruling parties of misleading the public with new electoral models while ignoring demands for free and fair elections. Dulu further blamed past governments for the decline of sports in Bangladesh, saying the public was deprived of healthy entertainment.

Ganatantra Parishad and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) are working together in movements and hinting at possible unification, according to NCP’s northern organizer, Sarjis Alam. “People want both parties to stay united,” he said. Discussions are already underway. Ganatantra Parishad Secretary General Rashed Khan confirmed that formal talks will take place once its President Nurul Haque Nur and NCP leader Akhtar Hossain return from abroad. Sarjis also asserted that the Awami League and Jatiya Party must be banned from future elections and held accountable for their past actions.

A 35-year-old man, Nur Islam, died while filming a TikTok video at Joydebpur Railway Station in Gazipur. Eyewitnesses reported that while recording on the northern side of Platform No. 1 this afternoon, he was struck by the Dhaka-bound Balaka Commuter train. The collision left him critically injured, with severe head trauma and a crushed arm. Locals rushed him towards Gazipur Sadar Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries en route.

Bangladesh received $2.23 billion in remittances in the first 24 days of September, marking a 17% increase compared to the same period last year. Between September 1–17 alone, $1.77 billion was received, followed by another $460 million in the next seven days. By comparison, August remittances totaled $2.42 billion, while July saw $2.48 billion. Notably, expatriates sent a record $30.32 billion during the 2024–25 fiscal year.

Following a High Court directive, the Election Commission (EC) has officially registered the Bangladesh Labour Party as a political party. The certificate, issued Thursday, referenced the May 29 High Court ruling under the Representation of the People Order, 1972. Party president Mostafizur Rahman Iran had filed a writ petition in September 2023 seeking registration.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam assured that extensive security measures have been taken ahead of Durga Puja. “Minor incidents do occur during festival preparations, but we act immediately upon receiving reports,” Alam said after inspecting preparations at Banglabazar Puja Mandap. He warned that “disgruntled Awami League elements” could attempt to create unrest, but police and intelligence agencies remain vigilant to prevent any destabilizing activities.

Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher revealed that visa complications prevented him and other political leaders from joining the Chief Adviser’s motorcade during a recent trip. Speaking in an interview with journalist Khaled Muhiuddin on Thikana, Taher explained: “The Chief Adviser’s team held G-1 visas, while ours were regular tourist visas requiring fingerprint clearance. This communication gap forced us to walk to immigration, even as the Chief Adviser waited over 10 minutes.” Taher also addressed the airport egg-throwing incident, saying he was nearby but unaware until later. He noted tensions among supporters during the event, which led to some embarrassing moments.

Maulana Mamunur Rashid, known as the “July Fighter,” has been missing for over three days, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said in a statement. “The family is in deep anxiety. His whereabouts must be identified and he should be returned home without delay,” Rahman urged, adding that although the family contacted authorities, the response from law enforcement has been unclear.

The Indian government has introduced new regulations to control rice exports to Bangladesh. From now on, non-basmati rice exports will only be allowed upon registering export contracts with India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The directive applies to all new letters of credit (LCs), excluding those already backed by tenders. Bangladeshi rice importer Dinesh Poddar noted that the new policy may slow down import procedures and increase costs, which could lead to higher retail rice prices in Bangladesh.

Police have alleged that Mozammel Haque, president of the Bangabandhu Foundation, financed the egg attack on NCP leader Akhtar Hossain. On Thursday, investigators sought a 10-day remand for former MP Kabirul Haque Mukti and Mozammel Haque in connection with a Gulshan anti-terror case. According to IO Abdus Salam, Mozammel transferred money via bKash to fund the New York attack. “They are engaged in activities to destabilize the country and disrupt law and order,” he said. Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk added: “The accused operated WhatsApp and Messenger groups to coordinate anti-government activities. Mukti played a behind-the-scenes role. Police have been monitoring them and arrested them after identification.”

Jamaat leader Shafiqul Islam Masud has warned that no political party can shield the Awami League from public outrage. “The people will not allow the Awami League to create chaos after looting for 15 years and fleeing abroad. If law enforcement fails, the public will rise up, and the consequences for Awami League will be dire,” Masud said. He urged the government to complete national elections in February under a PR-based system, with July’s accord providing legal grounds for justice. Masud also blamed Awami affiliates at Bangladesh’s New York mission for enabling attacks on opposition leaders abroad. He demanded a ban on the Awami League and its 14-party allies, calling them “a threat to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.”