Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hamidur Rahman Azad has stated that there is no objection to holding elections in February. However, he stressed that a level playing field has not yet been ensured ahead of the polls. “Our demand is that elections must be conducted under the National Committee for Observing Rules (NCOR),” he said after meeting the Election Commission (EC). Azad added that Jamaat has urged the Chief Election Commissioner to consider all stakeholders’ opinions regarding the redrawing of parliamentary constituency boundaries. He emphasized that proportional representation (PR) is essential to prevent election-related violence and irregularities. “Not everyone may favor this system; even the caretaker government had reservations. But a PR-based election is ultimately in the nation’s interest. If the people demand it, it must be implemented,” he said. Azad affirmed that Jamaat will campaign vigorously for the PR system while simultaneously preparing for the upcoming elections. “We have always been sincere about fair elections. We believe this system will benefit the country. We are fielding candidates for all 300 parliamentary seats and are actively engaging with the public to shape opinion,” he added.

The High Court has recognized the United Nations’ report on the July-August genocide as a historic document. The court also directed that the report be officially gazetted as the ‘July Revolution-2024’ within three months. The petitioner’s lawyer, Md. Tanvir Ahmed, stated that the petition seeks to preserve the UN report for future generations’ research and knowledge.

Former U.S. ambassador Nikki Haley has cautioned President Donald Trump not to view India as a competitor like China amid escalating tensions over U.S. tariffs on Indian goods and oil imports from Russia. Haley emphasized that issues like tariffs or U.S. involvement in India-Pakistan ceasefires should not divide the world’s two largest democracies. She urged Washington to recognize India as a valuable democratic partner and warned that undermining decades of strategic cooperation would be a serious geopolitical mistake.

NCP Secretary Akhtar Hossain stated that the party aims to amend the constitution through a People’s Assembly before holding national elections. He emphasized that while many focus only on parliamentary elections, the government must decide on the full reform agenda to ensure proper timing and implementation. Akhtar has been actively distributing campaign materials across Rangpur to raise public awareness on reform, justice, the People’s Assembly, and national elections.

From exile in India, former state minister Mohammad A. Arafat says his only mission is to overthrow Muhammad Yunus’s “illegitimate” government and bring Sheikh Hasina back. Arafat claims he works day and night for the Awami League, with no time for leisure. Reports note that over 2,000 Awami League leaders, officials, and journalists fled to India after Hasina’s fall, many settling in Kolkata’s New Town. Some ex-MPs live together, pray regularly, exercise, and adjust to life in exile.

The Ministry of Education has proposed increasing the house rent allowance for teachers and staff of all MPO-registered private educational institutions to 20% of the basic salary, along with a 1,000 BDT medical allowance. Officials indicated that approval from the finance division is required. While teachers had initially demanded a 45% housing allowance, the proposal represents a partial concession. If approved, teachers will suspend any ongoing protests.

Jahangirnagar University witnessed the release of various wildlife species, including 42 parakeets, 4 green pigeons, 7 vultures, 2 black kites, and several turtles. The release took place at the Botanical Garden area, conducted by the Wildlife Crime Suppression Unit. The unit noted that many animals were rescued from illegal trade or recovered in a sick state and rehabilitated. Inspector Asim Mallik emphasized ongoing efforts to curb wildlife trafficking and raise public awareness, while wildlife researcher Johra Mila highlighted legal penalties under the Wildlife Act 2012, including up to one year in prison, a 100,000 BDT fine, or both.

The government has appointed three new members to the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC), raising the total number to 18. The newly appointed members are Dr. Md. Mahiuddin, Dr. Muhammad Shaheen Chowdhury, professor at the University of Chittagong, and Dr. M. Amzad Hossain, professor at the University of Rajshahi. According to the gazette, the President made the appointments under Article 138(1) of the Constitution. They will serve for five years or until the age of 65, whichever comes first.

The US Navy’s plan to develop an autonomous drone fleet to counter China is facing multiple challenges, including technical failures, accidents, and leadership changes. Recent incidents saw drones collide or malfunction during exercises, highlighting software flaws and human errors. The Navy’s acquisition unit is under review, with restructuring possible. Experts stress the need to reassess strategies, as decades-old traditions and bureaucratic hurdles slow adoption of advanced autonomous systems intended to operate in coordinated groups without human control.

In its 39th meeting, the Advisory Council approved the final draft of the ‘Revenue Policy and Revenue Management (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025’. The meeting also approved the draft agreement for reciprocal visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Updates on the implementation of reform commission recommendations were also presented to the council.

A court has granted relief to 65 BNP leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul, in a case under the Explosives Act filed at Ramna Model Police Station. The court accepted the final report on Thursday. Among those exonerated are BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu, and others. The case stemmed from allegations that party members caused vehicle damage, obstructed police duties, and detonated explosives during the BNP’s pre-announced mass rally on October 28, 2023.

Bangladesh has launched major reforms in banking, taxation, and trade, targeting weak banks, oligarch influence, and U.S. tariff impacts. The central bank is reviewing assets for mergers, while NBR is restructuring staff and processes to simplify business and improve revenue policy. Trade facilitation, port upgrades, and financial support for key industries aim to maintain competitiveness post-2026 LDC graduation. Ongoing reforms also include digital financial systems, anti-corruption measures, and incentives for SMEs to strengthen industrial growth and employment.

After a six-month suspension, rice imports have restarted at Satkhira’s Bhomra land port. On the first day, 960 tons of rice arrived from India, with traders showing strong interest in importing more. Trucks carrying rice are waiting at the border, though local market prices have yet to be affected. Retail rates for miniket, bri, and coarse rice remain stable. Officials expect the influx to influence local rice prices within a few days.

Two journalists in Chattogram have accused the officer-in-charge (OC) of Double Mooring Police Station, Babul Azad, of harassment while covering a labor protest on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred in front of the police station, where workers were demonstrating for unpaid wages. Shahidul Islam Masum, a reporter for Jaijaidin, and Abdul Qaiyum, a reporter for Ajker Patrika, alleged that police chased them away, confiscated their phones and microphones, and verbally abused them. Masum was reportedly dragged into the police station lockup and held for 20 minutes before being released following pressure from fellow journalists. The Chattogram Multimedia Reporters’ Unity condemned the incident, demanding a neutral investigation and stern action against the OC within 24 hours. The organization warned of tougher programs if their demand is not met.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) held a meeting with a delegation from the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI) at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Led by Standing Committee member Abdul Moin Khan, the BNP delegation discussed the country’s post-uprising situation, reform initiatives, and upcoming parliamentary elections. The IRI delegation, headed by Asia-Pacific Director Stephen Simmer, also included Deputy Director Matthew Carter and Senior Program Manager Amitabh Ghosh. BNP shared its future plans, while IRI has previously engaged with other parties including Jamaat-e-Islami.