Abdul Kader, convener of BAGSAS, has demanded that Dhaka University students listed on the voter roll be allowed to vote in the Daksu election without requiring hall identity cards. He pointed out that a significant number of students are non-residential and do not possess hall IDs, while many residential students have been unable to renew their cards due to financial hardship. “Making hall ID the sole proof for voting would be unjust,” Kader said, urging the university to accept student ID cards or other documents as valid alternatives. He emphasized that the administration must adopt a student-friendly approach to ensure that every name on the voter list translates into voting rights. BAGSAS announced that the demand will be formally submitted to the Election Commission in the coming working days.

NCP leader Dr. Tasnim Jara has dismissed rumors that she met with an American official during her recent visit to Nepal. Jara clarified that she traveled to Nepal at the government’s invitation to attend a seminar on "Clean Air," where she spoke about the health impact of polluted air. She stressed that no American official contacted her during the trip, contrary to reports in an Indian news portal claiming she held a breakfast meeting with a US diplomat. The report even alleged that Bangladesh’s intelligence agencies were aware of the meeting—something Jara labeled “completely false and fabricated.” Addressing similar past rumors, she recalled speculation about her meeting with US Ambassador Peter Haas in Cox’s Bazar. Jara noted that on August 11, NCP did hold a meeting with the US envoy, but it was publicized through a press release, not a secret gathering. “BNP and Jamaat also held similar meetings with the ambassador, yet no disinformation was spread against them. False propaganda will not silence us,” she declared.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has said that the upcoming national election is an opportunity for police to erase the stigma attached to the force after the controversial 2018 polls. “This election will be widely accepted both at home and abroad. The police will work with utmost sincerity to maintain law and order during the polls,” he said. Speaking at a program with crime reporters, the commissioner added: “Crime reporters and police share similar responsibilities and must work in cooperation. DMP will always stand beside CRAB.” He also acknowledged the sacrifices of police personnel during the July uprising, noting the loss of lives, damaged infrastructure, and the blow to police morale. “Through collective effort, we have been able to restore the force’s morale,” he said.

Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, Adviser on Planning, has emphasized the importance of reliable statistics, calling them a critical national investment. Speaking at the inauguration of the 19th National Statistics Conference organized by the Bangladesh Statistical Association (BSA), he said: “Just like infrastructure, a strong statistical system is an investment for the country. The government is working to make this investment.” Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman added that in today’s advanced economic era, accurate and reliable statistics should be considered a “factor of production.” Speakers stressed the need to mainstream diverse datasets and ensure coordination between government and statistical bodies. They also called for a platform where statisticians, data scientists, and professionals can collaborate effectively.

BNP leader Lutfozzaman Babar has declared that his party will never compromise on people’s rights, national independence, or sovereignty. “The worst victims of persecution in this country are Begum Khaleda Zia and her family. One of her sons died under the Awami regime’s oppression, while her elder son Tarique Rahman remains in exile in London,” Babar said. He stressed the need for unity ahead of the next general election: “We have a difficult road ahead. We must remain united, avoid wrongdoing ourselves, and resist injustice by others.” Expressing gratitude to Tarique Rahman, he said: “Today, BNP is stronger than at any time in the past. Despite false cases and death sentences imposed by the fascist Awami regime, I have returned free through your prayers and Allah’s mercy.”

Jamaat leader Professor Mujibur Rahman has said the people of Bangladesh, having escaped one-party dictatorship, will not accept a new form of hostage politics. “To end extortion and plunder, there is no alternative to adopting a Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system,” he said. Rahman argued that implementing Quranic and Sunnah-based principles in personal, social, political, and state affairs would ensure peace, discipline, and prosperity. He added: “We are preparing for elections while also continuing our movement for people’s rights. The public increasingly understands the need for PR, though some political parties refuse to accept it because they want to cling to outdated systems. But the people will reject those old ways.”

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has said his party will not accept any “make-shift” election lacking reforms. “We see the light of dawn, but unless reforms take place, that light will not flourish—it could be engulfed by darkness,” Taher warned. He urged political parties to engage in inter-party dialogue to build trust and formulate a fair election plan. “We are working with all parties outside BNP to reach an electoral consensus, though the Jatiya Party will not be included,” he said. Taher also cautioned: “If any party assumes victory is guaranteed, it means they are relying on mechanisms to manipulate results.” Addressing local issues in Comilla, he highlighted traffic congestion and waterlogging as key problems and said efforts are underway to establish Comilla as a separate division during the tenure of the current government.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Helal Uddin has pledged that if his party comes to power, it will build a state free from discrimination, ensuring fundamental rights, social justice, and equal opportunity for all. “A welfare state means guaranteeing basic rights for every citizen, ensuring safety and justice, and removing all sources of discrimination,” he said. Highlighting women’s challenges, Helal emphasized skill-building for unemployed women: “Women in our country remain far behind. Jamaat will provide education and training to turn them into a productive workforce. Creating separate workspaces for women will not only advance the country but also strengthen families.” He further promised safe transportation for women in Dhaka and improved hostel facilities, adding that Jamaat values women with the highest respect.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas has alleged that a “new Minus-Two Formula” is being revived at the behest of domestic and foreign quarters to remove BNP from politics and render Bangladesh politically leaderless. “After the fall of Awami League, attempts are underway to eliminate BNP from the political arena as well. Some pro-Awami bureaucrats are again becoming active, thinking they will benefit personally if BNP is sidelined,” Abbas said. He accused some Islamist groups and political forces of raising disruptive demands to block the path of the February elections. “One party has even declared that elections will not be allowed until their demands are met. They are behaving like fascists,” he added. Abbas also warned of “sinister conspiracies” centering on Saint Martin’s Island, Sajek in Khagrachari, and the New Mooring Container Terminal, which he said threaten Bangladesh’s sovereignty and national interests. On the issue of Islamist alliances, Abbas said: “BNP is not worried. The people of Bangladesh are moderate Muslims; they prefer democratic and centrist parties, not sectarianism.”

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will pay an official visit to Bangladesh on August 23–24 at the invitation of the Bangladesh government, Islamabad confirmed. During his visit, Dar will hold key meetings in Dhaka with the Chief Adviser, the Foreign Affairs Adviser, and several political leaders. Discussions will cover the full spectrum of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues. This will be the first bilateral visit to Bangladesh by a Pakistani foreign minister in more than three decades. Dar had originally been scheduled to visit Dhaka on April 27–28, but the trip was canceled following the killing of 26 tourists in an armed attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which reignited tensions between India and Pakistan.

Nahid Islam, a key leader of the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP), arrived in Malaysia on Friday afternoon. He landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 5 p.m. local time on a US-Bangla Airlines flight, where members of the NCP Diaspora Alliance Malaysia greeted him with flowers and a warm reception. Following his arrival, Nahid offered Maghrib prayers at Putrajaya Grand Mosque, marking the start of his visit. He was accompanied by joint member-secretary Alauddin Mohammad. The diaspora alliance has urged expatriate supporters to actively participate in his programs during the three-day visit, from August 22–24.

Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haque Nure has called on Awami League activists to atone for their past misdeeds and seek forgiveness from the people. “Everyone must repent according to the extent of their sins. If you try to raise your hood like a snake, the people will crush it,” Nure warned. Addressing Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League members, he said: “Our message is clear—we want to build a new Bangladesh. Those who committed minor wrongdoings will be forgiven. But those responsible for plunder, enforced disappearances, killings, and attacks on opposition voices must pay for their crimes.” Nure further declared that Awami League will not return to national politics: “If you think Awami League will rise again, you are living in a fool’s paradise. If you want to do politics, join other parties—BNP, Jamaat, or Gono Odhikar Parishad.” On political reforms, he expressed frustration: “We spent two months discussing reforms and consensus commissions, but no meaningful progress was made. If the July charter does not reflect people’s aspirations, our party will not sign it.”

Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, has declared that elections in Bangladesh will no longer be allowed under the existing system. He asserted that the majority of political parties now favor a Proportional Representation (PR) model. “If necessary, a referendum must be held to determine whether the people want PR,” he said. Karim accused the interim government of breaking promises regarding reforms and accountability. He further demanded that the perpetrators of the July massacre be brought to justice before the next national election is held.

A shocking incident in Fatikchhari’s Kanchannagar Union, Chattogram, has left a community in grief after 15-year-old Md. Rihan Uddin Mahin was beaten to death by a mob in front of his parents over an accusation of theft. Two of Mahin’s friends, Manik and Rahat, were also severely injured, along with his father, Lokman. Police have since arrested two youths, Md. Noman and Azad, on suspicion of involvement. According to witnesses, Mahin and his friends returned to the area by CNG auto-rickshaw around 3 a.m. Thursday night when a group of youths ambushed them. Chased and cornered in a building, the boys were brutally assaulted. Mahin’s aunt, Sukhi Begum, recounted the ordeal: “My nephew begged for water, but they wouldn’t even allow that. They tied him with rope and beat him mercilessly until he died.” The homeowner, Mobarak, where the boys had tried to take shelter, confirmed: “There was no theft in our house. I woke up to shouting only to see locals dragging away the boys.” The killing has sparked outrage and calls for justice.

Bangladeshi expatriates in Japan can now access National Identity (NID) services directly at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo, making it easier to obtain essential government services from abroad. The initiative was formally inaugurated by Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, who acknowledged that many expatriates had faced long-standing difficulties due to the lack of NIDs. “With this service, Bangladeshis in Japan can now complete NID-related procedures at the embassy itself,” he said. He also noted that the Election Commission is working to enable expatriates to cast votes by mail in future national elections. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Japan, Md. Daud Ali, emphasized that the introduction of NID services had been a long-standing demand of expatriates. “This marks the fulfillment of that demand,” he said.