Hefazat’s Amir and Secretary General said in a joint statement that separatist militant groups operating in the Chittagong Hill Tracts engage in activities that undermine national sovereignty and are routinely involved in crimes such as kidnapping, extortion, enforced disappearance, and ransom. These actions, they said, have made life intolerable for both the local Bengali population and ethnic communities living in the hills.

The statement accused separatist groups, allegedly supported from across the border, of trying to portray the military — which is tasked with protecting landowners, Bengalis and geographic security — as the enemy. Hefazat stressed that residents of the hills are citizens of Bangladesh and that those identified as separatist organizations should be declared traitors. They called for the development of a state security policy focused on the vulnerable Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Hefazat urged the government to strengthen military security measures in the region and warned against long-standing international conspiracies aimed at severing the hills from Bangladesh to form a Christian state. The group pledged the support of patriotic, religiously observant students and citizens alongside the armed forces and border guards to protect the country’s territorial integrity.

A 12-party alliance held talks with the Left Democratic Alliance and several progressive political parties to discuss implementation of the July national charter. Participants advised against unnecessary delays by the reform commission on matters not essential to the charter and urged continued momentum for the election-focused reform process.

Leaders at the meeting emphasized that Bangladesh has boarded the “election train” and must keep that journey moving. The 12-party alliance said attendees agreed, for the sake of national consensus, to sign implementation commitments and pledges even if compromises are required. They warned against any pretext that could obstruct the election and stressed that there is no alternative to democracy.

Left-alliance leaders cautioned that holding referendums on election day could create complications. They also recommended that fundamental constitutional reforms be implemented in the next parliament rather than through emergency measures.

National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman said that conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State are comparatively improving and that this is the moment to take substantive political steps. Speaking at a discussion organized by the U.S. State Department, he recalled Bangladesh’s own history of mass atrocity and displacement half a century ago, when nearly a million Bangladeshis fled across the border into India before returning after the conflict ended.

Khalilur Rahman reported that the Arakan Army now controls some 85–90% of Rakhine territory and that Bangladesh maintains regular communications with the group. He said Arakan Army representatives recently sent him photographs showing internally displaced Rohingya returning from camps and engaging in dialogue with the Arakan Army as they returned to their home villages.

“As we move forward, we must come together in the coming months. We will invest politically in resolving this crisis and must make that commitment both to ourselves and to the refugees,” he said, adding that Bangladesh does not want to keep spending on refugee camps indefinitely. “Within three to four years, we should not be funding refugee encampments. Rather, part of those funds should be invested inside Myanmar so Rohingya can begin new lives and reclaim their futures.”

Awami League Advisory Council member Tofail Ahmed, whose political activities are currently banned, has been placed on life support at Dhaka’s Square Hospital. His family has requested prayers for his recovery.
Ahmed, who has long relied on a wheelchair following a stroke that left part of his body paralyzed, has been under regular medical supervision. A nine-time Member of Parliament, he was last elected from Bhola-1 in a controversial “dummy election.” He also served for years as a Presidium member of the Awami League.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, appealed for active cooperation and contributions from expatriate Bangladeshis in the country’s national reconstruction. Speaking about the post-July popular uprising reforms, he said that members of the diaspora can play an important role — commensurate with their abilities — in advancing the change that Bangladesh is striving for.

“Gone are the days when we would stand in the distant gallery and merely watch. The days of sitting in the gallery are over. Now we will play ourselves,” he declared. According to the press wing, several Bangladeshi political figures traveling with him attended the event; the Chief Adviser expressed gratitude to them and said their agreement to join increased his confidence.

Dr. Yunus also thanked expatriate Bangladeshis for contributing to more than 21% growth in remittances and highlighted government initiatives to create an investment-friendly environment. He called for their continued support and outlined the voting process for the general election scheduled for February next year, urging diaspora engagement in Bangladesh’s democratic future.

The Parbatya Chattagram Chhatra Parishad (PCSC) has called for a ban on the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), accusing the group of orchestrating violence during blockades in Khagrachhari.

At a human chain protest near Raju Sculpture in Dhaka, PCSC leaders alleged that UPDF leaders Michael Chakma and Rani Yan Yan are fueling conflict in the hills, leading to attacks on civilians and the army.

They warned that diverting attention from the real culprits and avoiding lawful action could spark communal tensions.

Yesterday, Dhaka University students had also demanded a ban on UPDF and the arrest of Rani Yan Yan, accusing them of exploiting the recent rape case to incite violence, attack security forces, and destabilize the region. Protesters claimed Awami League and Indian conspiracies were backing the unrest.

NCP convener Nahid Islam has pledged that the party’s election manifesto will ensure equal dignity and rights for all citizens, regardless of community or faith.

After visiting Dhakeshwari Temple during Durga Puja, Nahid urged the government to guarantee security so that Hindus can celebrate their festival without fear.

He stressed that NCP will ensure participation from all communities in the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. “Since the July uprising, we have been working toward building an inclusive Bangladesh, based on unity across religion, ethnicity, and ideology,” Nahid said.

He acknowledged that while the interim government tried to address many demands of the Hindu community, much remains unfulfilled. “Our manifesto will reflect the vision of equal rights and dignity for every citizen,” he affirmed.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused Jamaat-e-Islami of losing its balance in pursuit of power, calling it a branch of a foreign political movement rather than an independent Bangladeshi party.

Rizvi extended BNP’s greetings to the Hindu community for Durga Puja, emphasizing that festivals unite rather than divide people. “Though religions differ, our national identity is one. Rabindranath, Nazrul, and Lalon belong to all of us,” he said.

He accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of fostering divisions for political gain but asserted that Bangladesh’s true beauty lies in its unity.

Rizvi also warned of ongoing conspiracies to create unrest in remote areas, particularly during festivals. “If anyone casts an evil eye on even an inch of Bangladesh’s land, we will gouge it out,” he declared.

Bangla Academy has postponed the previously planned December edition of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair due to the upcoming national election.

A statement said the decision was made following a September 21 directive from the Home Ministry to arrange the fair after the election. The academy added that new dates will be decided later in consultation with publishers and stakeholders.

During a courtesy meeting with Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru at the Jamaat Amir’s office in Bashundhara, a new party logo was spotted, sparking speculation about a rebranding effort.

Jamaat leader Maulana Abdul Halim later confirmed that the party is working on a new logo under the Amir’s guidance. “Several designs have been made, but the final choice has not yet been decided. The logo seen today appeared in photos by mistake,” he clarified.

Halim added that the logo issue has been discussed in the party’s executive council and the official version will be unveiled soon. He also noted that the old logo was never officially adopted by the party, but was widely used by media outlets.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu emphasized that elections are the only legitimate path to a change of power in Bangladesh.

“Some groups fear they have no future if elections are held, so they are making excuses to delay the process. But they are living in a fool’s paradise,” he said.

Dudu declared that Bangladesh needs an inclusive, representative parliament and government. “The future belongs to nationalism. For 16 years, the people have struggled for their rights, and elections are the only way to restore them,” he stated.

He warned against attempts to impose decisions on citizens without elections, stressing that democracy must reflect the will of the people. Dudu also cautioned against “dark forces abroad” that seek to destabilize Bangladesh through violence during this period.

Farooq Hasan, Acting President of Gano Odhikar Parishad, has claimed that India wants to position Jatiya Party as the main opposition in Bangladesh, with the hidden goal of “rehabilitating” the Awami League.

“If Jatiya Party contests the election, they could win over 100 seats. But behind this lies a deep conspiracy,” Hasan said, adding that election authorities and institutions remain under Awami League’s control.

He asserted that 80% of the police and 70% of the administration back the ruling party, creating an uneven playing field. “In such a scenario, Jatiya Party is bound to perform well,” he remarked.

Hasan said his party would participate only if elections are free, fair, and neutral, stressing the need for administrative restructuring. “If the government wishes, elections can be held as early as December instead of February,” he said.

BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Rafiqul Islam Mia was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Sunday evening after suddenly falling ill around 5 p.m. He is currently receiving treatment in a cabin.

The veteran politician has been in poor health since 2018, suffering from multiple complications including spinal fractures. His wife, Dr. Shahida Rafique, is a professor at Dhaka University and an adviser to the BNP Chairperson.

Students from minority ethnic groups staged a protest on Sunday afternoon in front of the National Museum, demanding justice for recent shootings of Jumma people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

They also called for the arrest and trial of the perpetrators of a gang rape incident in Khagrachhari, alongside punishment for those involved in attacks, looting, and arson against hill communities.

The demonstrators alleged that instead of ensuring security, state forces were firing on people. “Two systems of governance cannot exist in one country,” they said.

Tensions remain high after protesters set fire to a marketplace in Guimara during a blockade under the banner of “Jumma Students and People.” Several shops were destroyed. Authorities have imposed an indefinite Section 144 in Khagrachhari to curb unrest.

NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud has alleged that a conspiracy is underway over Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts, accusing India of attempting to seize the territory.
“We will not surrender even an inch of our land,” Masud declared, comparing the situation to Bangladesh’s resistance against Pakistan in 1971. “Just as we fought Pakistan, we will confront India in 2025.”

He accused India of playing its “last trump card” by destabilizing the region and instigating communal tension through a fabricated rape case between hill people and Bengalis. Masud further said young political leaders are being deliberately discredited when they begin working closely with the people.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s influence on global independence movements, he noted, “Indonesia and Nepal followed Bangladesh’s path to achieve independence. Indonesia has a prime minister aged just 35—Bangladesh too will have a 35-year-old prime minister, Inshallah.”

Masud urged voters not to be swayed by “guest birds” who appear only during elections. “I am your son, not a visitor. Vote for the one who stands by you in your time of need,” he said.