UK BNP General Secretary Koysor M. Ahmed has expressed optimism that the interim government will hold national elections in February.
“If elections are free and fair, BNP will form the next government, and our leader Tarique Rahman will be the Prime Minister,” he said. “Under his leadership, democracy will be restored, and peace will return to the country.”
He alleged that the previous government engaged in corruption and plundering in the name of development, while suppressing democracy through enforced disappearances and killings. Ahmed added that thousands of BNP activists sacrificed their lives over 17 years of struggle led by Tarique Rahman.
He cautioned that those who benefited under the Awami League should not be allowed to join BNP.

The Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) has barred two doctors from Thailand’s Samitivej Hospital—Dr. Nattipat Juthacharoenong and Dr. Lantam Tonvichien—from providing medical services in the country due to the absence of temporary registration.
The Six Seasons Hotel has been instructed to cancel all bookings and suspend medical activities involving the two doctors.
Earlier, on August 14, BMDC imposed a similar ban on an Indian doctor who was offering medical services at the International Convention City Bashundhara without obtaining registration.

Dr. SM Khaliduzzaman, Jamaat’s candidate for Dhaka-17, has announced a personal donation of Tk 10 million to support improvements at the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital.

Khaliduzzaman criticized the state of the country’s largest cancer treatment center, citing corruption, broken radiotherapy machines, lack of modern equipment, and the influence of syndicates controlling patient services.

He pledged to build a “people-centered health system” if elected and called for the cancellation of politically influenced appointments, such as the recent irregular recruitment of 65 doctors at a children’s hospital.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has signed an ordinance abolishing the use of political party symbols in local government elections.

Under the new law, candidates must contest as independents, preventing political parties from officially nominating candidates.

The move reverses a 2015 decision under the Awami League government to hold local polls on party lines—a move long criticized by opposition groups and election experts.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Golam Parwar has strongly condemned Israel’s alleged plan to seize Gaza City, describing it as part of a “systematic ethnic cleansing.”

He claimed that Israeli bombings have killed over 61,000 Palestinians and injured more than 55,000. “Israel has destroyed homes, mosques, schools, churches, and hospitals. Gaza, once a thriving city, now stands as a monument of devastation,” Parwar said.

He urged the United Nations, peace-loving nations, and international organizations to take urgent action to halt Israel’s offensive and prevent forced displacement of one million Palestinians.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has responded cautiously to the government’s new “zero-portrait policy,” under which President Mohammed Shahabuddin’s portraits have been removed from foreign missions.

Rizvi said, “The government has introduced this policy, and in its context they have acted. Whether it is right or wrong, we will discuss within the party before making any comments.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued verbal instructions to embassies and consulates to remove the President’s portraits, a directive already enforced in several missions.

The extension of the nomination paper submission deadline for the DUCSU elections by one day has sparked outrage from the Democratic Student Union of Dhaka University (Bagchas).

Leaders condemned the move as an attempt to favor Chhatra Dal, accusing the administration of bias. They warned that if any faction attempted to dominate campus like Chhatra League, democratic forces and general students would resist.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) vice-presidential candidate Abu Sadiq Kayem has pledged a vision of inclusive leadership inspired by last year’s “July Revolution.”

He recalled, “During the July uprising, we set aside our differences and united against fascism. Our panel reflects that spirit—bringing together Shibir activists, independent voices, Chakma community members, and women leaders.”

Kayem expressed hope for a vibrant election and vowed to soon release a manifesto honoring the aspirations of July’s martyrs for a just and equitable Bangladesh.

As discussions continue over the final draft of the July Charter, BNP sources suggest the party may concede on certain issues, including the proportional representation system for the upper house of parliament and the mechanism for forming a caretaker government.

BNP leaders note unresolved inconsistencies in the draft, including how dissenting party opinions would be reflected in the constitution. Jamaat has advised legalizing implementation under the current government, while CPB has objected to clauses barring judicial review of the charter.

BNP’s Standing Committee will discuss the matter today before presenting feedback to the National Consensus Commission on August 20.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has arrived in New Delhi on his first visit to India in over three years, aiming to boost historically tense bilateral relations. During the three-day visit, he will meet with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key discussions will focus on resuming trade via the Himalayan border, enhancing economic cooperation, and stabilizing ties amid U.S. tariffs and global geopolitical tensions. The visit signals a positive shift in India-China relations.

The Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) has completed preparations for the sixth mass teacher recruitment recommendations. Pending approval from Education Adviser Dr. C. R. Abrar, recommendations for over 41,000 teacher appointments could be announced on Tuesday, August 19. Over 57,000 candidates applied for a total of 108,822 vacancies across schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions, meaning nearly half of the positions may remain unfilled despite the large recruitment drive.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum has proposed that any future paternity leave policy must carry three mandatory conditions: fathers must spend time with their child, share equally in childcare, and provide support to the mother.

“Paternity leave can be granted, but it should come with written commitments. We must ensure fathers actively take part in child-rearing and maternal care,” she said.

Begum also emphasized reducing reliance on formula milk, stressing the need to promote breastfeeding through better maternal health. She added that healthcare challenges—such as overcrowded hospitals and insufficient midwife training—cannot be solved by blaming doctors alone.

Australia has revoked the visa of Israeli far-right politician Simcha Rothman, who was scheduled to speak at events organized by Australian Jewish groups. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cited concerns over spreading division and hatred. Rothman, leader of the National Religious Party—Religious Zionism, will be barred from visiting Australia for three years. The move has drawn criticism from the Australian Jewish community, calling it anti-Semitic. Australia plans to recognize Palestine next month, a step Rothman has strongly opposed.

The National Committee Party (NCP) has expelled its Joint Member Secretary Mahin Sarkar for breaching party discipline.

In a press release, NCP stated that the decision was made under the directive of Central Convener Md. Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain. The expulsion order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.

Bolivia is set for a historic presidential runoff, ending nearly two decades of left-wing dominance by the Movement for Socialism (MAS). Center-right Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira leads with 32.1% of votes, followed by former President Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga at 26.9%. MAS’s candidate Eduardo del Castillo received just 3.15%, but the party retains registration. Businessman Samuel Doria Medina, finishing third, has pledged support for Paz Pereira. The final contest will now determine Bolivia’s next president between two right-wing contenders.