Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Election Commission has introduced the new International Observers and Foreign Media Policy 2025, replacing the 2023 version. Foreign observers will have 30 days to apply via email, fax, or through diplomatic channels.

Approved applicants will be listed and forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa processing. The Chief Election Commissioner stated that biased observers will not be allowed, emphasizing the appointment of only experienced and credible personnel.

The death toll from the plane crash near Milestone School and College in Uttara has climbed to 29, with most of the victims being students. According to Senior Assistant Secretary Fayez Ahmed, 69 people remain hospitalized, including 12 in intensive care. Six unidentified bodies are still in the morgue.

Patients are being treated at various hospitals including the National Burn Institute, CMH, Dhaka Medical College, and Kuwait-Maitree Hospital. An investigation committee, led by school authorities, has been formed to compile a verified casualty list and report within three days.

Following the July 21 plane crash, discussions with Singapore regarding treatment options caused delays in decision-making, said Education Adviser Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar. He clarified that the decision to postpone exams was made after thorough consultation among advisers, considering administrative constraints such as question paper distribution.

On public calls for his resignation, he responded that such decisions fall under the authority of the Chief Adviser. While denying any post-incident chaos, he acknowledged that student demands—especially from Milestone School—are valid.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi met with Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury in Dhaka to discuss several bilateral issues. The agenda included combating drugs and terrorism, police training, on-arrival visas for diplomatic and official passport holders, and cooperation on the Rohingya refugee crisis.

Bangladesh urged Pakistan to support repatriation efforts, pointing out that while Pakistan does not offer citizenship to Rohingyas, it is issuing passports under a separate code. Bangladesh also extended condolences for a recent aviation tragedy and invited further diplomatic engagements.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) has announced the evacuation of its staff from Gaza following warnings of starvation risks caused by ongoing Israeli airstrikes. The agency expressed deep concern over deteriorating conditions and requested Israeli authorities to allow immediate evacuation of their employees and families. Since March, Israel has blocked humanitarian aid into Gaza, leading to severe malnutrition and at least 101 starvation-related deaths, including 80 children. AFP plans to extend evacuation efforts to freelance contributors amid this humanitarian crisis.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was taken to a private hospital in Dhaka for urgent medical tests, following the recommendation of her medical board. The examinations were completed, and she returned to her residence in Gulshan early in the night. The information was confirmed in a press release by Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, member of BNP’s National Standing Committee and Khaleda Zia’s personal physician.

The Trump administration has announced the US will withdraw funding and participation from UNESCO starting December 2026, citing concerns over alleged anti-Israel bias. The Biden administration had rejoined UNESCO in 2023 after a five-year US absence. France, where UNESCO’s headquarters is located, rejected the US accusations and pledged support for the organization’s role in promoting education, tolerance, and cultural preservation. UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay called the US decision regrettable but affirmed continued operations despite reduced funding.

Khaleda Zia Admitted to Hospital for Urgent Medical Tests

Dhaka, Bangladesh — The National Citizen Party (NCP) has proposed constitutional amendments to formalize the appointment processes for all constitutional and statutory bodies—similar to that of the Election Commission.

At a policy forum, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain suggested forming a five-member selection committee to nominate commissioners, with the President playing a ceremonial role and required to appoint officials based on the committee’s recommendations.

The party expressed consensus on enacting new legislation to ensure accountability but noted differences regarding appointments to bodies such as the Public Service Commission, the Auditor General’s Office, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Ombudsman.

The NCP warned that excluding these appointment processes from the constitution leaves room for future legal manipulation, potentially undermining institutional reform. They emphasized the need for non-partisan appointments in the national interest.

Beanibazar, Bangladesh — Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that his party does not support any delay in the upcoming national election, emphasizing that a fair and effective electoral process is essential to maintain the country's orderly governance.

Speaking at a manpower and intellectuals’ gathering in Beanibazar, Dr. Rahman called for a transparent and neutral national election to be held in early 2026, with a level playing field for all parties. He reiterated Jamaat’s vision to build a humane and justice-based Bangladesh, pledging to transform the youth into a skilled national workforce if the party comes to power.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant against corruption and injustice, while highlighting the resilience of Jamaat leaders who have stayed in the country despite political persecution.

Comilla, Bangladesh — Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer for the Southern Region of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has warned that the country could face serious danger if the Awami League regains power. Emphasizing the need for long-term political resistance, he called for unity among all anti-authoritarian political forces.

Speaking at a public meeting, Abdullah expressed his vision of establishing Comilla as a strategic stronghold—referring to it as the NCP’s future “cantonment.” He also demanded an impartial investigation into the recent Milestone Airlines crash and called for greater accountability.

Other NCP leaders at the event stressed the importance of unity against fascism, denounced corruption and extortion, and reiterated the demand to declare Comilla as a new administrative division.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that merely mentioning the Election Commission’s independence in the Constitution is not enough. He emphasized the need for a transparent and accountable appointment process. Speaking during a National Consensus Commission dialogue, he confirmed that a five-member selection committee has been proposed—comprising the Speaker, Deputy Speaker from the opposition, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and a judge nominated by the Chief Justice. The committee will lead the selection process, and a parliamentary law will establish accountability standards and a code of conduct for EC members. Ahmed reiterated BNP’s demand for elections under a neutral government and welcomed unity among opposition parties.

The Bangladesh Navy has rescued 18 fishermen who were stranded for four days after their trawler Habiba suffered engine failure in the deep sea near Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar. The naval ship Shahid Farid conducted the rescue on Tuesday, providing the fishermen with food, water, and medical assistance. The crew expressed gratitude to the Navy. The trawler has since been escorted safely to Kutubdia.

During a meeting with representatives from 13 political parties and alliances at the state guesthouse, Interim Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus warned of a resurgence of anti-democratic conspiracies less than a year after the July uprising. He stressed the need for greater unity among political parties to resist fascism. Party leaders in attendance called for stronger law enforcement measures and demanded an all-party dialogue before the next election. They also expressed support for reforms, justice, and an inclusive electoral process.

IDEF 2025, the 17th International Defence Industry Fair, has begun in Istanbul with over 900 Turkish and 400 international defense companies from 44 countries. Major firms like BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Airbus are showcasing advanced land, air, and naval technologies. National pavilions from countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are on display. The six-day event spans multiple venues and features ministers, military chiefs, and commanders from 103 countries. It is organized by KFA Fairs with support from Turkish defense authorities.