Hundreds of thousands of Jamaat-e-Islami supporters gathered at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka for the party’s national rally on Saturday. Processions began arriving in the capital early in the morning, quickly filling the venue. Around 20,000 volunteers managed the event’s security and logistics. Jamaat presented a 7-point charter including demands for justice for genocide, foundational reforms, voting rights for expatriates, PR-based elections, and equal political opportunities. The party claimed over one million people attended the rally from across the country.

A devastating gas leak explosion in Sutrapur, Dhaka, has claimed the lives of five members of the same family. The victims were identified as father Ripon, mother Chandni, and their three children—Ayesha (1), Rokon (14), and Tamim (22). All were admitted to the hospital with severe burns but died within a week. Chandni passed away en route to her village for treatment. Ripon, a rickshaw van puller, struggled financially. The incident has left the local community in mourning.

BNP central leader Aminul Haque alleged that a certain group is attempting to delay the national elections under the guise of "reform and justice." He also claimed that a newly emerged party is intentionally causing unrest and violence, trying to pin the blame on BNP. Speaking at a memorial rally in Mirpur, he asserted that people want a neutral and prompt election, not political theatrics. Haque called for press freedom and condemned ongoing bloodshed in the name of democracy. The event concluded with a silent procession.

Leftist intellectual and author Badruddin Umar remarked that following the July-August uprising, right-wing forces have gained political momentum while the left remains notably absent. Speaking at a discussion at the National Press Club, he stated that the uprising failed to bring any class-based transformation or labor-farmer demands into political discourse. Surprisingly, he said, the BNP now appears to be the most progressive force. Umar noted that the people hoped for a resurgence of the left, but religious and right-wing forces now dominate the political scene.

Leaders of the Barisal Division Association have called for coordinated initiatives between political leadership and the administration to advance the region’s overall development. At a reunion held at the National Press Club, they emphasized the need for projects like the Bhola-Barisal Bridge, the four-lane Bhanga-Barisal highway, enhancement of Payra Port, and utilization of Bhola’s gas resources for industrialization. The event was presided over by freedom fighter Iqbal Hossain Forkan, with retired Major Hafiz Uddin, a BNP Standing Committee Member, attending as chief guest.

Mufti Rezaul Karim, also known as Pir Saheb Charmonai and the leader of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, stated that the recent mass uprising is about more than just elections, as it has caused many deaths and injuries. He criticized those rejecting proportional representation (PR), saying they cannot claim to be true patriots. Addressing the youth, he urged them to reject extortion, murder, and corruption. He added that many now support Islamic governance and even minority communities have shown solidarity—mentioning notable Hindu participation in a recent Dhaka rally.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan emphasized that the party’s movement is not for power, but to restore democracy and the people's right to vote. Speaking at a discussion in Panchdona, Narsingdi, he affirmed that BNP would respect any government elected through a fair election. He called on the interim government to ensure free voting rights for all citizens. During the event, tributes were paid to those martyred and injured in the July-August mass uprising, with financial support given to affected families.

The written exam for the 48th Special BCS, targeting the recruitment of 3,000 doctors, was held today across 20 centers in Dhaka. Starting at 10 AM and ending at noon, the MCQ-based test saw 41,025 candidates competing for 3,000 vacancies, roughly 14 applicants per seat. Results will be announced on July 21, followed by oral exams. The final list of selected candidates will be published on September 22, appointing 2,700 Assistant Surgeons and 300 Assistant Dental Surgeons.

Faiz Ahmad Tayeb, Chief Advisor and Special Assistant on Telecommunications and ICT, declared on Friday that Bangladesh will never experience an internet shutdown again. In a media briefing, he announced plans to prioritize Starlink internet coverage in underserved and disaster-prone coastal areas. Marking the anniversary of the July 17 nationwide internet shutdown last year, Tayeb also revealed intentions to amend telecommunications laws to prevent such disruptions in the future.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is organizing a national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday, focusing on demands including the adoption of proportional representation in elections and the trial of the July genocide, among other seven-point demands. The party is preparing extensively nationwide ahead of the event.

Dr. Mirza Ghalib, former president of Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Dhaka University branch and assistant professor at Howard University, USA, has offered three key recommendations to Jamaat: avoid arrogance from being a major party and prioritize national unity; maintain respectful relationships with other political parties including BNP; and clearly commit to protecting citizens’ rights.

Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, religious advisor, inaugurated the Metropolitan Model Mosque in Khulna, describing mosques as the heartbeat of the Muslim community, essential for nurturing moral and humanitarian values in society. He revealed that out of the planned 564 model mosques across the country, 350 have already been completed.

Dr. Hossain announced that a comprehensive mosque management policy will soon be officially published in the government gazette, guaranteeing job security for imams and muezzins. The newly inaugurated Khulna mosque is equipped with modern facilities and offers various social and religious activities. During the event, Dr. Hossain also distributed zakat fund checks and led a special prayer.

Sarjis Alam, northern organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has alleged that the July 16 armed attack on the party’s "March to Gopalganj" rally was orchestrated by the ruling Awami League to thwart the event and target top NCP leaders.

Alam claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina coordinated the assault via phone from India. He further alleged that fugitive Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain incited violence in a Facebook Live video. According to Alam, thousands of ruling party activists were mobilized in advance, and religious rumors were spread—along with vandalism at local shrines—to provoke locals.

The NCP has condemned the attack, citing a newspaper report and viral audio clips on social media, and demanded a political ban on those involved.

Addressing a street rally in Narayanganj, NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah claimed that the attack on his party in Gopalganj proves they are on the Awami League’s "kill list."

Hasnat warned that any attempt to rehabilitate the Awami League would endanger the nation, especially those associated with the NCP. He emphasized that the party’s downfall has already occurred through what he described as an "internal coup" and stated that even public apologies or repentance by the Awami League would no longer be effective.

He also criticized intellectuals who, in his view, supported state violence for personal gain, labeling them as "traitors of knowledge." Hasnat concluded by announcing the launch of a movement titled “Bangladesh Without Awami League.”

Ariful Islam Adib, Senior Joint Convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has raised concerns about possible involvement from neighboring India in the recent armed attack on NCP leaders in Gopalganj.

Speaking at a protest rally outside the National Press Club on July 18, Adib accused Sheikh Hasina of orchestrating the attack from Delhi and claimed that India had enabled the conspiracy. He called for a thorough investigation into foreign interference, setting a deadline of August 3 for the issuance of a "July Declaration." Adib warned that if the demands are not met, a national referendum may be necessary.

He also stated that fascist elements remain entrenched within the state and must be removed to ensure public safety.

A total of 74 activists affiliated with the Awami League and Chhatra League have been named in a case for allegedly obstructing traffic by felling trees on the Dhaka-Khulna highway in Kalia upazila of Gopalganj. The disruption reportedly aimed to block the NCP’s planned rally in the region.

Sub-Inspector Nur Alam Mia filed the case on Thursday evening, confirmed by Kalia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kamal Hossain. The accused include prominent local leaders from the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League, as well as current and former union parishad chairmen. The case mentions the use of sharp weapons and notes that the suspects fled upon police arrival. An additional 250–300 unidentified individuals are also listed as suspects.