Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, a leader of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, has claimed the upcoming 13th national election will divide the nation into two camps: one aligned with Islam and the country, and the other “against Islam, aligned with India.” He argued proportional representation (PR) would ensure a balanced parliament, noting 91 countries have adopted the system without repeal. Karim also declared Bangladeshis would reject corrupt leaders, extortionists, and rapists: “People no longer want the corrupt to hold power.”

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has rejected allegations of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, calling them false and fueled by India’s growing “fake news industry.” In an interview, Yunus said: “There is no anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh. One of India’s most notable exports now is fake news.” He admitted he was initially reluctant to accept the role of Chief Adviser but agreed after appeals from protest leaders: “If you can sacrifice so much, I can reconsider my decision.” He also discussed election delays, the Rohingya crisis, and the ban on Awami League activities.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has tabled a 20-point plan to end hostilities in Gaza, receiving immediate approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump warned that if Hamas rejects the terms, the U.S. will fully back Israel’s military actions. Key provisions include: Immediate ceasefire upon mutual agreement. Israeli troops to pull back to designated lines for prisoner exchanges. Suspension of all military operations, including airstrikes and artillery fire. Hamas must release all hostages—alive or dead—within 72 hours. In exchange, Israel to release 250 prisoners serving life terms and 1,700 detainees held since October 7, 2023. Amnesty for Hamas members who surrender arms and accept coexistence, while safe passage will be arranged for those wishing to leave Gaza. Massive humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza once the deal is signed. The plan also proposes a temporary transitional administration led by a non-political Palestinian technocratic committee, overseen by a new international body, the Board of Peace. Trump would serve as chairman, joined by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and other leaders.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the nation’s upcoming elections, ongoing reforms, and the Rohingya crisis. Dr. Yunus briefed the UN chief on the state of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh, while highlighting progress on institutional reforms. Guterres, in turn, expressed full support and solidarity with Bangladesh’s democratic transition.

A sweeping crackdown is underway at Islami Bank, resulting in the dismissal of 200 employees and the demotion of 4,971 staff to special duty (OSD) status over alleged misconduct and rule violations. The shake-up follows a controversial hiring spree after S. Alam Group assumed control of the bank in 2017, when thousands were recruited without exams—many from Patiya, leading to nearly half of today’s workforce hailing from the same area. A senior bank official admitted: “Unqualified appointments under S. Alam’s management ruined the bank. We are now verifying merit for the institution’s survival.” Bangladesh Bank and court directives led to a mass competency test last Saturday, but of 5,385 summoned, only 414 appeared and continue regular duties. The 4,971 absentees were made OSD the next day, while 200 employees accused of spreading misinformation or opposing the test were terminated. Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Arif Hossain Khan noted this was the first time in the country’s history an exam was used to justify layoffs: “Recruitment and evaluation are under a bank’s jurisdiction, but must comply with law and policy.”

Islamic Chhatra Shibir president Muhammad Jahidul Islam has said that the student organization is actively working to counter the challenges of modern-day “Jahiliyyah” (ignorance). Speaking at an induction ceremony for new Alim students at Tongi’s Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa, he said, “From this institution will emerge future leaders who will carry forward the legacy of Hazrat Umar (RA) and lead the world, Inshallah.”

Popular content creator Ashraful Alom, widely known as Hero Alom, was attacked by unidentified assailants on Monday night in Dhaka’s Aftabnagar area. Witnesses said several youths on motorcycles launched the assault, leaving Alom with visible injuries. Locals rescued him and took him to a hospital. His wife, Ria Moni, confirmed the incident to the media.

Mufti Amir Hamza, Jamaat’s candidate for Kushtia-3, has said he will exercise greater caution in his speeches following criticism over past controversial remarks at Islamic gatherings. Speaking at a Seeratunnabi event, he emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami’s politics is guided by the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). “When I speak for long, sometimes a slip of the tongue occurs. I will now be more careful,” Hamza said.

The Government of Bangladesh and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed an agreement worth $58.6 million in grants and $28.1 million in concessional loans to strengthen infrastructure and emergency services for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar. ADB Country Director Edimon Ginting said the new funding builds on earlier assistance provided since 2018, aimed at enhancing water, sanitation, healthcare, roads, drainage, food security, electricity, and disaster resilience. The project will also install solar-powered streetlights in Cox’s Bazar, restore sanitation systems in Bhasan Char, boost biogas production, and construct cyclone shelters in Hatiya. Additionally, food distribution centers will be developed with better facilities for women, children, and persons with disabilities.

BNP leader Mahbub Uddin Khokon has stated that elections under a proportional representation (PR) system are not feasible without constitutional amendments and a majority in Parliament. He said, “For 22 years, Jamaat carried out movements under BNP’s shadow. Now that Awami League has fled, they want PR-based elections. But without amending the Constitution, such elections will be deemed questionable.” Khokon urged BNP members to remain united, campaign door-to-door, and ensure a massive mandate to form the next government under acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has slammed Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher’s controversial statement that “if India invades Bangladesh, 5 million youths will wage a war of independence.” Calling the remark “dangerous and against the nation’s sovereignty,” Rizvi questioned its intent: “Why is the narrative of India invading or a war breaking out suddenly being floated? Is this part of a staged plan?” He warned that Jamaat’s rhetoric could be tied to a larger “blueprint” designed to destabilize Bangladesh. “We once witnessed the fall of fascism. But now people are questioning whether a new form of fascism is resurfacing from underground. Such comments weaken sovereignty and endanger the nation.”

A fresh controversy has erupted after former Awami League MP and star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan came under fire for wishing deposed leader Sheikh Hasina on her birthday. Responding to criticism, party adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan wrote on social media, “Brother, I was forced to take the nomination. I only contested the election but was never involved in Awami League’s party politics.” He sharply criticized Shakib’s stance, saying, “How can someone with blood-stained hands from killing students and citizens be allowed to carry Bangladesh’s flag? Why should financial fraudsters, market manipulators, and money launderers be rehabilitated just because they are good cricketers? The law is equal for all—face it.”

BNP leader Zainul Abedin Farooq has alleged that several parties, including Jamaat, are conspiring to sabotage Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s proposed electoral roadmap under the pretext of introducing a proportional representation (PR) system. He said, “After 16 years, when Hasina has fled, some are now plotting to bring back fascism. Sheikh Hasina executed Jamaat leaders, yet today, under India’s agenda and her patronage, they are marching in Dhaka.” Farooq urged political allies to participate in the elections instead of derailing them. “The people of this country don’t care about PR. They will proudly cast their votes in the election declared by Dr. Yunus, not for any PR-appointed leader. They will vote for the Sheaf of Paddy and the Scales.” He further said, “If Dr. Yunus cannot contest the elections, only Allah knows what Bangladesh’s future will hold. Let us unite and build this country—we have achieved nothing in the past 55 years.”

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has said that his party envisions a Bangladesh where religious harmony, mutual respect, and fraternity form the core values of society. Speaking after visiting several Durga temples in Tentulia, he said, “While everyone follows their own religious traditions, it is essential to show respect to other faiths. The stronger our mutual bonds, the safer and stronger our country will become.” Sarjis added that the NCP is committed to building a society free from discrimination where no one is deprived of their rights, and no one receives undue privileges. He also provided financial assistance to local temples during his visit.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has accused a rival political party of attempting to divide the nation on the basis of religion while also trying to delay participatory elections by spreading confusion. During a visit to the Dhakeshwari National Temple, he said, “The election date has not yet been declared, but ever since the electoral timeline was announced, certain quarters have been trying to obstruct the process. Those who engage in such activities will face political rejection from the people.” He stressed that no one has succeeded in destroying Bangladesh’s religious harmony and no one ever will. Reaffirming BNP’s position, Salahuddin said, “We have never wanted politics to be divided along religious lines. The Constitution itself does not identify citizens by religion. Every citizen has the right to practice and promote their faith safely. Our policy is clear: religion is personal, the state belongs to all. Religion is individual, but security is everyone’s right.”