Bangladesh Chhatra Dal leader Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim has vowed that his organization will not allow an “unjust PR system” to undermine the upcoming national election. In a statement, he invoked the sacrifice of Abu Sayeed, saying, “Just as Abu Sayeed laid down his life with open arms for a democratic Bangladesh, patriotic students of Chhatra Dal will also shed blood if necessary—but they will not let the election be derailed under the guise of an unfair PR arrangement.” Hamim also criticized Barrister Fuad, accusing him of echoing Awami League rhetoric. “When Barrister Fuad insulted our activists by calling them junkies, it reminded me of the slander once directed at Abu Sayeed. He should take a lesson from Tolstoy’s story ‘How Much Land Does a Man Need?’—despite their degrees from abroad, some fail to grasp the limits of arrogance.”

Senior BNP leader M. Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu has announced that Natore residents will receive household gas connections within two months if his party wins the upcoming national election. Speaking at a local event, he stressed the urgent need for a medical college hospital in Natore, saying, “Without quality healthcare, ordinary people suffer, and broader development is also hampered.” Jamaat leader Abdul Hakim echoed the call for regional development, urging the establishment of an agricultural research institute and an agro-industrial EPZ in the food basket region of Chalan Beel. Meanwhile, Professor Jargis Kadir, an NCP candidate from Natore-3, criticized past governments, claiming, “Under Delhi’s influence, the backbone of our education system was destroyed. To ensure quality education, we must build strong institutions.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has extended warm congratulations to all participants in the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) and hall union elections, with special praise for those who secured leadership positions. In a statement, he wrote: “Congratulations to everyone who contested the elections. Special felicitations to those who earned the highest votes and were elected to various posts.” Expressing optimism about the newly elected representatives, he added: “We hope they will give the utmost importance to safeguarding the trust placed in them by the student community. May Almighty Allah assist them in this responsibility.” Dr. Rahman also thanked the university administration, election commission, and all others involved in conducting the polls. He praised the government and law enforcement agencies for their sincerity and dedication in ensuring a smooth electoral process. Looking ahead, the Jamaat chief expressed hope for collective progress: “We expect that students, teachers, and the administration of Jahangirnagar University will work together to elevate the institution to the standards we all aspire to.”

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has urged young people to discover their true passions and pursue them with confidence, rather than being forced into careers dictated by societal pressure. Speaking at a reception program for university aspirants, Abdullah emphasized that not everyone needs to study at a university or secure top grades to succeed in life. “Each person has their own path to success,” he said. He pointed out that a lack of interest in academics is not a crime, but failing to be a good human being is unacceptable. “Some excel in cooking, others in painting or singing—these too can become professions. What matters is identifying your skills and interests,” Abdullah noted, warning that imposed education and career choices often destroy potential. Highlighting the importance of empathy and ethical living, he added: “Whatever we become—doctor, engineer, artist, or anything else—we must at least ensure that no one suffers because of us. Even if we cannot help others, we must never cause harm.” Abdullah further stressed the need for prayer and patience in achieving goals. “True success comes only through these two strengths,” he concluded.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) held a meeting at the Maheshpur border in Jhenaidah on Saturday to discuss cross-border issues including pushbacks, killings, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. The hour-long meeting took place between 5–6 PM at the commanding officer level. Lt. Col. Md. Rafiqul Alam represented BGB, while Commandant Muganthan led the BSF side. Officials described the talks as “cordial,” with both forces agreeing to take effective measures. After the meeting, commanders and staff from both sides walked about 2 km along the zero line, reaffirming their commitment to maintain friendly bilateral relations.

A US trade delegation is arriving in Dhaka on Sunday for a two-day visit to discuss the 20% counter-tariff imposed on Bangladeshi goods in the American market. The delegation will be led by Brendan Lynch, Assistant USTR for South and Central Asia. Although tariffs have been reduced from 35% to 20%, no formal agreement has yet been signed. A draft deal is prepared, and discussions will focus on finalizing it and potentially reducing tariffs further. During the visit, the delegation will meet with the Ministry of Commerce, Chief Adviser, Foreign Affairs Adviser, and Foreign Secretary.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Md. Abu Sadiq Kayem congratulated and extended greetings to the newly elected representatives of JUCSU. In a statement, he lauded Jahangirnagar University students’ courage during the July Revolution and expressed hope that the new JAKSU leadership will uphold democracy, justice, and student rights while shaping a just and prosperous Bangladesh.

BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy has warned that while fascism has been removed, communal violence is rising due to mob incidents across the country. He emphasized that unless democracy guides governance, communalism could surpass fascism in destructiveness. Roy affirmed BNP’s belief in religious values, stating: “What religion condemns as sin, the modern state defines as crime. Religion does not conflict with the state system, but misinterpretations have distorted it.” He accused the interim government of sliding into superstition under the guise of reforms.

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader accused the interim government of reflecting authoritarian traits, claiming it is unfairly jailing people, dismissing journalists, and distorting the Liberation War’s legacy. He demanded an investigation into whether students were killed to fuel the July Movement and called for transparency regarding who directs the interim government and whether student groups are also under external control.

The interim government has pledged to transform the National Human Rights Commission into a truly independent body, enabling it to investigate incidents such as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings without interference. Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul said, “During the Awami League government, human rights were not protected—rather, they were violated. The interim government wants to leave behind a milestone in human rights protection. In honor of the sacrifices made in the July uprising, we will do everything possible to establish people’s rights.” He emphasized that legal reforms are underway to grant the commission full independence. At the same meeting, human rights activist and advisor Adilur Rahman Khan noted, “The 2025 National Human Rights Commission Ordinance is crucial for moving beyond 15 years of disappearances, killings, and torture chambers. In the past, even human rights defenders themselves were abducted. The commission survived politically by spending donor funds, often reduced to distributing jobs instead of protecting rights. Its role during the July uprising was utterly disgraceful.”

Renowned Bangladeshi folk singer Farida Parveen has passed away. She breathed her last at 10:15 pm on Saturday at the age of 73. The news of her death was confirmed by Ashish Kumar Chakraborty, Managing Director of Universal Medical College Hospital. Parveen leaves behind her husband and four children. Widely celebrated as the “Queen of Lalon Songs,” her passing marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi music. (Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un).

The National Congress Party (NCP) has clarified its stance following media reports linking it to an eight-party joint program. Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib said the reports were “misleading,” noting that NCP has not decided on joining any alliance or joint movement. While informal discussions took place with other parties regarding the July Charter and constitutional reforms, Adib stated that NCP supports proportional representation only in the upper house, not full PR-based national elections. However, the party supports suspending the organizational activities of the Jatiya Party, citing its role in aiding fascism.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged that if BNP returns to power, it will amend laws to enhance the protection of animals and birds. Speaking at an animal exhibition, he stressed that biodiversity conservation requires more than legislation—it demands nationwide awareness. He added, “Humanity must reject cruelty. If human rights are safeguarded, the rights of animals will naturally be protected too.”

Mazharul Islam, newly elected GS of JUCSU, hailed his alliance’s sweeping win as a victory for all Jahangirnagar University students. Supported by Islami Chhatra Shibir, the alliance won 20 seats with thousands of votes. “This mandate is not for personal gain but a trust placed by students to safeguard their rights,” Mazharul said, pledging inclusive leadership that respects the campus’ cultural diversity and individual freedoms. He also called for unity, inviting defeated candidates to work together, and announced a thanksgiving prayer at the central mosque.

The Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election commission has suffered another setback as commission member Dr. Rezwana Karim Snigdha resigned from her post on Saturday afternoon. In her resignation letter, submitted around 2 p.m., Dr. Snigdha explained that she had suddenly fallen ill during the election process and was admitted to Evercare Hospital. As a result, she was excluded from key commission decisions such as ballot paper approval, budget finalization, and the cancellation of VP candidate Amartya Roy’s nomination. “I was not informed, and unilateral decisions were made,” she wrote. Despite her illness, she stated that she attended post-poll vote counting in an attempt to fulfill her duties. However, she expressed deep frustration over the commission’s management. Dr. Snigdha criticized the commission for severe administrative mismanagement, excessive political maneuvering, and even false allegations linking a deceased teacher to the vote-counting process. She said such “invisible pressures” had made it morally impossible for her to continue. “When JAKSU is used merely as a tool for political gain, it is no longer possible for me, as an independent teacher, to serve as a member of this commission,” she declared.