GOP leader Abu Hanif has said that most leaders of the National Committee Party (NCP) are disciples of Nurul Haque Nur, chairman of the Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP). Given political experience and the current reality, he believes that if the two parties unite, Nur should naturally lead the alliance. Hanif emphasized GOP’s “clean image,” saying: “In the past year since the mass uprising, not a single allegation of extortion or land grabbing has been raised against our leaders. This is why our party, representing the youth, is seen as the most promising force today. GOP activists will not defect to other parties. Born out of street movements against fascism, GOP emerged from the quota reform movement in 2018 and officially launched in 2021. Before that, our youth wings under the banners of student, youth, and workers’ rights councils protested against corruption and fought for democratic rights.” Hanif added that the political ideology of NCP leaders closely aligns with GOP’s principles. Discussions are ongoing about unity, but he clarified: “Unity does not mean dissolving one party to merge with another—it means building strength together while maintaining identity.”

Jamaat leader Abdul Halim has declared that national elections must take place in February, but warned that without granting legal recognition to the historic July Accord, any election will be rejected by the people. Speaking at a political gathering, Halim said: “Election results cannot be selectively accepted. Even in festive and inclusive elections like those at Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), where students from all backgrounds cast their votes, some parties refused to accept the outcome. The July Accord is not the demand of one party alone—it is the demand of BNP, Jamaat, NCP, and most importantly, of students, farmers, and workers who sacrificed their lives. Their blood must be given legal recognition, and elections must be held on this foundation.” Halim reminded that in 1991, BNP came to power through elections under a caretaker government after 173 days of strikes, which later led to the system’s constitutional inclusion. “Awami League too came to power through caretaker-led elections in 2008 but buried the system in 2011,” he added. He warned: “If you think you can hold elections without the legal basis of the July Accord, the people of this country will not accept it. Yes, elections must be held in February, but not without the Accord’s legal recognition.”

In a disturbing incident in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim imam was allegedly assaulted by Hindu extremists after refusing to chant “Jai Shri Ram.” The victim, identified as Imam Mustaqim, claimed he was targeted because of his beard and cap while riding a bicycle. He said a group stopped him, forced him to chant the slogan, and when he refused, they beat him with sticks for nearly two hours, threatening to bury him on the spot. Police, however, downplayed the incident, labeling it a case of “general assault” rather than communal violence. According to reports, the attack stemmed from a prior dispute involving local children and another individual named Zeeshan.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he has “pleasant memories” of former U.S. President Donald Trump and is ready for dialogue if Washington abandons its demand for nuclear disarmament. Kim previously met Trump three times during his first term, but talks broke down in 2019 over North Korea’s nuclear concessions. The Korean leader emphasized that peaceful coexistence is possible if the U.S. acknowledges reality. His comments come as Seoul’s new government urges renewed engagement with Trump.

Several Western nations, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and Portugal, formally recognized the State of Palestine on September 21, marking a historic shift in foreign policy. Israel condemned the move, while the U.S. criticized it as mere “showmanship,” emphasizing priorities like hostage release, Israeli security, and regional peace. Palestinians in Gaza welcomed it as a victory. Netanyahu reaffirmed that no Palestinian state will be established west of the Jordan River. Other countries may announce recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly.

Israel has introduced a new weapon in Gaza, dubbed “booby-trap robots” by locals—old armored vehicles filled with explosives and detonated remotely in residential areas. Eyewitnesses say each blast can destroy up to 500 square meters, wiping out entire buildings and families. Since August 13, over 1,100 people have been killed and 6,000 injured amid combined airstrikes and robot explosions. Analysts say Israel uses them to avoid troop losses, while health officials warn of mass displacement and looming genocide.

In Mymensingh’s Gafargaon upazila, more than 50 BNP leaders and activists have officially defected to Jamaat-e-Islami. The group joined Jamaat on Sunday evening at Charshankhchura village under Paikbagh union. Local Jamaat leaders welcomed them with flowers at a reception ceremony. Upazila Jamaat Ameer, Maulana Ismail Hossain Sohel Master, said the new members were inspired by Jamaat’s ideology and joined to work against drugs, terrorism, bribery, and corruption while striving for an Islamic governance system.

BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu has stressed that Bangladesh must hold elections without delay, warning that delays would worsen the country’s situation. Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with imams and muezzins, Pintu said: “People support the traditional election system. They neither know nor accept any other process. Voters must be able to choose their candidates freely.” He added that despite possible conspiracies, the public would resist all plots, and elections would be held by February next year.

A group of former officials and staff of Biman Bangladesh Airlines who were dismissed from service have staged a sit-in protest in front of Balaka Bhaban at Kurmitola, demanding reinstatement. The protesters claimed that despite a government circular in August last year promising to resolve all reinstatement petitions within 15 days, most cases remain unsettled even after a year. While a few employees were reinstated under the same order, the majority still await a decision. They warned that unless their single-point demand for reinstatement is met, they would continue with escalated, ongoing protests.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has accused the Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), led by the Charmonai Pir, of strengthening Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s grip on power through repeated electoral cooperation, calling it a betrayal of the people. Speaking on the formation of a consensus government, Annie said: “Through implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point agenda, we can bring about a national unity government. In such a setup, elected representatives would form the lower house, while unelected leaders from different political groups could join the upper house to ensure inclusive governance.” He alleged that for 17 years, Islami Andolan played a key role in propping up Hasina’s rule: “In the elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024, Islami Andolan extended support to Hasina, thus strengthening her permanence in power. For this, Charmonai Pir and his party have been marked as traitors by the people of Bangladesh.” Criticizing their current stance, he added: “Today they parade on the streets against elections, but where were they during our 17 years of struggle? Back then, we didn’t see their so-called movement. Now they threaten, march, and disrupt the electoral atmosphere. To overcome this situation, unity is our only strength.” Annie also recalled Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in frustrating opposition unity in earlier decades: “In 1986 and 1996, Jamaat did not just obstruct us, they obstructed the entire nation.”

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has said that the party’s liberal democratic vision is crucial for ensuring a peaceful and stable socio-economic environment in Bangladesh. He made the remarks during a meeting with Danish Ambassador H.E. Christian Brix Møller. The two discussed Bangladesh’s political climate, participation of different parties in upcoming elections, and Denmark’s investment interest. The ambassador highlighted Denmark’s plan to invest nearly $2 billion in coastal infrastructure and renewable energy projects, particularly in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. Both sides expressed optimism that stronger democratic stability in Bangladesh would enhance bilateral cooperation.

Uyghur-American activist Kuzzat Altay says China’s economic influence silences Muslim countries on Uyghur persecution. In a video message, he explained that trade and investment ties with Beijing prevent these nations from speaking out. Altay claimed China spends billions to pressure governments and media, while controlling information about repression in Xinjiang. He urged global support, warning that Muslim citizens would demand action if properly informed. Rights groups allege mass detentions, forced indoctrination, and abuses in China’s “re-education” camps, which Beijing denies.

Responding to allegations by cricketer and BCB presidential candidate Tamim Iqbal, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud has insisted that the government is not interfering in the Bangladesh Cricket Board election. Tamim earlier accused the government of favoring incumbent president Aminul Islam Bulbul. In reply, Asif Mahmud said: “The government is only performing routine duties. If it oversteps its jurisdiction, then it can be called unlawful interference. If that happens, Tamim can seek legal action or even approach the ICC.” Tamim had previously stated that he only wanted a transparent election, regardless of whether he won or lost.

Student organizations at Rajshahi University have demanded postponement of the long-awaited RUCSU election following campus unrest over a teacher’s humiliation. With the campus under a “complete shutdown” and most students leaving dormitories and messes, candidates supported by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal argued that voter participation would be severely compromised. VP candidate Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir said, “Elections without full student participation cannot be fair. We want the polls to be held after Durga Puja, if necessary.” Other student panels and independent candidates echoed the call, stressing that unresolved issues like the controversial “dependent quota” must be addressed to ensure inclusive participation. Candidate Tasin warned that with major religious holidays and shutdowns disrupting campaigns, the election — being held after 35 years — risks losing legitimacy.

Syria’s interim government has set October 5 for the People’s Assembly election, the first since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster last year. Of 210 seats, one-third will be appointed by President Ahmed al-Shara, while the rest will be elected under the electoral commission. The vote aims to rebuild state institutions and gain legitimacy, though critics warn of limited representation. Security concerns persist in Suwayda, Hasakah, and Raqqa, while al-Shara pushes regional diplomacy, including potential security talks with Israel.