BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie reflected on his political journey, saying: “From the very beginning, my politics was not confined to rallies and processions. We prioritized social and humanitarian work as well. Politics is not only about movements—it must address people’s social and human needs.” Annie noted that during his time, such initiatives were rare, but now competition in this field has grown. He stressed that outdated political practices are no longer enough and highlighted the importance of prioritizing student voices in politics. Speaking about Ramgati, his home region, Annie praised local youth for pursuing education despite immense challenges like poverty and natural disasters. He emphasized that unity beyond party lines is key to building a better society, tackling drug abuse, and addressing river erosion, which remains Ramgati’s greatest challenge.

National Youth Force has demanded immediate punishment for those involved in the abduction of July fighter K.M. Mamunur Rashid. At a press briefing, convener Tarikul Islam said: “The shadow clique’s amateur drama has failed. They are conspiring to undermine the credibility of NCP and Youth Force by spreading false propaganda. If anyone tries to fracture the anti-fascist alliance, we will give a strong response.” He urged journalists to expose the conspirators behind the smear campaign, announcing that a lawsuit would be filed on Saturday against those who defamed NCP and Youth Force on Facebook by linking them to Rashid’s disappearance.

Ganasamhati Andolon leader Zonayed Saki alleged that Sheikh Hasina is “preparing to do whatever it takes to turn the country into hell after her defeat.” Speaking at a political program, he said: “She cannot succeed if we remain united. Not even foreign money will help her. We have achieved one victory, but we need a greater one—to stabilize, unite, and rebuild the nation.” Saki reaffirmed his long-held stance that the Awami League government was fascist and destined for downfall, stressing the need for a new political arrangement built on justice, reform, and elections. “The July charter is written in blood,” he said. “It must be legitimized and implemented by future representatives through law. Neither BNP, Jamaat, nor NCP are free from corruption. Even within anti-discrimination student movements, allegations of corruption have surfaced.”

Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque criticized the interim government, saying it is “trying to walk in the fallen regime’s torn shoes.” He cautioned that authoritarian tendencies are emerging among some of its leaders, remarking: “In the anti-fascist uprising, young people lit the flames of rebellion for the past 14 months, but the government kept pouring water on it. The youth have been repeatedly betrayed. Their dream of securing rights has turned into frustration.” Haque warned that many leaders exploit youth power for mob politics and violence while denying them rights. He called on the youth to safeguard their spirit of resistance and urged the government to abandon hidden agendas, focus on justice and reform, and prepare for free and fair national elections in February.

The government has announced that Bangladeshis living abroad must perform Hajj by traveling from Bangladesh, not from their country of residence. The Ministry of Religious Affairs cited Saudi Arabia’s mandatory guidelines under Article 14 of the Hajj and Umrah Ministry, which prohibits foreign-residing Bangladeshis from registering abroad and flying directly to Saudi Arabia. Officials noted that some agencies have been arranging such registrations, creating multiple complications: Inability to upload “pre-arrival” flight and health data to the Nusuk system. Missed health screenings, including meningitis and influenza vaccinations. Absence of medical certificates verifying pilgrims’ ability to perform Hajj. Lack of Hajj training. Airline seat mismanagement and broader organizational disruptions. For smooth management, the ministry has urged agencies to ensure that registered pilgrims abroad travel to Saudi Arabia from Bangladesh only.

Jamaat-e-Islami staged protest rallies and gatherings in Godagari and Paba, Rajshahi, pressing for a five-point demand including holding the next national election under a Proportional Representation (PR) system. On Friday, a rally began from Mahishalbari Bazar and ended in front of the Upazila Parishad gate, followed by a public meeting. Addressing the gathering, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Professor Mujibur Rahman declared: “The people of Bangladesh no longer want to witness the fascist rule of authoritarian forces. Elections must be held under the PR system. This will ensure representation of all parties in parliament according to the votes they receive, while closing all doors to fascism.”

At the UN General Assembly, the Chief Adviser was joined by six leaders from three different political parties. Among them, NCP leader Tasnim Jara emphasized the importance of unity, writing: “Differences are a natural rule in politics. Yet, our true strength lies in standing together despite those differences.” She further remarked: “Opportunities like this are rare—when we can represent Bangladesh on the global stage, beyond party lines. I feel proud to be part of a moment where unity is prioritized over division, and where we show the world that our shared responsibility to the people comes first.”

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has been named as a member of the Fulgazi Sadar Union BNP Committee in Feni, her ancestral home. Khaleda has been repeatedly elected to Parliament from the Feni-1 constituency. On Thursday night, the Fulgazi BNP announced new full-fledged committees for six unions under the upazila. Each committee includes a 10-member advisory panel and a 71-member executive body. Khaleda Zia was listed as the first member of the Fulgazi Sadar Union committee. The new leadership includes Monir Ahmed as president and Md. Yasin Mahmud Mojumdar as general secretary.

Ahead of the October 6 BCB election, current players have voiced concerns on social media about ensuring a free and fair vote. Sports adviser Asif Mahmood criticized their involvement, saying: “Nowhere in the world do active cricketers comment on board elections—it’s a clear breach of contract. Fans saw this factionalism years ago, and it is still happening. Those responsible should feel ashamed.” Meanwhile, Cricketers’ Welfare Association president Mohammad Mithun wrote on Facebook: “The BCB election must be free, fair, and transparent. It is crucial for the future of Bangladesh cricket.” Former national pacer Rubel Hossain added, “The BCB presidency should not be like a coin toss. We want an election with a healthy atmosphere and fair competition—where cricket alone is the winner.”

Asaduzzaman Fuad of AB Party has alleged that several political parties are using businessman S. Alam’s money to campaign for Sheikh Hasina’s return with support from Delhi. Speaking at a rally, Fuad said: “The July uprising ended the politics of division and corruption. We cannot allow new conspiracies funded by S. Alam to bring back Hasina.” He warned against delaying elections to hand Bangladesh over to “Delhi’s old loyalists,” saying such attempts would “vanish like dinosaurs.” Fuad added that his party would pursue people-oriented politics without bribes, corruption, or extortion. “We will compete and criticize each other politically, but we will not resort to foul language or violent politics,” he pledged.

BNP leader Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has claimed that some political forces are distressed by the prospect of voters choosing BNP’s election symbol, the paddy sheaf. Speaking to party workers, he warned that attempts might be made to disrupt Durga Puja festivities to create political unrest. “For the sake of the election, BNP has remained silent. Those who opposed the creation of Bangladesh now want to sabotage the polls,” he said. He added that BNP will consider formally entering the election field after the Puja celebrations, stressing that only free and fair polls can prevent fascism from gaining ground.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has dismissed Transparency International Bangladesh’s (TIB) recent claims about the Chief Adviser’s UN delegation as “misinformation based on unchecked sources.” He clarified that this year’s delegation includes 62 members, not over 100 as alleged, and is smaller and more focused than those during the Hasina administration. About one-third are security officials, necessary due to open threats from Awami League supporters. Over the past five days, Bangladesh’s delegation has held at least a dozen high-level meetings, including bilateral talks with more than six heads of state and government. The press secretary noted that some delegates will also represent Bangladesh at the upcoming Rohingya Conference on September 30.

Dr. Yunus has acknowledged that upon taking charge, the interim government discovered the alarming extent of corruption and plundering of public resources, which left Bangladesh’s economy fragile. In his UN speech, he said, “We are determined to end this. Development must never again be used as an excuse to loot public wealth.” Yunus highlighted key reforms, particularly in revenue collection, where a new law separates policymaking from implementation. This, he said, will ensure transparency, accountability, and stronger revenue generation. “Bangladeshis expect not just development, but accountable, democratic, and inclusive development,” Yunus stressed.

Jamaat leader Golam Parwar stated that if his party is given the opportunity to serve the country, it will tackle unemployment and work to build a prosperous, humanitarian Bangladesh. Speaking in Dumuria-Fultala, he highlighted chronic waterlogging issues caused by Bil Dakatiya and promised a comprehensive development plan, including transforming Dumuria into a business hub. He also outlined initiatives to reform educational and religious institutions, ensuring students find jobs immediately after graduation or receive unemployment benefits. Parwar emphasized the role of youth and students in shaping the country’s future, calling on them to lead a “vote revolution” in the upcoming election to create a new, equitable, and humane Bangladesh.

A violent clash erupted between residents of two villages in Baniachong, Habiganj, leaving at least 30 people injured, including men and women. The conflict occurred between the villagers of Tarasoi and Jatrapasha. According to locals, the incident began on Friday when a resident of Tarasoi, Kudrat Mia’s son, went to cut reeds from a nearby bush for his paddy. A verbal dispute with Hasan Mia of Jatrapasha escalated into a physical fight. Soon, both sides armed themselves with traditional weapons, turning the area into a battleground. Police and a team from the army were dispatched to the scene to restore order. Authorities are investigating the incident further.