The Workers Party of Bangladesh and the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal–Jasod have decided to stay away from the forthcoming general elections and the referendum on the July charter, scheduled for February 12. The two political parties, also the allies of the Awami League-led alliance from 2008 to August 2024, in separate statements, said that they did not submit nomination papers to contest the election and alleged that the election would be held in a unilateral manner.

They also said that cases filed against their party leaders in connection with the July uprising had not been withdrawn, and that this was why they had been refraining from participating in the election.

None of the leaders and activists of the Workers Party of Bangladesh, led by Rashed Khan Menon, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal–Jasod, led by Hasanul Haque Inu, submitted nomination papers for any of the constituencies across the country.

Besides, several leaders of different Jatiya Party factions who initially collected nomination forms refrained from submitting the papers on Monday, the last date for filing nomination papers.

Jatiya Party faction chairman Anwar Hossain Manju, JP’s another faction secretary general ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader, senior co-chairman Kazi Firoz Rashid, and Krishok Sramik Janata League president Abdul Kader Siddique are among the senior leaders of the parties who did not submit their nomination papers within the scheduled time, leaders of the parties said.

They alleged that the interim government and the Election Commission had failed to ensure a level playing field for all political parties. They said that cases filed against their leaders after the July uprising had not been withdrawn. The JP faction in November launched a political alliance named ‘National Democratic Front’, comprising 18 political parties, and had initially prepared to contest the national election.

However, JP faction chairman Anisul Islam Mahmud and executive chairman Mujibul Haque Chunnu submitted their nomination papers on Sunday for their respective constituencies. The Awami League regime was ousted from power on August 5, 2024 amid a mass uprising and the Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government took office on August 8, 2024.

The results of the 2025 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations have been published. This year, the combined pass rate across nine general education boards, the Madrasah Education Board, and the Technical Education Board stands at 58.83%. Dhaka Education Board Chairman and Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee Chairman Prof Dr Khondokar Ehsanul Kabir announced the results on Thursday.

The pass rate has dropped by 18.95 percentage points compared to last year. A total of 39,097 students achieved a GPA 5 this year. In 2024, the average pass rate was 77.78%, while in 2023 it was 78.64%. This year the pass rates are 64.62% in the Dhaka Board, 59.40% in Rajshahi, 48.86% in Comilla, 50.20% in Jessore, 52.57% in Chittagong, 62.57% in Barisal, 51.86% in Sylhet, 57.49% in Dinajpur, 51.54% in Mymensingh, 75.61% in the Madrasah Education Board, and 62.67% in the Technical Education Board.

Of them, the Madrasah Board topped the pass rate with 75.61% while Comilla Board positioned at the bottom with 48.86%. Ehsanul Kabir informed that a total of 69,097 students secured GPA-5 this year, a cut by 76,814 than that of the past year.

Examinees will be able to get their results through the websites of the country’s education boards, all relevant examination centers, educational institutions, and via SMS. This time, 1,251,111 students participated in the examination under 11 education boards.

Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton, who served under Donald Trump, has been charged with storing and sharing classified documents from his time in government. According to the 18-count indictment filed in Maryland, Bolton kept top-secret materials at his home and shared over 1,000 pages of sensitive notes with family members. Prosecutors also allege Iranian-linked hackers accessed classified information from his hacked email in 2021.

Bolton’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said the charges relate to “personal diaries” long known to the FBI, denying any wrongdoing.

The case comes amid recent indictments of James Comey and Letitia James, both of whom deny separate charges. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Bolton indictment shows “no one is above the law.”

Bolton, a longtime Republican foreign policy figure, previously faced controversy over his 2020 memoir “The Room Where It Happened,” which the Trump administration claimed contained classified material.

NEW YORK — Independent mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo is taking aim at Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to raise taxes on corporations and millionaires, calling the plan “an impossibility.”

In an interview with WNYC’s Brian Lehrer, the former governor argued that Mamdani’s idea to boost state corporate and high-income tax rates to fund New York City programs would never pass in Albany.

“A Buffalo assemblyman or a Long Island senator is not going to raise taxes on their corporations to give the money to New York City,” Cuomo said. “It is an impossibility that a state legislature would raise statewide corporate taxes dedicated to only New York City.”

Cuomo, who served as governor for 11 years, said lawmakers from outside the five boroughs would never back a tax hike that doesn’t benefit their constituents. He also noted that Gov. Kathy Hochul, who faces reelection next year, has stated she has no interest in raising taxes on the wealthy or corporations.

Mamdani, a Queens assembly member and democratic socialist, has made tax increases on corporations and high earners the centerpiece of his affordability platform — aimed at funding free city buses, universal subsidized childcare, and other social programs.

Mamdani’s campaign pushed back, accusing Cuomo of defending the interests of the wealthy.

“Don’t get it twisted: Andrew Cuomo will stop at nothing to protect the billionaires and corporations making life more expensive for New Yorkers,” said Mamdani spokesperson Dora Pekec, noting that Cuomo initially resisted but ultimately signed a 2021 tax hike on the rich.

Cuomo’s spokesperson Rich Azzopardi countered that Cuomo’s record speaks for itself.

“The governor proposed a millionaires tax in his 2021 budget amid the financial burdens of the pandemic and it remains on the books,” Azzopardi said. “Mamdani’s operation should get their facts right.”

The sharp exchange comes as Cuomo tries to revive his underdog campaign following a loss to Mamdani in last month’s Democratic primary. Also in the general election race are Mayor Eric Adams (running on an independent line), Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, and independent candidate Jim Walden.

Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations he denies, has since revamped his campaign strategy — spending more time meeting voters and embracing short-form social media videos that proved successful for Mamdani.

“The reason it’s dangerous,” Cuomo said of Mamdani’s proposals, “is because none of it happens, none of it works. Then you just disillusion the public — and nothing changes.”

New York — Democratic candidate for New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has become one of the most talked-about figures in city politics ahead of the upcoming election. Calling for unity among Bangladeshi expatriates, Mamdani urged everyone to stay focused and resist misinformation campaigns.

“The upcoming November 4 election will make history,” said Mamdani. “We must not be distracted by confusion or propaganda. Only through unity can we win this battle at the ballot box.”

The remarks came on Monday evening at a community gathering jointly organized by the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association (JBBA) and Bangladeshis for Zohran at the Sanai Party Hall in Jackson Heights.

Mamdani reminded attendees of his earlier electoral success, “We defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s son by a 13-point margin. Yet, he remains in the race as an independent. His goal is to block our progress, but together, we will achieve our mission.”

He further said, “Our vision is to make New York City a livable city for everyone. In this world’s most expensive metropolis, we must ensure fair opportunities for all — especially for hardworking immigrants.”

As the first Muslim candidate in New York City’s history, Mamdani emphasized the importance of collective action, “To turn this city into a city of dreams, we must stay united. Muslim and South Asian voters must come out and vote in large numbers.”

The event began with a welcome address from Abdus Sobhan, member-secretary of Bangladeshis for Zohran. JBBA President Giyas Ahmed presided over the meeting, which also featured speeches from Shahnewaz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bangladesh Society; Imam Shamsi Ali, Director of Jamaica Muslim Center; Fakrul Islam Delwar, founding president of the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society; and Tarek Hasan Khan, General Secretary of JBBA.

In the upcoming election, 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani faces his main rival, 67-year-old independent candidate Andrew Cuomo. Political observers suggest that current Democratic Mayor Eric Adams withdrew from the re-election race following a request from former President Donald Trump. Trump has labeled Mamdani a “socialist Democrat,” warning that if he wins, New York City could lose federal benefits.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Adams stepped aside amid corruption investigations, allegedly hoping for a presidential pardon from Trump. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa is also being urged to withdraw from the race, as mounting political pressure from Trump’s camp seeks to prevent Mamdani’s victory by any means.

New York City has nearly 200,000 registered Muslim voters and over 300,000 South Asian voters. Mamdani, who was born in Uganda in 1991, is gaining growing support from African-American, Hispanic, and young voters, according to immigrant community leaders.

In contrast, Andrew Cuomo has been accused of attempting to create divisions between Muslim and Hindu communities, campaigning in mosques and temples while emphasizing his experience.

Zohran Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Uganda to a Muslim father, Mahmood Mamdani, originally from Gujarat, India, and a Punjabi Hindu mother, filmmaker Mira Nair. When he was five, the family moved to South Africa, and two years later, they immigrated to the United States.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that although certain reasons have delayed his return to Bangladesh, the time has now come for him to do so. “I will return soon and be among the people during the election,” he said in an interview with BBC Bangla, published on Monday. Tarique Rahman said: “Physically, I may be in Britain, but mentally and emotionally, I have been in Bangladesh for the past 17 years.”

He added: “There will be a much-anticipated national election in the country, and how could I stay away at such a time? During the election, I will be with the people and among them.” The BNP acting chairman further said: “I do not see myself as the mastermind of the July uprising. No individual or party was its mastermind. The democracy-loving people of Bangladesh were, in fact, the true masterminds of the July uprising.”

“BNP has consistently maintained that the sooner the election is held, the sooner stability will return to the country,” he added.

Tarique Rahman also said: “BNP believes that if the national election had been held six months earlier, many crises could have been avoided. The government has, albeit belatedly, come to realize this.”

He further said: “We wanted the election to be held within December, but the interim government aims to hold it by February. We want to have faith that the government will take all necessary steps, step by step, to ensure the election is held.”

When asked whether BNP would contest the election individually or through seat-sharing within an alliance, Tarique Rahman said: “Around 64 political parties tried to resist the former autocratic regime from their respective positions. We have always tried to work collectively. The 31-point state reform agenda we presented was initially proposed by BNP alone in 2016 as part of our Vision 2020 plan. Later, it was developed further into 27 points and, after consultations with allied parties, finalized as 31 points.”

“Our aim has always been to rebuild the state inclusively, incorporating the opinions of all parties that stood with us in the movement,” he added.

Regarding Khaleda Zia’s possible role in the election, he said that if her physical condition allows, she will certainly play some part.

Asked whether Dhaka University Central Students’ Union) politics would influence national politics, he said: “From what we have seen, individuals like Manna Bhai, who was Ducsu VP twice and is far more experienced in politics than I am, have expressed their views clearly. Student politics should remain in its sphere, and national politics in its own.”

On Jamaat-e-Islami, Tarique Rahman said: “As long as any political party operates within the recognized laws and regulations of Bangladesh, it has the right to practice politics. BNP has always believed in multiparty democracy, and we wish to view the matter from that perspective.”

Speaking about the Awami League, he said: “If the party, as an organization, has committed any wrongdoing, it should face justice under the country’s laws. The law will determine the outcome.”

Explaining former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India and its impacts on bilateral relations, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said this is a “judicial legal process” and it requires “engagement and consultations” between the two governments.

“We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues,” he said while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Beyond that, the Indian foreign secretary said, he does not think it would be constructive to say anything further at this point. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present.

Responding to a question, Foreign Secretary Misri said they should set aside the perception that they have a favourite or they are trying to engage with one set of people or ignore another set of people. He said they want the earliest possible expression of the mandate of people through which a democratically elected government will emerge.

Asked whether India is trying to reinstate Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh Awami League, the Indian foreign secretary said they are only in favour of an early election in Bangladesh for an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to express their mandate to the popularly elected government.

“We will deal with the government. We are prepared to deal with the government. I don’t think there is anything else to say with regards to that,” said the foreign secretary.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain recently said Bangladesh is yet to receive any positive response from India regarding its request for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition to face trial at home.

“There is no new information on this. Bangladesh has asked India to return Sheikh Hasina to face trial. There has been no positive response from India yet,” he told reporters in Dhaka recently. Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh is waiting for a response from New Delhi.

Responding to a question on whether the government will seek international assistance to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country, the foreign affairs adviser said the government can seek assistance if it deems it necessary, adding: “However, I do not see any need at the moment.”

The foreign adviser said the government would continue to pursue the extradition of former prime minister Hasina, currently reported to be in India since August 5 last year. Bangladesh sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with a set of supporting documents, formally requesting Hasina’s extradition. He said they want to see a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time.

The Indian foreign secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an inclusive and participatory election. During nearly an hour of interaction, the Indian foreign secretary responded to questions on bilateral issues, border issues, water sharing issues and issues related to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina who is staying in India.

The foreign secretary acknowledged that there are some issues which are natural in any relationship. A 23-member delegation of the DCAB is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India.

London:  Five members of the British Parliament have expressed “deep concern” over what they described as a deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh. In an open letter published on Saturday in the Letters to the Editor section of the UK-based newspaper The Times, they urged the UK government, the United Nations, and the international community to take firm action on the issue.

The letter was signed by MPs Bob Blackman, Jas Athwal, Neil Coyle, Gurinder Singh, and Luke Akehurst. It was co-signed by Baroness Smith of Llanfaes, a member of the House of Lords, and Steven Powles, a criminal lawyer specializing in international crime, extradition, and human rights.

Under the headline “Rights of Bangladeshis,” the signatories expressed alarm at Bangladesh’s political and human rights environment more than a year after the formation of an interim government.

“We are deeply concerned by the worsening human rights situation in Bangladesh,” the letter stated.

“There are numerous credible reports of judicial failures, denial of bail, politically motivated arrests, the banning of certain parties from participating in upcoming elections, and growing violence against minority communities.”

The lawmakers called on the British government — particularly the Foreign Office — as well as the UN and international partners to pressure Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure justice, uphold civil liberties, and end impunity in accordance with international law.

They further urged the authorities to hold peaceful elections within a set timeframe and establish a stable civilian government, saying it was essential to restore trust and accountability in the country.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday it would be an “insult” to the United States if he does not receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his self-proclaimed role in solving multiple wars. Trump, who has long sought the prize which will be unveiled on October 10, made the latest push for his case a day after he announced a peace plan to end the war in Gaza.

“Will you get the Nobel Prize? Absolutely not. They’ll give it to some guy that didn’t do a damn thing,” Trump said during a speech before hundreds of top US military officers. “It’d be a big insult to our country, I will tell you that. I don’t want it, I want the country to get it,” he added.

“It should get it, because there’s never been anything like it.” Republican Trump has long been irked by the fact that Democrat Barack Obama won the prize in 2009. In his Tuesday speech Trump repeated his recent claim that he has solved seven wars since his return to office in January.

Trump said that if the Gaza plan he unveiled alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday works out, “we’ll have eight, eight in eight months. That’s pretty good.”

Hamas has yet to respond to the plan. But the chances of Trump winning the Nobel Peace Prize this year are regarded as close to zero in Oslo, where the prize is based.

“It’s completely unthinkable,” Oeivind Stenersen, a historian who has conducted research and cowritten a book on the Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has also insisted it cannot be swayed by Trump’s campaigning for the prize.

“Of course, we do notice that there is a lot of media attention towards particular candidates,” the secretary of the committee, Kristian Berg Harpviken, told AFP recently. “But that really has no impact on the discussions that are going on in the committee.”

Trump’s administration recently listed the seven wars it said he has ended as being between Cambodia and Thailand; Kosovo and Serbia; the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda; Pakistan and India; Israel and Iran; Egypt and Ethiopia; and Armenia and Azerbaijan.

But while Trump has been quick to claim credit for some, for example announcing a ceasefire between nuclear-armed Delhi and Islamabad in May, many of the claims are partial or inaccurate.

Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji received their first National Film Awards at a ceremony held at India’s Vigyan Bhavan on Tuesday. Indian President Droupadi Murmu conferred the honours.

Shah Rukh Khan won the Best Actor award for his performance in Jawan. He shared the title with Vikrant Massey, who was recognized for his role in 12th Fail, which also won the award for Best Hindi Film. Rani Mukerji received the Best Actress award for her portrayal in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, based on a real-life child custody battle.

Veteran Malayalam actor Mohanlal was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema, recognising his career spanning over 350 films since his debut in 1978.

Sam Bahadur, played by Vicky Kaushal, won the Best Feature Film on National Integration award. Filmmaker Karan Johar was recognized for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for his multi-starrer family drama Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The 71st edition of the awards marked a milestone for Hindi cinema, with Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji achieving their long-awaited first National Film Awards.