Overview
- An eight-party Islamist bloc led by Jamaat-e-Islami demanded immediate implementation of the July National Charter and a November referendum, plus steps such as proportional representation and a level playing field.
- Thousands gathered in central Dhaka as police erected barricades near Matsya Bhaban, while alliance leaders delivered a memorandum to the chief adviser’s office.
- The BNP rejected any pre-election referendum and insisted it be held alongside the February 2026 vote, alleging efforts are underway to derail or delay the election.
- Law adviser Asif Nazrul urged parties to reach a consensus within a week on the referendum and said the government may act unilaterally if talks fail.
- External pressure grew as India’s defence minister told Muhammad Yunus to watch his words, while Sheikh Hasina from exile accused the interim administration of empowering extremists and decried the ban on the Awami League.