BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday called upon all nationalist forces to unite in the spirit of November 7 to strengthen democracy in Bangladesh. “Protecting national independence and sovereignty is extremely urgent at this moment,” he said in a message issued on the eve of National Revolution and Solidarity Day. Tarique Rahman highlighted the historical significance of the Sepoy-People’s Revolution of November 7, 1975. “This revolution was not merely a turning point in Bangladesh’s history but the genesis of anti-hegemonic nationalist politics in the country,” he said. Extending greetings to the nation, he added, “The nation’s sovereignty was defended through the Sepoy-People’s Revolution. On that day, soldiers and citizens, driven by patriotism, took to the streets to safeguard independence and revive democracy. The historic revolution of November 7 remains immensely significant.” He criticised the post-independence ruling regime for consolidating power to serve its own interests, which culminated in the creation of the one-party BAKSAL system. “The BAKSAL government, using undemocratic and oppressive methods, stripped the people of their legitimate rights,” he said. Tarique recounted that during the national crisis of November 1975, conspirators had imprisoned the Proclaimer of Independence, Ziaur Rahman, and his family in the cantonment. “In this dire moment, fearless soldiers and the people united on the streets on November 7, securing national independence and freeing Ziaur Rahman. Under his leadership, democracy was revived, and freedoms of speech, expression, and opinion were firmly established, bringing peace to the nation,” he said. He lamented the assassination of President Zia at Chittagong Circuit House in 1981 by forces opposed to his vision. “Although Zia embraced martyrdom, his ideals continue to inspire people who remain committed to defending the nation’s independence and democracy,” Tarique added. Criticising the Awami League, he said, “Once again, Awami fascists seized state power through covert conspiracy, undermining democracy for nearly 16 years. Their submissive policies weakened national sovereignty, while pro-democracy activists were brutally suppressed through enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other atrocities, including secret detention centres like Aynaghar.” He also condemned the prolonged imprisonment of BNP leader Begum Khaleda Zia, calling it unjust. “The fascists were ultimately forced to flee the country due to the magnificent self-sacrifice of students and the people on August 5. This has widened the path for democratic restoration,” he said. Tarique Rahman urged that the true practice of democracy requires safeguarding fundamental human rights and ensuring free and fair elections. He also called for justice, transparency, and good governance to strengthen the nation.

Eminent jurist and Gonoforum Emeritus President Dr Kamal Hossain on Thursday emphasised that sensitive processes such as constitutional reform must be guided by the opinion of the people, as debate intensifies over a proposed referendum. “The constitution is the guiding document for running the state. Over the past 53 years, it has undergone numerous changes. Any reform is a sensitive matter and must be carried out based on the will of the people,” Dr Kamal said in a written speech at a discussion titled ‘Bangladesh’s Constitution and Reform Proposals’ at the Jatiya Press Club, organised by Gonoforum. Gonoforum General Secretary Dr Md Mizanur Rahman read the statement on Dr Kamal’s behalf. Highlighting the importance of reviewing the constitution in the present context, Dr Kamal warned that no individual has the authority to alter it alone. “Reform proposals must reflect the will of the people while remaining consistent with the nation’s core values and the requirements of the present time,” he said. He cautioned against blaming the constitution alone for authoritarian practices and democratic deficits, insisting that “the genuine practice of democracy within government and political parties must be prioritised.” Addressing the current controversy surrounding a potential referendum, Dr Kamal said such mechanisms must not bypass public consent. “If political parties fail to build national consensus on reforms, democracy will remain weak and institutions will continue to falter,” he warned. The veteran politician expressed cautious optimism for the future: “I believe the next national parliament, elected through a free, fair and widely acceptable process, can meet the people’s expectations and help build a democratic, just, progressive, and humane state through systematic reforms.”

Afghan and Pakistani forces briefly exchanged gunfire along their shared border on Thursday, officials from both countries confirmed, coinciding with the resumption of peace talks in Istanbul aimed at ending long-standing tensions. Each side accused the other of initiating the skirmish near Spin Boldak, a border town in southern Afghanistan along the 2,600-kilometre (1,600-mile) frontier. No casualties were reported, and representatives from both nations emphasised that they remained committed to maintaining the ceasefire and pursuing dialogue during the ongoing Istanbul negotiations. Militaries from the South Asian neighbours previously clashed last month, with dozens killed in the worst such violence since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021. Both sides signed a ceasefire in Doha on Oct 19, but a second round of negotiations in Istanbul last week ended without a long-term deal, due to a disagreement over militant groups hostile to Pakistan operating inside Afghanistan. "We hope that wisdom prevails and peace is restored in the region," Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told reporters on Wednesday. He said Islamabad was pursuing a "one-point agenda" of convincing Afghanistan to rein in militants attacking Pakistani forces across their shared border, allegedly with the Taliban's knowledge. Two government sources said the head of Pakistan's military intelligence wing, Asim Malik, was leading the Pakistani delegation. The Afghan delegation is led by intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told state broadcaster RTA.