Add source Login
'We want next elections to be peaceful' - Tens of thousands rally in Rajshahi to demand referendum ahead of 2026 national polls

'We want next elections to be peaceful' - Tens of thousands rally in Rajshahi to demand referendum ahead of 2026 national polls

"Tens of thousands of people gathered in Rajshahi on Sunday to take part in an eight-party political coalition rally calling for a referendum before the national elections. Footage shows supporters gathering at the Madrasa Ground while some can be seen marching and waving party flags. "In the past, we have seen all parties in power in Bangladesh. Now we want the next elections to be peaceful," protester Kari Abdur Rahman said. "If the July Charter is implemented through the vote, it will benefit the people […] they will be able to live in peace and be safe," he added. Another demonstrator remarked that a proportional representation system would reduce 'money influence, weapons rattling, and terrorist activities.' "If the yes vote wins, the PR system will be effective […] the vote of every person in the country will be evaluated," he continued. The parties participating in the coalition include Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Nezame Islam Party, Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan, Bangladesh Development Party, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party. The eight-party alliance, which has pressed five key demands since September 18, is now entering the seventh phase of its nationwide campaign. The July National Charter proposes introducing checks and balances, strengthening the presidency, limiting parliamentary terms, and tightening anti-corruption measures. Jamaat-e-Islami has already signed the document and is preparing to contest the next election in the absence of the Awami League."

'Water was up to my hips!' - State of emergency continues in southeast Bulgaria as torrential rains cause widespread destruction

'Water was up to my hips!' - State of emergency continues in southeast Bulgaria as torrential rains cause widespread destruction

"Flooding in Bulgaria's Sandanski municipality remains critical after heavy rains battered the country's southwest, prompting authorities to maintain a state of emergency near the Greek border. Footage filmed on Sunday shows heavily submerged homes, cattle pens and roads, with residents trying to recover some of their belongings. Resident of Novo Delchevo recalled the moment when the water surged into her house. "My mother [...] was standing inside while the water came in through the windows," she said. "My daughter's house looks nothing like it used to. And the young family had built a new kitchen and a new bedroom," said another resident. The resident of another village, Polenitsa, described how she barely made the escape. "I managed to get up to the second floor and onto the terrace. When I reached the neighbour, the water was up to my hips," she recalled. According to local media reports, authorities declared a disaster situation in Sandanski and nearby municipalities after intense rainfall, with an Operational Headquarters coordinating the response. Fire Safety teams, police units, and local volunteers are fully mobilised and working on the ground to assist residents. The Mayor of Sandanski, Atanas Stoyanov, stated that teams are doing "everything possible to respond to every signal" received."