Back to the brief

Politics

Jamaat leader rejects alliance allegation amid exchange with government

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has rejected allegations that his party is aligning with the ousted Awami League. Speaking in Dhaka on Sunday, he made counter-allegations about BNP links with former ruling-party figures. These remain contested political claims, rather than established findings about an alliance.

From 26 October 2026 — Daily Brief

26 OCT 2026 · 13/25

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman rejected allegations on 25 October that his party was seeking an alliance with the ousted Awami League.

He spoke at the National Press Club during a discussion marking the anniversary of the signing of the July National Charter. He characterised the allegation as an effort to mislead the public.

Shafiqur made counter-allegations that the BNP had sought Awami League votes during the election and was accommodating people associated with the former ruling party. Those were his claims, rather than independently established findings.

He also challenged the government to explain assertions about money coming across the border.

The remarks form part of an exchange between the ruling party and Jamaat over alleged political coordination. They do not provide proof that either of the alleged arrangements exists.

Politics

DWP begins limited bank checks under new eligibility powers

The Department for Work and Pensions has issued its first eligibility verification notice to financial institutions. Banks will flag limited information that may justify further benefit checks. A flag is not proof of fraud, and entitlement cannot be decided on that information alone.

Politics

Reform presents alternative economic plan before the Budget

Reform UK set out 64 economic proposals on Monday, including income-tax relief on overtime for earners below £75,000. Robert Jenrick presented the package as an alternative to the government’s Budget. The measures remain party proposals, with their claimed benefits untested.

Politics

Britain and Canada pursue separate defence-financing institutions

Britain and Canada will develop separate but cooperating defence-financing arrangements. Their joint statement describes a partnership between the UK-backed Multilateral Defence Mechanism and Canada’s proposed bank, rather than a single institution. Britain will not join the Canadian bank, Reuters reported.

Politics

Budget will set out a path towards defence spending targets, Burnham says

Wednesday’s Budget will explain how Britain intends to reach its defence spending commitments, Andy Burnham said. The prime minister referred to 3% of GDP by 2030 and 3.5% by 2035. The funding timetable has not yet been presented to Parliament.

Politics

NCP names new women’s committee with fifteen-day deadline

The National Citizen Party has replaced its women’s wing committee with a three-member convening panel. Mahmuda Alam Mitu is convener, Nusrat Tabassum member secretary and Monjila Jhuma chief organiser. The new leadership has been instructed to form a full committee within 15 days.