On BNP’s founding anniversary, acting chairman Tarique Rahman reaffirmed the party’s commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh’s sovereignty and upholding multiparty democracy. “Despite constant conspiracies, BNP remains a vigilant guardian of the nation’s independence and sovereignty,” Rahman said in a statement. He criticized the post-independence regime, alleging that democracy was strangled under one-party rule and that widespread violence and political killings led to a devastating famine that claimed one million lives. He praised BNP founder Ziaur Rahman for restoring multiparty democracy and protecting civil liberties, pledging to carry forward his vision. He also highlighted the contributions of Khaleda Zia and the party’s longstanding dedication to social welfare and liberal economic policies. Rahman paid tribute to all BNP leaders and activists who lost their lives since the party’s inception, including those killed during what he described as “one and a half decades of Awami fascism” and last year’s bloodstained student-led movement. He called for an end to mob culture and urged unity in defense of democratic values.

Israeli forces have intensified their assault on Gaza City, with heavy shelling and airstrikes killing at least 78 Palestinians in the past 24 hours—including children, a journalist, and 32 people waiting for food aid. Palestinian Civil Defense reported that shelling near Al-Quds Hospital set fire to makeshift tents, while residents were forcibly evacuated from neighborhoods where Israeli forces deployed explosive robots. At least 80 explosive devices have been detonated in the last three weeks. On Sunday, journalist Islam Abed of Al-Quds Al-Youm TV was killed in Gaza City, bringing the number of journalists killed since the start of the war to at least 247—though some estimates put the toll above 270.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin will meet U.S. Acting Ambassador Tracy Ann Jacobson today at 2:00 pm at the Election Commission headquarters. The meeting was originally scheduled for last Thursday but was postponed due to road blockades in Agargaon. This will be the first such meeting between the U.S. Embassy and the CEC since August 5 of last year.

The atmosphere around Chittagong University remains tense following violent clashes between students and local residents. Entire Zobra village now stands deserted of men, with joint forces patrolling the area. Section 144 restrictions remain in place until midnight tonight. The violence was triggered Saturday night when a female student was allegedly assaulted by a caretaker while entering a rented house near the university’s Gate No. 2. When other students rushed to the scene, clashes erupted with villagers, continuing into Sunday with repeated skirmishes. At least 200 people, including the Pro-Vice Chancellor, the Proctor, and journalists, were injured in the confrontations. The university has formed a 21-member probe committee to investigate.

Students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have rejected the administration’s directive to vacate residential halls and are continuing their protest on campus. On Monday morning, students gathered in front of the K.R. Market, demanding a fair investigation and identification of those involved in a recent attack on protesters. While many students remain on campus in defiance of the order, some have started leaving the halls citing security concerns. The unrest escalated after Sunday’s demonstration, when students—pressing for the introduction of a combined degree program—confined Vice-Chancellor and about 227 members of the Academic Council inside the campus auditorium. Tensions flared further when an unidentified group attacked the protesting students with sticks. The attackers have not yet been identified. In response, the university authorities announced an indefinite closure of BAU and instructed all students to vacate their halls by 9:00 AM on Monday.

The National Doctors’ Forum (NDF), a Jamaat-affiliated association of physicians, has expressed strong condemnation and outrage after one doctor allegedly interrupted Abdullah Mohammad Taher during his speech at the Bangladesh Health Conclave 2025. NDF leaders stated that such discourteous behavior is “completely unacceptable” and damages the dignity and professionalism of the medical community. They emphasized that doctors must uphold professional responsibility, humility, and respect in their service. They further noted that while some unethical pharmaceutical companies may tempt a handful of doctors for profit, these few do not represent Bangladesh’s overall healthcare system. “The majority of doctors serve with dedication and sacrifice,” the NDF added, vowing to continue protecting the honor and dignity of the medical profession.

A devastating earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan late Sunday night, leaving more than 250 people dead and at least 500 others injured, officials confirmed. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at 11:17 PM local time, with its epicenter located 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad. The tremor, registering 6.0 on the Richter scale, had a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers, intensifying its destructive impact. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Information reported severe casualties across several districts of Kunar province, including Nurgal, Sawkai, Watapur, Manogi, and Chapa Dara. Authorities fear the death toll could rise further as many remote areas remain cut off, and rescue teams are still struggling to reach those locations. Locals described it as one of the strongest quakes to hit the region in recent years. Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said local officials and residents have begun rescue operations, while additional relief teams from neighboring provinces are on their way to assist.

Several student organizations—including the Democratic Student Alliance, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, and the Student Rights Council—walked out of a RAKSU election commission meeting over the inclusion of first-year students in the voter list. The commission reiterated that the RAKSU elections would be held on the scheduled date, September 25, and that a final decision on the voter list would be made soon. However, Chhatra Dal’s branch president Sultan Ahmed Rahi alleged that the university administration and election commission were being influenced by “Pakistan embassy and Maghbazar quarters.” He said they had been forced to share discussions with “pro-Pakistan leaders and accused attackers,” which was unacceptable. Student Rights Council leader Al Shahriya Shuvo claimed their group was denied a chance to speak, while others were given special privileges. Expressing solidarity, the Democratic Student Alliance joined the walkout. Despite the boycott, Chief Election Commissioner continued discussions. Former coordinator Fahim Reza stressed that since the election date had already been changed twice, it must proceed on September 25 without delay.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has said that development claims are hollow if the people’s basic problems remain unresolved. “No one can be deprived of a fundamental right like access to safe water,” he stated. Speaking at the inauguration of a new water pump in Rupnagar Eastern Housing G-Block, Haque said residents of the area had long suffered due to the shortage of clean drinking water. “This pump will ease their suffering. Serving the people’s welfare is the primary goal of our politics,” he added. He emphasized that ensuring safe water and a healthy environment is just as crucial as education and sports for building a bright future for the next generation. Residents expressed gratitude for the initiative, calling it a long-awaited relief.

Professor Dr. Mojibul Haque, consultant at the Center of Integrated Medicine in Texas, said that with proper lifestyle changes, people can stay healthy without medicine. Speaking at a book launch in Dhaka, he warned against antibiotic use in livestock, refined sugar, white flour, and overuse of electronic devices. He stressed that modern diets and stress are causing illness, while natural detoxification can keep the body disease-free. Dr. Haque treats patients in Dhaka without chemical drugs.

President Donald Trump said he will issue an executive order requiring voter ID for all ballots, with no exceptions. He stated only seriously ill individuals and military personnel abroad may vote by mail. Trump, who continues to claim without evidence that the 2020 election was stolen, has long opposed electronic voting machines, favoring paper ballots. Legal experts question his authority since states oversee elections. The 2026 midterms will be the first national test of his policies after returning to power.

A total of 2,049 polling centers across the country have been declared unsuitable for use ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, according to a report by the Education Engineering Department (EED). The report, signed by EED Chief Engineer Md. Altaf Hossain, estimates that Tk 110.27 crore will be required for repair work and construction of boundary walls at these centers. Among the centers, 1,490 educational institutions under the Secondary and Higher Education Division will need Tk 33.78 crore for repairs. Additionally, boundary wall construction at 559 institutions has been projected to cost Tk 76.48 crore. The EED has already written to the Education Secretary seeking allocation of the necessary funds, with a copy of the request also sent to the Election Commission.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam, after returning from China and visiting Nurul Haque Nur at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, declared that the Jatiya Party has “no right” to engage in politics in Bangladesh. He accused the party of standing against the people by participating in what he described as an “illegitimate election,” thereby legitimizing a fraudulent process. Nahid strongly condemned the recent attack on Nur, calling it “deeply concerning” and “unnatural.” He urged all political parties to unite in resisting the defeated forces. At the same time, Sarjis Alam warned of taking to the streets once again to counter what he called “fascist conspiracies.” He argued that the attack on Nur was a calculated attempt to suppress the power of a people’s uprising. “This brutal assault was carried out by the military, which is alarming,” Alam alleged, raising questions about whose directives the armed forces are currently operating under. He further claimed that the violence was carried out in retaliation for demanding accountability for collaborators of fascism.

Police have recovered the body of a 50-year-old US citizen, identified as Jackson, from The Westin Dhaka. Initial investigations suggest that his death was natural. According to OC Hafizur Rahman, Jackson checked into the hotel on August 27 through the US Embassy. Hotel staff grew suspicious after he stopped ordering food for two consecutive days and alerted both the embassy and police. A medical team from the embassy and a police team later entered his room, where they found Jackson lying dead on his bed. Police confirmed that as the death appeared natural, the US Embassy formally took custody of the body. Initial information indicates Jackson had arrived in Bangladesh for business purposes.

A strong 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border late Sunday night, killing more than 20 people and injuring over 115 others. Officials fear the death toll may rise. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at 11:47 pm local time at a depth of just 8 kilometers. At least three aftershocks, ranging between 4.5 and 5.2 in magnitude, followed the initial tremor. The worst-hit provinces are Nangarhar and Kunar, where hospitals are overwhelmed with the injured. Tremors were felt in Kabul for several seconds and even as far away as Islamabad. Afghanistan has a tragic history of devastating earthquakes. In October 2023, a 6.3-magnitude quake killed at least 4,000 people in the country.