Army personnel rescued 11-year-old Al Rafi, a student of Khagrachhari Cantonment Public School and College, hours after he was abducted from Chengi Square on Sunday morning.
Led by Captain Mahfuzul Islam, the rescue operation near Mollapara Bridge in Panchhari freed the child and resulted in the arrest of suspect Badsha Mia. Another accused, Kamrul Islam, was later detained from Panchhari bazaar. The two have been handed over to police, while the prime suspect, Malek Mia alias Malu, remains at large.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh Army for its continued role in supporting civil administration and maintaining law and order. During a meeting with the Army Chief, Yunus stressed the importance of strengthening this role ahead of the upcoming elections.
General Waker-uz-Zaman assured full cooperation from the Army and urged the public to ignore circulating rumors. He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to ensuring the government’s programs succeed.

Legal adviser Asif Nazrul dismissed speculations about an impending state of emergency, calling them mere rumors. He said the government remains firm on holding national elections in February, despite disagreements among political parties on reforms.
Nazrul noted that the Army Chief frequently meets the Chief Adviser and has previously met the President as well, urging people not to be alarmed. He added that while law and order has fluctuated over the past year, such instability is not unusual in post-uprising periods and can be managed again.

The Supreme Court’s Chamber Judge has suspended a High Court order that postponed the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections until October 30. With this decision, no legal barriers remain to holding the polls on September 9, as per the previously announced schedule.

Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has revealed that nearly half of Bangladesh’s social safety net beneficiaries are “ghosts” or politically favored individuals rather than genuine poor recipients.
Speaking at the National Conference on Social Protection 2025, Dr. Mahmud said, “We are working on a national population register that will automatically identify the poor and their level of deprivation.”
He stressed that extreme poverty has no place in a just society and that the roadmap being prepared should guide future governments in reforming the social safety net.

The High Court has stayed the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections until October 30.
The court also sought details on the nomination, scrutiny, and finalization process of candidates, as well as election preparations.
The order came after a petition challenging the validity of the candidacy of SM Farhad, GS candidate from a Shibir-backed panel, filed by Fahmida Alam, a left alliance candidate. The elections were originally scheduled for September 9.

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman held separate meetings on Monday with President Md. Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at Jamuna.
Earlier, on Sunday morning, the Army Chief met Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refat Ahmed. Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman had recently returned from an official visit to China on August 21.

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.

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.

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.

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Companiganj Police Station, Uzair Al Mahmud Adnan, has been transferred to Sylhet Sadar Court as a police inspector following widespread criticism over the looting of limestone at Bholaganj. He has been replaced by Md. Raton Sheikh.

On August 13, a delegation from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) visited the Bholaganj stone quarry, where large-scale looting occurred due to alleged negligence by local administration and law enforcement. Following the incident, on August 18, Companiganj’s UNO Azijunnahar was transferred to Fenchuganj, while Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad was withdrawn.

According to the ACC’s investigation report, OC Uzair Al Mahmud Adnan and several officers of the local police station received commissions from illegal stone traders and actively facilitated the looting.

The war crimes trial over the July uprising, in which Sheikh Hasina and two others are accused, is nearing its conclusion. In just nine days, testimony from 29 witnesses has been recorded, including family members of martyred protesters, injured activists, eyewitnesses, and medical personnel.

Witnesses unanimously called for the death penalty for Sheikh Hasina and her associates. The prosecution expects an additional 10–15 witnesses over the next 3–4 days, after which both sides will present arguments. The tribunal is expected to announce a verdict following the conclusion of testimonies and arguments by October 15.

Advisor Farida Akhter expressed concern over the ecological impact of illegal fishing in Bangladesh’s Haor wetlands. During the release of fingerlings in Kishoreganj’s Itna area, she stated, “Fishing using Chinese nets and electric shocks is threatening the Haor. This must stop immediately.”

She also raised concerns about water flow disruption caused by a newly constructed road connecting Itna to Mithamain and Ashtagram, urging the Road Ministry to consider adding culverts and bridges to prevent further ecological damage.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam conveyed that Chief Adviser Professor Yunus stated, “Any thought of an alternative to elections would be extremely dangerous for this nation. In the first half of February, a free and fair election will take place in a festive environment.”

Professor Yunus emphasized that the caretaker government’s primary duty is to ensure a peaceful electoral process. During the meeting, political parties discussed their views on implementing the July Charter, while the National Consensus Commission’s Vice-President Dr. Ali Riaz and Special Assistant Munir Haidar updated the Chief Adviser on progress. The discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere, with parties voicing concerns and expectations regarding the upcoming election.

Chief Justice Syed Refat Ahmed highlighted recent judicial reforms, including the establishment of the Judicial Appointment Council and the reinstatement of the Supreme Judicial Council, as proof that the judiciary is prioritizing action over rhetoric. “We are committed to upholding independence, discipline, and integrity in serving the people,” he said.