July Unity has issued an ultimatum demanding the ban of the National Party and 14 other parties allied with the Awami League, citing their role in alleged genocide, oppression, and disruption of democracy. The group consulted with families of martyrs, injured activists, and 80 organizations aligned with the July Mass Uprising before deciding. If the interim government fails to act by September 9, July Unity plans legal measures and street protests to enforce the ban and hold these parties accountable.

BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy called for vigilance against inequality masquerading as reform. He cautioned that voters need to recognize candidates personally, rather than blindly following party symbols or slogans.

He emphasized that the nation’s citizens cast their votes based on parties, individuals, and reputation. “We must focus on holding timely, single-issue elections nationwide. When the entire country engages in elections, conspirators will have nowhere to hide,” he said.

Addressing participants of the July uprising, Roy urged them to focus on the future, warning against becoming pawns in political games and instead dedicating themselves to establishing democracy. He also praised Tarique Rahman’s leadership, noting that despite his long stay abroad, Rahman has not faltered in guiding the movement. “He will continue to play a key role in defending democracy in the future,” Roy said.

BNP leader Begum Selima Rahman has accused the ruling government of plundering the country under the pretext of upholding the spirit of the Liberation War. She warned that a new “2024 mentality” is emerging, being used to undermine the upcoming elections.

Speaking on political accountability, Selima stressed that despite the fall of authoritarianism, the struggle is far from over. “We must ensure the people’s right to vote. No further conspiracies will be allowed,” she said.

She affirmed that the BNP is fully prepared for the next election and called on all party leaders and activists to work toward this goal. Addressing the controversy over the proportional representation system, she remarked that in such a system, citizens would not even know whom they are voting for. “The people will elect their leaders. The BNP will fight for votes and, more importantly, for democracy,” she added.

The government has constituted a three-member inquiry commission to investigate the recent attack on Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gono Adhikar Parishad.

The commission will be headed by Justice Md. Ali Reza of the High Court Division, with the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division as members.

The panel has been given 30 working days to submit its findings, including identifying those responsible for the assault and recommending legal action against them. It will also propose measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Addressing Abdul Kader, a candidate for Dhaka University Vice President, Bangladesh Nationalist Student Party (JSD) President Rakibul Islam assured: “Kader, I promise that the BNP student wing will stand firmly with you against the descendants of Rajakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams, InshaAllah.”

Rakib also highlighted the exposure of certain militant networks within rival student groups. He said, “Leaders and operatives trained for cyberbullying are systematically targeting not only conscious women leaders but anyone with opposing views. These individuals must be identified and held accountable. Over time, justice will be ensured.”

Earlier, Kader described his struggle for safety: “I do not need to win DU elections; I just want to survive. Since speaking about the Rajakars, harassment has escalated daily. I cannot sleep, and even my family faces threats.”

DU vice-presidential candidate Abdul Kader wrote that he does not seek victory; he just wants to survive. He described escalating threats and harassment, saying they have caused sleepless nights and physical trembling. Kader criticized online propaganda and appeals targeting his family, warning of continued trauma if the harassment persists.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the war in Ukraine can end either through negotiations or military force. While he prefers dialogue, he stressed that all objectives will be met if necessary by force. He reiterated that Ukraine must abandon NATO ambitions and end discrimination against Russian speakers. Putin is open to talks if President Zelensky visits Moscow, though Ukraine has rejected Moscow as a venue. The conflict continues amid Russia’s annexation of four regions and ongoing Western sanctions.

Russia has identified three issues in its relationship with China, President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ahead of a military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. Putin highlighted strong ties with Belarus, noting trade has surpassed $50 billion, and praised the U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska. He also met Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to discuss bilateral relations, emphasizing Russia’s readiness to advance its partnerships despite challenges.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that India has offered to trade with the United States without any tariffs following the imposition of U.S. duties. Speaking on The Scott Jennings Radio Show, Trump criticized countries like China, India, and Brazil for harming U.S. interests with tariffs. He described India as the highest-tariff country and claimed that the tariff imposition prompted India’s proposal. Trump emphasized that tariffs are necessary for economic strength and insisted the offer would not have come without U.S. action.

The Election Commission (EC) has finalized and published the gazette after redefining parliamentary constituency boundaries, including Brahmanbaria-2. The updated constituency now incorporates two additional unions from Bijoynagar—Budhanti and Chandura—alongside Ashuganj and Sarail.

BNP leader Rumin Farhana expressed satisfaction with the revised boundaries, noting that the newly added areas were historically part of Brahmanbaria-2. “Reverting these areas back to Brahmanbaria-2 restores electoral balance. Based on voter population, geography, and accessibility, there is no reason for them to belong to any other constituency,” she said. However, Harshpur Union, which was supposed to be included, did not appear in the final gazette.

Several high-ranking officials, judges, military officers, and their spouses, previously barred from renewing passports after the government change in August, have received no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the Home Ministry. Some are accused in July killings, under international crimes investigations, or facing anti-corruption probes. Many have already received passports, with reports suggesting some may have left the country. The sudden easing of restrictions has raised questions about political favoritism, despite officials noting that those under investigation will still face immigration checks.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department has intensified actions against illegal immigrants and passport forgery. In recent operations, 770 foreigners were arrested in Bukit Bintang, including Bangladeshis, Myanmar, Nepalese, Indians, and Indonesians. Separately, a Bangladeshi-run fake passport syndicate was dismantled, seizing passports, forgery tools, and cash. The syndicate supplied fake passports to foreign workers for medical exams. Authorities warned employers harboring illegal immigrants of strict penalties. Immigration efforts to control illegal migration and combat document fraud will continue nationwide.

The Dhaka University administration announced that all campus entrances will be closed to the public from 8 PM on September 8 until 6 AM on September 10 for the DUCSU elections. Students, faculty, and staff with valid DU ID cards can access the campus. Family members may enter with a copy of their relative’s ID. Only university-stickered and emergency service vehicles will be allowed; others require a security pass from the Proctor’s Office.

Jamaat leader Mia Golam Porwar said BNP resists proportional representation because it considers itself the dominant party. He emphasized that the upcoming election cannot be fair without the legal basis of the July charter. About 70% of Bangladeshis support proportional representation, he noted.

Porwar added, “We will respect whatever verdict the public gives in the referendum. If the people oppose, Jamaat will withdraw its PR demand.” He also highlighted structural reforms to curb corruption, pointing out that political pressure often weakens the Election Commission.

RAB-7 has arrested Hannan, one of the accused in the clash between Chittagong University students and local residents. Authorities said Hannan, listed as the 56th accused in the university administration’s case, is a former member of Fatepur Union Parishad and an associate of local Jubo League leader Hanif and the banned organization’s Hatkhazari Upazila vice president, Iqbal.

Following their directives, Hannan allegedly led an attack on university students. He was apprehended on Thursday evening in Hatkhazari through a technology-assisted operation.