The Democratic Rights Committee has accused the interim government of either indifference or outright support in allowing mobocracy to dominate the country. In a statement marking one year since the July uprising, the platform alleged that the interim administration has effectively reinstated Sheikh Hasina’s government.

The statement declared: “Fascism fell at the cost of workers’ blood. Yet, following the uprising, the first extra-judicial killing was that of a worker. On September 2, joint forces killed worker Md. Habib Islam. We, on behalf of the Democratic Rights Committee, strongly condemn this brutal act.”

The committee also cited other incidents of mob violence and state complicity:

In Rangpur’s Taraganj, two van drivers, Ruplal Das and Pradip Das, were beaten to death.

In Gangachara, false allegations of blasphemy were used to justify violent attacks, looting, and arson against religious minority homes. While attackers roamed free, police arrested a man for nothing more than a Facebook post, effectively endorsing mob aggression.

In Dhaka, a discussion meeting on the Liberation War came under mob attack. Instead of detaining the perpetrators, police arrested 16 participants — including freedom fighters, university professors, and journalists — and later charged them under anti-terrorism laws.

The statement highlighted several similar cases, underscoring a growing trend of mob-driven justice and political repression.

The Democratic Rights Committee is comprised of noted intellectuals and activists, including Sirajul Islam, Anu Muhammad, and Salimullah Khan.

Rashed Khan refuted reports claiming that Nurul Haq Nur, president of the Ganadhikar Parishad, has recovered from injuries sustained in a recent attack. “Attempts are being made to show him as healthy,” Rashed said at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He added that Nur’s nose is still bleeding, and he has sustained a head injury. Once his condition stabilizes, he could be sent abroad for treatment next week. On September 2, the Chief Advisor ordered Nur’s transfer abroad for advanced medical care. Additionally, a one-member judicial investigation committee, led by Justice Md. Ali Reza, has been formed to investigate the attack.

Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince criticized the Election Commission’s backward steps, comparing them to “a ghost stepping backward.” He claimed that increasing deposit and election expenses is an attempt to turn the electoral process into a playground for the wealthy. “This is not why we staged a mass uprising,” he said, referring to the 54 years of mismanagement by past governments. Prince lamented that the wealth generated by Bangladesh’s working people has been looted by corrupt political elites, preventing the establishment of lasting democracy. He described the ruling elite as authoritarian, family-centric, and despotic. “Time and again, we have fought for victory with our own blood. This uprising aimed at democracy and equality. Today, democracy is under threat, and mob violence is making life unbearable,” he said. Prince called on citizens to unite under the Communist Party’s red flag to build a democratic, secular, and egalitarian Bangladesh.

Revolutionary Workers Party leader Saiful Haque warned that if elections become uncertain, the gains of past mass uprisings could be overshadowed by despair. “Those who manipulate elections to create instability must be resisted collectively,” he said. Saiful urged that no agendas should be introduced to stir political hostility among parties before elections. He added that using political competition as a pretext to cultivate authoritarianism would increase suspicion, conflict, and division, which opportunistic forces could exploit. Highlighting concerns over certain proposed amendments to the RPO, he called on the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with political parties and follow a straightforward path.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud has criticized certain individuals for exhibiting authoritarian behavior reminiscent of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “Those calling for election boycotts are echoing Hasina’s tone,” Khasru said. He emphasized that refusing to participate in elections unless specific demands are met is undemocratic. Khasru added that holding referendums for each party’s demands would make elections impossible in the country. “There is no division among true believers in democracy. Reforms that enjoy consensus should be implemented based on the public mandate,” he stated.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that individuals accused in war crimes cases will be barred from participating in elections under the amended ICT Act.

The amendment, approved in a meeting chaired by the Chief Advisor, adds Section 20(C) to the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act 1973. Anyone formally charged under Section 9(1) of the law will be ineligible to hold positions in parliament, local government, public office, or civil service.

BNP leader Zainul Abedin Faruk claimed that the Jamaat-e-Islami’s alleged electoral conspiracy is not isolated and involves Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He stated that the plot would not benefit Jamaat but would advantage the Awami League. Faruk also welcomed the High Court’s decision to uphold the acquittal of Tarique Rahman and others in the August 21 grenade attack case.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu has accused the Awami League of conspiring to derail the upcoming elections to prevent a free and fair vote.
“Awami League does not want a good election,” Dudu said, warning that plots are underway to block BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from playing a role in the country’s leadership.
He expressed confidence that an interim government would ensure a free, fair, and acceptable election, which he said was essential for safeguarding the nation’s independence and sovereignty.
“The sooner the election is held, the sooner democracy will be restored,” he added, urging the government to set a specific election date without delay.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has called for banning political office holders from managing school committees to protect educational institutions from corruption and politicization.
Writing on social media, Sarjis noted that a new regulation requires candidates for school managing committee president to hold at least an Honors degree. He praised the interim government for this initiative, saying it would shield schools from “unqualified, opportunistic businessmen-politicians.”

The court has imposed a travel ban on National Party Chairman GM Quader and his wife, Sherifa Quader, following allegations of extortion, nomination trading, misappropriation of party funds, and accumulation of illegal assets.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) informed the court that investigations are ongoing into the illegal acquisition of wealth by GM Quader and others through corruption and abuse of power. The allegations extend to various immovable and movable assets held by the Quaders and their family, both domestically and abroad. Authorities fear that if the couple flees overseas, it could hinder the ongoing investigation.

Outgoing French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy met BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her residence in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Wednesday night.
The courtesy meeting was attended by BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan and Khaleda Zia’s personal physician Prof. Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, according to BNP media wing official Shamsuddin Didar.

Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim, a DUCSU election candidate from the BNP’s student front, criticized BNP leader Fazlur Rahman, a former Awami League MP and ex-Chatra League leader.
Hamim accused Fazlur of belittling the historic July uprising and the August 5 people’s movement, quoting him as saying “August 5 was the work of dark forces.”
“Once an Awami Leaguer, always an Awami Leaguer,” Hamim said, adding that Fazlur’s statements prove his loyalty lies elsewhere. He praised BNP for issuing a show-cause notice against Fazlur and urged the party to expel him permanently.

Islamic Movement Bangladesh’s Amir, Shaikh-e-Charmonai Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, has declared that Islamic-based politics has no substitute in Bangladesh as the people of the country are deeply devoted to Islam.
Speaking at a massive public rally in Raipura, Narsingdi, he stressed that extortionists, terrorists, and corrupt individuals must not be allowed into parliament. He called for the establishment of an Islamic welfare state to ensure justice and prosperity for all.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson for Inqilab Manch, declared that no threats could silence their struggle against foreign dominance.

“Death is decided not on earth but in the heavens,” Hadi said. “If they kill one Abrar, thousands more will rise. If I fall, my son will fight, and his son after him. This struggle for freedom will never end.”

Hadi urged supporters not to be intimidated, vowing to continue the fight “until the Day of Judgment.” He added: “We were born from our mother’s womb for martyrdom. The battle will go on. Inqilab Zindabad.”

Rajshahi University’s Shah Makhdum Hall Chhatra Dal has permanently expelled its vice-president, A.R. Milon Khan, for referring to 91 female students as “unpaid sex workers.”

The organization also decided to file a case against him with Motihar Police Station. Earlier, Milon had claimed his Facebook account was hacked, but an internal probe found otherwise.

Investigators said Milon failed to provide satisfactory explanations and repeatedly avoided contact, proving the offensive remarks were deliberate. The university administration has been urged to take legal action under existing laws.