Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mujibur Rahman has demanded that the government replace music teachers in primary schools with religious instructors. At a press conference, he warned of “mass protests on the streets” if the demand is ignored.
The All-Party National Committee for Protecting Islamic Education also presented a five-point proposal, including the mandatory appointment of qualified religious teachers in every primary school and amending the 2025 teacher recruitment rules.
Meanwhile, rights organization ASK criticized the demand, calling it a regressive attempt to undermine cultural education.

Chief Returning Officer Jasim Uddin has responded to allegations that ballots pre-marked for Shibir candidates Forhad and Sadiq Kayem were supplied at the TSC center during the Daksu elections.
He revealed that video footage shows a female student entering the polling booth four separate times—spending about 40 seconds the first time, 66 seconds the second, just 2 seconds the third, and over 10 minutes the fourth.
“Her repeated entry and interactions with multiple individuals inside the booth raise serious questions and suspicion,” the CRO stated, adding that the matter is being investigated thoroughly.

The Election Commission (EC) has clarified that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with her family members whose National ID cards have been blocked, will not be allowed to vote.

Those affected include her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Rehana Siddiq, nieces Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and Azmima Siddiq, and nephew Radwan Siddiq Bobby. Tarique Ahmed Siddiq, Hasina’s brother-in-law, is also on the list.

Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed explained that the restrictions apply only to those with suspended NIDs, not to expatriates abroad due to cases or other reasons.

For the first time, the EC is introducing IT-supported postal ballots to facilitate expatriate voting. A new registration app called “Postal Ballot BD” is being rolled out for this purpose.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged people of all faiths to remain vigilant during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations to thwart any attempt at communal violence.

He warned that vested groups sometimes exploit festivals to incite unrest by sowing mistrust and division for political gain.

“Any conspiracy, provocation, or sabotage must be defeated,” Fakhrul said, calling on BNP leaders, activists, and like-minded parties to act as guardians of peace and coexistence during the festivities.

He also directed BNP activists to function as watchful sentinels at puja mandaps to ensure safety and harmony.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will leave for New York on September 21 to attend the 80th UN General Assembly. He will be accompanied by four political representatives: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and NCP leader Akhtar Hossain.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that for the first time, the UN Secretary-General will chair a high-level meeting on the Rohingya crisis during the session.

Dr. Yunus is scheduled to deliver his address to the UNGA on September 26. On the sidelines, he will also hold meetings with the UN Secretary-General, the prime ministers of Pakistan and Finland, and heads of several international organizations.

New York police have made security preparations in case of protests during his visit.

BNP leader Rumin Farhana has warned that Jamaat-e-Islami poses a unique political threat in Bangladesh, saying:

“If Jamaat identifies someone as an enemy, the way they attack—no other party in Bangladesh does that.”

Speaking on Jamaat’s organizational strength, she described it as “highly disciplined, much like the military,” stressing that its supporters unquestioningly follow party commands without considering right or wrong.

She noted that politics now has two battlefields—the traditional ground and the digital space, where Jamaat unleashes particularly harsh rhetoric against perceived opponents.

Rumin recalled her past criticisms of Jamaat in Parliament, adding:
“Once they decide a group or individual poses a political threat, Jamaat will crush them without hesitation.”

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud has said that any political party seeking to claim ground democratically must contest elections and win the people’s mandate.
He criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for announcing programs instead of preparing for elections, suggesting that their reluctance stems from a lack of electoral confidence.
Khasru further argued that groups undermining the Consensus Commission talks are disrespecting democratic processes, adding: “The people will decide the future of those who attempt to destabilize the nation.”

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has claimed that adopting a Proportional Representation (PR) system could allow parties allied with the ruling Awami League to manipulate votes and undermine Bangladesh’s independence.
He alleged that separatist groups in Bangladesh, some backed by India, might use the PR system to push for partition in Parliament. Ishraq warned: “Both pro-India separatists and international powers could exploit this system, threatening Bangladesh’s sovereignty.”
Declaring that the people will resist any such attempts, he added: “We will give our lives for this country, but we will not hand it over to collaborators—whether of 1971 or 2024.”

Ali Riaz, Vice President of the Consensus Commission, said political parties are expected to reach a final decision on implementing the July Accord by September 21, before the Chief Adviser departs for New York.
He warned that failure to meet this deadline could delay progress until after October 2. Riaz expressed hope that parties would overcome differences on issues such as referendums and constitutional orders by relying on expert guidance.
Experts have advised four possible methods for implementation: ordinance, executive order, referendum, or special constitutional order.

A BNP leader in Mirpur, Dhaka, has been suspended from his post for three months following allegations of intimidation and extortion against members of the Hindu community.
The party acted against Abu Sayeed Dipu after a written complaint was filed by the management committee of the Shree Shree Shyama Kali Temple in DNCC’s Ward-9. The complaint accused Dipu and his son—allegedly a local gang leader—of demanding money under threat of false legal cases. Witnesses claim they warned Hindus, saying: “What’s your place in this country? Go back to your ancestors’ land.”
Dipu dismissed the accusations as a conspiracy, stating: “I have never demanded extortion money. I live a solvent life.”

Bangladesh has started exporting hilsa to India ahead of Durga Puja, with the first consignment of 37.46 metric tons entering through Benapole land port. Five Indian firms imported the fish, while five Bangladeshi exporters, including Lucky Trading and Swarnali Enterprise, supplied the shipment. In total, Bangladesh has permitted 1,200 metric tons of hilsa to be exported by October 5 at $12.5 per kg. Officials say the move will boost the economy and create opportunities for fish farmers.

Students of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute blocked roads at Tejgaon’s Sat Rasta intersection on Wednesday morning, bringing traffic to a halt around 11 a.m.

Their seven-point demand includes scrapping the 30% promotion quota for craft instructors to junior instructor posts, canceling recent promotion rulings, revising job titles, annulling appointments made in 2021, and amending recruitment regulations.

The protest follows a similar demonstration held in the area on Tuesday afternoon.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, has called for the adoption of a proportional representation (PR) system for national elections.

He argued that PR elections prevent the emergence of authoritarian governments and ensure every vote counts, enabling all political parties to gain parliamentary representation.

Rezaul Karim criticized delays in granting legal recognition to the “July Charter” and demanded its implementation before the next election. He said the charter must also include justice for the Pilkhana massacre and the Shapla Chattar killings.

At the event, he introduced Shah Iftekhar Tariq, the party’s central organizational secretary, as Islami Andolan’s candidate for Dhaka-9 constituency in the upcoming national election.

For a second consecutive day, members of the “All-Party United Committee” staged a sit-in outside the Bagerhat District Election Office demanding the reinstatement of four parliamentary constituencies.

From 9 a.m., demonstrators gathered in front of the district office and nine upazila election offices, staging rallies and processions. Protesters included leaders and activists from BNP, Jamaat, and other political parties, as well as local residents from diverse professions.

They argued that Bagerhat’s population, Mongla Port, and industrial zones justify the restoration of the four seats. The sit-in continued until 1 p.m., with organizers set to announce new programs at 3 p.m. today.

The Chinese Embassy has donated 49 computers and 49 printers to the Bangladesh Police, strengthening bilateral cooperation. On September 16, Ambassador Yao Wen handed over the gifts to IGP Baharul Alam, who expressed gratitude and highlighted China as an important development partner. The meeting also included discussions on ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals working on projects in Bangladesh. Officials from both the embassy and the police were present, emphasizing continued collaboration and mutual support between the two nations.