Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has expressed concern over the sweeping victory of Islami Chhatra Shibir in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election. His remarks drew a sharp response from Meghmallar Basu, a GS candidate in the same election.

In an open letter, Basu wrote, “Mr. Tharoor, despite massive state interference, Islamist extremism, and financial muscle power, I still secured nearly 5,000 votes. That makes me a legitimate representative of Dhaka University’s progressive students. While your analysis that people are disillusioned with mainstream parties’ corruption is true, you fail to see that your words inadvertently serve as propaganda for Jamaat.”

He continued, “Why is Shibir’s victory ‘alarming’ to you? Weren’t you the same person who stoked right-wing propaganda during the Sabarimala issue in Kerala, just to weaken the CPI(M)? Before advising a neighboring country, first defeat Hindutva fascists in India’s own national elections. We will fight Islamist fascism in Bangladesh ourselves.”

Earlier, Tharoor had described Shibir’s win as “a warning sign for the future, reflecting public frustration with both Awami League and BNP, pushing voters toward Jamaat not for its religious agenda, but because it has not yet been tainted by corruption and misrule.”

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Committee for the People (NCP), has been acquitted of a long-pending case filed under the Special Powers Act.

The case stemmed from April 13, 2021, when Hossain was distributing iftar items to the underprivileged in Dhaka University during Ramadan. Police detained him and filed charges at Shahbagh Police Station. Later, while he was in prison, another case was brought against him over a peaceful protest against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dhaka.

Speaking after the acquittal, Hossain said, “The previous government weaponized false cases against hundreds of thousands of citizens, myself included. While the interim government has withdrawn some of these politically motivated charges, one case against me remains ongoing. I demand that all false cases against anyone be withdrawn immediately.”

BNP Vice Chairman Altaf Hossain Chowdhury claimed during a speech at Dumki Upazila Auditorium that although Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fled, her remnants remain and are conspiring with India to disrupt Bangladesh’s elections. Altaf urged party members to unite under the leadership of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman to ensure a fair election, citing the ideals of Ziaur Rahman as guiding principles.

Members of the newly elected DU panel visited former DU VP Nurul Haque Nur in hospital, breaking into tears while praying for his recovery. GOB leader Shakil Uzzaman confirmed the visit, which included newly elected DU VP Sadiq Qayem, GS SM Farhad, and AGS Mohiuddin. The panel expressed condolences and wished Nur a speedy recovery. Previously, Nurul Haque Nur had congratulated all students who participated in the DU and hall elections and thanked the university administration for a lively, participatory election process.

BNP leader AZM Zahid Hossain stated that domestic and foreign forces are plotting against democracy in Bangladesh. He called for strengthened unity among democratic forces to resist these conspiracies. Zahid emphasized that the BNP’s 31-point program, developed in coordination with other democratic parties, addresses the population’s basic needs and outlines Bangladesh’s future governance, ensuring law and order and protection of the innocent while holding criminals accountable.

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Shahjahan Mia, contesting Chandpur-3, urged voters to choose justice and fairness in the upcoming election. Speaking at Chandkhar Bazar Jame Mosque and during local community outreach, Shahjahan emphasized that ending terrorism, corruption, and looting, and establishing a justice-based society, requires casting ballots for the candidate symbolized by fairness.

A three-member NCP delegation will visit Japan on Thursday, including Sarjis Alam, Nasiruddin Patwary, and Mahbub Alam. According to Sarjis Alam, the visit is at the invitation of the NCP Japan Diaspora Alliance and other expatriates. This marks NCP’s third foreign delegation trip within a month; previous visits included Malaysia (August 22–25) and China (August 26–30). During the visit, the leaders will participate in “Remember the Heroes,” a program commemorating July fighters, with events scheduled in Tokyo and Osaka. Earlier, the delegation met Japan’s Ambassador to Dhaka, Shinichi Saida.

A total of 8,016 votes were cast in the recent JUCSU and Hall Parliament elections, with 11,919 registered voters, marking a voter turnout of 67.9%. The University Election Commission officially concluded voting across all centers on Thursday at 7:00 PM, according to commission sources.

This year, 178 candidates competed for 25 positions across the elections. Eight panels, backed by left-leaning groups, the Chhatra League, Shibir, and independent student supporters, participated in the contest. However, the panel supported by the Chhatra Dal boycotted the election, alleging irregularities and vote manipulation.

Jamaat-e-Islami lawyer Shishir Monir has called for the implementation of the July Charter through a special constitutional order.

He argued that the historic events of August 5 last year reflected the will of the people, and that the constitutional order should recognize that day as the starting point for enforcement.

Meanwhile, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher stated that the next national election must be held on the basis of the July Charter. “Discussions are still ongoing regarding the mechanism of its enforcement, but a logical solution will emerge through dialogue,” he assured.

Monir, however, pressed for immediate action, emphasizing: “The people’s expectations found expression on August 5. The implementation date of the July Charter must be tied to that day.”

Mufti Syed Mohammad Fayzul Karim, senior Naib Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, said the party is advocating for elections under the proportional representation (PR) system, which he called the safest mechanism to prevent fascism, muscle power, and undue influence. He stated that Islamic parties are exploring unified participation, criticizing the current administration’s inability to conduct free and fair elections. Fayzul also highlighted the recent Dhaka University student elections, describing it as a victory for Islamists over leftist and pro-India factions.

Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Power and Energy Adviser, has issued a stern warning to rural electrification workers, stating that the government will not tolerate disruptions caused by unreasonable mass leave. Alternative measures are ready if employees fail to return promptly. A seven-member committee will investigate procurement corruption, and employment regulations will be established. Despite some absences, electricity supply continues uninterrupted. Legal action has begun against those obstructing work, while some employee demands are being addressed through ongoing reforms in laws and regulations.

French authorities have detained 675 people during nationwide blockade protests, with 280 arrested in Paris alone. Clashes with police erupted across the country, but efforts to block roads, rail stations, schools, and bus depots largely failed. Police vow to maintain strict measures against further disruptions. Labor unions have called another protest for September 18, while tensions stem from former PM François Bayrou’s 2026 budget plan, which proposes €44 billion in savings to reduce France’s national debt, rejected in a recent confidence vote.

Veteran freedom fighter Fazlur Rahman, popularly known as “Fazu Pagla,” launched a fiery critique of Jamaat-e-Islami for denying the legitimacy of the 1971 Liberation War.

“Jamaat claims it was a conflict between brothers, instigated by India. But I will say till my last breath—it was a war for Bangladesh’s freedom,” he declared.

Fazlu accused Jamaat leaders of distorting history, claiming freedom fighters were mostly Hindus from India. He challenged Jamaat’s Amir directly: “You have 19 seats in Sylhet. Contest in even one, and if you win, I’ll concede your legitimacy. Until then, I will keep exposing you.”

He vowed to contest the next general election under the BNP’s sheaf of paddy symbol, reaffirming his identity as anti-Jamaat, not anti-religion.

Russia’s experimental cancer vaccine, Enteromix, has successfully completed preclinical trials, showing a 60–80% tumor reduction and improved survival in tested animals. Initially developed for colorectal cancer, researchers are also exploring versions for glioblastoma, melanoma, and rare ocular melanoma. While some reports claim 100% effectiveness, verification remains pending. The vaccine is “ready for use” pending government approval, but no timeline for human trials or widespread availability has been announced. Experts see it as a potential breakthrough in cancer treatment.

Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Pakistan’s government and people over unprecedented floods in the country. Delivered through Religious Advisor Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, the letter emphasized Bangladesh’s solidarity with the affected population and offered full support for relief and rehabilitation efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the delegation, highlighting the historical and cultural ties between the two nations. He also praised Yunus’s visionary leadership and contributions to poverty alleviation.