Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, emphasized the need to form a government composed entirely of honest individuals. “The people should not send corrupt individuals to parliament,” he stated.

Manna praised former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as a good leader who did not siphon national funds abroad, contrasting her tenure with alleged financial misconduct during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. At the same event, LDP General Secretary Redowan Ahmed criticized the Jamaat party for its historical collaboration with Pakistani forces and continued harassment of freedom fighters. He argued that proportional representation elections would be illogical and legally unacceptable in Bangladesh, citing Nepal’s frequent government changes under such a system.

Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the Chief Adviser, visited Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) to see VP Nurul Haque Nur, who was injured during clashes between the National Party and the Gana Odhikar Parishad, followed by police action.

Alam arrived at the hospital’s emergency department around 11:15 PM on Friday. Earlier in the evening, tensions had erupted between party supporters. Several individuals, including Nur, were first taken to a private hospital but were later transferred to DMCH for advanced treatment.

Adviser Asif Nazrul has strongly condemned the violent attack on VP Nurul Haque Nur by police and military personnel. In a Facebook post, Nazrul stated, “I strongly denounce and protest the barbaric attack on VP Nurul Haque Nur.”

In response, Hasnat Abdullah commented: “Is protesting your job? Please stop the hypocrisy, sir. You will have to answer for what you were appointed for. We have reports on who obstructed what and where. Focus on doing your work rather than these symbolic protests.”

Meanwhile, NCP leader Ariful Islam Adib noted that recent political developments have exposed attempts by the deep state, neighboring powers, and old elite factions to engineer elections along the 2008 model. He added that it will gradually become clear who will form the government and who will be in opposition.

Ganadhikar Parishad Advisor Asif Nazrul strongly condemned the attack on VP Nurul Haque Nur on social media, calling it a “barbaric assault.” However, Hasnat Abdullah commented, urging restraint and focusing on actionable work rather than protests.

Meanwhile, NCP leader Ariful Islam Adib claimed that attempts are underway to orchestrate elections under the 2008 model, coordinated by “deep state, neighboring powers, and former looters,” highlighting political manipulation of government formation.

The final list of candidates for the JAKSU elections has been released, with a total of 179 contestants vying for various positions. According to Election Commission Secretary Rashidul Alam, 10 candidates are contesting for the Vice President (VP) post, while 9 are competing for the General Secretary (GS) position.

The commission also reported that 86 candidates withdrew their nominations, and 6 candidates were disqualified for filing nominations for multiple posts, bringing the total number of invalidated nominations to 92.

The deadline for nomination withdrawals ended on Thursday, and the commission released the final list the following day. Voting is scheduled to take place on September 11.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Ganadhikar Parishad, stated that Nurul Haque Nur’s condition is extremely critical. “Nur is being transferred from Islami Bank to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. His situation is very serious. A press briefing will be held at 11:30 PM,” Rashed confirmed.

Rashed further described the extent of Nur’s injuries: “Nur’s nose is fractured, his eyes are in very bad condition, and his hand is broken. He is in a critical state. Whether he survives, I don’t know. I myself was attacked, and over a hundred of our activists have been injured.”

Zunaid Saki, leader of the Ganashanghati Movement, has emphasized that to definitively defeat fascism, the country must establish a sustainable democratic system. “For this, the upcoming elections must be free, fair, and credible,” he stated.

Saki warned that one faction is attempting to confront reforms with elections, but stressed that genuine electoral processes are essential to advance justice and reform. “At this moment, justice, reform, and elections are in the national interest of the country. Everyone must recognize the importance of their vote to strengthen democracy,” he added.

He noted that while the fall of dictatorship followed the recent uprising, the remnants of fascist structures have yet to be fully dismantled. Saki called for prioritizing representative elections through the exercise of people’s voting rights and emphasized that democratic transformation can be achieved through necessary reforms implemented by elected representatives.

He also reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to continue fighting against fascism in the future.

Japan is reforming its skill development program for foreign workers, allowing job changes in seven key sectors after two years at the first workplace. The new policy, effective from 2027, requires workers to remain within the same industry and offers permanent work opportunities through the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa after three years. Restrictions on relocation apply in high-wage prefectures like Tokyo and Osaka, while companies elsewhere cannot hire more than one-third foreign workers. The move addresses Japan’s labor shortage amid an aging population.

Security forces launched a violent assault on leaders and activists of the Ganadhikar Parishad (People’s Rights Council) in front of the Jatiya Party office in Kakrail on Friday night. Several leaders, including the organization’s president and former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur, sustained serious injuries.

The incident occurred around 8:15 PM. Activists rushed the bleeding Nur to a hospital for treatment. Earlier in the evening, a clash and retaliatory chase broke out between Jatiya Party and Ganadhikar Parishad activists at the same location. Responding to the escalating violence, large numbers of police and military personnel arrived on the scene. Reports indicate that by 9 PM, stone-pelting continued intermittently, and security forces were working to regain control.

According to the police, stones were thrown between the two groups around 6:15 PM. Clashes and confrontations continued in phases until 9 PM.

Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, criticized the Election Commission’s electoral roadmap, saying it ignores promised reforms, the July Charter, and justice for Sheikh Hasina and her associates. He called it a betrayal of the people’s sacrifices, stressing that elections must be genuinely participatory and based on reforms. He urged the government to first establish legal foundations for the July Charter and a roadmap for justice before proceeding with elections, warning that otherwise the process will become a farce.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has assured that President Donald Trump is in excellent health and full of energy, dismissing recent concerns about his well-being. In a USA Today interview, Vance emphasized that he is fully prepared to take over presidential responsibilities if a “terrible tragedy” occurs. Highlighting Trump’s active routine despite his age, Vance also noted the valuable experience he has gained over the past 200 days in office, underlining the importance of being ready for any eventuality.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris will lose her Secret Service protection starting September 1, following a decision by President Donald Trump. Traditionally, ex-vice presidents receive six months of security after leaving office, but President Joe Biden had extended Harris’s coverage before her term ended. Harris, who is set to release a book and attend events nationwide, may face increased risk due to the withdrawal of security. Her advisor, Kirsten Allen, expressed gratitude for the professionalism and efforts of the Secret Service.

NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan has stressed that importers and exporters must not face unnecessary obstacles, urging proper enforcement of existing laws to ensure fair revenue collection. He warned against arbitrary BIN locks, calling for accountability in customs and intelligence units. Khan emphasized bringing non-VAT payers into the tax net, punishing evaders, and expanding VAT registration. He also ordered bond activities to go online within a month, faster audits, and stronger enforcement to boost income tax recovery.

Malaysia is preparing to celebrate its 68th Independence Day on August 31 with nationwide festivities. From Kuala Lumpur to remote villages, colorful flags, lights, and parades will mark the occasion. The theme “Malaysia MADANI: Consensus, Cooperation, Togetherness” highlights unity amid diversity. Main events at Dataran Putrajaya include military parades, cultural performances, and historic reenactments. Malaysians abroad also join celebrations. The day emphasizes national consciousness, responsibility for future generations, and showcases Malaysia’s strong ties with countries like Bangladesh.

Pakistani activist, speaker, and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Muniba Mazari have been appointed as a new UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocate. Recognized for her relentless work on inclusion, gender equality, and social justice, she will collaborate with global leaders including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Belgium’s Queen Mathilde. UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Mazari as an inspiring voice for equality. Mazari called the role both an honor and a responsibility to amplify unheard voices and inspire collective global action.