Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan has said he will not evade responsibility in the face of challenges, assuring that he will take his decision at the right time.

Speaking about the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections, the VC acknowledged the presence of “multiple internal and external challenges,” but dismissed the notion that he or the university administration was under unbearable pressure.

“Challenges are natural in a process like this — that is why DUCSU elections have not been held regularly over the years,” Dr. Ahmad remarked. “We have stepped into the field with courage, inspired by the strong interest among students and the nationwide attention DUCSU commands. We have already held extensive consultations with stakeholders.”

Highlighting the need for collective support, he said:

“The question now is whether I am truly receiving cooperation from everyone — and in some areas, I need much more. Symbolically, I asked whether people are still holding my hand. I will not conceal anything. Everything will be communicated transparently, with the nation involved in this initiative through open information sharing.”

Reiterating his stance on leadership, the Vice-Chancellor added:

“Personally, I am not someone who abandons my post when faced with great responsibility. I will make my decision in due course. For now, in the name of Allah and with the cooperation of all, we are confronting this major challenge in collaboration with the Election Commission.”

Abu Sadiq Kayem, vice-presidential candidate from the United Student Alliance, has alleged repeated election code violations on campus, claiming the administration has shown favoritism toward one student group.

“Despite concerns raised, the administration remains silent. This is disappointing,” Kayem said. He urged postponing exams until after September 9 to allow students to participate fully.

He further alleged that female candidates have faced cyber harassment and called for strict measures to ensure a level playing field.

Supporting his claims, GS candidate SM Farhad echoed similar concerns over bias and lack of enforcement.

BNP leader Rumeen Farhana has alleged physical confrontation at the Election Commission hearing regarding Brahmanbaria-3 constituency.

She said the rival candidate brought “goons” to the EC premises, leading to clashes that tarnished the Commission’s image.

In a dramatic statement, Rumeen said: “For 15 years, I fought for BNP’s leaders and workers, but today they pushed me. What hasn’t happened in 15 years, happened today.”

She also clarified that as a woman, when she was pushed first, her supporters naturally responded.

BNP has issued a show-cause notice to its Chairperson’s Adviser Fazlur Rahman for making “derogatory and misleading” remarks about the July–August mass uprising.

The party accused him of dishonoring the memory of more than 1,500 martyrs, including over 450 BNP leaders and activists, and insulting the sacrifice of tens of thousands injured.

He has been asked to explain within 24 hours why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that the upcoming election could be perilous if illegal weapons are not seized immediately.

He stressed that while the interim government has shown sincerity, fascist forces would exploit any opportunity to act against democracy. Rizvi reiterated that only through a free and fair election can a people’s government be established, urging all sides not to obstruct democratic progress through force.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has claimed that several BNP leaders have functioned like “Awami League secretaries,” with Rumeen Farhana being one of the most prominent.

Speaking at a political event, Abdullah said, “Rumeen Farhana was the most distressed by Hasina’s fall. She even applied to Hasina for a government flat. For 15 years, she enjoyed every privilege the Awami League offered.”

He accused the Election Commission of being partisan and police of acting as silent spectators while obstructing his party’s access. “This Commission has turned into the office of a few parties,” Abdullah said, adding that people no longer want a return to “muscle politics” and called for an impartial, professional election commission.

A daylong hartal and blockade is being observed in Bagerhat on Sunday, called by the “All-Party United Committee” demanding that the district retain its four parliamentary seats.

The program, supported by BNP and other political groups, began at 8 am and will continue until 4 pm. Demonstrators have blocked several points along five major highways, causing severe disruptions for commuters.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission in Dhaka is holding hearings today on constituency boundary objections, including those from the Comilla region.

A heated altercation broke out between BNP leader Rumin Farhana’s group and Ataullah, joint chief organizer of the National Committee Party (NCP), during Sunday’s constituency redemarcation hearing at the Election Commission.

The clash, which included both verbal disputes and physical scuffles, occurred during discussions on Brahmanbaria-2 and Brahmanbaria-3 constituencies. Rumin defended the EC’s draft proposal, while opposing groups demanded that Vijaynagar upazila remain intact instead of splitting three unions across constituencies. EC officials eventually intervened to restore order.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has urged party members not to be misled by fake press statements being circulated on Facebook under his forged signature.

In an official statement, Rizvi clarified that the alleged release dated August 22 did not originate from the BNP office. He alleged that a vested quarter was behind this forgery aimed at creating confusion among party leaders and activists.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Fazlur Rahman has accused Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir of orchestrating the violent events of August 5. Speaking on a talk show, he alleged, “These are the forces of darkness, descendants of Al-Badr and Al-Shams. We thought they had buried the shame of their ancestors’ defeat 54 years ago, but instead, they’ve revived it.”

Rahman further claimed that Jamaat, with alleged backing from international conspiracies, has amassed significant wealth and influence in Bangladesh. He even suggested that Jamaat informally holds sway over the country’s political power, despite being unable to come to office through elections.

In the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, two candidates are set to be elected unopposed to hall parliament posts, as they face no challengers. Rehena Akter and Lamia Akter will both serve as outdoor sports secretaries in their respective halls.
Lamia, from the BNP-backed panel, contested from Shamsun Nahar Hall, while independent candidate Rehena submitted her nomination from Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall. This year’s DUCSU elections feature about 10 panels from various student groups and independents. However, no organization has managed to field a complete slate across all 18 halls. The polls are scheduled for September 9.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to meet Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at his residence in Bashundhara on Sunday afternoon.
On Saturday evening, Dar also held discussions with a five-member Jamaat delegation led by Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdullah Muhammad Taher at the Pakistan High Commission. The meeting focused on Bangladesh’s current political situation and future bilateral cooperation, with both sides expressing optimism about advancing joint development efforts.

Bangladesh and Pakistan are holding foreign minister-level talks at Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka on Sunday morning. Six agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed during the meeting, covering trade, investment, agriculture, and easing cross-border movement of people.
The talks follow the arrival of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Dhaka on Saturday. He was received by Foreign Secretary Nazrul Islam at the airport before meeting with BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP leaders later in the day.

The Dhaka University unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has directed all its members outside the official panel to withdraw candidacy from the upcoming DUCSU and hall union elections.
In a statement, JCD said August 25 at 1 PM is the final deadline for withdrawal. It warned that disciplinary action will be taken against anyone defying the directive.

BNP leader Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has rejected comparisons of the July 24 uprising to a “second independence,” saying the nation’s only independence came through the 1971 Liberation War.
Speaking at a party event, Tuku accused the Awami League of distorting history and empowering anti-liberation forces to challenge the spirit of 1971. He said:
“Some call July 24 a second independence, but a child is born only once. The freedom achieved in 1971 remains our true independence. July 24 was about toppling a despotic ruler like Sheikh Hasina.”