The Basail upazila administration has enforced Section 144 after two groups called rallies at the same venue under different banners.

Freedom fighters, under the banner of “Kaderia Bahini,” announced a gathering at Shaheed Minar premises with Kader Siddiqui as chief guest, while a student body applied to hold a separate rally at the same spot under the banner of “Student Society.”

Tensions escalated as both groups claimed priority. The UNO confirmed that Section 144 will remain effective from 6 AM to 6:30 PM to prevent clashes.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that political parties seeking proportional representation (PR) can include it in their election manifesto and implement it in parliament with people’s mandate. “But calling for PR ballots during elections is unrealistic — only politically isolated parties can make such demands,” he remarked.

Khasru stressed that while reforms are necessary, the extent of feasible reforms must be debated, and unresolved issues should go before the public in the next election. He added, “Dissent is part of politics, but respecting others’ opinions and practicing tolerance are vital.”

Citing global examples, he said countries that quickly returned to democracy after revolutions thrived, while those that failed suffered crises and even civil wars. He further claimed, “Had elections been held within three months, the country would have been performing well on every indicator.”

Iran’s Judiciary Chief Hojjatoleslam Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei stated that Iran will never submit to global hegemonic powers. Speaking during a meeting with Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement leader Sayyed Ammar al-Hakim, Ejei emphasized that Iran has never initiated war and will not do so, while remaining vigilant against enemy conspiracies. He stressed rejecting both imposed wars and forced peace, citing the principles of Iran’s revolutionary leaders. Al-Hakim highlighted that Iran-Iraq ties are deep and extend beyond mere neighborly relations.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman emphasized that no one, including the Chief Justice, is above contempt of court. Speaking at a Noakhali District Lawyers’ Association event, he urged judges to ensure lawyers are treated with respect, warning that misconduct undermines public trust in the judiciary. He stated that any judge whose actions create doubts about justice can be held guilty of contempt. The event saw participation from lawyers, politicians, and prominent BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin remains unwavering on Ukraine, insisting any peace deal must meet Moscow’s conditions, with force as a possible fallback. Despite Western sanctions and U.S. pressure, his confidence is bolstered by battlefield realities, diplomatic gains, and support from allies like China and India. While showing willingness to meet Ukrainian President Zelensky in Moscow, Putin warns Western troops entering Ukraine will be targeted. Conflicting objectives between Kyiv and Moscow mean the war’s resolution remains uncertain, with tensions unlikely to ease soon.

Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan honored the July martyrs in Natore, emphasizing that although fascism has been defeated, conspiracies persist. He highlighted ongoing efforts for justice and reform, alongside preparations for national elections. Family members of the martyrs demanded speedy trials, issuance of July certificates, and arrest of accused perpetrators. Officials paid tribute to five martyrs earlier in the day, reflecting the nation’s enduring respect for those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.

The home of Zahid Uddin Mahmud Lipton, former chairman of Sonagazi Upazila Parishad and joint general secretary of the banned Feni district Awami League, was set on fire Friday night.

According to reports, assailants poured petrol and ignited the house while the caretaker was away for prayers. Local residents managed to extinguish the fire after nearly an hour. The attack caused damage to furniture, clothes, and parts of the ground-floor drawing room. The assailants also attempted to break the doors on the second floor and set them on fire but failed. Lipton, who has not resided in the house since August 5, 2024, stated that he was not shaken by the attack.

Amartya Roy Jan, the vice-presidential candidate of the “Sompriti’s Oikko” panel, has been removed from the voter and candidate lists for the upcoming JAKSU elections.

According to the election commission’s notification, Jan, a former president of a faction of the Student Union University Council, was deemed ineligible under Clause 4.38 of JAKSU’s constitution. Consequently, his name has been withdrawn from all election-related lists.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has called for a free and fair general election in February with the participation of all political parties.
Addressing a gathering, Haque said citizens have been deprived of their voting rights for 15 years and are now eager to exercise them. He accused some political groups of conspiring to derail the upcoming election and urged them not to obstruct the democratic process.
He pledged that if BNP came to power, it would safeguard fundamental rights, resolve local issues, establish community clinics and maternity hospitals in every ward, and provide free education for low-income families.
Haque also promised job opportunities for educated unemployed youth and expansion of sports to build a healthier, more capable nation.

In a symbolic move, local farmers were the chief guests at a regional screening of “Krishi Kotha,” a documentary based on BNP Acting Chairman Tarek Rahman’s reform agenda in Kapasia.
The film, built around the 27th point of Tarek Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, highlights the struggles, resilience, and neglected role of farmers in nation-building. Directed by BNP leader Habibur Rahman, the documentary portrays farmers as not only food producers but also architects of the state.
Farmers in attendance shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, describing the film as deeply moving. The documentary is being screened across districts and upazilas and is expected to reach every upazila before the next national election.

Amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Rezaul Karim, has renewed his party’s demand for proportional representation (PR) in national elections, stressing that only such a system can prevent authoritarian rule.
Speaking at a public gathering, Karim said his party has consistently demanded PR-based elections since 2008, alongside legal recognition of the July Charter and restoration of law and order.
He argued that the current system produces “fascists” and leaves 60 percent of the population neglected. By contrast, PR elections would ensure broader representation.
He criticized the Yunus-led government for failing to deliver on its promises of reform, justice, and free elections.

Suspended BNP leader Fazlur Rahman has denounced the exhumation and burning of a body as an “anti-Islamic act,” warning the government not to provoke religious unrest.
He alleged that such incidents were occurring under the current administration, cautioning that faithful Muslims would not tolerate attempts to inflame sectarian tensions.
Fazlu urged devout Muslims to strongly protest and resist such “heinous acts,” adding that Sunnis, who make up the majority of Bangladesh’s Muslim population, are peaceful but uncompromising in defending their faith.

Khelafat Majlis has expressed grave concern and condemnation over the burial and subsequent burning of the body of “Nural Pagla” in Goaland.
Party Secretary-General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad said the deceased was buried in a manner that disregarded Islamic rites, sparking strong protests among local Muslims. He accused the authorities of failing to intervene in time, which allowed miscreants to infiltrate public demonstrations and desecrate the grave by burning the body—an act he described as a “blatant violation of Islam.”
He stressed that no Muslim has the right to bury or burn a body in such a way and condemned those who failed to prevent the incident. He called for stronger and more responsible action from the administration.

The Bangladesh Chhatra Dal (JCD) has expelled a local leader from its Rupsha unit for violating party decisions during the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections.
According to a press release, Imtiaz Ali Sujon, member secretary of the East Rupsha unit, was removed from his organizational position after he was caught soliciting votes despite no party directive being issued. The JCD stated that Sujon’s actions tarnished the organization’s image and violated party discipline.
The decision followed the circulation of a viral video showing Sujon calling a voter and requesting support for the JCD panel in the DUCSU polls.

The European Union is set to meet in Washington on September 8 to discuss imposing new sanctions on Russia. Led by EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan, the delegation will hold talks at the U.S. Treasury Department on increasing economic pressure against Russia. Officials from the White House, State Department, and U.S. Trade Representative will also participate. The move follows EU President António Costa’s announcement of the U.S. visit. Meanwhile, Putin criticized Western nations for using the Ukraine crisis to manage their own economic challenges.