Pakistan’s Punjab province is experiencing its most severe flooding in nearly 40 years due to heavy seasonal rains and water releases from Indian rivers. Rivers including the Ravi and Chenab have reached dangerously high flows, prompting evacuations in Lahore, Multan, Jhang, and Sargodha. Embankments are being breached to protect cities, while thousands of residents have been relocated to relief camps. Authorities warn of further flooding, crop losses, and possible casualties in low-lying areas, with continuous monitoring and emergency response ongoing.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has resigned from four National Assembly standing committees, including Law and Justice, Human Rights, IT, and House Business Advisory, following founder Imran Khan’s directive. So far, at least 18 PTI lawmakers have quit committees, part of the party’s broader political strategy amid disqualifications linked to the May 9 riots. PTI will boycott upcoming by-elections, while the ruling PML-N and PPP plan to contest jointly nationwide, intensifying Pakistan’s shifting political landscape.

In Chandrakona Union, Sherpur, a reception and general meeting were held to welcome 24 BNP leaders and supporters who joined Jamaat as associate members.

At the event, Foijur Rahman Firoz, the Jamaat-nominated chairman candidate for the union, congratulated the new members, stating, “By joining Jamaat, you have become part of an ideologically driven Islamic party. However, mere membership is not enough. You must follow Islamic principles in all aspects of life to earn Allah’s satisfaction and attain success in the hereafter, building yourselves as devoted and principled individuals.”

The newcomers expressed their belief that Jamaat is a principled, justice-based Islamic party, adding that the country’s current situation and Jamaat’s patriotic activities inspired them to join voluntarily.

However, BNP leader Khorshedur Rahman from Nakla upazila downplayed the impact, saying, “Those who joined are not established leaders. We have never seen them at BNP events, and the party will not suffer any loss from their departure.”

Algerian Ambassador Amar Benyama was moved to tears at the UN after reading a farewell letter from Palestinian journalist Mariam Abu Dakkar, killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital. Addressed to her 13-year-old son, the letter urged prayer instead of tears and leaving a legacy through her name. Benyama condemned Israel for targeting journalists, called Gaza a “living hell,” and urged the UN to enforce an immediate ceasefire, provide humanitarian aid, and prevent further genocide.

BNP leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has expressed hope that the Election Commission will announce the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections on time in February.

Paying respects at the grave of party founder Ziaur Rahman, Zahid said the roadmap announced by the EC reflects the people’s demand for timely polls.

He stressed that elections remain the key means for citizens to shape the future of Bangladesh, entrusting their chosen representatives with nation-building responsibilities.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has abolished the special quota for women in government primary school teacher recruitment, replacing it with a new 7 percent quota. Under the 2025 regulations, 93 percent of positions will be merit-based, while 7 percent are reserved for children of freedom fighters, small ethnic groups, and physically disabled or third-gender candidates. Separate positions have also been created for music and physical education. Recruitment will occur at the upazila level and through promotions, marking the 2019 regulations null and void.

AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad has demanded that the upcoming national election be held under the July Charter, saying his party would not object even if polling is delayed.

Speaking to reporters, Fuad accused the Election Commission of preparing for a “half-hearted election.” He questioned whether the commission was capable of conducting a credible poll given its lack of proven experience.

Fuad warned that without fixing these issues, the upcoming election could become “the fairest but also the most one-sided in history.”

He also criticized the EC for ignoring key reforms, such as lowering the voting age to 17 for those who would reach that age on election day. Additionally, he urged cost-saving measures like standardized posters instead of expensive campaign materials.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Tehran will respond appropriately to the United Kingdom, France, and Germany after they initiated the UN “snapback” mechanism. The E3 informed the UN Security Council that sanctions could be reinstated if relief on Iran is not extended within 30 days. Tehran calls the move illegal and says it may impact cooperation with the IAEA. Araghchi emphasized that Iran will protect its national rights and interests against what it considers an unjust European decision.

The United States has expressed readiness to engage in direct dialogue with Iran to achieve a peaceful and sustainable solution to its nuclear program. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that diplomatic efforts complement, rather than conflict with, the snapback sanctions process initiated by France, Germany, and the UK. Rubio urged Iranian leaders to take immediate steps to prevent nuclear weapons development and ensure peace and prosperity for the Iranian people. The three European nations have formally informed the UN Security Council about the snapback mechanism.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has warned of a “deep conspiracy” to eliminate liberal politics in Bangladesh and replace it with extremist forces, which he said would be disastrous for the nation.

Fakhrul cautioned that if elections are not held on time, fascism would rise, both domestically and with external influence. He noted growing public concern about whether elections will take place at all under current conditions.

Accusing certain political groups of spreading false propaganda against the BNP, Fakhrul reminded that party leaders and activists, including Khaleda Zia, have endured oppression for the past 15 years.

“We do not want Bangladesh to become a failed state,” he said, stressing the need to restore democracy in a way that serves the entire nation rather than a small elite.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has accused the Election Commission (EC) of attempting to sabotage free and fair elections by announcing its recently unveiled roadmap.

Speaking at a gathering at Central Medical College Hospital in Cumilla, Taher, a Nayeb-e-Ameer of the party, said, “Announcing a roadmap before deciding whether to adopt the traditional system or the new proportional representation system is a grave offense by the Election Commission.”

He added that Jamaat would compel the EC and government to conduct elections under a reform charter. The EC recently revealed its 24-step action plan ahead of the 13th national parliamentary elections.

A controversy arose during a Dhaka University Daksu election talk show when a first-year student, while asking a question, was branded as a ‘Shibir’ supporter by Tanvir Al Hadi Maied, a candidate for the Assistant General Secretary (AGS) post from the Chhatra Dal panel.

Maied has since expressed regret, admitting that his remark was inappropriate. “I immediately apologized during and after my statement, but many people missed it,” he clarified. Later that night, he issued another public apology on social media.

He emphasized that his panel’s manifesto calls for ending forced political activities, campus violence, and the culture of guest-room and mass-room intimidation. “We are committed to freeing the campus from terrorism, extortion, and occupation. Regular Daksu elections are also one of our top priorities,” Maied said.

The Gono Forum has strongly objected to the unauthorized use of its Emeritus President Dr. Kamal Hossain’s name on the banner of a seminar held at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on August 28.

Acting President Subrata Chowdhury and General Secretary Dr. Mizanur Rahman issued a statement condemning the move, clarifying that the organizers, under the banner of Manch-71, had no affiliation with either Dr. Hossain or Gono Forum.

The seminar, which had listed Dr. Kamal as chief guest, was disrupted by a group identifying themselves as “July Warriors.” Police later detained 15 individuals, including Abdul Latif Siddiqui and Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon.

Islamic movement leader Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim has accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman of sharing identical disdain towards Islamic clerics.

"Joy cannot tolerate bearded men with caps, and Tarique says the same. There’s no difference in their stance," he declared at a rally in Narayanganj.

He also criticized BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, saying while he respects Fakhrul’s honesty in admitting disbelief in Sharia law, BNP’s violent rhetoric contradicts democratic values:
"Threatening to break the legs of those voting for opponents—that is dictatorship, that is extremism."

Faizul Karim also revisited Bangladesh’s electoral history, branding both the 1973 and BNP-era elections as “questionable” and marked by one-party dominance.

Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s health condition remains stable, according to her physician Dr. AZM Zahid, who spoke after her check-up at Evercare Hospital on Thursday evening.

He criticized the Awami League government for alleged negligence:
"Had she received timely treatment, her condition could have improved much more. Unfortunately, her medical care was long neglected during this period."

Khaleda Zia arrived at Evercare around 7:30 p.m. and returned to her residence in Firoza after 11 p.m.