Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has given the university administration 48 hours to meet five demands, including removal of the accused provost over alleged student abuse at Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall. DUCSU said it would begin a sit-in in front of the vice-chancellor’s office from Thursday if the demands are not met.

On Monday, August 24, DUCSU leaders met the university’s vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellor for administration and the proctorial body. The five-point demand letter was signed by DUCSU leaders and vice-presidents, general secretaries and assistant general secretaries of most hall unions. DUCSU Vice-President Sadik Kayem said action had been taken against the victim and students who protested, while no action had been taken against the accused provost.

The demands include legal action against the provost, withdrawal of show-cause notices issued to the victim and protesting students, publication of CCTV footage from the provost’s room, and investigation of attacks on protesters. They also seek publication of a committee report on an alleged attack on DUCSU, hall union and journalists’ association leaders at Shahbagh police station. Victim Ibrahim questioned the investigation committee’s fairness and said he was under mental trauma while taking examinations.

The Trump administration is moving to sharply raise fees for US H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers, with a proposed charge of $103,265. The Department of Homeland Security is preparing to publish the proposed rules, which appeared in the Federal Register on Monday. The plans also include a new fee for Optional Practical Training, or OPT, for F-1 students.

Immigration consulting firm Fragomen said the proposals would significantly increase the cost of employing foreign workers in the United States. Indian nationals could face the largest impact because they account for more than 70 percent of H-1B beneficiaries. USCIS data show that 399,402 H-1B applications were approved in 2024, with people of Indian origin comprising about 71 percent of beneficiaries.

Fragomen said an approximately $100,000 fee could also be proposed for OPT applicants. The OPT proposal was sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review on August 20, while a proposal covering certain H-1B applications reached the office on August 19. DHS has also proposed ending the existing 60-day grace period for H-1B workers who lose their jobs.

Bangladesh’s cabinet has given in-principle and final approval to the draft Armed Police Battalion Act, 2026, which proposes granting the Armed Police Battalion, or APBn, authority to investigate and conduct proceedings in criminal cases. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat on Monday, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The law would take effect after parliamentary passage.

According to a Cabinet Division press release, the draft modernises and replaces The Armed Police Battalions Ordinance, 1979, while retaining provisions safeguarding actions taken under that ordinance. The proposed Bangla-language law was prepared to make the force more people-friendly and has been posted on the Home Ministry website for public opinion.

The APBn would operate under the control and supervision of an additional inspector general of police. Its duties include protecting public safety, VIPs and government-declared installations; acting against terrorism, drugs, human trafficking, rape and crimes against humanity; and assisting other law-enforcement agencies. The draft also proposes special and summary courts and related trial procedures, subject to legal vetting.

French President Emmanuel Macron said France will enforce a law banning mobile phone use in the country’s high schools from the new academic year. In a post on X on Monday, Macron said protecting children from the harmful effects of excessive screen use could no longer wait. He said phone-free schools would restore calm for studying.

Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said the high-school phone ban could take effect as soon as the new academic year begins following Macron’s decision. The measure is part of legislation designed to protect minors from risks associated with social media use, which was passed on July 21.

The Constitutional Council blocked the law’s most significant provision, which sought to prohibit social media use by children under 15. Bregeon said the high-school mobile phone ban would nevertheless be implemented under a stable, coherent and legal framework. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will work on a revised version of the social-media provisions, with the government aiming to establish an amended legal framework to protect children and young people by next spring.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque held a courtesy meeting and exchange of views with European Union Ambassador Michael Miller on Monday. The meeting took place at the European Union delegation office in Gulshan, Dhaka.

The discussions covered relations between Bangladesh and the European Union, matters of mutual interest, and Bangladesh’s overall political and social situation. The two sides also discussed aspects of diplomatic communication and mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and the EU.

Participants exchanged views on advancing Bangladesh-EU relations on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation. Farid Khan, foreign secretary to the Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer, was present at the meeting.

A faction of BNP leaders, activists and supporters marched with brooms in Ishwardi municipality of Pabna on Sunday evening, protesting the formation of upazila and municipal BNP committees that included convicted accused individuals. Supporters of former Ishwardi municipal BNP general secretary Zakaria Pintu and grassroots activists demanded cancellation of Imrul Kayes Sumon’s appointment as member secretary of the municipal committee and chanted slogans against the Pabna district BNP leadership’s decision.

Court sources said Sumon was sentenced on August 6 by Pabna’s First Joint Sessions Judge M. Sarwar Jahan to one year of simple imprisonment and a Tk10 lakh fine in a Tk10 lakh cheque dishonour case filed by Abdul Mannan Tipu. As he was absent when the verdict was delivered, a warrant was issued. Party sources said he was appointed municipal member secretary 10 days later and attended an August 20 BNP organisational meeting in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Sumon denied wrongdoing, saying the case involved longstanding business transactions and that he had not known about the verdict. District BNP member secretary Maksudur Rahman Masud Khandakar said the party had not received a complaint and would need to examine whether the case was conspiratorial. He added that convicted people cannot hold leadership roles under the party constitution.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called on people across the country to study and discuss the life and character of Prophet Muhammad throughout the year. In a statement sent to the media on Monday, he said the Prophet was sent as mercy for all humanity and described following his teachings as the path to peace in a troubled world and to human salvation.

Rahman said the Holy Quran was the practical reflection of the Prophet’s life, portraying him as humanity’s greatest teacher and guide. He said the Prophet’s complete example covers personal, family, social, political, economic, military and international relations. According to the statement, studying the Seerah deeply, presenting it to people with wisdom and applying it in daily life are duties for every Muslim.

He urged that Seerah practice and discussion should not be confined to any particular day or month, but should continue throughout the year. Rahman also called on all branches of Jamaat-e-Islami to arrange discussion meetings, seminars and symposiums on the Seerah, while urging citizens to seek Allah’s pleasure by following the Prophet’s life and ideals.

Prime Minister’s Defense Adviser A K M Shamsul Islam has described the Rohingya crisis as a major national security challenge for Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Sunday at a seminar organized by the Center for Genocide Studies under the University of Dhaka’s International Relations Department. ISPR disclosed the information in a press release on Monday.

In his closing address, Islam said the crisis should not be viewed solely as a humanitarian matter. He identified it as a growing threat to human security, national security, diplomatic relations and regional stability. He said the unplanned responsibility had become an increasing burden for Bangladesh over the past nine years.

He cited deteriorating security conditions among about 1.18 million Rohingya living in 33 camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, saying six to 11 armed groups were active and drug trafficking, including yaba, continued. He also referred to more than 2,000 cases filed since 2017 and an alarming population growth rate. Islam said the government was pursuing the issue under a “Bangladesh First” policy combining humanitarian responsibility, national interest and continuous diplomatic engagement.

Former interim government press secretary and Daily Wada editor Shafiqul Alam said leading editors met the opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami ameer at the opposition leader’s official residence on Minto Road in the capital on Monday. He described the gathering as an open, lively exchange without a fixed agenda or prearranged schedule. The Jamaat ameer made brief opening remarks before the editors offered views and advice.

According to Alam, participants openly discussed the opposition’s current activities and what it should do in the future. The meeting strongly criticized the previous Awami League government, which Alam said had become fascist and authoritarian and had closed political avenues for opposition parties. Participants also recalled what they described as negative roles played by opposition parties in the past.

Editors agreed that the national parliament should become the centre of all political activity in Bangladesh. They said parliament should be made effective and strengthened so it can genuinely represent the demands and aspirations of people from all sections of the country. The discussion also criticized frequent walkouts and hartals by the then opposition led by Sheikh Hasina between 1991 and 1996, saying they prevented parliament from functioning effectively.

Rangpur-2 lawmaker and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam urged police in Badarganj to listen carefully to people seeking help and provide necessary legal assistance. During a visit to Badarganj police station on Monday, he said officers must ensure that innocent people are not targeted by harassment cases, particularly for political reasons.

Azharul also called for strict and effective action against drugs and drug traders to maintain normal law and order in the upazila and keep young people away from narcotics. Officer-in-Charge Hasan Zahid Sarkar showed him the station’s infrastructure and offices, while police personnel presented their problems, which he heard.

Earlier, Azharul visited the Badarganj zonal office of Rangpur Palli Bidyut Samity-2 and discussed power supply, load-shedding and public complaints about services. He asked staff to ensure improved customer service, while officials described their limitations. He later attended a programme at Gopinathpur Haidaria High School, advising students on study, sports, conduct and moral values, and handed footballs to head teachers of 10 educational institutions in Gopinathpur union.

Nahid Islam said Bangladesh should reassess its relationship with India and establish new ties only after receiving assurances on several issues. Speaking at an emergency press conference at the NCP’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon, he said a new relationship would require India not to allow Awami League activities, not to provide Sheikh Hasina shelter, and to respect Bangladesh’s judiciary and democracy.

He also called for the return of Osman Hadi’s killers and alleged that Sheikh Hasina’s press conference in Delhi could not have taken place without support from the Indian government. Nahid said the expiring Ganges treaty, Bangladesh’s fair share of water, an end to push-ins at the border, and a permanent halt to border killings should form the basis for renewed relations.

Nahid questioned what message would be conveyed if Tarique Rahman again visited Delhi while Sheikh Hasina was there, calling it an insulting development for Bangladesh. At the conference, he also read a written NCP statement criticizing the government’s 180 days, citing alleged economic mismanagement, energy shortages, rising prices, pressure on opposition parties and journalists, and politicisation of state institutions.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman asked newspaper editors to support the opposition’s responsible role in the transition to democracy at a meeting on Monday in Dhaka. The exchange was held at his official residence on Minto Road, where he said Jamaat wants to help keep parliament effective as a constructive and responsible opposition.

Rahman said his party is cooperating with the government in line with its commitment, but asked, “How far, how long?” He described participation in the presidential election as a protest. Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the party would support the government’s good work while constructively and constitutionally protesting actions deemed against public interest.

Participants discussed the political situation, geopolitics, relations with neighbouring countries, energy shortages, prices, expatriates’ rights and alleged disparities facing opposition lawmakers in allocations, bill distribution and speaking opportunities. Porwar said the 11-party alliance and Jamaat would not compromise on implementing the referendum verdict. He announced a long march convoy from Shapla Chattar toward Chattogram at 7am on the fifth day of the coming month.

India’s Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has called for a peaceful protest march on September 5 from India Gate to Delhi Police headquarters, alleging that the government has betrayed young people and affected families. In a statement, the party said it was compelled to return to the streets because of what it described as the government’s attitude toward its commitments.

CJP spokesperson Saurabh Das announced the protest on X, saying marchers would question whether the central government intends to implement promises made on July 25. The march will be led by family members of students who died by suicide in connection with question-paper leak incidents and relatives of people allegedly subjected to police abuse during the July 20 movement.

The party said its national working committee reviewed progress on commitments made to young people on July 25, 2026, by the Indian government and BJP/NDA-ruled states. It said a nationwide youth movement had been withdrawn on the basis of those assurances. CJP alleged that the government has delayed implementation for a month and has not provided written assurances. It also claimed the Supreme Court repeatedly sought a nationwide list of FIRs for possible collective cancellation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said the party and the 11-party alliance would make no compromise over implementing the referendum verdict. Speaking after a meeting with newspaper editors at the opposition leader’s official residence on Mintoo Road in Dhaka on Monday, he said 70 percent of voters had supported “yes” in the referendum held on the basis of the July Charter.

Porwar said the alliance considers implementation of the verdict the country’s foremost issue and would return to the public if parliament fails. He accused the government of delaying implementation, saying the law minister agreed with three and a half of four referendum issues while differing on the remaining half. Jamaat also raised concerns about limited parliamentary speaking opportunities, development allocations, power and gas shortages, rising commodity prices, and expatriates’ rights.

The 11-party alliance announced a long march and vehicle convoy from Dhaka’s Shapla Chattar towards Chattogram at 7am on the 5th. Porwar said the programme would seek implementation of the referendum verdict and public rights, and called for public participation along the route. He said editors urged peaceful, orderly political programmes and continued dialogue with the media.

Twenty-one former cricket captains from several countries have urged Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to ensure medical care for jailed PTI founder Imran Khan. In a letter reported on August 24, 2026, they said a Supreme Court-directed examination by an independent medical board, in the presence of Khan’s personal doctor and sister, had not been fully implemented.

The former captains said Khan was returned to prison after spending several hours in hospital and being declared medically fit. They called for a comprehensive, independent health assessment, regular family visits and prompt treatment in line with doctors’ recommendations. They also asked that reports of reduced vision in Khan’s right eye be examined seriously.

The letter requested a medical board under Supreme Court directions that includes Khan’s personal physicians, weekly family meetings without administrative obstacles, and no delay in providing recommended treatment. It said Khan is 73 and has been in custody for more than three years. Signatories include Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Allan Border, Sunil Gavaskar, David Gower, Clive Lloyd, Arjuna Ranatunga and Steve Waugh.