At a protest rally, Islami Chhatra Shibir leader Nurul Islam Saddam criticized BNP’s student wing, Chhatra Dal, saying they should focus on student rights instead of attacking Shibir in their speeches.

Saddam alleged attempts are underway to block student union elections across campuses, including Dhaka University, with administrative interference influenced by outside forces. He also claimed a campaign of cyberbullying and harassment is targeting Shibir activists and female students.

Highlighting past incidents, Saddam said:
“Chhatra Dal is the organization responsible for the 2002 incidents of harassment and sexual violence at Rokeya Hall and Shamsun Nahar Hall. It was at their hands that BUET’s Soni lost his life. After the political upheaval, at least 30 rape cases were linked to their activists.”

He accused university administrations at Chittagong and Bangladesh Agricultural University of failing to ensure student safety, warning, “No campus can function under such conditions.”

BNP leader Barkat Ullah Bulu has slammed the proportional representation (PR) system, saying, “Many don’t even know what PR means. Under this system, you could cast your vote in Noakhali and end up with an MP from the Chittagong Hill Tracts or North Bengal.”

Bulu alleged that parties like Jamaat-e-Islami favor PR because they have no concern for people’s real needs. “Jamaat and the fascist Awami League are two sides of the same coin,” he said, recalling that in 1986 both parties “betrayed” Khaleda Zia by participating in elections under dictator Ershad.

He strongly criticized Jamaat’s role in the Liberation War: “In 1971, Jamaat collaborated with the Pakistanis, killing freedom fighters. At that time, 3 million people were massacred, and 200,000 women were dishonored.”

Highlighting BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s legacy, he said, “Awami League had no sector commanders. It was Shaheed Zia, a sector commander, who declared independence. Zia worked tirelessly for national development.”

Bulu also accused Jamaat of labeling progressive leaders like Gandhi, Jinnah, and Nehru as atheists while voting for Nehru instead of Pakistan. He further alleged Sheikh Mujibur Rahman shut down all newspapers except four, becoming “a king,” while his daughter now “conspires against Bangladesh from abroad.”

Predicting BNP’s victory, Bulu claimed: “Khaleda Zia will form the next government, winning 280 seats in February’s election.”

Tension has flared in Sundarganj, Gaibandha, ahead of BNP’s founding anniversary. Following factional disputes within the party, the Upazila administration has banned all rallies and gatherings in the municipal area to prevent unrest.

The order, issued by Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Raj Kumar Biswas, came into effect Tuesday night around 9:30 PM under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed “deep grief and concern” over the death of a worker, Habibur Rahman, who was killed when security forces opened fire during a labor protest at Uttara EPZ in Nilphamari. At least 10 others were injured.

In a statement, Jamaat leader Golam Parwar condemned the incident: “Firing on workers demanding their rightful dues is unjustifiable. The perpetrators must face justice.”

He also demanded proper treatment and compensation for the injured, as well as reopening of closed factories and reinstatement of laid-off workers.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has claimed that Dr. Muhammad Yunus has no intention of entering politics and is instead trying to restore peace in Bangladesh.

Speaking before BNP’s voluntary canal-cleaning program, Fakhrul accused Sheikh Hasina of continuing her “evil politics” from abroad, alleging she is instigating unrest from India. He urged party members to uphold Ziaur Rahman’s ideals, warning that BNP must not become a “sycophantic party” like Awami League.

Fakhrul also assured that BNP would maintain balance of power in the future, contrasting with Sheikh Hasina’s previous control of “everything.” He called on police to act responsibly, emphasizing that BNP would not disrupt student union elections or provoke unrest.

Shibir leader S.M. Forhad has accused Chhatra Dal of reviving slogans once used by Chhatra League, including the chant “Catch every Shibir member, slaughter them one by one.”

“For years, Awami League followed a brutal process of student politics. Now Chhatra Dal is trying to bring it back,” Forhad told reporters. He alleged that since August 5 last year, at least 30 rape cases have been filed against Chhatra Dal activists nationwide.

Forhad also dismissed propaganda labeling him as a Shibir leader, saying he personally lodged a written complaint with the university proctor’s office against the allegations. “We welcome the petitioner’s move, and we will respect the court’s verdict,” he said.

He further linked Chhatra Dal to recent attacks on Chittagong University students and vandalism at the Raksu building, allegedly carried out under BNP leaders’ direction.

Jamaat leader Mujibur Rahman has strongly condemned the violent attack on Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) President Nurul Haque Nur, describing it as “beyond words.”

“This attack must be thoroughly investigated, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice swiftly,” Mujibur demanded while visiting Nur at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

He also called for collective efforts to ensure unity and integrity in the run-up to national elections. “A credible election requires consensus on all major issues, including the question of a referendum. Without that, the future of our electoral process will remain bleak,” he warned.

Mujibur also appealed to the nation to pray for Nur’s recovery.

Belgium will officially recognize Palestine as a state during the UN General Assembly in September, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot announced. The decision includes 12 sanctions on Israel, such as banning settlement imports and reviewing procurement with Israeli firms. Prévot said the move responds to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. France, Australia, and Canada have also pledged recognition. Currently, 147 UN member states recognize Palestine. Belgian prosecutors recently referred Israeli soldiers to the ICC for alleged war crimes.

The caretaker government has expressed regret over the attack on former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur, with officials confirming that a judicial inquiry committee will be announced by tonight.

The assurance came after Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a meeting with representatives of seven political parties and Hefazat-e-Islam.

Rashed Khan, a student leader, said the government has also agreed to send Nur abroad for medical treatment. Participants in the meeting further called for electoral reforms, including consideration of proportional representation and a referendum on its implementation.

The Chief Election Commissioner of Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RAKSU), Professor F. Nazrul Islam, has announced that first-year students will be included in the upcoming RAKSU elections’ voter list.

Additionally, the deadline for distributing nomination forms has been extended by one day. The decision follows weeks of protests led by student organizations demanding inclusion of freshers in the polls.

According to the schedule, voting will take place on September 25.

NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud has called on BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to return to Bangladesh, saying the nation needs his presence.

“The country that ensured security for Khaleda Zia can also ensure security for Tarique Rahman,” Masud said. “To truly connect with the people, he must come back and breathe the soil of his homeland.”

Masud emphasized that his party critiques actions of all political groups, including BNP and Jamaat, but maintains respect for BNP’s role as a people’s movement under Begum Khaleda Zia’s uncompromising leadership. He stressed, however, that intolerance within BNP leadership must be addressed.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that the attack on former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur was carried out with intent to kill.

“Though his condition has improved slightly, he remains in critical state,” Fakhrul said, noting that Nur sustained severe injuries including brain trauma and internal bleeding. He added that while doctors are providing proper treatment, Nur requires further evaluation abroad.

Currently unable to eat normally, Nur is being fed liquid food through a pipe. Fakhrul urged the government to immediately send him overseas for advanced medical care, stressing that continued attacks on opposition leaders raise serious concerns about public safety under the interim government.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that deciding who may or may not engage in politics is a matter for the law and government, not mob influence.

Citing GM Quader’s remarks ahead of the 2024 elections about needing India’s permission to speak, Rizvi questioned the role of the Jatiya Party, accusing it of aiding authoritarianism in Bangladesh. He stated, “We don’t believe in mob culture. Those who have supported fascism or echoed fascist narratives must be held accountable under the law.”

He further criticized claims that BNP should take responsibility for the Jatiya Party, pointing out that BNP is not in power. Rizvi also condemned the recent attack on former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur, questioning the identity of the assailant seen in a red shirt.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is currently holding talks with representatives of seven political parties and organizations.

The meeting, which began at 5:10 p.m. Tuesday, includes participation from AB Party, Nagorik Oikya, Gonosonghoti Andolon, Gonodhikar Parishad, LDP, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Jatiya Gonofront, and Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh.

Earlier, Dr. Yunus met leaders of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP to discuss the prevailing political situation and the upcoming elections.

BNP leader Nargis Begum has said the party’s 16 years of street struggle has brought “temporary freedom,” but the ultimate goal remains a free and fair election.

Speaking at a fish release program, she said, “BNP seeks a neutral election that will pave the way for a democratic government. The roadmap has already been announced, but certain groups are trying to obstruct the process with excuses.”

She urged BNP members to stay united, avoid internal divisions, and remain vigilant against disinformation campaigns.