A Dhaka court has acquitted BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members Mirza Abbas and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, along with 70 others, in a case filed under the Special Powers Act over allegations of torching a motorcycle in the Shahbagh area.

The court granted them relief after accepting a final police report that recommended dropping the charges.

According to case records, the incident occurred on December 11, 2019, a day before a High Court hearing on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s bail in the Zia Charitable Trust case. It was alleged that the accused set fire to a motorcycle near the High Court’s mazar gate area, causing damage.

Following the incident, Shahbagh Police Sub-Inspector Idris Ali filed a case under the Special Powers Act. After investigation, the police submitted a final report on May 10 this year, recommending exemption for all 70 accused individuals. The court accepted the findings, formally clearing the BNP leaders of all charges.

Indian National Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has cautioned that New Delhi should be ready for a future where no dependable friend remains in power in Dhaka.

In a recent opinion piece, Tharoor argued that the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election cannot be dismissed as a routine campus vote. Instead, he described it as a barometer of Bangladesh’s shifting political landscape.

According to him, the recent outcome reflects more than just a tilt toward Islamist fundamentalism—it signals deep-seated public disillusionment with both the Awami League and the BNP. Over time, he wrote, people have lost trust in these two dominant parties, creating a political vacuum that Jamaat-e-Islami has exploited by presenting itself as a “clean” alternative.

Tharoor observed that following Sheikh Hasina’s exit, the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been struggling through instability, creating fertile ground for Jamaat’s resurgence. He warned that the path is now open for Jamaat to make significant gains in the next general election, potentially emerging as a dominant force in a coalition or even a majority-led government.

Such an outcome, Tharoor stressed, would complicate India’s regional interests. A hardline administration in Dhaka could embolden anti-India groups in border regions with assistance from Pakistan’s ISI, while also heightening risks for Bangladesh’s Hindu minority community.

He urged New Delhi to closely monitor Bangladesh’s volatile political climate, maintain open dialogue with all emerging political forces, and prepare for a scenario where Dhaka no longer offers India a trustworthy partner in government.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hamidur Rahman Azad has said that the upcoming national election will only be free, fair, and acceptable if held on the basis of the July Charter.

Speaking after a consensus commission meeting chaired by the Chief Adviser, Azad stated that there are two possible ways to implement the charter:

Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) – which has historical precedent in the country.

Referendum – also rooted in Bangladesh’s political history.

Highlighting the government’s earlier commitments, Azad said:

First, reforms were promised.

Second, justice for war crimes and genocide.

Third, a festive, historic, and credible election.

“We want to believe that under the Chief Adviser’s guidance, a level playing field will be ensured in the next election,” Azad remarked.

However, he expressed concerns over recent central student union polls, citing irregularities in both the electoral process and result announcements. “We see this as a negative signal. If such trends continue, they could affect the upcoming national election as well,” he warned.

Azad urged that the reforms process under the July Charter be brought to a dignified conclusion. He also called for the extension of the Consensus Commission’s tenure, expressing hope that it would be finalized under the leadership of Professor Ali Riaz.

BNP leader Afroza Khanam Rita has said that the only way to free Bangladesh from instability is to vote for the “sheaf of paddy” symbol.
Speaking at a party program, she asserted that BNP would return to power through elections, with Tarique Rahman at the helm. “In the past 17 years under his strong leadership, not a single leader has abandoned the party,” Rita stated.
She emphasized that a BNP government would advance women’s empowerment, ensure farmers’ rights, and secure a better future for the next generation.
Referring to the party’s 31-point program, she said it would serve the interests of all citizens. Calling for unity, Rita urged supporters not to fall for divisive propaganda. “Attempts are being made to create division within the party, but those who truly love BNP must remain vigilant. Our strength lies in the people’s support, which is what threatens our opponents,” she added.

Shirin Akhter Shelly, an organizer of the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP), has been issued a show-cause notice following allegations of making indecent remarks on social media.
In an official statement, Shelly was told that her recent online comments appeared “unbecoming and indecent.” She has been asked to provide a written explanation within 48 hours, clarifying why disciplinary action should not be taken against her.

The Election Commission (EC) has called 22 political parties, initially shortlisted for registration, to verify submitted documents and data.

EC Additional Secretary K. M. Ali Newaz has already held discussions with several party representatives.

Meanwhile, parties excluded during the screening process for the 13th parliamentary elections have been notified with official letters stating the reasons for rejection. Field-level reports have also reached the commission, verifying party offices, committees, and supporter lists.

The EC plans to publish a notification this month listing eligible parties. Objections and appeals will be heard until September 15. The commission has also set a deadline of September 30 for publishing the gazette of newly registered political parties.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called for joint efforts to restore democracy in Bangladesh.

In a statement marking International Democracy Day, he said, “The foundation of rebuilding the state must be free, fair, and participatory elections. Independence of the judiciary and media, along with full application of democratic principles, is essential.”

Rahman alleged that democracy has been “under siege” for the past 15 years due to what he called “Awami fascism.”

In a separate statement, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that sustained democratic practice is the best safeguard against authoritarianism. While July–August’s historic, blood-stained movement brought victory, he noted that full democracy is yet to be achieved. Ensuring continuity of fair elections, he stressed, is key to institutionalizing democracy.

After 19 years, former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar visited the Home Ministry and met with the current Home Affairs Adviser.

Following the meeting, Babar told reporters that discussions included the possible return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman: “Inshallah, he will come back soon.”

He also expressed concern over law and order, stressing the need to recover looted assets and illegal firearms. “The government is making sincere efforts,” he said, adding that he wished to assist the interim administration and the Chief Adviser.

Babar further alleged that a special business group recently met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a neighboring country, with the aim of derailing upcoming elections.

The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has arrested nine leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations on charges of participating in flash processions and plotting acts of sabotage in the capital.

Those arrested include:

Mokshedur Rahman Molla Kishore (47), President of Ward-10 Volunteer League, DSCC

Enamul Huda Lalu (60), former President of Srinagar Thana Volunteer League

Abdul Gaffar (56), former member of Ward-9 Jubo League, DSCC

Baharul Islam Titu (46)

Saiful Islam Leon (24)

Nayeem Noman (60)

Humayun Kabir Rajon (42)

Mohiuddin Matbar (43)

Shikdar Sohel Hazari (30)

According to a statement issued Sunday, the DMP said multiple DB units conducted the coordinated operations that led to the arrests.

Police allege the detainees were involved in attempts to destabilize law and order in the capital, spread panic through sudden street marches, and carry out activities related to cases filed across various police stations.

Legal proceedings against them are currently underway.

Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam has said Bangladesh does not need “another shadow-Maududist” political party.
“Half a dozen proxy forces are already active—you will add nothing new,” he wrote, urging political groups instead to “redefine, reorganize, and reclaim.”

Although Mahfuz did not specify which parties he meant, in Bangladesh the term “Maududist” typically refers to Jamaat-e-Islami. The party was founded in 1941 in the Indian subcontinent by Syed Abul Ala Maududi.

The Dhaka University unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced plans to install sanitary napkin vending machines across five key academic zones of the university.

The designated locations are: TSC (Teacher-Student Centre), Central Library, Curzon Hall, Mokarram Building, and the Faculty of Business Studies.

Speaking on the initiative, DU Shibir’s Organizing Secretary Kazi Ashiq said:
“To ensure convenience for female students, we are installing sanitary napkin vending machines in five academic areas. This was supposed to be implemented by DUCSU earlier, but due to restrictions in its code of conduct regarding gifts, it never materialized. We are now moving forward, and this kind of student-friendly initiative will continue.”

AGS Mohiuddin Khan added:
“For the past year, we’ve been trying to undertake welfare-oriented initiatives for students. Today’s step for female students is a continuation of that effort.”

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has criticized the government’s approach to the July Charter, warning that it risks becoming overly complicated.
After a meeting with the Consensus Commission, he said:

“We do not want to leave behind a legacy that collapses within days or faces immediate challenges.”
The commission previously met with political parties on September 11 but failed to reach a final decision on the Charter’s implementation.

Under the leadership of Maulana Mamunul Haque, Khelafat Majlis has announced a five-point demand, including immediate implementation of the July Charter, introduction of proportional representation (PR) in parliament’s upper house, and ensuring a level playing field for upcoming elections.
The demands also call for banning the politics of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance, and visible justice for the July massacre.
The party has scheduled demonstrations in Dhaka on September 18, divisional protests on September 19, and nationwide marches on September 26.

After more than two decades, former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar made a return to the Ministry of Home Affairs. On Sunday afternoon, he paid a courtesy call on Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser to the Home Ministry, at the Secretariat.

Sources confirmed that the meeting was primarily ceremonial, though discussions touched upon security preparations ahead of the possible return of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh. Ensuring comprehensive, round-the-clock security for him reportedly featured in the talks.

Other issues discussed included the country’s overall law and order situation, border security, and the use of advanced technology in crime prevention.

The meeting was attended by Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Special Assistant Khodabox Chowdhury, Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, former Senior Secretary Kamruzzaman, and former Additional IGP Mahbubur Rahman.

RAB-9 has arrested Shahab Uddin, suspended president of Companyganj Upazila BNP, for his alleged role in large-scale illegal stone extraction. He was detained during a late-night raid in Kumarpara, Sylhet, on Saturday.
Authorities say that over the past year, vast quantities of stones were unlawfully mined from Companyganj and Gowainghat. Following public outcry, RAB launched extensive intelligence operations, identifying Shahab Uddin as one of the masterminds behind the infamous Bholaganj white stone looting.
He faces seven separate cases under Companyganj and Kotwali police stations and has been handed over to Kotwali police for legal proceedings.