In Bagerhat, an all-party coalition committee has launched a 48-hour strike, demanding the restoration of the district’s four parliamentary seats.

From Wednesday morning, protesters set up blockades, burning tires at multiple points, effectively halting long-route bus services on 16 major routes, cutting off road connections to 21 districts.

The committee argues that the EC’s decision to cut one seat ignores Bagerhat’s geographic, demographic, and economic importance, which includes the Mongla Port, EPZ-industrial zone, and two UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Newly elected VP Sadiq Kayem dedicated his victory to the students of Dhaka University, saying:
“There is no winner or loser here—only the July generation and DU students have triumphed. I will safeguard this mandate with full responsibility, not as VP but as a brother.”

Kayem promised to:

Build DU into a complete academic institution

Ensure a safe campus for women

Unite students of all ideologies for progress

He called on all candidates to act as advisors, stressing that the fight for democracy that began with the July Movement would continue from Dhaka University.

Political commentator Hasnat Abdullah expressed concern over the excessive influence of political parties in the DUCSU election.

He wrote:
“DUCSU has become less about student mandates and more about a game of national party extensions. This sets a negative precedent.”

Hasnat warned that such practices could erode democracy and called on all parties to respect voters’ decisions. He emphasized building a culture where defeat is accepted as part of democratic growth and urged political actors to prioritize people’s aspirations over party interests.

The Election Commission has officially announced the DUCSU election results, confirming Sadiq Kayem as VP, S.M. Farhad as GS, and Mohiuddin Khan as AGS.

The final tally reflected earlier hall-level results, cementing decisive victories for the Shibir-backed panel in key positions.

Independent candidate Umama Fatema rejected the election results, declaring:
“Boycott! Boycott! I am rejecting this DUCSU election. It was a shamelessly rigged process. After August 5, the Dhaka University administration has delivered yet another disgrace to the nation under Shibir’s influence.”

In a separate social media post, she compared the election to “a circus.”

BNP-backed VP candidate Abidul Islam Abid and GS candidate Hamim also rejected the results, citing fraud, manipulation, and machine errors.

BNP-backed GS candidate Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim alleged widespread irregularities, vote rigging, and machine malfunctions during the counting process.

In a statement, Hamim said:
“If the students of Dhaka University believe this is their verdict, I accept it with respect. But the process was marred by fraud and technical flaws. I now await the students’ response.”

Despite a festive atmosphere throughout Tuesday’s polling, complaints of irregularities were reported from several centers, particularly during the counting stage.

BNP central leader Nargis Begum has alleged that under what she called the "fascist rule" of Sheikh Hasina, women in Bangladesh have not been spared from persecution and repression.

Speaking at a discussion, she praised the resilience of Mahila Dal activists, saying they remained steadfast on the streets despite facing countless adversities.

“Even when Felani’s body was hanging at the border fence, our women leaders risked their lives to raise their voices in protest,” she said.

Nargis highlighted the vision of late President Ziaur Rahman, noting his belief that no nation could progress while half its population—its women—remained marginalized. “Ziaur Rahman integrated women into productive work through proper training, and today women are proving their capabilities in every professional field,” she added.

She also credited Begum Khaleda Zia for further expanding these initiatives.

At the same event, BNP leader Anindya Islam said that Ziaur Rahman had legislated against the curse of dowry and initiated women’s empowerment through the National Women’s Organization and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

He added, “Khaleda Zia introduced laws to protect women from acid violence, ensured free education for girls up to grade twelve, and reserved 50 percent of primary teacher recruitment for women.”

In the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, Shibir-backed candidate Sadiq Kayem emerged as the frontrunner for the Vice President (VP) post, securing 14,042 votes. His closest rival, Abidul Islam Abid, received 5,658 votes, followed by independent candidate Umama Fatema with 2,549, Shamim Hossain with 1,815, and Abdul Kader from the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Council with 668.

For the General Secretary (GS) post, S.M. Farhad secured a commanding lead with 10,794 votes, defeating Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim (5,283), Abu Bakr Mojumdar (845), and Meghmallar Basu (4,645).

In the Assistant General Secretary (AGS) race, Mohiuddin Khan claimed victory with 9,501 votes, while BNP-backed candidate Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed managed 4,258 votes.

Although individual hall results were declared earlier, the official announcement came later from the Election Commission, confirming Kayem, Farhad, and Mohiuddin as the winners.

BNP leader Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal linked Nepal’s political unrest to its proportional representation (PR) system.
“PR elections in Nepal led to unstable governments and failure to reflect people’s aspirations. That’s one of the main reasons behind today’s uprising,” Alal said.

He added that Nepal’s Gen Z movement drew inspiration from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
“Geopolitical realities must be understood quickly. Stability depends on vigilance in diplomacy and geopolitics,” he stressed.

BNP-backed VP candidate Abidul Islam Khan has rejected the Daksu election results, alleging widespread irregularities.

In a Facebook post at 2 a.m., he wrote:

“I had already anticipated this planned rigging since noon. The numbers are being fixed at will. I reject this orchestrated farce.”

His statement came shortly after results from three centers showed Abu Sadiq Kayem of the United Students’ Alliance leading by a wide margin.

The Returning Officer has announced results from three halls in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) elections, with the Shibir-backed United Students’ Alliance emerging ahead.

At Curzon Hall’s Fazlul Haq Hall center, VP candidate Abu Sadiq Kayem secured 841 votes, followed by Abidul Islam (181), Umama Fatema (153), Shamim Hossain (141), Abdul Kader (47), and Bin Yamin Molla (6). For the GS post, Farhad Hossain led with 589 votes, trailed by Abu Bakar Mojumdar (341), Tanvir Bari Hamim (228), and Meghmollar Basu (99).

In Amar Ekushey Hall, Kayem again took the lead with 644 votes, while Abidul Islam polled 141, Umama Fatema 90, Shamim Hossain 111, Abdul Kader 36, and Bin Yamin Molla just 1. For GS, Farhad Hossain received 466, followed by Hamim (180), Mojumdar (147), and Basu (86).

At Sufia Kamal Hall, Kayem won by a landslide with 1,270 votes. His rivals trailed far behind: Abidul Islam (423), Umama Fatema (547), and Abdul Kader (55). On the GS side, Farhad Hossain again dominated with 964 votes, followed by Basu (507), Mojumdar (216), Arafat (428), and Hamim (402).

AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad said Advisor Asif Mahmud assured support for multiple development projects in Barishal-3.

Requests included construction of roads, 27 culverts, 45 deep tube wells, and renovation of 34 mosques and temples in Muladi upazila.

Mahmud also promised quick allocation for the Mirganj Bridge, while proposals for paving 18 roads and Tk 200,000 for Muladi Press Club repairs are under consideration.

On Tuesday, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider paid a courtesy call on Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. He was accompanied by Political Counsellor Kamran Dhangal.

According to Jamaat, the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, where both sides discussed issues of mutual interest. They expressed optimism about further strengthening Bangladesh-Pakistan relations.

BNP leader Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu highlighted women’s role in politics, claiming:
“Half the population are women, and the majority of them love BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ and Khaleda Zia. If women decide, they can bring change in power.”

He pledged that under BNP rule, all families needing assistance would receive family cards.
Dulu also condemned the Awami League for establishing “fascist control” across state institutions, saying, “The only way out is under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.”

BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu blamed the past government for the rise of mob violence.
“This menace started earlier. We are united in trying to suppress it,” he said.

Pintu argued that quick elections are vital for stability. Referring to the DUCSU polls, he said:
“The festive environment shows vibrant competition. I am confident the Chhatra Dal panel will secure a major victory.”