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.

BNP leader Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu revealed that Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has advised party members to remain patient, united, and free from greed.
Speaking at the airport after returning from London, Lalu said, “Tarique Rahman sends greetings to all. He urged leaders to uphold discipline, unity, and integrity to strengthen the party’s activities for the people.”
Meanwhile, senior BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and his son Dr. Khandaker Maruf Hossain returned home after a 12-day trip to London.

BNP leader Hummam Quader Chowdhury has demanded justice for what he described as 16 years of political repression, including false cases and attacks.

“Those who carried out torture, filed false cases, and unleashed attacks over the past 16 years must be brought to justice. If the government thinks it will take time, then let them leave it to us—we will ensure justice ourselves,” Hummam declared.

He emphasized that the people of Rangunia would decide their own leadership even before Tarique Rahman’s return, rejecting attempts to impose decisions from Dhaka.

“We don’t run committees as a business. Leadership will be chosen by the people, not dictated from the city,” he said.

Hummam also revealed plans to prepare a list of drug dealers, vowing:

“We will clear them out before the elections.”

Calling on BNP activists to stay united, he cautioned against group rivalries weakening nationalist forces.

“We must never bow our heads. We must stand tall and proudly say we are Zia’s soldiers,” he told party workers.

Expressing confidence in the upcoming election, he added:

“I believe the people will deliver a landslide victory to BNP and send us to Parliament.”

Identifying himself as a true son of Rangunia, Hummam said:

“I have been a voter here since the age of 18. Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury was a tiger—you heard his roar. I am his son.”

Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has warned that without adopting a proportional representation (PR) election system, Bangladesh risks political conflict and bloodshed.
“You are a product of the July spirit,” Taher told the Chief Adviser, accusing him of betraying promises of reform. “You announced elections without implementing reform and justice first. This pushes the nation into uncertainty.”
He urged immediate dialogue and threatened mass street protests. “Millions will surround polling centers. If this is a managed election, ballots won’t even reach the booths,” he declared. Taher also called on the Election Commission to frame its roadmap around PR-based reforms.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said the recently announced roadmap for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections was timely and aligned with public expectations.
He stressed that the roadmap must now translate into free and fair polls. His remarks echoed those of BNP’s Amir Khasru, who earlier emphasized that elections would bring economic transformation and new opportunities for nation-building.
The Election Commission has already finalized its action plan, including issuing registration notifications for new political parties by September.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is on her way to Evercare Hospital from her residence, Firoza, for routine medical examinations, BNP’s media cell confirmed. She was scheduled to leave around 7 p.m.
This marks her second hospital visit in recent weeks. On July 23, a medical board oversaw a series of urgent tests at Evercare. Earlier this year, on January 8, she traveled to London aboard a special air ambulance provided by the Emir of Qatar for advanced treatment, under the supervision of specialists Prof. Patrick Kennedy and Prof. Jennifer Cross at London Clinic. Khaleda Zia returned home on May 6.