Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, has rejected proposals for a Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, saying countries that adopted it did not benefit. “We want free and fair elections, not PR,” he asserted.

Manna recalled that within just 25 days of mass protests, Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country, with 1,500 protesters sacrificing their lives. “Yet extortion, land-grabbing, robbery, and price hikes continue. Trust in police is still absent, and corruption remains rampant,” he said.

He stressed the need for restoring public trust in law enforcement, adding that only then would truly free elections be possible. While critical of the interim government’s performance, he urged political unity to ensure credible elections.

Advisor Sharmin S. Murshid has called for urgent reforms in Bangladesh’s NGO sector, citing widespread irregularities. “We must move beyond corruption and build a credible, effective system. The goal is to bring competent individuals and NGOs to work in partnership with state institutions,” she said.

Sharmin emphasized the need for integrity in public service: “We are not here for power; we are here to serve. Our time in office is short, but we must leave with our heads held high, having tried our utmost.”

She acknowledged the challenges of undoing 16 years of misrule within a short transitional period, urging citizens to recognize both the limitations and the sincere efforts of the current administration.

BNP leader G.K. Gaus has alleged that the now-banned Awami League continues to conspire against the country, democracy, and BNP. He warned, “Given the chance, Awami League will strike again.”

Gaus said that although Bangladesh is now “free from Hasina” and several top leaders have fled abroad, Awami League loyalists remain active inside the country. He urged all to remain united against them, adding, “We are ready to sacrifice our lives for our leader, Begum Khaleda Zia. The fascist regime committed inhuman injustices against her, keeping her imprisoned without reason for months.”

Highlighting BNP’s upcoming anniversary celebrations, he announced that under the leadership of former Habiganj district BNP president and ex-MP Syed Md. Faisal, BNP will hold a grand celebration in Madhabpur and Chunarughat on September 1. “No matter how many conspiracies are hatched against BNP, we will resist them from the streets,” he declared.

BNP leader Barkat Ullah Bulu has launched a scathing attack on Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of “selling tickets to heaven” by going door-to-door with religious propaganda.

“Those who make such claims cannot be true Muslims,” Bulu said, stressing that only Allah has the authority to decide who enters paradise.

Bulu also criticized political double standards, claiming that when BNP raises funds, it is labeled extortion, while Jamaat’s control of banks, insurance firms, and educational institutions is dismissed as ‘recovery.’ He further remarked that Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman has been elevated by supporters to the status of a divine saint, quipping that he once asked Rahman to “pray for Bangladesh’s protection and guidance.”

Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin has acknowledged widespread irregularities in the sale of airline tickets, describing the situation as “chaotic.” He assured that the government is making the “highest possible effort” to bring order to the sector.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan said discussions are being held with travel agencies and stakeholders to curb malpractice. Authorities are investigating allegations of embezzlement against Flight Expert Agency, with its owner and associates now barred from leaving the country.

Additionally, the ministry has directed deputy commissioners across the country to take legal action against unlicensed travel agencies, ensuring stricter regulation of the aviation market.

Former state minister Lutfozzaman Babar returned to his haor-based constituency in Netrokona after 17 years, leading a dramatic speedboat campaign that drew massive crowds. Traveling through multiple villages, Babar exchanged greetings with locals and addressed grassroots gatherings across 43 villages. Over 50 speedboats and 300 party activists joined the rally, creating a festive atmosphere with decorated arches throughout the area. Addressing supporters, Babar urged youth to pursue education, technical skills, and entrepreneurship instead of relying only on slogans. “Daily life must include prayer, Quran recitation, and physical exercise,” he said, also seeking prayers for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health and for Tarique Rahman.

UGC Chairman Professor Dr. SMA Faiz praised China’s role in advancing Bangladesh’s education sector, highlighting Beijing’s “tireless support” as a driver of modernization and quality improvement. Speaking at a reception for Bangladeshi students awarded Chinese government scholarships, he said the partnership is built on “trust, mutual respect, and cooperation.” He noted that Chinese assistance has not only transformed education but also contributed significantly to economic growth, infrastructure, and human resource development. Looking ahead, he emphasized expanding collaboration in research, technology, and culture. At the event, swimmer Najmul Haque Himel—who recently crossed the English Channel—was also honored.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam issued a stern warning in a recent statement, saying those who obstruct the implementation of the July Charter will be exposed before the public. He declared that no advisor or politician will be spared if they attempt to derail fundamental reforms. “Be warned—nothing will remain hidden. Sheikh Hasina barely escaped with her life; you won’t be able to. The people are not that forgiving,” he wrote. In a provocative remark, he added that “all power will be forced through the fleshy middle of the skeletal structure’s rear.”

BNP Chairperson’s advisor, Advocate Fazlur Rahman, has been granted an additional 24 hours to respond to a show-cause notice issued against him. The notice, served on Sunday, followed his controversial remarks regarding the July uprising and other sensitive issues. Initially, he was given 24 hours to reply, but he formally requested seven days. Party sources confirmed he has now been asked to submit his explanation within 48 hours from Sunday, rejecting his request for a longer extension.

Dhaka University Vice-President candidate Umama Fatema has apologized for violating dormitory rules by entering Rokeya Hall late at night, an incident that sparked controversy among students.

In a statement, Umama clarified that she had already met the hall provost and submitted an application. “Since I entered the hall in violation of rules, I apologized to the authorities,” she said.

She denied allegations of conducting political campaigning inside the hall, explaining that she had only visited a friend for “mental relief” before the gates closed at 10 PM. Claims that she entered at 1:30 AM were “baseless and intentional,” she asserted.

Umama accused rivals of harassment because she is running as an independent candidate. “Visiting friends across halls is a common practice, not a criminal offense,” she argued, adding that if elected, she would ensure students could move freely between halls without stigma.

Political activist Hasnat Abdullah has strongly denounced the culture of slut-shaming women based on their bodies, relationships, clothing, or personal lives, regardless of their political affiliation.

“This is not politics—it is the ugliest form of patriarchal hatred,” he wrote, warning that such attacks often come from individuals who outwardly champion women’s rights but vilify women who disagree with their views.

He cited examples of women politicians including Rumeen Farhana, Tasnim Jara, Samanta Sharmin, Umama Fatema, Taznuva Jabin, and Mansura Alam, noting that none have been spared.

Hasnat emphasized that normalizing such attacks weakens women’s participation in politics. “Opposing this hatred is not optional—it is an urgent political struggle,” he declared, vowing to continue the fight.

Awami League leader A K M Bahauddin Bahar and his daughter, former mayor Tahsin Bahar Suchona, were released by Kolkata police after spending a night in custody.

They had been detained on Saturday night by Rajarhat police but were later freed reportedly with assistance from Mahbubul Alam Hanif and Sheikh Hasina.

Bahar, a former MP from Cumilla-6, and his daughter are controversial figures in India, accused of persecuting Hindus in Bangladesh and voicing strong criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Many in West Bengal’s BJP and local communities harbor resentment towards them, raising fears of mob retaliation. Bahar was also blamed by some for the violence during Durga Puja in Cumilla in 2021.

The government has appointed new deputy commissioners (DCs) in six districts: Patuakhali, Kushtia, Kurigram, Meherpur, Netrokona, and Khulna.

According to the notification, Dr. Md. Shahid Hossain Chowdhury, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has been posted to Patuakhali. The current Patuakhali DC, Abu Hasnat Md. Arifin, has been transferred to Kushtia.

Other reshuffles include:

Meherpur DC Sifat Mehnaz → Kurigram DC

Home Ministry Deputy Secretary Dr. Md. Abdul Salam → Meherpur DC

Land Records Zonal Settlement Officer Md. Abdullah Al Mahmud Zaman → Netrokona DC

Kushtia DC Md. Toufiqul Rahman → Khulna DC

A group of demonstrators associated with the “July Movement” staged a sit-in outside BNP leader Fazlur Rahman’s Segunbagicha residence on Monday, demanding his arrest. Protesters, who also performed midday prayers at the site, rallied under the banner of “Revolutionary Student People” along with leaders from several other organizations, including the Bangladesh Democratic Student Council. Police remained on alert at the scene. The controversy stems from Rahman’s recent remarks on the July uprising, which prompted the BNP to issue him a show-cause notice.

BNP leader and freedom fighter Fazlur Rahman alleged that a mob gathered outside his Segunbagicha residence, chanting slogans to kill him. He claimed that orders for his assassination were issued from abroad and accused Jamaat-e-Islami activists of orchestrating the threats. “As a freedom fighter and lawyer, I have the right to live with dignity in this country. Death does not frighten me, but I do not deserve a dishonorable end,” he said emotionally. Rahman urged people to listen to his full speech before passing judgment on his remarks regarding the July uprising. He added that if he had committed any mistake, he was willing to apologize and respond formally to his party’s show-cause notice.