BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that introducing a proportional representation (PR) voting system in Bangladesh would be both destructive and misleading for the people, given the country’s fragile democratic state.

“The public has little interest in or knowledge of the PR system,” Rizvi said. “People prefer to vote for familiar, local candidates rather than party-list selections, which are alien to them.”

He argued that political parties often push certain systems only when they see potential benefits, calling it a reflection of “political envy and opportunism.” Rizvi accused the ruling party of plotting to derail elections by pushing the PR model, citing examples of instability in Israel and Nepal caused by similar systems.

The BNP, he stressed, has been fighting for free, fair, and inclusive elections for nearly two decades and remains committed to democratic politics. Rizvi urged policymakers to abandon “divisive PR distractions” and instead focus on building a practical, people-centered electoral system.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam, in his testimony, stated that students across Bangladesh felt deeply insulted when Sheikh Hasina referred to them as “children of Razakars” and “descendants of Razakars.” He said that very night, students of Dhaka University and other institutions nationwide took to the streets in protest.

On July 17 last year, demonstrators pressured authorities to withdraw a DGFI program and demanded dialogue with the government. Nahid added that cases, including one at Shahbagh Police Station, were filed to obstruct the movement. Despite such hurdles, students pressed on.

That same night, Nahid announced a nationwide “complete shutdown.” The following day, students and citizens across all walks of life flooded the streets, with private university and madrasa students playing a particularly strong role in resisting government forces. Movement leaders faced life-threatening risks, forcing many into hiding to avoid arrest.

The clashes left many students and civilians injured or killed, while internet services were cut nationwide that night. By July 19, Nahid said, it became clear that the government had taken full control of electronic media, as no news of the protests or casualties was being aired.

For the first time in its history, Jagannath University has announced a roadmap for its Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) elections, scheduled for November 27.
The Election Commission will be formed on October 8, followed by policy discussions with student organizations, journalists, and other stakeholders.
After nomination, scrutiny, and appeals, official campaigning will commence. The university confirmed that all steps will follow its constitution and regulations.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman has vowed to protect Bangladesh’s tradition of communal harmony, warning against “malicious attempts to incite unrest” during the upcoming Durga Puja.
He noted that past regimes had tried to disrupt religious festivals for political purposes, but Bangladesh had long maintained a strong example of peaceful coexistence.
“We are committed to preserving this harmony, and any attempt to destroy it will be met with firm resistance,” Tarique said, urging BNP members and allies to assist Hindu communities in celebrating Durga Puja without disruption.

A case has been filed naming Nixon Chowdhury as the prime accused in connection with the attack and vandalism at Bhanga Police Station in Faridpur. Sub-Inspector Azaduzzaman lodged the case on Tuesday, identifying 29 individuals.
The second accused is Khokon Mia, chairman of Hamirdi Union Parishad. Earlier, Siddique, chairman of Algi Union Parishad, was arrested under the Speedy Trial Act. The case documents link the attack to protests over constituency redistricting.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mujibur Rahman has demanded that the government replace music teachers in primary schools with religious instructors. At a press conference, he warned of “mass protests on the streets” if the demand is ignored.
The All-Party National Committee for Protecting Islamic Education also presented a five-point proposal, including the mandatory appointment of qualified religious teachers in every primary school and amending the 2025 teacher recruitment rules.
Meanwhile, rights organization ASK criticized the demand, calling it a regressive attempt to undermine cultural education.

Chief Returning Officer Jasim Uddin has responded to allegations that ballots pre-marked for Shibir candidates Forhad and Sadiq Kayem were supplied at the TSC center during the Daksu elections.
He revealed that video footage shows a female student entering the polling booth four separate times—spending about 40 seconds the first time, 66 seconds the second, just 2 seconds the third, and over 10 minutes the fourth.
“Her repeated entry and interactions with multiple individuals inside the booth raise serious questions and suspicion,” the CRO stated, adding that the matter is being investigated thoroughly.

The Election Commission (EC) has clarified that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with her family members whose National ID cards have been blocked, will not be allowed to vote.

Those affected include her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Rehana Siddiq, nieces Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and Azmima Siddiq, and nephew Radwan Siddiq Bobby. Tarique Ahmed Siddiq, Hasina’s brother-in-law, is also on the list.

Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed explained that the restrictions apply only to those with suspended NIDs, not to expatriates abroad due to cases or other reasons.

For the first time, the EC is introducing IT-supported postal ballots to facilitate expatriate voting. A new registration app called “Postal Ballot BD” is being rolled out for this purpose.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged people of all faiths to remain vigilant during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations to thwart any attempt at communal violence.

He warned that vested groups sometimes exploit festivals to incite unrest by sowing mistrust and division for political gain.

“Any conspiracy, provocation, or sabotage must be defeated,” Fakhrul said, calling on BNP leaders, activists, and like-minded parties to act as guardians of peace and coexistence during the festivities.

He also directed BNP activists to function as watchful sentinels at puja mandaps to ensure safety and harmony.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will leave for New York on September 21 to attend the 80th UN General Assembly. He will be accompanied by four political representatives: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and NCP leader Akhtar Hossain.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that for the first time, the UN Secretary-General will chair a high-level meeting on the Rohingya crisis during the session.

Dr. Yunus is scheduled to deliver his address to the UNGA on September 26. On the sidelines, he will also hold meetings with the UN Secretary-General, the prime ministers of Pakistan and Finland, and heads of several international organizations.

New York police have made security preparations in case of protests during his visit.

BNP leader Rumin Farhana has warned that Jamaat-e-Islami poses a unique political threat in Bangladesh, saying:

“If Jamaat identifies someone as an enemy, the way they attack—no other party in Bangladesh does that.”

Speaking on Jamaat’s organizational strength, she described it as “highly disciplined, much like the military,” stressing that its supporters unquestioningly follow party commands without considering right or wrong.

She noted that politics now has two battlefields—the traditional ground and the digital space, where Jamaat unleashes particularly harsh rhetoric against perceived opponents.

Rumin recalled her past criticisms of Jamaat in Parliament, adding:
“Once they decide a group or individual poses a political threat, Jamaat will crush them without hesitation.”

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud has said that any political party seeking to claim ground democratically must contest elections and win the people’s mandate.
He criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for announcing programs instead of preparing for elections, suggesting that their reluctance stems from a lack of electoral confidence.
Khasru further argued that groups undermining the Consensus Commission talks are disrespecting democratic processes, adding: “The people will decide the future of those who attempt to destabilize the nation.”

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has claimed that adopting a Proportional Representation (PR) system could allow parties allied with the ruling Awami League to manipulate votes and undermine Bangladesh’s independence.
He alleged that separatist groups in Bangladesh, some backed by India, might use the PR system to push for partition in Parliament. Ishraq warned: “Both pro-India separatists and international powers could exploit this system, threatening Bangladesh’s sovereignty.”
Declaring that the people will resist any such attempts, he added: “We will give our lives for this country, but we will not hand it over to collaborators—whether of 1971 or 2024.”

Ali Riaz, Vice President of the Consensus Commission, said political parties are expected to reach a final decision on implementing the July Accord by September 21, before the Chief Adviser departs for New York.
He warned that failure to meet this deadline could delay progress until after October 2. Riaz expressed hope that parties would overcome differences on issues such as referendums and constitutional orders by relying on expert guidance.
Experts have advised four possible methods for implementation: ordinance, executive order, referendum, or special constitutional order.

A BNP leader in Mirpur, Dhaka, has been suspended from his post for three months following allegations of intimidation and extortion against members of the Hindu community.
The party acted against Abu Sayeed Dipu after a written complaint was filed by the management committee of the Shree Shree Shyama Kali Temple in DNCC’s Ward-9. The complaint accused Dipu and his son—allegedly a local gang leader—of demanding money under threat of false legal cases. Witnesses claim they warned Hindus, saying: “What’s your place in this country? Go back to your ancestors’ land.”
Dipu dismissed the accusations as a conspiracy, stating: “I have never demanded extortion money. I live a solvent life.”