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.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has sharply criticized the announcement of the election roadmap before finalizing the July Charter, calling it a violation of commitments made by the Consensus Commission and the interim government.
NCP leader Ariful Islam Adib said the public expected justice and reform from the government, but the lack of a clear implementation roadmap in the July Charter draft was deeply disappointing. Adib revealed that six proposals were discussed within the Consensus Commission, including demands for a Constituent Assembly election, while other parties pushed for a referendum or constitutional reforms.
He expressed frustration that, despite these discussions, the Chief Adviser unilaterally announced an election date. “We accepted it in the greater interest of the nation, but it was agreed that substantial progress in reforms and justice must precede elections,” Adib stressed.
He warned that preparing for elections without finalizing the Charter’s implementation process risks future political crises.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has welcomed the Election Commission’s announcement of a national election roadmap.
“The nation is now moving toward elections. If polls are held, it will bring a major economic shift. The time for political games is over—it’s time to build the nation,” he said.
Khasru added that BNP has prepared to create 10 million jobs within 18 months if elected, stressing equal opportunities for all political parties.

BNP leader Hafiz Uddin Ahmed dismissed calls for constitutional change through the “July Declaration,” stating:
“No charter can ever stand above the Constitution. Across the world, only elected representatives amend constitutions—not unelected groups.”
He argued that proportional representation (PR) is unfamiliar to most citizens and would make elected officials inaccessible. Hafiz emphasized BNP’s demand for elections under an interim government, saying only the people’s mandate should determine constitutional amendments.

The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has announced its full candidate panel for the upcoming Jaksu elections.

Mir Mosharraf Hossain has been nominated for Vice President (VP), while Tanzila Hossain Boishakhi will contest for General Secretary (GS). Sajjadul Islam has been nominated for Assistant General Secretary (Male), and Anjuman Ara Ikra for Assistant General Secretary (Female).

Thursday marked the last day for nomination withdrawals, with final candidate lists scheduled for release on Friday. Campaigning will officially kick off thereafter, leading up to the election on September 11.

The BNP-backed Abid-Hamim-Mayed panel has released a 10-point manifesto ahead of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) elections, vowing to prioritize education, research, and student welfare.

The manifesto emphasizes creating safe campuses, ensuring freedom in dress for female students, abolishing the restrictive evening law, and providing effective measures against sexual harassment.

Other commitments include:

Quality healthcare and insurance for students.

Inclusive facilities for students with disabilities.

Modernization of curriculum, infrastructure, and examination systems.

Improved transport services, including battery-operated shuttle vehicles.

Interest-free student loans and campus-based employment opportunities.

Expanding sports, cultural activities, and digital facilities with cybersecurity measures.

Eco-friendly campus initiatives with waste management and greenery programs.

Strengthening Daksu’s role nationally and internationally.

BNP leader Barkat Ullah Bulu has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of conspiring to prevent Tarique Rahman from becoming the next Prime Minister. He alleged that Jamaat, a party with a history of opposing Bangladesh’s independence, is using the pretext of a proportional representation (PR) system to create unrest around the election process.

“Elections must be held under the same system used previously. Otherwise, the people of this country will resist,” Bulu declared.

Recalling history, he said Jamaat joined forces with the Awami League in 1996 and enforced 173 days of hartals, but when contesting against Khaleda Zia, the party managed to secure only three seats.

He also reminded that in 1947, Jamaat did not vote in favor of Pakistan but rather for a united India. “Jamaat has never stood with the country; they have always acted against national interests,” he added.

Bulu expressed hope that elections would be held in February, after which a newly elected government could bring back the wealth allegedly laundered during the Awami League’s tenure. He further accused Sheikh Hasina of attempting to kill Khaleda Zia with “slow poisoning” in prison, while hailing Ziaur Rahman for giving the nation its map by declaring independence on March 27, 1971.