The Election Commission (EC) has released a list of 115 electoral symbols, excluding the ‘Boat’ symbol, which has been suspended.

Notably, the much-debated ‘Shapla’ (water lily) symbol sought by the NCP is absent from the list. According to Wednesday’s gazette notification, the EC amended the 2008 electoral regulations under powers granted by the Representation of the People Order, 1972.

The Commission stated that, apart from the suspended symbol, any of the 115 approved symbols may be allocated subject to availability.

Prosecutor Mizanul Islam told Tribunal-1 that Sheikh Hasina herself had ordered the burning of Setu Bhaban, citing audio recordings of her conversation with Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh.

However, he noted that instead of burning the specific targets she had mentioned, Setu Bhaban was set on fire. The tribunal also played other recordings, including Hasina’s conversations with JASAD president Hasanul Haq Inu and former Dhaka University VC ASM Maksud Kamal.

In the recordings, Inu assured Hasina that “no other government will come to power in Bangladesh” and urged her to use the opportunity to “break the backbone of Jamaat-Shibir” by arresting its members. Hasina reportedly agreed to the proposal.

A tribunal has heard audio evidence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina allegedly discussing the use of helicopters to bomb protesters during the July 2024 movement.

In a recorded phone conversation with JASAD leader Hasanul Haq Inu, Hasina reportedly said that protesters barricading areas could be bombed from the air. Inu agreed with her stance and mentioned unrest in Rampura and Shanir Akhra, to which Hasina responded that security forces were already taking action there.

Hasina also allegedly ordered military deployment and dismissed proposals to restore internet services, claiming data centers had been destroyed. “I will not fix this. The next government will,” she was heard saying.

World Bank President Ajay Banga has met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, praising his leadership in guiding Bangladesh during one of its most critical moments.

Banga emphasized the urgent need for strong reforms in Bangladesh’s banking and revenue sectors to ensure sustainable, high-growth economic development.

Yunus sought World Bank assistance in recovering stolen funds and modernizing the Chattogram port, highlighting its potential to create millions of jobs and boost regional cooperation. “Chattogram port is the key to regional economic growth,” Yunus said, noting that landlocked Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s northeastern states would benefit from its expansion.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus attended a reception in New York hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

During the event, Yunus invited Trump to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. He also exchanged greetings with several world leaders, including Spain’s King Felipe VI, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

Yunus also held discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor.

The National Committee Party (NCP) has formally applied to the Election Commission (EC) to have the water lily (Shapla) listed as its electoral symbol.

The party argued that during its July march, citizens spontaneously brought Shapla flowers from rivers and wetlands to participate in the campaign. NCP claims the EC’s earlier rejection of the symbol on grounds of similarity with other entities was discriminatory and unlawful.

In its application, the NCP requested recognition of one among three variations: 1) Shapla, 2) White Shapla, or 3) Red Shapla. “We expect the Commission to amend its decision and allocate one of these symbols in our favor,” the party stated.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has appealed to the public to help trace Awami League activists hiding in residential hotels, apartments, and student hostels.

DMP Additional Commissioner Nazrul Islam said police raids and surveillance operations are ongoing, as many activists are reportedly staying in rented flats free of charge. Citizens have been assured that any information they provide will remain confidential.

He added that several activists have already been arrested during flash processions, thanks to public cooperation. “Future arrests will help reduce such illegal gatherings. The banned political party is attempting to disrupt law and order ahead of the election, but operations against them will continue,” he said.

BNP leader Zainul Abedin Farroque narrowly escaped injury when his private car was hit in a road accident in Siddhirganj while traveling from Dhaka to Noakhali.

The collision occurred at Sanarpar on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway when another private car struck his vehicle from behind around 10 am. Farroque and his companions were unharmed, but the car sustained significant damage, causing temporary traffic congestion.

Police later stated that no damaged vehicles were found at the scene upon their arrival, but assured that necessary measures would be taken if a formal complaint is filed.

A group of Awami League and Chhatra League activists—both banned from political activity—staged a sudden flash procession in Chattogram city on Wednesday morning.

Eyewitnesses reported that around 10:30 am, the rally began near CDA Avenue after activists gathered at the entrance of MM Ali Road. The procession marched past the Police Commissioner’s office and reached Dampara bus stand, where it dispersed upon spotting a police vehicle.

OC Md. Shaheen confirmed that police operations are underway to identify and arrest those involved.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has declared that the Awami League, which he holds responsible for the killing of thousands during the 2024 mass uprising, must never be allowed to participate in Bangladesh’s future elections.

“Defeated fascists and revolutionaries cannot coexist in politics,” he said. “Either the revolutionaries remain, or the fascists. On August 5, 2024, the people of Bangladesh closed the chapter of Awami League. The party must now be officially banned.”

Sarjis stressed that judicial proceedings are underway to ensure the Awami League is tried as a party and permanently outlawed. He warned that participating in elections without fundamental reforms would be tantamount to betraying the people. “Our struggle is to rid Bangladesh’s politics of corruption, land grabbing, and foreign influence,” he added.

Students from Dhaka University’s seven affiliated colleges have voiced strong opposition to the draft Dhaka Central University Ordinance 2025, demanding unconditional inclusion of all current honors batches under the new university.
In a statement, they expressed anger and disappointment, calling the draft a “betrayal of their struggle” against session jams, neglect, and identity crises under DU’s affiliation. Their three-point demand includes:

All current students must be absorbed into Dhaka Central University without conditions.

The government must finalize and gazette the ordinance within 15 working days.

A full administration must be appointed and functional within one month of gazette publication.

A 51-year-old man, Haidar Islam, was killed in a mob lynching on suspicion of robbery preparation in Gazipur Sadar upazila early Wednesday. Another suspect, 25-year-old Alamin, was severely injured and remains hospitalized.
Police said locals intercepted 7–8 suspected robbers around 3:30 AM in Noyapara, capturing two of them. Both were beaten before police intervened. Haidar was declared dead at the hospital. Weapons were recovered from the suspects. Authorities confirmed Haidar had multiple robbery cases pending against him.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested Jahangir Alam, an AGM at Aramit PLC, for allegedly withdrawing Tk 1.76 crore using 11 cheques issued in the name of fugitive former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed.
Alam was detained from Aramit Group’s office in Kalurghat Industrial Zone. ACC sources allege he withdrew the money without authorization during Javed’s absence. Alam, however, claims the funds were used to cover legal expenses for two Aramit officials already arrested in a money laundering case.

Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has urged immediate finalization of the RAJUK Building Code by November, stressing its importance for Dhaka’s livability and public health.
Speaking Wednesday, she emphasized:

Dhaka must transition into a green city through strict enforcement of waste and sewage management laws.

RAJUK and WASA must take responsibility for phased implementation.

Protecting rivers like the Buriganga and cleaning canals linked to them, though difficult, is achievable with collective effort.

Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam has called for journalists’ wage determination to be shifted from the Information Ministry to the Labour Ministry, where journalists are officially registered.
Speaking at a discussion on the Draft Journalism Rights Protection Act 2025 and the formation of the Wage Board, Mahfuz said:

“Journalists have long demanded a wage board. Owners must come to the table.”

A 10-day window has been set for proposals, counterarguments, and consultations on the draft law.

He warned that stagnant salaries could push journalists toward corruption.
Mahfuz also criticized newspaper owners, saying their reluctance has stalled implementation of the 9th Wage Board.