Passengers are facing major disruptions as most bus counters on the Dhaka–Rajshahi route remain closed. Workers from several transport companies, including Desh Travels, National Travels, and Hanif, have halted operations demanding higher wages and benefits. Only a handful of counters remain open, forcing many commuters to seek alternative transport. The movement began late Sunday when Desh Travels employees locked their counters in protest.

Amartya Roy, VP candidate from the “Unity for Harmony” panel in the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) polls, has filed a petition with the High Court seeking reinstatement of his candidacy. His lawyer, Manzur Al Matin, clarified that contrary to media reports, the petition does not seek suspension of the election. Roy’s candidacy was suddenly canceled without prior notice, despite having cleared all scrutiny stages. His legal team expressed confidence that the court will rule in his favor.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has reiterated his party’s commitment to restoring democracy. “For the past 15 years, BNP has fought relentlessly for democratic rights. Our goal is to build Bangladesh into a truly democratic state,” he said. Fakhrul highlighted the party’s role in introducing multi-party democracy and stressed that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, BNP aims to strengthen democratic institutions. He urged party leaders and activists to channel their long struggle into meaningful welfare for the nation.

A dawn-to-dusk hartal is underway in Bagerhat demanding the reinstatement of four parliamentary seats. Protesters locked the main gate of the district election office, halting activities. Transport across 16 major routes has been suspended, leaving commuters stranded and forcing many to pay inflated fares. Shops in the town remain closed, though a few rickshaws and easybikes are still on the roads. Security forces have been deployed around key government offices and the court premises.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has dismissed speculation about military involvement in upcoming central student union elections, particularly the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) polls. In a statement, ISPR said a vested quarter is deliberately spreading “false and baseless rumors” to destabilize the situation. The army expressed hope that the long-awaited elections will be conducted peacefully, serving as an example ahead of the national polls. It also extended best wishes to all candidates and voters.

Train services across northern Bangladesh have been disrupted after a coach of the Dhaka-bound Kurigram Express derailed early Monday near Akkelpur in Joypurhat.

Railway officials said the derailment occurred about two kilometers south of Akkelpur station, involving the train’s power car. Five other coaches were later moved to Joypurhat station.

Rescue teams from Parbatipur have been deployed to remove the derailed carriage. Until then, train operations on the route remain suspended, cutting off links between the north and the rest of the country.

The body of veteran politician and intellectual Badruddin Umar was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar on Monday morning for the public to pay their last respects. Umar, who passed away Sunday at the age of 94 after prolonged illness, was widely recognized beyond his political career—as a writer, researcher, and thinker. He played a pivotal role as a political analyst during Bangladesh’s historic transitions and was awarded the Independence Award in 2025, which he notably declined.

Dhaka University has come under fire after issuing accreditation cards for journalists covering the Daksu elections riddled with errors in names, designations, and institutions.

Examples include Sheikh Nasir Uddin of Daily Sun, whose name appeared as “Sheikh Nasir Uddir” and designation “Stff Correspondent” instead of “Staff Correspondent.” Similarly, Azharuzzaman of Ekhon TV was labeled as “Sir Reporter” instead of “Staff Reporter.”

The mistakes, signed off by the Chief Returning Officer, sparked outrage among journalists and drew widespread criticism on social media.

Chief Returning Officer Dr. Mohammad Jasim Uddin acknowledged the issue, explaining that over 1,200 applications were processed by lower-level staff, leading to errors. He assured corrections would be made upon request and promised measures to prevent future lapses.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the recent Alaska meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, calling it a fulfillment of Putin’s long-standing wish to meet the former U.S. president.

“Putin doesn’t want to meet me, but he is eager to meet the U.S. president and flaunt the pictures. Excluding Ukraine from the August 15 meeting was deeply disappointing,” Zelensky said.

He praised Washington’s move to impose tariffs on countries continuing trade with Russia, describing it as “the right step” to intensify pressure on Moscow. He also criticized certain European states for still purchasing Russian energy.

Zelensky reiterated he would not visit Russia during wartime but suggested Putin could come to Kyiv—while acknowledging such a scenario was virtually impossible, as Moscow does not recognize his legitimacy.

A legal notice has been served demanding the ban of Jatiya Party’s political activities, accusing the party of perpetuating military rule, engaging in corruption, and undermining democracy.

Supreme Court lawyer Salah Uddin Regan issued the notice Sunday on behalf of NCP activist Hossain Mohammad Anwar, naming the Election Commission and other authorities as respondents.

The notice warns that if no action is taken within three days, a writ petition will be filed with the High Court. It alleges Jatiya Party has repeatedly corrupted Bangladesh’s political process since its inception and turned elections into farces.

The move follows earlier appeals submitted to the Election Commission seeking the party’s disqualification from politics in the interest of protecting the nation’s democratic future.

A case has been filed against seven people, including Lohagara Upazila NCP chief coordinator Md. Zahir Uddin, for allegedly abducting and torturing Jubo Dal leader Mohammad Faruk, and attempting to frame him in a drug case.

According to the complaint, Faruk was returning home with his father after medical treatment on Thursday when Zahir and his associates forced him onto a motorcycle from outside a local hospital. He was taken to a house, brutally assaulted, and coerced into giving a false confession labeling him as a yaba dealer.

Police later rescued Faruk in critical condition following family complaints. He is now undergoing treatment at Lohagara Upazila Health Complex.

Zahir has denied the allegations, while OC Md. Arifur Rahman confirmed an investigation is underway and legal action will follow.

BNP leader Rumeen Farhana has slammed rival parties for insisting on proportional representation (PR), saying they are only doing so because they know they cannot secure even 10 seats in a direct election.

“Such parties are trying to disrupt the election,” she said, “but BNP believes that if the polls are free and fair, no force can stop the wave of victory for the paddy sheaf (BNP’s election symbol).”

Highlighting her party’s struggle, Rumeen added:
“No political party has demanded justice for Awami League’s tyranny more than BNP, because it is BNP that first spoke of reform and accountability. The majority of oppression in this country has been inflicted upon our leaders and activists.”

She stressed that the people of Bangladesh have never abandoned Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, or BNP activists. “A mass wave will rise in the 2026 elections,” she declared.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser and rights activist, has assured that the government is committed to safeguarding journalists and strengthening the media’s role as the “fourth pillar of the state.”

Speaking at a dialogue organized by the Bangladesh Journalists Council (BJC), she said:
“The government wants to see media evolve as the people’s voice. Necessary reforms are being implemented, and a separate commission has already been formed to prioritize media development. Journalists’ protection will be ensured, and those involved in mob attacks are facing legal action — not just condemnations.”

Other speakers emphasized that without a properly empowered media, the country cannot progress. They urged the Ministry of Information to lead the sector’s development, while calling on the government to formally acknowledge the commission’s reform report to ensure media owners take it seriously.

Ahead of the 2025 DUCSU and hall union elections, Dhaka University authorities have issued strict guidelines for voters.

Chief Returning Officer announced Sunday that students will not be allowed to carry bags, mobile phones, smartwatches, or any electronic devices into polling centers. Additionally, water bottles and all forms of liquid substances have also been prohibited.

The university administration stated the restrictions were introduced to ensure discipline and security during the polls.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) general secretary candidate Meghmallar Basu has urged students to exercise their voting rights on September 9, stressing that a high voter turnout will prevent anti-liberation elements from securing any position.

Criticizing BNP-Jamaat activists for allegedly intimidating and pressuring voters, he said:
“The way they are seeking votes across districts and police stations is disgraceful. But complaining won’t help — nothing can be expected from the election commissioners. It’s the ordinary students who must take charge. If 35,000 Dhaka University students cast their votes, every equation will collapse.”

Meghmallar further stated:
“You may vote for anyone you wish, but please make sure you come to the polling booths. If you vote, anti-liberation forces won’t win a single post. No matter the result, the resistance council has already won.”

Reflecting on his absence from campaigning due to surgery, he credited his fellow activists for keeping the movement alive and expressed confidence that students would not deprive him of votes.