Education Adviser C.R. Abrar has expressed deep sorrow over the death of eminent thinker and political activist Badruddin Umar. In a statement issued Sunday, Abrar said, “Umar’s contributions to the objective documentation of Bangladesh’s key political, social, and cultural movements—including the Language Movement—will remain unforgettable.”

He added, “Umar did not confine himself to theoretical discussions. He actively joined the people’s struggle for liberation and remained uncompromising in his stand against past authoritarian regimes. No temptation or opportunistic lure could sway him from his ideals. His life and work were dedicated to the cause of freedom.”

Abrar described Umar’s passing as a national loss, calling him a visionary intellectual and tireless fighter whose legacy will continue to inspire just struggles across generations.

Despite a ban on political activities, Awami League activists staged another rally in the Parliament area on Sunday, a day after their previous protest.

Police confirmed the arrest of Sirajul Islam, a former Chhatra League leader from Shibchar, Madaripur, who was carrying a banner during the demonstration.

The rally began under the Bijoy Sarani metro rail station and ended at Khamarbari. Tejgaon Police OC Mobarak Hossain said law enforcement acted swiftly to disperse the gathering.

Earlier on Friday, Awami League supporters had also held a rally in Nabisco area after Friday prayers.

Jamaat leader Masud Saeedi has said every citizen in Bangladesh, regardless of religion or ethnicity, deserves equal rights and full freedom to practice their faith.

He criticized political groups for what he described as a decade-long attempt to mislead people through rhetoric, adding:

“Those who incite communal violence in the name of religion are the real minorities. We want a Bangladesh where Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians live in peace, free of divisions.”

Saeedi also decried poor infrastructure and collapsing schools despite five decades of independence, arguing that people are looking to Jamaat for leadership to build a prosperous, just, and peaceful nation.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has vowed to end politics driven by muscle power, saying,

“The days of ‘10 motorbikes, 20 thugs’ deciding leadership are over. True leadership must come from qualities, not hooliganism.”

Speaking to supporters, he stressed that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) stands firmly for justice and truth.

“If you stand for justice, you are with the NCP. There is no room in our party for injustice.”

He called on people across villages and unions to unite against “evil forces,” warning that local political patronage often turns activists into criminals. A united stand, he said, would strip offenders of courage.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has dismissed fears of election delays, saying,

“Some political parties are trying to postpone the polls. But I believe elections will be held on schedule. We are not anxious.”

His comments came in Thakurgaon, where the city has taken on a festive look ahead of the BNP’s long-awaited district council after eight years. The conference, set for Monday at Thakurgaon District School ground near Fakhrul’s ancestral home, will elect new leadership and revitalize party activities.

Party sources confirmed that there was no contest for the president’s post, with Fakhrul’s younger brother, former mayor Mirza Faisal Amin, being formally chosen as district president.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman met with Palestinian Ambassador Yusuf Saleh Y. Ramadan for a courtesy call and exchange of views.

During the meeting, the envoy prayed for the Jamaat leader’s recovery. In response, Dr. Rahman condemned ongoing Israeli aggression, claiming:

“In more than two years of relentless bombardment, nearly 65,000 Palestinians — including women and children — have been martyred, with around 170,000 seriously injured. Entire families, such as 2,700 in Gaza, have been wiped out.”

He urged the UN, OIC, and global peace-loving nations to compel Israel to halt what he described as a plan to seize Gaza and forcibly displace nearly one million Palestinians.

Ambassador Ramadan expressed gratitude, saying he was honored to meet Dr. Rahman and deeply appreciated the solidarity of the Bangladeshi people.

A Goaland court has rejected bail petitions for six individuals accused in a case of attacking police and vandalizing vehicles, ordering them to be sent to jail.

The defense lawyer urged authorities not to harass anyone by falsely implicating unidentified individuals.

The accused are Shafin Sardar (19), Enamul Haque Jony (32), Chhatra League leader Masud Mridha (29), Swechchhasebak League leader Hiru Mridha (40), Kazi Apu (25), and Ali Mridha (29).

Police said five of them were arrested on Saturday night after reviewing video footage of the incident, and another was detained on Sunday afternoon. They were subsequently presented in court.

Meanwhile, no case has yet been filed regarding the vandalism, arson, or deaths linked to the destruction at Nural Pagol’s shrine.

Advisor Adilur Rahman has expressed optimism that the upcoming national election in February will be held in a festive atmosphere, continuing the momentum of reforms and justice.

Speaking at a ship handover ceremony to Turkey, Adilur said: “The interim government has initiated crucial reforms. The elected government will carry them forward. Despite obstacles, we are moving ahead with the power of the people.”

He likened the nation’s journey to waves — sometimes rising, sometimes falling — but expressed confidence in the country’s resilience. Highlighting the shipbuilding industry’s growing strength, he said it would play a vital role in strengthening Bangladesh’s economy.

The exported vessel is a 5,500-ton ship, 341 feet long, 55 feet wide, and 25 feet deep.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has directed the Public Service Commission (PSC) to hold Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) exams every year on a fixed calendar, ensuring complete transparency in the process.

Speaking at a meeting with PSC officials, Yunus stressed that BCS is the “entry point” to government service. “If irregularities occur at this entry point, the entire system is affected. We must resolve existing problems responsibly and implement reforms to restore public trust,” he said.

PSC Chairman Mobasher Monem informed that the commission has already prepared a five-year roadmap, aiming to complete recruitment cycles between November and October each year.

PSC members admitted that over the past 15 years, political interference had led to irregularities, nepotism, and question leaks in BCS exams. Reforms, they assured, have now been implemented to ensure fairness and credibility.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and a Japanese consortium have started final negotiations on operating the newly built third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The three-day talks, held with advisors including the IFC, aim to resolve unresolved issues, mainly revenue sharing. Built with JICA funding, the terminal is ready for operation, increasing passenger capacity from 8 million to 24 million. Delays in finalizing an operator may raise costs, but the government is prepared to consider alternative international operators.

Bidhyan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Advisor to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, has said reducing weekly school holidays from two days to one is difficult due to the need for coordination across all educational institutions. Speaking at an International Literacy Day 2025 press conference, he emphasized that effective learning depends on contract hours and the number of days schools remain open. The government is exploring slight reductions in holidays and considering teachers’ demands for a ‘non-vacation department.’

Advisor Mahfuz Alam has warned that the spread of fake social media pages using logos of established news outlets reflects a deeper “crisis of trust in society.”

He noted that in the past 15 years, public confidence in the media has eroded. Ahead of the upcoming national election, Mahfuz assured that the government will take all necessary steps to prevent violence.

Calling for responsible journalism, he said: “If journalists stand firm for their rights, no government can interfere in their profession. Journalism must serve the people, not any group.”

Mahfuz also criticized the Election Commission for not consulting the Information Ministry while drafting media guidelines and linked the rise of mob violence to irresponsible media practices. He urged online journalists to act responsibly, stressing that the media has a vital role in preventing post-election violence.

The Democratic Left Alliance has called for the resignation of Dr. Yunus’ government, citing failures in governance and policies against public interest. Leaders criticized handing key projects to foreign leaseholders and using law enforcement to undermine national unity and disrupt the electoral environment. Referring to unprecedented events on 5 September 2025, they questioned who truly governs the country. The alliance urged all non-communal, progressive, and democratic parties to unite on the streets and announced a sit-in in front of the National Press Club on 13 September.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh soon. “Once he returns, half of our election campaign will already be accomplished,” he remarked.

Addressing supporters, Salahuddin emphasized that the upcoming election would pave the way for restoring a political and parliamentary government that reflects the nation’s aspirations. He hinted that the polls might take place in February 2026, possibly just before Ramadan.

He described Tarique Rahman’s homecoming as an “unforgettable historic event” and urged political rivals not to spread confusion during the election season. “The nation is already in full election mode, and Tarique Rahman’s return will be a turning point,” he added.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has established an international cell to strengthen its global activities, with Sultan Mohammad Zakaria as secretary and Alauddin Mohammad as co-secretary. The committee, approved by party convener Md. Nahid Islam and member secretary Akhtar Hossain, also includes members from South Asia and beyond. On the same day, NCP launched a Farmers’ Wing to protect farmers’ rights, promote land reforms, and ensure fair prices for crops, led by chief coordinator Azad Khan Bhasani with a team of agricultural experts and coordinators.