A total lunar eclipse, also known as a "Blood Moon," will be visible on Sunday from Bangladesh and various parts of the world. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), if the sky remains clear, people in Bangladesh will also be able to witness the eclipse. The lunar eclipse will begin at 8:28 PM Bangladesh time on September 7 and will last for a total of 7 hours and 27 minutes. However, the changes in the moon may not be easily noticeable to the naked eye. At 9:27 PM, a portion of the moon will gradually start to darken, and by 10:30 PM, the Earth's shadow will completely cover the moon. During this time, the moon will not disappear entirely but will take on a reddish or coppery hue. The eclipse will be fully visible from locations stretching from Hila Island in eastern Indonesia to the port city of Mombasa in western Kenya. However, about 90% of North America, the Caribbean, and South America will not be able to view the eclipse.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has alleged that the concept of a “refined Awami League” is an Indian idea, which will not materialize in post-coup Bangladesh.

He said those responsible for the BDR massacre, the Shapla Square killings of Islamic scholars, and the 2024 student uprising massacre “can never be allowed to participate in Bangladeshi politics.”

Sarjis compared the Awami League and Jatiya Party to “partners in crime,” insisting that just as Awami League’s activities have been banned, Jatiya Party’s should be too. He also warned against student politics being used to exploit schools, alleging it would lead to drug trade and extortion.

RAB has arrested Belal Talukdar, the prime suspect in the violent attack on Sohag Paribahan’s counter, along with two accomplices.

On September 3, a group of 50–60 men armed with machetes and sharp weapons stormed the Malibagh counter, vandalizing property. A case was later filed against 16 named and 15–20 unidentified attackers.

Eyewitnesses reported that the clash began when counter staff asked two men to smoke away from the premises. They later brought reinforcements, sparking the sudden attack.

The Basail upazila administration has enforced Section 144 after two groups called rallies at the same venue under different banners.

Freedom fighters, under the banner of “Kaderia Bahini,” announced a gathering at Shaheed Minar premises with Kader Siddiqui as chief guest, while a student body applied to hold a separate rally at the same spot under the banner of “Student Society.”

Tensions escalated as both groups claimed priority. The UNO confirmed that Section 144 will remain effective from 6 AM to 6:30 PM to prevent clashes.

A nationwide special training program for police officers is set to launch today to enhance professionalism, skills, and capacity in managing the upcoming national election.

The program will be inaugurated at Rajarbagh Police Auditorium by the Home Affairs Advisor. More than 150,000 police personnel will undergo specialized election-duty training across 130 small and 4 large training centers nationwide.

Earlier, from August 31 to September 2, 150 master trainers were trained at police headquarters in Dhaka. Plans are in place to develop 1,292 “trainers of trainers” at 19 police centers, who will subsequently train field-level officers for election duty.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that political parties seeking proportional representation (PR) can include it in their election manifesto and implement it in parliament with people’s mandate. “But calling for PR ballots during elections is unrealistic — only politically isolated parties can make such demands,” he remarked.

Khasru stressed that while reforms are necessary, the extent of feasible reforms must be debated, and unresolved issues should go before the public in the next election. He added, “Dissent is part of politics, but respecting others’ opinions and practicing tolerance are vital.”

Citing global examples, he said countries that quickly returned to democracy after revolutions thrived, while those that failed suffered crises and even civil wars. He further claimed, “Had elections been held within three months, the country would have been performing well on every indicator.”

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman emphasized that no one, including the Chief Justice, is above contempt of court. Speaking at a Noakhali District Lawyers’ Association event, he urged judges to ensure lawyers are treated with respect, warning that misconduct undermines public trust in the judiciary. He stated that any judge whose actions create doubts about justice can be held guilty of contempt. The event saw participation from lawyers, politicians, and prominent BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders.

Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan honored the July martyrs in Natore, emphasizing that although fascism has been defeated, conspiracies persist. He highlighted ongoing efforts for justice and reform, alongside preparations for national elections. Family members of the martyrs demanded speedy trials, issuance of July certificates, and arrest of accused perpetrators. Officials paid tribute to five martyrs earlier in the day, reflecting the nation’s enduring respect for those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.

The home of Zahid Uddin Mahmud Lipton, former chairman of Sonagazi Upazila Parishad and joint general secretary of the banned Feni district Awami League, was set on fire Friday night.

According to reports, assailants poured petrol and ignited the house while the caretaker was away for prayers. Local residents managed to extinguish the fire after nearly an hour. The attack caused damage to furniture, clothes, and parts of the ground-floor drawing room. The assailants also attempted to break the doors on the second floor and set them on fire but failed. Lipton, who has not resided in the house since August 5, 2024, stated that he was not shaken by the attack.

Amartya Roy Jan, the vice-presidential candidate of the “Sompriti’s Oikko” panel, has been removed from the voter and candidate lists for the upcoming JAKSU elections.

According to the election commission’s notification, Jan, a former president of a faction of the Student Union University Council, was deemed ineligible under Clause 4.38 of JAKSU’s constitution. Consequently, his name has been withdrawn from all election-related lists.

Advisor C.R. Abrar emphasized that schools are institutions not only for acquiring knowledge but also for learning ethics and values. “All life decisions must be guided by principles,” he said. “One must live with dignity rather than succumb to temptations.”

Addressing students, he said he firmly believes they will emerge as capable citizens committed to building a new Bangladesh. He also highlighted the impact of recent youth-led movements, noting that the aspirations of the younger generation will drive progress.

Abrar further stressed the role of educational institutions as the “engine of life,” warning about environmental degradation despite technological advancements. “Global warming is causing rapid melting of polar ice, increasing the average temperature of the Earth, and threatening future generations. Our generation failed to act; in this regard, we are accountable,” he added.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has called for a free and fair general election in February with the participation of all political parties.
Addressing a gathering, Haque said citizens have been deprived of their voting rights for 15 years and are now eager to exercise them. He accused some political groups of conspiring to derail the upcoming election and urged them not to obstruct the democratic process.
He pledged that if BNP came to power, it would safeguard fundamental rights, resolve local issues, establish community clinics and maternity hospitals in every ward, and provide free education for low-income families.
Haque also promised job opportunities for educated unemployed youth and expansion of sports to build a healthier, more capable nation.

In a symbolic move, local farmers were the chief guests at a regional screening of “Krishi Kotha,” a documentary based on BNP Acting Chairman Tarek Rahman’s reform agenda in Kapasia.
The film, built around the 27th point of Tarek Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, highlights the struggles, resilience, and neglected role of farmers in nation-building. Directed by BNP leader Habibur Rahman, the documentary portrays farmers as not only food producers but also architects of the state.
Farmers in attendance shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, describing the film as deeply moving. The documentary is being screened across districts and upazilas and is expected to reach every upazila before the next national election.

Amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Rezaul Karim, has renewed his party’s demand for proportional representation (PR) in national elections, stressing that only such a system can prevent authoritarian rule.
Speaking at a public gathering, Karim said his party has consistently demanded PR-based elections since 2008, alongside legal recognition of the July Charter and restoration of law and order.
He argued that the current system produces “fascists” and leaves 60 percent of the population neglected. By contrast, PR elections would ensure broader representation.
He criticized the Yunus-led government for failing to deliver on its promises of reform, justice, and free elections.

Suspended BNP leader Fazlur Rahman has denounced the exhumation and burning of a body as an “anti-Islamic act,” warning the government not to provoke religious unrest.
He alleged that such incidents were occurring under the current administration, cautioning that faithful Muslims would not tolerate attempts to inflame sectarian tensions.
Fazlu urged devout Muslims to strongly protest and resist such “heinous acts,” adding that Sunnis, who make up the majority of Bangladesh’s Muslim population, are peaceful but uncompromising in defending their faith.