Political commentator and adviser Asif Nazrul has written an emotional account recalling his experiences with former RAB magistrate-turned-bureaucrat Sarwar Alam.

Nazrul described how Sarwar, once celebrated for his bold anti-corruption drives, was sidelined by powerful vested interests and later transferred to a low-profile post. Despite his professionalism, he too faced smear campaigns online.

“Baseless rumors are spread about me every day. But even Sarwar, a man far removed from politics, was not spared such malicious attempts. I couldn’t shield him from that completely, and it pains me still,” Nazrul wrote.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum on Friday visited students of Chattogram University who were critically injured in recent clashes with local villagers. At Parkview Hospital, she met the patients, spoke with doctors about their treatment progress, and wished them a speedy recovery.

Hospital Managing Director Rezaul Karim confirmed her visit, noting that the adviser reassured families of government support and urged continued quality care for the victims.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has issued a warning regarding fraudulent calls claiming financial incentives. Scammers have been using the name and photo of Secretary Abu Taher Md. Masud Rana, contacting officials via WhatsApp from a different number (01851-274565), and requesting credit card and bank details. The ministry confirmed that these claims are entirely false and urged people not to share sensitive information. Citizens are advised to report such incidents to the ministry or the nearest police station.

Authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka prevented S.M. Siddiqui, the younger brother of politicians Latif Siddiqui and Kader Siddiqui, from leaving the country for Thailand.

The incident occurred on Friday morning when immigration officials stopped Siddiqui, who was accompanied by his wife. According to airport sources, he was barred from boarding due to an active travel restriction order.

S.M. Siddiqui, a former chairman of Tangail’s Kalihati Upazila Parishad, was subsequently sent back after being detained at immigration.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Special Metropolitan Magistrate Court has disposed of 5,558 cases through summary trials between March and August this year.

According to official data, 11,323 individuals were arrested during this period, of whom 2,771 were sentenced to varying terms of imprisonment.

Breakdown of cases by division:

Motijheel Division: 768 arrests, 378 cases, fines of Tk 135,000, with 356 convictions.

Wari Division: 964 arrests, 518 cases, fines of Tk 159,000, with 326 convictions.

Tejgaon Division: 1,675 arrests, 725 cases, fines totaling Tk 438,000.

Gulshan Division: 1,344 arrests, 740 cases, fines of Tk 209,000, with 9 convictions.

Lalbagh Division: 875 arrests, 505 cases, fines of Tk 289,000, with 407 convictions.

Mirpur Division: 2,762 arrests, 1,267 cases, fines amounting to Tk 1.18 million, with 457 convictions.

Uttara Division: 1,897 arrests, 888 cases, fines of Tk 816,000, with 813 convictions.

Ramna Division: 1,038 arrests, 537 cases, fines totaling Tk 338,000, with 276 convictions.

The data reflects a significant crackdown across Dhaka under the DMP’s special magistrate operations, aimed at maintaining law and order in the capital.

Violence erupted in Rajbari’s Goalanda after Friday prayers when enraged locals attacked the shrine of Nurul Haque, popularly known as Nural Pagol, who had declared himself Imam Mahdi. Protesters vandalized and set fire to the premises, sparking deadly clashes.

At least one person, identified as Russell Molla (28), was killed, while more than 50 others — including police officers — sustained injuries. The unrest stemmed from long-standing disputes over Nural Pagol’s elevated burial site. Prior to the violence, local Jamaat leaders had urged his followers to rebury him according to Islamic norms.

In a related incident, another shrine in Rajshahi’s Paba was also vandalized. Locals accused BNP leader and former union council member Golam Mostafa of instigating the attack, a charge he has denied.

Police have arrested eight individuals, including former Awami League MP of Nilphamari-3 Saddam Hossain Pavel, for allegedly planning sabotage and funding disruptive activities in Dhaka.

The arrests, made during a DB operation on Thursday night, come amid allegations that the group sought to create instability through flash rallies and other acts of disruption. Official statements confirmed that all arrested have pending cases in various police stations.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General Dr. Redwan Ahmed has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of being the only political party that directly collaborated with Pakistan during the Liberation War by forming the Razakar, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams forces.

Speaking at a discussion, Dr. Redwan said, “Even today, there are people in our country who chant slogans for Pakistan. They never wanted Bangladesh’s independence. In 1971, they were Razakars. Jamaat-e-Islami not only sided with the Pakistani occupation forces but also played a central role in forming auxiliary forces. They abducted women, handed them over to Pakistani camps, and provided information about the freedom fighters to the enemy.”

Dr. Redwan further alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami is plotting to derail the upcoming national elections scheduled for February 2026, but such attempts will not succeed. He criticized Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, claiming she scrapped the caretaker government system to cling to power indefinitely, but the people resisted.

“The current government has failed completely in governance,” he added. “Despite that, we are extending our full cooperation so that it can hold a free, fair, and neutral election and transfer power to a government truly elected by the people.”

The government will train over 150,000 police officers to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful 13th parliamentary election. Deputy Inspector General Kazi Zia Uddin said nine training modules have been prepared in consultation with experts, along with documentaries, audio-visuals, and booklets. Training has already begun with 150 master trainers, and more than 1,200 will be prepared to train others nationwide. Scenario-based exercises will also be conducted at 134 training centers to strengthen election security and maintain law and order.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin announced that the advisory council has repeatedly discussed potato prices, and export incentives are being offered to stabilize the market.

Efforts include purchasing potatoes from the market through the TSC for distribution and encouraging exports. Bashiruddin noted that last year’s prices ranged from 80–90 BDT per kg, prompting higher cultivation this year and resulting in oversupply. He emphasized that exports are crucial to ensuring farmers receive fair prices and warned against syndicate practices, promising strict action against offenders.

The interim government has strongly condemned the shocking incident in Rajbari’s Goalanda, where the body of self-proclaimed Imam Mahdi, Nura Pagol, was exhumed and burned. Authorities vowed swift and strict legal measures against those involved, stressing that no individual or group is above accountability.

On Friday, a group identifying themselves as “Touhidi Janata” carried out the act, accusing Nura Pagol of distorting Islamic tenets and even claiming divinity. They alleged he was buried in a shrine built to resemble the Holy Kaaba, in defiance of Islamic tradition. Protesters had long demanded the shrine’s demolition and the removal of inscriptions naming him “Imam Mahdi.”

Meanwhile, reports emerged that a man named Russell Molla (28) was killed during the unrest, though local administration has yet to confirm the death.

The Government of Bangladesh has announced financial rewards for the recovery of various police weapons and ammunition that were looted. According to an official statement from the Bangladesh Police, genuine informants who provide accurate leads will be rewarded.

In a notice published on the police’s official Facebook page, the government outlined a detailed reward structure:

Pistol or shotgun: Tk 50,000 each

Chinese rifle: Tk 100,000 each

Submachine gun (SMG): Tk 150,000 each

Light machine gun (LMG): Tk 500,000 each

Ammunition: Tk 500 per round

Authorities have also assured that the identities of those providing information will be kept strictly confidential.

Earlier, on August 25, the Home Affairs Adviser had made a similar announcement regarding the recovery of looted police weapons.

Bangladesh has become Asia’s leading country in non-performing loans (NPLs), with 20.2% of its total loans turning non-performing in 2024, according to the Asian Development Bank. NPLs reached $20.27 billion, a 28% increase from last year, highlighting weaknesses in the banking system. Experts cite lax policies, political influence, and inadequate recovery measures as major causes. ADB warns that global economic and geopolitical risks could worsen the situation, urging stricter laws, market reforms, transparency, and active investor participation.

Farida Akhtar, Advisor on Fisheries and Livestock, praised the country’s scientists for their role in sustainable fisheries management. Speaking at the 3rd International Conference for Sustainable Fisheries at Sylhet Agricultural University, she stressed increasing research funding and protecting fish resources from overfishing, illegal nets, and pesticide contamination. She highlighted freshwater aquaculture, hilsa production, and wetland conservation as key priorities. The three-day conference features 250 papers from local and international researchers, aiming to promote innovation, coordination, and long-term sustainability in Bangladesh’s fisheries sector.

Government adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan revealed he recently returned two high-value gifts—a luxury wristwatch and an iPad—offered to him during official meetings.

The watch was gifted at a ministerial meeting in Sri Lanka, while the iPad was presented by the head of an Indian power company. Khan admitted he was tempted to keep them but ultimately sent the watch to the state treasury and returned the iPad.

He clarified that he does accept low-value tokens such as books or chocolates from foreign dignitaries, often reciprocating with his own writings. He concluded by expressing hope that voters will choose leaders of integrity in the upcoming elections.