BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud has criticized certain individuals for exhibiting authoritarian behavior reminiscent of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “Those calling for election boycotts are echoing Hasina’s tone,” Khasru said. He emphasized that refusing to participate in elections unless specific demands are met is undemocratic. Khasru added that holding referendums for each party’s demands would make elections impossible in the country. “There is no division among true believers in democracy. Reforms that enjoy consensus should be implemented based on the public mandate,” he stated.

The court rejected bail petitions for Abdul Latif Siddiqui and journalist Manzurul Alam Panna in a terrorism-related case filed under Shahbagh Police jurisdiction.

The case stems from a disturbance at a “Roundtable 71” event organized by a group on August 28. Sixteen participants were detained, and SI Amirul Islam later filed the case under anti-terrorism laws, resulting in the arrest of the accused.

The 41st meeting of the Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, approved draft policies in three key areas.

The approved drafts include the “2025 Renewable Energy-Based Commercial Power Production Policy” by the Power Division, the “2025 Telecommunications Network and Licensing Policy” by the Posts & Telecommunications Division, and the “Third Amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunal) Ordinance, 2025” by the Law and Justice Division. Final approval will follow vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.

The High Court expressed its inability to hear Julius Caesar’s petition challenging the cancellation of his Dhaka University Vice President candidacy.

Caesar, originally assigned ballot number 26, faced allegations of ties with a banned student organization after the final candidate list was released. Following recommendations from the Election Commission, his candidacy and ballot number were removed. He filed the petition after receiving no response to a legal notice sent to the Chief Returning Officer.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that individuals accused in war crimes cases will be barred from participating in elections under the amended ICT Act.

The amendment, approved in a meeting chaired by the Chief Advisor, adds Section 20(C) to the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act 1973. Anyone formally charged under Section 9(1) of the law will be ineligible to hold positions in parliament, local government, public office, or civil service.

BNP leader Zainul Abedin Faruk claimed that the Jamaat-e-Islami’s alleged electoral conspiracy is not isolated and involves Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He stated that the plot would not benefit Jamaat but would advantage the Awami League. Faruk also welcomed the High Court’s decision to uphold the acquittal of Tarique Rahman and others in the August 21 grenade attack case.

The Asian Pacific Human Rights Organization (APHR) has called on ASEAN to take urgent action regarding the humanitarian crisis in Rohingya refugee camps.

In a statement in Dhaka, APHR thanked Bangladesh for sheltering Rohingyas and warned that the crisis threatens regional stability. The organization urged ASEAN to establish a dedicated humanitarian fund, as reduced international aid has heightened food insecurity among the refugees.

François Valériane, Chairperson of Transparency International’s International Board, says corruption continues in Bangladesh, but has decreased since the July political upheaval. Allegations against some advisors of the interim government remain under investigation.

Valériane emphasized that corruption undermines democracy, and attacks or harassment of media and civil society weaken accountability. TIB Executive Director Iftikharuzzaman added that post-August 5 banking reforms have curbed money laundering, though it has not been entirely eliminated.

The Anti-Corruption Commission has sent a letter to the Police Headquarters requesting Interpol red alerts against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy.

The notice relates to an ongoing case of plot fraud in the Purbachal New Town project. According to the ACC, both accused are abroad, and the court has issued warrants to ensure they are returned for trial. Investigations into illegal plot allocations began in December 2024, with allegations that they misused power for personal gain.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu has accused the Awami League of conspiring to derail the upcoming elections to prevent a free and fair vote.
“Awami League does not want a good election,” Dudu said, warning that plots are underway to block BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from playing a role in the country’s leadership.
He expressed confidence that an interim government would ensure a free, fair, and acceptable election, which he said was essential for safeguarding the nation’s independence and sovereignty.
“The sooner the election is held, the sooner democracy will be restored,” he added, urging the government to set a specific election date without delay.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has called for banning political office holders from managing school committees to protect educational institutions from corruption and politicization.
Writing on social media, Sarjis noted that a new regulation requires candidates for school managing committee president to hold at least an Honors degree. He praised the interim government for this initiative, saying it would shield schools from “unqualified, opportunistic businessmen-politicians.”

Drivers and workers of four long-distance bus companies have suspended services on the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar route demanding salary hikes, leaving passengers stranded.

Since Thursday morning, employees of Saudia, Purabi, Marsa, and Swadhin transport services have ceased operations, citing unpaid wages and rising living costs. The 36-hour strike is set to escalate if demands are not met. Meanwhile, local buses are providing “closed-door” services at higher fares, sparking passenger complaints.

The court has imposed a travel ban on National Party Chairman GM Quader and his wife, Sherifa Quader, following allegations of extortion, nomination trading, misappropriation of party funds, and accumulation of illegal assets.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) informed the court that investigations are ongoing into the illegal acquisition of wealth by GM Quader and others through corruption and abuse of power. The allegations extend to various immovable and movable assets held by the Quaders and their family, both domestically and abroad. Authorities fear that if the couple flees overseas, it could hinder the ongoing investigation.

Outgoing French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy met BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her residence in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Wednesday night.
The courtesy meeting was attended by BNP Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan and Khaleda Zia’s personal physician Prof. Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, according to BNP media wing official Shamsuddin Didar.

Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim, a DUCSU election candidate from the BNP’s student front, criticized BNP leader Fazlur Rahman, a former Awami League MP and ex-Chatra League leader.
Hamim accused Fazlur of belittling the historic July uprising and the August 5 people’s movement, quoting him as saying “August 5 was the work of dark forces.”
“Once an Awami Leaguer, always an Awami Leaguer,” Hamim said, adding that Fazlur’s statements prove his loyalty lies elsewhere. He praised BNP for issuing a show-cause notice against Fazlur and urged the party to expel him permanently.