BNP’s student wing leader, Rakibul Islam, declared that Islami Chhatra Shibir would be confronted wherever they attempt to pursue clandestine politics—whether on campuses or on the streets.

Speaking at a protest, Rakib said, “For the last 15 and a half years, Shibir has survived through secret politics. If they are still too ashamed to operate openly, I challenge them to wear burqas and bangles while doing politics. Student politics belongs to the courageous and the conscientious—not the cowards.”

He alleged that despite their claim of fearing none but Allah, Shibir leaders had long feared Sheikh Hasina more than God. He accused them of colluding with Chhatra League in violent attacks on general students and BNP activists while remaining shielded by anonymity.

At the same event, activist Nasir Uddin recalled how a left-wing female activist faced public threats of gang rape from Shibir after filing a writ petition against their candidate in the DUCSU election. He condemned the ongoing cyberbullying and physical assaults on female political activists and accused Dhaka University authorities of sheltering Shibir’s underground politics.

Activists of Gono Odhikar Parishad staged a protest rally at Paltan intersection, blocking roads and setting fires to press for three demands—including justice for the attack on their leader Nurul Haque Nur and a ban on the Jatiya Party.

The protest began around 5:45 pm Wednesday, creating a complete traffic standstill at the busy intersection. Paltan Police OC Mahmudul Haque confirmed that all connecting roads were obstructed during the demonstration.

The unrest follows a violent clash on August 30, when Gono Odhikar Parishad activists were allegedly attacked by Jatiya Party members and joint forces near Kakrail during a political procession.

Security sources have reported that at least 300 Rohingyas are waiting in Myanmar’s Feranfru village, on the east bank of the Naf River, to cross into Bangladesh.

On Tuesday, around 200 gathered in the same location, while 41 more arrived from Buthidaung in two groups. They reportedly plan to attempt entry on Wednesday night through two possible routes—either via Roaingadhong towards Jaliar Dwip’s north point, or through Shahparir Dwip’s southern route.

Local and Rohingya brokers are said to be assisting the infiltration. Meanwhile, the Arakan Army is not blocking the crossings but instead charging 20,000 kyat per person as a “tax” to allow passage into Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged policymakers to expand their vision beyond deep-sea port development and focus on building a sustainable Blue Economy.

At a meeting with BIDA, Yunus said:
“This will not just be a facilitating zone. A new city will rise there, connected to the world through the sea—our highway to the globe.”

BIDA Chairman presented a detailed plan for the Maheshkhali-Matarbari project, which will be executed in three phases. Once completed, it is expected to create 2.5 million jobs and contribute $150 billion to GDP.

Yunus also emphasized the need for international expertise, academic research, and conferences on ocean economy, while highlighting environmental protection as a core priority.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called for a strict international legal framework to prevent the laundering of stolen wealth abroad.

In a meeting with Transparency International chief François Valérian, Yunus criticized global financial institutions for their “double standards,” accusing them of knowingly accepting illicit deposits.

He revealed that during years of autocratic rule, at least $16 billion was smuggled out of Bangladesh annually. Despite knowing the sources, banks often treated these as legitimate transfers, he said.

François praised the government’s efforts but stressed the need for stronger international cooperation. Yunus urged TI to play a more proactive role, including establishing an international forum on illicit finance.

UGC Chairman Professor Dr. SMA Faiz has stressed that universities should not only impart knowledge but also create it through the joint efforts of teachers and students.

Speaking at the freshers’ reception at Maulana Bhashani Science and Technology University, he said:
“Education is not just about personal achievement. Students must ask what their learning contributes to society and the nation.”

At the event, teacher Tanjimuddin reminded students to uphold the ideals of Maulana Bhashani and avoid wasting time in non-academic activities from the very first year, warning that otherwise they risk being “swallowed by quicksand.”

Former minister Abdul Latif Siddique has filed a bail petition in connection with an anti-terrorism case lodged at Shahbagh Police Station.

Six others accused in the same case—Golam Mostafa, Zakir Hossain, Tousif-ul Bari Khan, Amir Hossain, Shafiqul Islam, and Abdullahil Kaiyum—have also applied for bail through lawyer Kayes Ahmed.

Latif Siddique, who was presented in court last Friday, had previously refused to sign legal papers, citing a lack of trust in the judiciary. However, from prison he authorized his lawyers to proceed with the bail application.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has accused political groups of exploiting the Liberation War for personal gain, stating: “One group sold out the Liberation War for benefits, another seeks to profit by claiming credit. But the real credit belongs to the people.”

He emphasized that BNP does not seek recognition for the ongoing movement, warning that disputes over credit could endanger the nation’s future. Drawing parallels with post-revolution countries, Khasru noted that delaying elections in favor of power struggles has often led to civil war.

He urged all political parties to acknowledge people’s role in change, stressing that any failure to adapt will jeopardize their future relevance.

Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Ashik Chowdhury, has unveiled an ambitious vision to transform Matarbari and Maheshkhali into world-class commercial hubs akin to Shanghai and Singapore within the next 30 years.

The project, covering 33,000 acres, will be implemented in three phases—2025 to 2030, 2030 to 2045, and 2045 to 2055. Chowdhury stated that within the next 120 days, all administrative groundwork will be completed.

Once operational, the mega-project is expected to generate 2.5 million jobs and position Bangladesh as a global maritime hub.

Three witnesses have filed complaints with the tribunal, accusing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 39 others of coercing them into giving false testimony against Jamaat leader Delwar Hossain Sayeedi.

The complainants—Mahbubul Alam Hawlader, Mahtab Uddin, and Altaf Hawlader—alleged they were tortured and forced to testify. The accused include former tribunal chairman Justice Nizamul Haque Nasim, ex-law minister Shafique Ahmed, former state minister Kamrul Islam, Justice ATM Fazle Kabir, and Pirojpur MP AKM Awal, among others.

Lawyer Parvez claimed that in 2009, MP Awal pressured Mahbubul to file a case against Sayeedi. When he refused, Awami League activists detained him at the then-PP office, tortured him, and held a gun to his head, forcing him to give false testimony linking Sayeedi to war crimes. The other two witnesses reported similar accounts.

This follows a recent complaint by witness Sukhranjan Bali, who accused Hasina and 32 others of abduction and torture in connection with the same case.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Md. Sanuallah has announced the abolition of the provision for submitting nomination papers online under the Representation of the People Order (RPO).

He clarified that the presiding officer’s decision at a polling center will now be final, reverting to the earlier system. Previously, election commencement was subject to law enforcement reports, but the amendment has been rolled back, restoring full authority to presiding officers.

Journalists and observers’ access inside polling booths will also be regulated solely by presiding officers.

Sanuallah further stated that candidates may spend up to Tk 10 per voter, with a maximum cap of Tk 25 lakh. The Election Commission has sent the draft RPO (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 to the Ministry of Law for vetting, which includes provisions such as introducing “No” votes in constituencies with a single candidate. Once approved, it will be published in the gazette.

Shahriar Morshed Khan, a 51-year-old student, has become the oldest candidate in the upcoming RAKSU elections after collecting his nomination papers on Wednesday.

A final-year honors student of Mass Communication and Journalism, he is contesting for the post of Editor, Media & Publications.

Khan revealed that his son-in-law is also a fourth-year student at RU, studying Population Science and Human Research Development. Despite being a father of four daughters, Khan said perseverance brought him this far.

He expressed hope of winning the election, asking for everyone’s prayers and support.

As in previous years, Anjuman-e-Rahmania Ahmadia Sunnia Trust organized the Jashne Julus rally in Dhaka on the occasion of Eid-e-Miladunnabi.

The procession began at 10:30 a.m. from Qaderia Madrasa premises in Mohammadpur and paraded through Shahjahan Road, Iqbal Road, Asad Gate, Mirpur Road, and Dhanmondi, before concluding at Mohammadpur.

This year’s rally was led by Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah, who also presided over the concluding religious gathering. Bangladesh will observe Eid-e-Miladunnabi on September 6 (12 Rabiul Awal).

Former US Ambassador to Bangladesh and current Strategic Advisor to LNG company Excelerate Energy, Peter D. Haas, visited Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday morning.

Arriving at 9:30 a.m. with two associates, he traveled to Maheshkhali by speedboat and visited the “Excelerate Hope Hospital,” a joint initiative of Hope Foundation and Excelerate Energy.

He was welcomed with flowers by Hope Foundation’s country director and toured the hospital’s facilities.

Earlier rumors had circulated about a secret meeting between Haas and NCP leaders in Cox’s Bazar, though no evidence confirmed the claims.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called on students to vote for Chhatra Dal’s panel in the upcoming DUCSU election.

Speaking at a street rally in Dohar, Rizvi said people want to vote directly for their chosen candidates, not under proportional systems. Meanwhile, BNP’s AZM Zahid Hossain warned that attempts to derail the election could involve external provocations, urging vigilance.

After the rally, a colorful procession was brought out from Hili Charmatha intersection.