Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has revealed that nearly half of Bangladesh’s social safety net beneficiaries are “ghosts” or politically favored individuals rather than genuine poor recipients.
Speaking at the National Conference on Social Protection 2025, Dr. Mahmud said, “We are working on a national population register that will automatically identify the poor and their level of deprivation.”
He stressed that extreme poverty has no place in a just society and that the roadmap being prepared should guide future governments in reforming the social safety net.

The High Court has stayed the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections until October 30.
The court also sought details on the nomination, scrutiny, and finalization process of candidates, as well as election preparations.
The order came after a petition challenging the validity of the candidacy of SM Farhad, GS candidate from a Shibir-backed panel, filed by Fahmida Alam, a left alliance candidate. The elections were originally scheduled for September 9.

With Sheikh Hasina now in political asylum in New Delhi after July’s uprising, the operations of the Awami League’s propaganda wing, the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), have been taken over by her daughter, Saima Wazed Putul.
Operating from a two-story office near Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone, CRI is reportedly leading cyber campaigns against the interim government, BNP, Jamaat, and NCP using AI-generated videos and anonymous social media channels.
Analysts say CRI’s three primary goals are to discredit the interim administration, derail the upcoming parliamentary elections, and create rifts among pro-uprising forces.

Following meetings with BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen’s Party (NCP), Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to meet representatives of seven more political parties on Tuesday at 5 pm at Jamuna, according to the Press Wing.
On Sunday, he had held back-to-back meetings with Jamaat, NCP, and BNP amid rising political tensions.

Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Rashed Khan has urged immediate arrangements for Nurul Haque Nur’s treatment abroad, citing security concerns and the severity of his injuries.
“Both of his eyes were injured and his nasal bone fractured. Without advanced treatment, permanent damage is possible,” he wrote.
Rashed added, “If the attack wasn’t premeditated, blows to the head and face would not have been targeted. For his safety, he must be taken abroad immediately.”

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman held separate meetings on Monday with President Md. Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at Jamuna.
Earlier, on Sunday morning, the Army Chief met Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refat Ahmed. Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman had recently returned from an official visit to China on August 21.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday stated that the party had fundamentally transformed Bangladesh’s politics and economy by establishing multi-party democracy against one-party rule.
Speaking after paying homage at Ziaur Rahman’s grave, Fakhrul said, “Attempts to destroy BNP have been made repeatedly, but like a phoenix, it has always risen again. With people’s mandate, BNP will build a prosperous nation.”
He added that holding a fair election in February remains the greatest challenge. “BNP has fully cooperated with the reform process,” Fakhrul said. Notably, the anniversary is being observed this year in a relatively favorable political climate after nearly two decades.

On the occasion of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) 47th founding anniversary, NCP leader Sarjis Alam extended greetings to all.
He emphasized that, since its formation in post-uprising Bangladesh, BNP has prioritized national interests and democratic transition. “Our hope is that we will continue to move forward united, overcoming all conspiracies,” he said in a statement.

On BNP’s founding anniversary, acting chairman Tarique Rahman reaffirmed the party’s commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh’s sovereignty and upholding multiparty democracy.

“Despite constant conspiracies, BNP remains a vigilant guardian of the nation’s independence and sovereignty,” Rahman said in a statement. He criticized the post-independence regime, alleging that democracy was strangled under one-party rule and that widespread violence and political killings led to a devastating famine that claimed one million lives.

He praised BNP founder Ziaur Rahman for restoring multiparty democracy and protecting civil liberties, pledging to carry forward his vision. He also highlighted the contributions of Khaleda Zia and the party’s longstanding dedication to social welfare and liberal economic policies.

Rahman paid tribute to all BNP leaders and activists who lost their lives since the party’s inception, including those killed during what he described as “one and a half decades of Awami fascism” and last year’s bloodstained student-led movement. He called for an end to mob culture and urged unity in defense of democratic values.

Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) Director Brig. Gen. Md. Asaduzzaman on Monday confirmed that the health condition of Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) President Nurul Haque Nur has significantly improved. Following his progress, doctors transferred him from the ICU to a cabin.
Nur and several party leaders were injured last Friday night in an alleged joint forces attack after a series of clashes and stone-throwing incidents with the Jatiya Party.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin will meet U.S. Acting Ambassador Tracy Ann Jacobson today at 2:00 pm at the Election Commission headquarters.

The meeting was originally scheduled for last Thursday but was postponed due to road blockades in Agargaon. This will be the first such meeting between the U.S. Embassy and the CEC since August 5 of last year.

The atmosphere around Chittagong University remains tense following violent clashes between students and local residents. Entire Zobra village now stands deserted of men, with joint forces patrolling the area. Section 144 restrictions remain in place until midnight tonight.

The violence was triggered Saturday night when a female student was allegedly assaulted by a caretaker while entering a rented house near the university’s Gate No. 2. When other students rushed to the scene, clashes erupted with villagers, continuing into Sunday with repeated skirmishes.

At least 200 people, including the Pro-Vice Chancellor, the Proctor, and journalists, were injured in the confrontations. The university has formed a 21-member probe committee to investigate.

Students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have rejected the administration’s directive to vacate residential halls and are continuing their protest on campus.

On Monday morning, students gathered in front of the K.R. Market, demanding a fair investigation and identification of those involved in a recent attack on protesters. While many students remain on campus in defiance of the order, some have started leaving the halls citing security concerns.

The unrest escalated after Sunday’s demonstration, when students—pressing for the introduction of a combined degree program—confined Vice-Chancellor and about 227 members of the Academic Council inside the campus auditorium. Tensions flared further when an unidentified group attacked the protesting students with sticks. The attackers have not yet been identified.

In response, the university authorities announced an indefinite closure of BAU and instructed all students to vacate their halls by 9:00 AM on Monday.

The National Doctors’ Forum (NDF), a Jamaat-affiliated association of physicians, has expressed strong condemnation and outrage after one doctor allegedly interrupted Abdullah Mohammad Taher during his speech at the Bangladesh Health Conclave 2025.

NDF leaders stated that such discourteous behavior is “completely unacceptable” and damages the dignity and professionalism of the medical community. They emphasized that doctors must uphold professional responsibility, humility, and respect in their service.

They further noted that while some unethical pharmaceutical companies may tempt a handful of doctors for profit, these few do not represent Bangladesh’s overall healthcare system. “The majority of doctors serve with dedication and sacrifice,” the NDF added, vowing to continue protecting the honor and dignity of the medical profession.

Several student organizations—including the Democratic Student Alliance, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, and the Student Rights Council—walked out of a RAKSU election commission meeting over the inclusion of first-year students in the voter list.

The commission reiterated that the RAKSU elections would be held on the scheduled date, September 25, and that a final decision on the voter list would be made soon.

However, Chhatra Dal’s branch president Sultan Ahmed Rahi alleged that the university administration and election commission were being influenced by “Pakistan embassy and Maghbazar quarters.” He said they had been forced to share discussions with “pro-Pakistan leaders and accused attackers,” which was unacceptable.

Student Rights Council leader Al Shahriya Shuvo claimed their group was denied a chance to speak, while others were given special privileges. Expressing solidarity, the Democratic Student Alliance joined the walkout.

Despite the boycott, Chief Election Commissioner continued discussions. Former coordinator Fahim Reza stressed that since the election date had already been changed twice, it must proceed on September 25 without delay.