Upazila and Thana Election Officers have issued a strong ultimatum demanding the formation of the long-delayed Election Commission Service by September 15. The demand was made during the general meeting of the Upazila Election Officers’ Association.

Speakers at the meeting expressed frustration that, despite being a clear and prioritized recommendation of the Electoral Reform Commission and receiving formal approval from the Election Commission, the service has not yet been formed.

They warned that without establishing the Election Commission Service to strengthen and institutionalize the electoral process, it will be impossible to ensure free, fair, and impartial elections — including the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

The Dhaka University administration has announced a four-day suspension of all classes and examinations to facilitate the upcoming DU Central Student Union (DUCSU) and hall council elections 2025.

According to the official notice, all academic activities will remain paused from Sunday, September 7, through Wednesday, September 10, to allow students and staff to participate in the election process.

Following his remand, Touhid Afridi has been sent to prison in connection with the murder of Asadul Haque Babu during the mass uprising. The court had approved a five-day remand for Afridi on August 25 after hearings.

Authorities allege that Afridi, supporting the former autocratic government, gave provocative statements on live broadcasts and incited other content creators to disrupt protests. The investigation found that his inflammatory actions indirectly encouraged local Awami League-affiliated militants, political activists, and law enforcement personnel to open fire, leading to the death of 24-year-old Babu.

Mehendiganj in Barishal has been without electricity for five days following the severing of a submarine cable under the Gajaria River. Around 45,000 residents are affected. The outage, caused when an unidentified vessel’s anchor hit the cable, has disrupted healthcare, transport, and local businesses. Limited mobile charging is possible via solar panels and generators, but network services remain down. Divers have recovered one section of the cable, and authorities are working to restore power using the repaired segment.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport authorities (KEPS) have barred 104 foreign nationals, including some Bangladeshis, from entering Malaysia due to failure to meet the requirements of the 1959/63 Immigration Act.

A KEPS statement noted that most travelers arrived from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, though the exact number of Bangladeshis was not specified. Many were denied entry for failing to demonstrate valid return tickets, provide proof of accommodation, or clarify their purpose of visit. Some were also flagged due to suspicious explanations.

Additionally, KEPS reported that 288 travelers previously denied entry remain at KLIA, and repatriation processes are ongoing.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges announced that a signal system will be introduced at seven points along Dhaka’s Airport Road starting Sunday, August 31. The signals, developed using local technology, will operate under a pilot program. The ministry has urged all commuters to follow traffic laws and signals for smoother traffic management. The project is being implemented by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA). Officials hope the system will improve safety and reduce congestion in the busy corridor.

Upazila election officers have announced they will not take responsibility for the 2014, 2018, and 2024 national elections, citing that they were not in primary roles. Speaking at their general meeting in Agargaon, Ashfaqur Rahman stressed the need for proper recognition, upgraded grades, vehicles for officers, and the repeal of laws transferring national ID services to the Home Ministry. Officers emphasized that if allowed to perform duties properly, they will ensure fair, smooth, and neutral elections.

Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed of BNP has warned that the Farakka Barrage has caused at least 20 rivers in Bangladesh to vanish. Despite letters to the Joint River Commission, India has not responded. Experts highlighted that unilateral water withdrawal, embankment breaches, and internal mismanagement are worsening water scarcity, impacting agriculture, navigation, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Groundwater levels are dropping drastically, and many rivers have turned into dead channels. Sustainable water management policies are urgently needed.

Addressing a nationalist minority gathering in Mymensingh, Tareq Rahman highlighted BNP’s commitment to protecting the rights of all communities, whether in hill or plain regions. “BNP guarantees minority participation in all its committees. Bangladesh is not only for Bengalis but for all legally residing communities,” he said.

Tareq emphasized that BNP, if in power, would consider measures to facilitate government employment for minority groups. He also mentioned BNP’s February election framework and its 31-point plan for balanced development across hill and plain areas, seeking minority cooperation to ensure a secure and inclusive Bangladesh.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh condemned the attack on Ganadhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haque Nur by unruly police and military members, along with Awami League-backed Jatiya Party supporters. The group urged the government to take strict action against the attackers and called for a judicial ban on the Jatiya Party, labeling it an agent of Indian imperialism. Hefazat also criticized the Yunus-led government for failing to reform the police, warning that attempts to rehabilitate “Awami fascism” through the party will not succeed.

In Kalmakanda, Netrokona, two individuals were fined a total of 100,000 taka by a mobile court for illegally extracting sand from areas including Mahadeo River, Mandaria Beel, Gojarmari, and Sidholi. The gang transported the sand via boats, lorries, and pickups for sale. During Friday’s raids, Imran Hasan and Golap Hossain were each fined 50,000 taka. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mahmudul Hasan stated that such operations will continue to curb illegal sand mining in the region.

Thanks to ongoing rice imports via Hili Land Port, low-income consumers are benefiting from a 5–6 Taka per kg price drop. Between 12 and 30 August, 911 trucks brought 39,472 metric tons of Indian rice into Bangladesh. Varieties like Swarna, Sampak Katari, and Miniket are now cheaper in retail markets. Importers continue operations despite minimal profit, supported by the government’s reduced 2% duty, ensuring sufficient supply and stabilizing market prices across the country.

Former World Bank chief economist Dr. Zahid Hossain has called U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on India and China a potential boon for Bangladesh’s economy. According to his analysis, higher tariffs on India and China could allow Bangladesh to export an additional $205 million to the U.S. market in the 2025-26 fiscal year. He also noted that domestic challenges, including energy shortages, banking sector weaknesses, and institutional decay, continue to hinder Bangladesh’s growth and middle-income trap persists.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman stated that the Jatiya Party previously assisted the Awami League in suppressing opposition during controversial elections and the July upheaval. He said the demand to ban the party will be legally examined to determine possible actions. Commenting on recent violence, he called attacks on Nurul Haque Nur part of a larger conspiracy. He also warned corrupt individuals that the new Bangladesh will not tolerate corruption, emphasizing accountability and the unmasking of wrongdoers.

Senior police officials held an emergency meeting in Dhaka following allegations that military and police personnel used batons against over fifty Ganadhikar Parishad activists, including president Nurul Haque Nur, in Bijoynagar. The incident drew sharp criticism from political parties including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman condemned the attack, while Ganadhikar Parishad demanded that those responsible be identified and punished within 24 hours. Authorities are reviewing the situation to prevent further unrest.