Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has postponed all undergraduate exams scheduled between August 30 and September 18 due to the ongoing student unrest. The decision was announced in an emergency notice signed by the registrar on Wednesday.
The university stated that future exam schedules will be decided after discussions in the Academic Council. The move follows escalating protests by engineering students over their three-point demand, which on Wednesday led to clashes with police as students attempted to march toward the Jamuna River. All engineering universities across the country are observing a complete shutdown today.

Religious Affairs Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain dismissed rumors that a mosque would be built on the site of the Chandranath temple, calling them “baseless.” He confirmed that the administration has instead taken steps to renovate and upgrade the temple.
Highlighting Bangladesh Railway’s recent allocation of land for one Hindu temple and two mosques in Khilkhet, Hossain described it as a “historic moment” for the interim government and a “powerful symbol of communal harmony.”
He added, “Bangladesh is a land of religious coexistence. Everyone will practice their faith freely without obstructing others.”

The tribunal has begun recording testimonies in the case of martyr Abu Said, who was killed during the July uprising. On Thursday, Tribunal-2 commenced proceedings, with Abu Said’s father expected to testify as the first witness.
Earlier, on August 6, the tribunal framed charges against 30 accused, including former Begum Rokeya University Vice-Chancellor Hasibur Rashid. Six arrested suspects were produced in court today, while 24, including the former VC, remain absconding. The court has appointed four state-funded lawyers to represent the fugitives.

Marking one year of Bangladesh’s Commission on Enforced Disappearances, rights group Fortify Rights has called for full accountability for all disappearances that occurred under Sheikh Hasina’s government, describing them as a hallmark of her “brutal authoritarian rule.”
In a statement, the group’s director John Quinley stressed that victims’ families and survivors must receive compensation. Fortify Rights interviewed 10 survivors, relatives of victims, and a lawyer, some of whom described being held at the infamous secret detention center known as “Aynaghar” before being released after Hasina’s ouster.
Many of the disappeared were members of opposition parties, particularly BNP and Jamaat. The commission has already registered over 1,800 cases of enforced disappearances, with hundreds still missing.

Students of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) have launched a blockade in Agargaon to press for the fulfillment of three key demands of agriculturists. The protest, organized under the banner of the Krishibid Oikya Parishad, began at 10 a.m. today.
The students’ demands include:

Ensuring that the 10th-grade positions in DAE, BADC, and other research institutions remain reserved exclusively for agriculturists.

Removing any provision for promotion to the 9th grade without clearing recruitment examinations.

Issuing a government order barring non-agriculture graduates from using the title “Krishibid” (agriculturist).
The protest follows demonstrations earlier this week over attacks on engineering students.

A case has been filed against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-politician Thalapathy Vijay following allegations that his bodyguard misbehaved with a fan during a recent rally. The actor, who has drawn significant attention by declaring a political battle against the BJP, announced earlier this month that he would contest the 2026 Assembly elections from Madurai East—his most direct confrontation with the ruling DMK to date.
At the rally, Vijay pledged to work for the release of Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka and ensure the safety of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen—long-standing demands in state politics. Presenting TVK as a “clean and uncompromising force,” Vijay declared: “We are not a party that secretly makes deals or betrays the people. We fear no one. The people of Tamil Nadu, especially women and the youth, stand with us.”
On social media, he also condemned the arrest of sanitation workers in Chennai, calling it “fascist” and “inhumane.”

Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport is grappling with a staggering Tk 2,126 crore in unpaid dues owed by six domestic and international airlines. Among them, three carriers have already shut down operations without clearing their liabilities.

According to airport authorities, Regent Airways alone owes Tk 252.56 crore, while United Airways has an outstanding Tk 54.96 crore and GMG Airlines Tk 29.30 crore. All three airlines ceased operations without settling their accounts.

Among the active carriers, US-Bangla Airlines owes Tk 2.38 crore and Novoair Tk 1.20 crore. The largest single debtor, however, is the state-run Biman Bangladesh Airlines, with a massive outstanding of Tk 1,786.96 crore.

Despite repeated official reminders and correspondence, authorities say little progress has been made in recovering the dues.

Over the past 25 years, 15 airlines have pulled out of Shah Amanat International Airport. Today, only two foreign airlines continue operations from Chattogram. Industry insiders blame the exodus on poor facilities, inadequate services, and lack of passenger-friendly amenities, which have discouraged international airlines from maintaining their routes through the airport.

Islamic Movement leader Maulana Ahmad Abdul Kayum has said that establishing a fascism-free society requires proportional representation (PR) elections.
“Fascism thrives when power is centralized in one hand. The constitution has been amended repeatedly to serve partisan interests. Only a PR-based election system can save this country, Islam, and humanity,” he argued.
Kayum stressed that the people of Bangladesh have already risked their lives to free the nation from fascism. He called for visible justice for past atrocities, constitutional reforms, and a transition away from “the old arrangements.”
Referring to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said: “On August 5, the killer, fascist, and money launderer Hasina didn’t even realize she would have to flee the country. Those who fail to learn from history will face the same fate.”
He warned extortionists and vested interest groups: “The people are now united. They will throw these looters and killers into the Bay of Bengal.”

The Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RAKSU) election, initially postponed to September 28, has been rescheduled again to September 25 to accommodate Hindu students’ Durga Puja festivities.
According to the new schedule:

Nomination papers distribution ends on August 31

Submission on September 1–4 and 7

Scrutiny on September 8–9

Preliminary candidate list on September 11

Appeals and objections resolved by September 14

Final candidate list published on September 16

Voting and results on September 25

A daring robbery attempt at a Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank branch in Bhajanpur Bazar, Panchagarh, was foiled late Tuesday night with the help of locals.
Police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Shahidul Haque. The night guard, upon noticing suspicious movements inside the bank, alerted authorities and locals. Together, they caught the suspect inside the branch with burglary tools in his possession.
Police have confirmed that legal proceedings against the detainee are underway.

The Arakan Army has reportedly abducted seven Bangladeshi fishermen along with their fishing trawler from the southern waters of Saint Martin’s Island.
The abduction occurred in an area known as “Sita”, said Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, who confirmed the incident and expressed concern.
Officials noted that due to navigability issues in Bangladeshi waters, fishermen are often forced into Myanmar’s territory, where such incidents have become increasingly frequent. According to trawler owners’ associations, at least 65 fishermen have been abducted this month alone.

Engineering students across the country have declared a “complete shutdown” in all engineering universities on Thursday, suspending classes and exams as part of their ongoing movement.
Movement leader Sakibul Haque Lipu said, “None of our three-point demands have been met. Policymakers remain completely unaware of our concerns. Until our demands are addressed, we will continue.”
Students, however, clarified that they will not block Shahbagh this time to avoid causing public suffering. Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner visited protesting students on Wednesday night and expressed regret over recent confrontations.

Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves have crossed $31 billion once more, fueled by higher remittance inflows, export earnings, and loan support from international organizations.
As of Wednesday, gross reserves stood at $31.33 billion, while reserves calculated under IMF’s BPM-6 methodology reached $26.31 billion.
Earlier in July, after clearing $2.02 billion in ACU payments, reserves had dropped to $29.53 billion. By August 24, gross reserves recovered slightly to $30.86 billion.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Daksu VP candidate Jalal Ahmad Jalal in a case of attempted murder of his roommate.
Reacting to the development, Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Rashed Khan defended Jalal, recalling his role in past movements. “In 2018, when we were arrested, Jalal reorganized the quota reform movement and sought support from national leaders. With their help, we were freed and successfully revived the movement,” Rashed said.
He added that Jalal also stood by activists during the 2024 quota reform protests when Akhtar Hossain was arrested. Raising questions about the Mohsin Hall incident, Rashed asked: “Is this truly a personal dispute, or something else? His candidacy should not be canceled without a fair investigation.”
Rashed further alleged that Jalal had been a victim of enforced disappearance in the past and suffered severe trauma from electronic shocks to his tongue, leaving him mentally scarred. “If guilty, punish him—but do not strip him of his studentship,” he urged.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam inspired the oppressed to rise against tyranny, and his works provided courage during historic struggles for freedom and democracy in Bangladesh.
In a tribute on the poet’s death anniversary, Tarique wrote:
“Forty-nine years ago, the life of our national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam came to an end. He was one of the foremost poets and musicians of 20th century Bengali literature. Having endured hardship from childhood, his innate protest against injustice became the hallmark of his writings.”
Tarique highlighted that Nazrul’s poems and songs sparked a cultural renaissance and played a vital role in inspiring freedom fighters during the Liberation War, the 1990 pro-democracy movement, and the 2024 uprising. He added, “Kazi Nazrul Islam is a shining example of human love. I believe his works will continue to inspire patriotism for generations to come.”