Revolutionary Workers Party leader Saiful Haque has warned that if uncertainty over the February elections deepens, security risks will escalate. “We could lose both power and stability,” he cautioned.

He urged all election stakeholders to act responsibly and demanded the withdrawal of controversial advisors, restructuring of the advisory council, and full administrative control under the government.

“The Election Commission’s first duty is to rebuild public trust in the electoral system. Draft rules must be shared with political parties before finalization, and key ministries must be placed under the commission during the polls,” Saiful said, stressing the need to move beyond divisive politics.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, has rejected proposals for a Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, saying countries that adopted it did not benefit. “We want free and fair elections, not PR,” he asserted.

Manna recalled that within just 25 days of mass protests, Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country, with 1,500 protesters sacrificing their lives. “Yet extortion, land-grabbing, robbery, and price hikes continue. Trust in police is still absent, and corruption remains rampant,” he said.

He stressed the need for restoring public trust in law enforcement, adding that only then would truly free elections be possible. While critical of the interim government’s performance, he urged political unity to ensure credible elections.

Gen-Z activists in Dhaka organized a rally titled “March for Arakan” demanding an independent homeland for Rohingyas. The march, held on International Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day, began at Shahbagh and ended at the Central Shaheed Minar under the banner of Bangladesh People’s Coalition for Rohingya Rights.

Rohingya youth Ahnaf Alam recounted the long history of persecution faced by his people, saying, “Despite centuries of presence in Arakan, our very existence is being erased. Misconceptions and hostility towards us must end.”

Spokesperson Shahriar Fahad presented an eight-point demand for Rohingya liberation and independence of Arakan.

National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman has stated that Rohingya refugees are prepared to return to Myanmar, but only with rights, dignity, and security ensured.

He shared outcomes from the latest dialogue, where Rohingyas directly voiced their concerns and aspirations. Six key priorities emerged: ensuring their participation in solutions, safe and permanent repatriation, access to food, healthcare, and education, building trust among stakeholders, eliminating criminal activities for stability, and ensuring accountability for crimes committed against them.

“Our focus is to amplify their collective voice at the upcoming UN conference and ensure safe repatriation through regional cooperation,” Rahman said. He added that Bangladesh continues to bear the burden of the crisis with the support of international and regional partners.

Law Advisor Asif Nazrul has pledged that by December 2026, the government will ensure that legal aid services cover 200,000 cases every month.

Speaking on the government’s commitment to saving time, money, and effort for justice seekers, he said: “Legal aid will not depend on external donations. With proper use of resources, much can be achieved.”

Nazrul stressed the importance of long-term accessibility: “Even after we leave office, people must continue to benefit. If legal aid is made widely available, countless disputes can be resolved at minimal cost. Already, 90% of recipients have expressed satisfaction with verdicts.”

He assured that within six months, legal aid infrastructure would be established in every district.

Advisor Sharmin S. Murshid has called for urgent reforms in Bangladesh’s NGO sector, citing widespread irregularities. “We must move beyond corruption and build a credible, effective system. The goal is to bring competent individuals and NGOs to work in partnership with state institutions,” she said.

Sharmin emphasized the need for integrity in public service: “We are not here for power; we are here to serve. Our time in office is short, but we must leave with our heads held high, having tried our utmost.”

She acknowledged the challenges of undoing 16 years of misrule within a short transitional period, urging citizens to recognize both the limitations and the sincere efforts of the current administration.

Leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League and Awami League vandalized doors and windows of the Bangladesh Consulate in New York. The attack was reportedly led by US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad, and Ibadur Rahman Chowdhury, along with nearly 50 activists.

New York police quickly dispersed the attackers and detained two individuals, though they were later released. The consulate is considering legal action against those involved.

Consul General Mohammad Mozammel Haque stated that the matter would be discussed with higher authorities before a decision is made, adding, “This involves diplomatic immunity. We are in contact with local law enforcement and have already informed Mayor Eric Adams.” Intelligence agencies have begun investigating and are collecting video footage of the incident.

BNP leader G.K. Gaus has alleged that the now-banned Awami League continues to conspire against the country, democracy, and BNP. He warned, “Given the chance, Awami League will strike again.”

Gaus said that although Bangladesh is now “free from Hasina” and several top leaders have fled abroad, Awami League loyalists remain active inside the country. He urged all to remain united against them, adding, “We are ready to sacrifice our lives for our leader, Begum Khaleda Zia. The fascist regime committed inhuman injustices against her, keeping her imprisoned without reason for months.”

Highlighting BNP’s upcoming anniversary celebrations, he announced that under the leadership of former Habiganj district BNP president and ex-MP Syed Md. Faisal, BNP will hold a grand celebration in Madhabpur and Chunarughat on September 1. “No matter how many conspiracies are hatched against BNP, we will resist them from the streets,” he declared.

At a special session of the Rohingya Conference in Cox’s Bazar on Monday, refugees carried placards and banners declaring their desire to return to their homeland.

The session brought together diplomats from multiple countries, leaders from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), along with international experts, civil society groups, and Rohingya representatives.

BNP leader Ismail Jobiullah accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of failing diplomatically and politically to resolve the crisis. NCP leader Akhtar Hossain argued that the Rohingya had been forcibly displaced and did not voluntarily seek refuge in Bangladesh.

Jamaat secretary Mia Golam Porwar stressed that repatriation must ensure human dignity to be sustainable. Other participants warned that failure to address the crisis could heighten regional security risks and potentially trigger shadow conflicts along the border.

The refugees themselves sent a clear message, holding up signs that read: “We want to go home.”

Former Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haque has been hospitalized after suffering a heart attack while in prison. He was transferred from Keraniganj Central Jail to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital at 11:45 a.m. on Monday, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Haque was arrested on July 24 by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police in connection with a murder case filed at Jatrabari Police Station. Following a court hearing, he was remanded to prison.

Justice Haque is widely remembered for presiding over the 2011 verdict that annulled the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, effectively abolishing the caretaker government system.

BNP leader Barkat Ullah Bulu has launched a scathing attack on Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of “selling tickets to heaven” by going door-to-door with religious propaganda.

“Those who make such claims cannot be true Muslims,” Bulu said, stressing that only Allah has the authority to decide who enters paradise.

Bulu also criticized political double standards, claiming that when BNP raises funds, it is labeled extortion, while Jamaat’s control of banks, insurance firms, and educational institutions is dismissed as ‘recovery.’ He further remarked that Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman has been elevated by supporters to the status of a divine saint, quipping that he once asked Rahman to “pray for Bangladesh’s protection and guidance.”

Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin has acknowledged widespread irregularities in the sale of airline tickets, describing the situation as “chaotic.” He assured that the government is making the “highest possible effort” to bring order to the sector.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan said discussions are being held with travel agencies and stakeholders to curb malpractice. Authorities are investigating allegations of embezzlement against Flight Expert Agency, with its owner and associates now barred from leaving the country.

Additionally, the ministry has directed deputy commissioners across the country to take legal action against unlicensed travel agencies, ensuring stricter regulation of the aviation market.

At the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), three prominent South Asian leaders — Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi — are scheduled to deliver speeches on the same day.

The high-level session will open in New York on September 23, with the speeches of Yunus, Modi, and Sharif set for September 26. According to the preliminary agenda, Prime Minister Modi’s address will be immediately followed by Prime Minister Sharif’s, creating an opportunity for Islamabad to issue a direct response to New Delhi’s positions.

Sharif will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Adviser Tariq Fatemi as part of Pakistan’s delegation. This year’s UNGA theme is “Better Together: Eighty Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.” As per tradition, Brazil’s president will deliver the first speech, followed by the U.S. president. Later in the same session, Israel, China, and Dr. Yunus will also speak.

State prosecutor Advocate Nayon has branded Touhid Afridi a “media terrorist,” accusing him of conspiring with the figure known as “Haun Uncle” to destabilize the country during the recent mass uprising. In court, Nayon claimed Afridi was directly involved in instigating violence, including attacks linked to ruling party affiliates. Most shockingly, he alleged that Afridi filmed students after stripping them of clothing and held them hostage during the uprising. “Police have been searching for him for a long time,” Nayon said, also linking Afridi to the Jatrabari incident. The defense, however, argued Afridi is seriously ill with kidney, liver, and cancer-related complications, submitting medical documents to the court.

Former state minister Lutfozzaman Babar returned to his haor-based constituency in Netrokona after 17 years, leading a dramatic speedboat campaign that drew massive crowds. Traveling through multiple villages, Babar exchanged greetings with locals and addressed grassroots gatherings across 43 villages. Over 50 speedboats and 300 party activists joined the rally, creating a festive atmosphere with decorated arches throughout the area. Addressing supporters, Babar urged youth to pursue education, technical skills, and entrepreneurship instead of relying only on slogans. “Daily life must include prayer, Quran recitation, and physical exercise,” he said, also seeking prayers for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health and for Tarique Rahman.