Ahead of the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall elections, the Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Jasim Uddin, has ordered the removal of all campaign billboards and banners currently displayed on campus.
He stated that candidates may only begin campaigning from the designated date and must strictly follow the electoral code of conduct. The official urged all candidates and their supporters to comply with the guidelines to ensure a fair election process.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Mokhlesur Rahman has vowed stern action against those involved in the looting of white stone from Sylhet’s Sadapathar tourist spot—regardless of political affiliation or official rank.
During a visit to the site, he described the scale of the theft as “plunder, not just looting,” and held nearby security forces partially accountable. He also ordered the entire tourist area to be placed under 24-hour CCTV surveillance to prevent further exploitation.

Bangladesh’s interim government has warned that airing or publishing audio statements of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be considered a grave violation of the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Act.
The Press Wing reminded media outlets that last December, the tribunal had already banned the broadcast of “hateful” statements by the ousted leader. Despite this, some outlets aired a speech in which Hasina allegedly spread “false and provocative claims.”
Authorities cautioned that any future broadcasts would trigger immediate legal action. Hasina fled Bangladesh after being accused of ordering mass killings during the July uprising. She has been convicted by a tribunal and faces charges of crimes against humanity, while her Awami League party remains banned. The interim government pledged to ensure justice, accountability, and the country’s first genuinely free and fair elections.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has called for a shift in Bangladesh’s political culture, stressing that politics should be pursued “for service and dignity, not for profiteering or dominance.” He urged leaders to abandon the mentality of using politics as a means of personal gain.
Annie reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to rebuilding the nation under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, vowing to resist what he termed “fascist Hasina’s legacy.” He added that Rahman aims to introduce a new era of uncompromising politics and social reform, following the vision of late President Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, currently visiting Dhaka, announced that direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan will begin “very soon.” He highlighted opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, science, and investment.
On August 24, the two nations are set to sign a Joint Working Group agreement, paving the way for a trade and investment roadmap. Discussions are also underway to establish direct feeder shipping services between Chattogram and Karachi to boost bilateral trade.

In a dramatic move, eight leaders of the ruling Awami League from Nonikhir Union, Muksudpur upazila, Gopalganj, have resigned from all party positions.

Announcing their decision at a press conference, the leaders said, “We are voluntarily stepping down from all posts in Nonikhir Union Awami League. However, we remain committed to safeguarding the independence, sovereignty, and interests of the people of Bangladesh.”

The resigning leaders include: Vice Presidents Monoj Moulik and Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Deputy Publicity Secretary Russell Sheikh, Member Swapon Sheikh, Ward-1 President Md. Nur Alam Mia, Ward-6 Organizing Secretary Subal Roy, Ward-9 Labor Secretary Akkach Chokdar, and Union Volunteer League General Secretary Jalil Kazi.

They affirmed that they would continue working for the nation’s welfare beyond partisan interests and declared that they have severed all ties with Awami League, permanently.

The National Consensus Party (NCP) has submitted its formal feedback on the draft July Charter to the National Consensus Commission.

The submission came Friday afternoon, following the Commission’s decision to extend the deadline for political parties to provide input. Earlier in the week, BNP and five other parties shared their recommendations, followed by Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday.

So far, a total of 11 political parties—including JSD, Khilafat Majlis, and Marxist BSD—have given their opinions on the final draft.

BNP leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has cautioned opposition groups that insisting on a Proportional Representation (PR) voting system could inadvertently strengthen a fallen authoritarian regime if it delays elections.

Speaking on Thursday, Zahid questioned whether such parties were “indirectly working in favor of dictatorship.” He urged political unity, saying, “We must resist authoritarianism through politics, not brute force.”

He further argued that reforms within BNP had already begun, whereas parties now demanding reform had shown no such initiative in the past.

A devastating fire broke out in a Gandaria residence early Friday after an electrical transformer exploded, leaving three members of the same family critically injured.

The victims—Moslem Uddin (65), his wife Salma Begum (50), and their son Mejbah Uddin (28)—were rushed to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Sultan Mahmud Sikder, acting surgeon at the hospital’s emergency unit, confirmed that Moslem suffered 90% burns, Salma 55%, and Mejbah 100%, including severe damage to their airways. Mejbah has since succumbed to his injuries, while the others remain in critical condition.

The government has formed the Armed Forces Pay Committee 2025 to revise the pay structure for army, navy, and air force personnel.

A nine-member committee, led by Lt. Gen. Md. Faizur Rahman, was officially announced on Thursday. Members include Maj. Gen. Md. Nasim Parvez, Rear Admiral Md. Zahir Uddin, Air Vice Marshal Rusad Din Asad, Brig. Gen. Aung Ch Cha Mong, Air Commodore Jamil Uddin Ahmed, Defense Ministry Joint Secretary Milia Sharmin, and Capt. Md. Touhid Sagar. Brig. Gen. Nishadul Islam Khan will serve as member-secretary.

The committee has been instructed to submit recommendations by October 31, 2025.

Detectives have arrested Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sachin Moulik in connection with the killing of Golam Nafiz, who was shot dead during the August 4 protests in Dhaka’s Farmgate area.

Moulik, a 33rd BCS police cadre officer, was detained Thursday in Mahalchhari, Khagrachhari. He was previously attached to Mahalchhari-6 APBn following July’s uprising but had served as ADC of Tejgaon Zone during the fatal incident.

A tribunal had earlier issued an arrest warrant against him after Nafiz’s name became symbolic of the student-led movement. A photograph of the dying Nafiz lying on a rickshaw went viral, making him an icon of the protests. Nafiz was a student at Naval College in Dhaka.

A Dhaka court has acquitted Selim Bhuiyan, BNP’s Organizing Secretary for Comilla Division, in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The case, lodged in June 2019, accused Bhuiyan of concealing assets worth over Tk 10.9 million and possessing unexplained wealth totaling Tk 13.1 million. According to ACC findings, his total assets were valued at Tk 44.3 million.

After lengthy hearings, the court ruled in his favor, clearing him of all charges.

Azizur Rahman Bacchu, father of BNP Information Affairs Adviser Mahfuz Alam, has been elected General Secretary of Ichapur Union BNP in Ramganj upazila, Lakshmipur.

He secured 266 votes under the “rooster” symbol in Thursday’s election held at Srirampur High School, where 453 members cast their votes. Bacchu previously served as Vice President of the same union committee.

In the same election, Md. Oli Ullah was elected as Union BNP President. BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie attended the election as chief guest.

Students of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) staged a protest march on Thursday night opposing the seven-point demand raised by diploma engineers.
The procession began at the BUET Shaheed Minar and ended after passing through Central Shaheed Minar, TSC, and Doel Chattar.
The students alleged that diploma engineers were pushing for the reinstatement of a quota system and promotions from sub-assistant engineer to assistant engineer positions, which they deemed “unreasonable and harmful” to the integrity of the engineering profession.
On August 20, diploma engineers and polytechnic teachers had staged a human chain in Dhaka Press Club to press their demands. BUET students warned that meeting such demands could undermine the quality of engineering education and practice in Bangladesh.

United Nations Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to discuss the human rights situation in Myanmar and the plight of Rohingya refugees.
Andrews praised Yunus for prioritizing the Rohingya issue internationally, noting that his initiative has paved the way for an international conference on September 30 at the UN headquarters.
Yunus expressed concern over recent cuts in international aid, which have severely affected healthcare and education for Rohingya refugees. He urged Andrews to continue advocacy efforts.
Andrews acknowledged challenges, including disinformation campaigns that derailed UN-led repatriation efforts, but reiterated hope for a lasting solution. He is currently in Bangladesh to attend a stakeholder dialogue on Rohingya issues in Cox’s Bazar on August 25.