Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Rashed Khan has alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Chhatra League retaliated with repeated attacks after Daksu student leaders rejected a proposal to grant Hasina lifetime membership of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu).

Writing on social media, Rashed stated that before former Daksu VP Nurul Haque Nur and ex-Social Welfare Secretary Akhtar Hossain joined the meeting, leaders of the Student Rights Council had already decided against Hasina’s lifetime membership. Nur and Akhtar later echoed the same stance. “Hasina and the Chhatra League could not tolerate this ‘insult’ and took revenge through continuous attacks,” Rashed claimed.

He added that although the 2019 Daksu election was dominated by the Chhatra League panel, the Student Rights Council won 11 posts, including VP and GS. “That election sowed the seeds of Hasina’s downfall. Our formal student politics began from there,” he said, pointing to the 2018 quota reform movement and subsequent Daksu election as pivotal moments that shaped the generation’s leadership.

The Government Procurement Advisory Committee has withheld approval for the upcoming academic year’s textbook tenders for three secondary school grades, citing irregularities and corruption.

According to sources, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board’s (NCTB) recommendations for all tenders for grades six, seven, and eight for 2026 have been annulled. For sixth grade, 97 tenders covering 4.32 crore textbooks had a total procurement value of BDT 18,04 crore. Seventh grade tenders—94 in number, covering 3.9 crore books—amounted to BDT 20,02 crore, while eighth grade’s 89 tenders for 3.66 crore books totaled BDT 22,31 crore.

Altogether, recommendations worth around BDT 600 crore have been canceled. The decision comes after reports of irregularities and corruption in the tender process. Earlier reports revealed that 30% of textbooks supplied to students were of substandard quality. Due to the absence of a regular chairman, no disciplinary action had been taken against the responsible officials.

Adviser Prof. Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar urged devotees of Lord Krishna to embrace unity and self-reliance in expressing their devotion.

“Krishna was a multifaceted personality. True devotion requires self-dependence. Strengthen your own position instead of relying on others, and inner strength will naturally awaken.”

At the same event, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali emphasized the importance of religious harmony, noting that people of the subcontinent have celebrated festivals together for centuries.

He added that just as Zakat in Islam helps the poor, wealthy members of the Hindu community should also stand by the underprivileged.

A European Union (EU) delegation met with Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin in Dhaka on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The six-member team, led by EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley, exchanged views on the Election Commission’s plans, political climate, and measures to ensure transparency, security, and inclusivity. They also discussed an EU-funded project. Officials said the EU is holding a series of meetings, and a pre-election observer mission is expected in mid-September.

BNP leader Hafiz Uddin Ahmed accused the ruling government of promoting parties with no sacrifices for the nation, including the newly formed NCP, which is still unregistered yet opposing elections.

He said such groups, along with Jamaat, are trying to derail democracy and impose a backward fundamentalist state system.

Hafiz warned that attempts to create confusion around the PR system were aimed at weakening BNP’s role in reforms:

“Only elected representatives in parliament have the authority to amend the constitution—no one else.”

He added that many fear elections in February because BNP would likely return to power.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir rejected the idea of conducting national elections under the proportional representation (PR) system, saying:

“The people of Bangladesh are not accustomed to PR. Such elections will not fully ensure their rights.”

Speaking at the airport on his return from medical treatment in Bangkok, Fakhrul said the nation demands elections, the only solution to its political and economic crises.

He also hoped the upcoming DUCSU elections would be conducted inclusively and fairly.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus paid tribute to teachers Maherin Chowdhury, Masuka Begum, and Mahfuza Khanam, who died in the Milestone fighter jet crash, calling them enduring symbols of humanity and bravery.

During a visit to meet their families in Jamuna, Yunus said:

“Though time has passed, the memory of this tragedy remains raw. We can share condolences, but we cannot erase the pain.”

The husband of Maherin Chowdhury recalled her final moments:

“She pulled children out of the burning wreckage, even as she remained unharmed. When I asked why she didn’t save herself, she replied, ‘They are also my children. How could I leave them behind?’”

Yunus remarked that listening to such stories is painful yet fills the nation with pride.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman announced an ambitious environmental and development plan, pledging to plant at least 250 million trees in five years if the party returns to power. The BNP will also revive canal excavation projects.

He stressed that traditional politics must be redefined to secure a safer future, warning that divisions among pro-democracy forces would only benefit “fascist remnants.”

Rahman further noted growing public concerns over election timelines, emphasizing that elections are the primary means of empowering citizens.

“Fascism cannot be defeated through written laws alone. The people must be politically empowered,” he asserted.

Bangladesh’s education sector faces paralysis with multiple top positions left vacant across key offices, including the Education Ministry, NCTB, and retirement boards. Textbook printing for the next school year has stalled, raising fears that students may not get books on time. Corruption in printing, delays in tenders, and lack of permanent leadership have deepened the crisis. Over 40,000 teachers and staff await retirement benefits, while experts warn only long-term reforms can address chronic mismanagement.

At a rally near the North Gate of Baitul Mukarram, Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim criticized the Chief Adviser for announcing elections without visible progress in state reforms or justice for the July killings.

“Standing on the blood of the martyrs and the injured of the July Movement, there can be no election without justice and reform,” he declared, warning of fresh street protests if demands remain unmet.

He also called for elections to be conducted under the proportional representation (PR) system. The rally concluded with a protest march by party activists.

Authorities in Jibannagar upazila, Chuadanga, have decided to ban the use of mobile phones for all students up to higher secondary level in schools and colleges.
The resolution was passed at the monthly law and order committee meeting chaired by UNO Md. Al Amin. The proposal, initially raised by Jibannagar Degree College lecturer Jahangir Alam, was unanimously supported.
Officials said the decision mirrors recent restrictions implemented in Maheshpur and will soon be enforced through resolutions sent to all educational institutions.

At least 418 people were killed and 856 injured in 443 road accidents across Bangladesh in July, according to a report by Road Safety Foundation.
Motorcycles accounted for 131 accidents, leaving 109 dead, while three-wheelers caused the second-highest fatalities at 108. Additionally, 21 train accidents killed 18 people, and four waterway mishaps left six dead.
Dhaka division recorded the highest number of accidents (117) and deaths (105). In the capital alone, 26 road crashes left 19 dead and 38 injured.
The report identified reckless driving, faulty vehicles, poor traffic management, and extortion in the transport sector as the main causes.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has sought detailed wealth statements from 17 senior officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to investigate allegations of amassing illegal assets.
The list includes Tax Commissioner M M Fazlul Haque, Appeal Tribunal Commissioner Lokman Ahmed, and several additional commissioners, joint commissioners, and customs officials.
According to ACC sources, the move comes amid mounting concerns over corruption and unexplained enrichment within revenue administration.

A mobile court has fined fertilizer dealer Mahabubur Rahman, owner of Rifat Enterprise, Tk 30,000 for illegally selling fertilizers at inflated prices outside his designated area in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah.
The mobile court, led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shahin Alam, also took a written undertaking from the dealer pledging not to repeat the offense.
The raid was prompted after locals intercepted a small truck carrying 30 sacks of urea and potash fertilizers allegedly diverted to another market.

BNP leader Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu has alleged that certain political figures are plotting to obstruct and sabotage the upcoming national election by making disruptive demands amid ongoing unrest.
He warned that Bangladesh’s democracy stands on the brink of destruction and stressed that the electoral process must continue as scheduled.
“If the next election is delayed, the democracy, independence, and voting rights regained on August 5 through sacrifice will be jeopardized,” Dulu said, urging all political forces to unite and prepare for the polls.