Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) vice-presidential candidate Abu Sadiq Kayem has pledged a vision of inclusive leadership inspired by last year’s “July Revolution.”

He recalled, “During the July uprising, we set aside our differences and united against fascism. Our panel reflects that spirit—bringing together Shibir activists, independent voices, Chakma community members, and women leaders.”

Kayem expressed hope for a vibrant election and vowed to soon release a manifesto honoring the aspirations of July’s martyrs for a just and equitable Bangladesh.

As discussions continue over the final draft of the July Charter, BNP sources suggest the party may concede on certain issues, including the proportional representation system for the upper house of parliament and the mechanism for forming a caretaker government.

BNP leaders note unresolved inconsistencies in the draft, including how dissenting party opinions would be reflected in the constitution. Jamaat has advised legalizing implementation under the current government, while CPB has objected to clauses barring judicial review of the charter.

BNP’s Standing Committee will discuss the matter today before presenting feedback to the National Consensus Commission on August 20.

The Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) has completed preparations for the sixth mass teacher recruitment recommendations. Pending approval from Education Adviser Dr. C. R. Abrar, recommendations for over 41,000 teacher appointments could be announced on Tuesday, August 19. Over 57,000 candidates applied for a total of 108,822 vacancies across schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical institutions, meaning nearly half of the positions may remain unfilled despite the large recruitment drive.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum has proposed that any future paternity leave policy must carry three mandatory conditions: fathers must spend time with their child, share equally in childcare, and provide support to the mother.

“Paternity leave can be granted, but it should come with written commitments. We must ensure fathers actively take part in child-rearing and maternal care,” she said.

Begum also emphasized reducing reliance on formula milk, stressing the need to promote breastfeeding through better maternal health. She added that healthcare challenges—such as overcrowded hospitals and insufficient midwife training—cannot be solved by blaming doctors alone.

The National Committee Party (NCP) has expelled its Joint Member Secretary Mahin Sarkar for breaching party discipline.

In a press release, NCP stated that the decision was made under the directive of Central Convener Md. Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain. The expulsion order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has achieved a historic milestone by earning an unaudited profit of BDT 9.37 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year, the highest in its 55-year history. Revenue reached BDT 11.63 billion, with 3.4 million passengers transported and 43,918 tons of cargo handled. The cabin factor rose to 82%, and record ticket sales were recorded in January 2025. Enhanced services, faster baggage delivery, and modernized airport processes contributed to higher passenger satisfaction and strong safety performance.

The government has declared all of Savar Upazila in Dhaka District a “Degraded Airshed” due to dangerously high air pollution levels. Starting September, all brick kilns except tunnel and hybrid Hoffman types must halt operations, and open burning of solid waste and new polluting factories are banned. Monitoring data shows Savar’s air pollution exceeds national limits nearly threefold, threatening public health. The move aims to reduce pollution in both Savar and Dhaka and protect the population, especially during the dry season.

The High Court has issued a rule asking why the 1% surcharge on mobile phone usage, introduced in 2016 to fund the Padma Bridge, should not be stopped. The court ordered government agencies to respond within four weeks. Consumer rights group CCS filed the writ, arguing the levy contradicts the law as no timeframe was specified and the bridge was completed in 2022. Despite collecting over Tk 2,000 crore, authorities have not withdrawn the surcharge.

A leaked phone conversation between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and senior Awami League leader Jahangir Kabir Nanak has stirred controversy.

In the recording, Hasina is heard questioning Nanak about the role of Mohammadpur’s Bihari community in recent political events. When Nanak pointed to a local councilor, Sentu, linked to Jatiya Party, Hasina dismissed concerns that action against him might upset the party.

“Keep quiet. Why should we care if Jatiya Party collapses? What is left of that party anyway? We don’t need them. They’re a living corpse. This time I won’t spare a single one,” Hasina declared bluntly.

Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has directed all relevant agencies to reveal how some individuals have plundered the nation’s resources. At a meeting with NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan and CIC Director General Ahsan Habib, it was reported that nearly BDT 40,000 crore has been illicitly transferred abroad, traced across seven cities in five countries since January. Coordinated action by the ACC, CIC, police, and other authorities is required to identify culprits and ensure such wealth plundering is prevented in the future.

In a major political development, the interim government has announced the withdrawal of 16,429 cases it described as “false and politically motivated.”

According to officials, thousands of ordinary citizens and political opponents were deliberately entangled in fabricated lawsuits, which not only caused immense suffering for the accused and their families but also undermined both the political and judicial systems.

The government said the move aims to put an end to unjust harassment, ease political tensions, and create a level playing field ahead of the upcoming national elections.

It added that the decision would encourage broader participation in the polls, rebuild public trust in state institutions, and pave the way for a more peaceful and democratic process.

The Dhaka University administration has extended the deadline for the collection and submission of nomination papers for the 2025 DUCSU elections.

Chief Returning Officer Prof. Mohammad Jasim Uddin confirmed on Monday that, in light of overwhelming enthusiasm among students, many were unable to collect nomination forms within the scheduled time due to long queues at halls and the central office.

To ensure equal opportunity for all candidates, the deadline has been extended by one day:

Collection of nomination papers: Now open until Tuesday, 5 PM

Submission of nomination papers: Extended until Wednesday, 5 PM

So far, 565 nomination forms have been sold for 28 DUCSU central positions, while 1,226 forms have been collected for elections across 18 hall unions.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has temporarily suspended four tax officials for obstructing office work during protests against the government’s Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025. The order, issued by the Internal Resources Division and signed by IRD Secretary and NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman, cited their involvement in halting colleagues’ duties. The suspended officers include Sadhan Kumar Kundu, Abul Ala Mohammad Amimul Ihsan Khan, Sanowarul Kabir, and Saidul Islam. They will receive allowances during suspension, as per regulations.

In response to allegations of harassment during the distribution of nomination forms, the DUCSU election authority has formed a four-member probe committee.

Chief Returning Officer Prof. Mohammad Jasim Uddin announced on Monday that the committee will investigate the incident at Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, where a Chhatra Dal leader was reportedly mistreated while trying to collect nomination papers.

The committee is headed by Assistant Proctor Prof. Dr. Md. Robiul Islam and includes Prof. Dr. S.M. Arif Mahmud (Department of Anthropology), Dr. A.K.M. Nur Alam Siddiqui (Assistant Proctor), and Assistant Proctor Atia Sanzida Shormi.

They have been instructed to submit urgent recommendations by 12 noon on Tuesday.

Tensions flared ahead of the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections as leaders of the Bangladesh Chhatra Dal (JCD) alleged that one of their female leaders was obstructed from collecting a nomination form at Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall.

At a press conference on Monday, JCD leaders claimed that a mob was mobilized to stop their representative, effectively confining her inside the hall premises. As a result, students were reportedly forced to leave without being able to obtain nomination papers.

They warned that a free and fair DUCSU election will not be possible unless the current law-and-order situation and intimidation on campus are brought under full control.

The student group further alleged that a section of their rivals, “envious of Chhatra Dal’s growing popularity,” has been attempting to sabotage the election process since the very beginning.