Ahead of Durga Puja, GOP leader Rashed Khan has called for installing CCTV cameras in temples to ensure security. He warned that “defeated forces and hidden fascist elements” may attempt attacks or idol vandalism. “The government must provide adequate protection, while political parties and citizens must remain vigilant,” he said. Khan further cautioned against conspiracies aiming to incite communal tensions. “Bangladesh must never fall into the trap of religious conflict. We must uphold harmony and move forward together,” he stressed.

The government is borrowing $1.06 billion under stringent repayment terms to fund seven major projects. At a recent ERD meeting chaired by the finance adviser, ministries presented 36 foreign loan-dependent projects, including those tied to Chinese funding. Of these, seven received preliminary approval despite being classified as “hard-term loans” with higher, market-based interest rates and shorter grace periods. Officials noted such loans are often unavoidable, particularly for vital imports and energy infrastructure, where concessional loans are unavailable. With easy credit from institutions like the World Bank and ADB declining, Bangladesh is increasingly turning to costlier borrowing options.

After officials, teachers at Rajshahi University have also withdrawn their ongoing shutdown program. The decision came Thursday afternoon following verbal assurances from the vice-chancellor. Teachers stated they want to restore academic activities and prepare for a proper RUCSU election. However, they demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in recent incidents of harassment. A day earlier, RU Officers’ Association also suspended their strike for seven working days based on administrative assurances, warning of stricter programs if demands remain unmet.

The Ministry of Tourism has announced that Saint Martin’s Island will reopen for visitors starting November 1. Secretary Nasreen Jahan said a daily quota of 2,000 tourists will be allowed. However, for the first two months, visitors will only be permitted day trips. Overnight stays will be allowed in January and February. Tourism and Aviation Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin added that a new tourism policy is underway to ensure sustainable growth. On Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal, he said: “The government has invested Tk 21,000 crore. We are working relentlessly to launch it as soon as possible.”

Political leader Fazlur Rahman has strongly rejected the idea of holding elections under Muhammad Yunus, insisting instead on a three-month caretaker government to oversee fair polls. “I don’t believe—at least 90 percent sure—that elections will take place in February, though my party still believes so,” Rahman told supporters. He accused Yunus of building a “political dice” favoring Jamaat-e-Islami, claiming Yunus uses his inner circle to dictate leadership decisions. “His press secretary has already declared who will be the next prime minister. This is unacceptable,” Fazlu said, alleging “night-time relations” between Jamaat and Yunus’ camp. Rahman concluded: “We want elections only under a legally formed caretaker government. With its advisers, it should deliver a fair election within 120 days.”

The Rangpur Metropolitan branch of Bagchas has suspended the organizational membership of its convener, Imtiaz Ahmed Imti, after allegations surfaced that he assaulted students. According to Mahfuzur Rahman, the joint office secretary, the suspension was enforced under the organization’s constitution. A three-member probe committee has been formed to investigate the matter and instructed to submit a neutral and comprehensive report within 72 hours to central leaders Abu Bakar Mojumdar and Zahid Ahsan. Imti is accused of storming into a classroom at Harati High School on September 4 and beating more than 50 students. He also serves as the president of the school’s ad-hoc committee. A guardian later filed a general diary with police, but the incident only came to light on Tuesday after victims failed to receive legal remedies. In his defense, Imti admitted to scolding students, claiming it was for their betterment. “I have been working hard for six months to ensure the children achieve good results. Ninety-five percent of students have no complaints. The matter has been exaggerated and already resolved,” he said, urging others to view it with forgiveness.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmad warned that conducting elections under a proportional representation (PR) system could produce another authoritarian or weak government like Sheikh Hasina’s, leaving the country permanently unstable. He argued that one motive for pushing PR is to win more seats, and another is to create disunity and instability so no single majority party can govern. Salahuddin said PR benefits less-popular parties and stressed that the constitution clearly prescribes direct election of representatives. He urged Jamaat to consult the constitution before advocating changes, and said unconstitutional or unlawful demands from any party cannot be accepted. He cautioned that public opinion surveys are being misinterpreted — noting that while many people may not understand PR, claims that 70 percent favor it are misleading.

Chief Election Commissioner A. M. M. Nasir Uddin said the Shapla (water lily) symbol was first requested by Nagorik Oikyot but was not allotted to them; later the NCP sought the Shapla, but the symbol has not been granted to anyone. The CEC dismissed claims that he viewed a statement by NCP leader Sarjis Alam as a threat, saying politicians often make many remarks and the election administration will continue its duties. He pledged to use maximum effort to ensure a level playing field for elections and reiterated that preparations for a February poll are well underway. According to the constitution and RPO, proportional representation (PR) voting is not currently permitted; adopting PR would require constitutional and RPO changes. The CEC said a decision on registration of new political parties will be made within days as verification continues.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said elections are expected in February and that the chief adviser and the military are conscious of the need for a credible process. However, he warned that adversaries are attempting to keep Bangladesh unstable and urged a collective effort to resist such designs. Speaking with Khaled Mahmud, Fakhrul urged rebuilding public trust where skepticism has grown and stressed that progress requires concrete action. He said other political parties are aware elections are imminent and that while the military and advisers are vigilant, there is no simple solution to the country’s problems. He expressed concern that planned mob violence, arson and factory attacks appear increasingly organized. On the NCP–Jamaat issue, Fakhrul described bargaining and political negotiation as the nature of party politics and noted that many discussions have already taken place, creating space for further talks.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah said former co-convener of the Uttara anti-discrimination student movement, KM Mamunur Rashid, has been missing for more than 48 hours, a development he described as deeply worrying and alarming. Hasnat noted that such an incident is particularly troubling in the post–August 5 context and represents a failure of the state to guarantee basic citizen security. He criticized law enforcement and the government for apparent negligence in conducting a prompt, transparent investigation. Hasnat also expressed concern over the media’s silence, warning that that silence risks bringing back an atmosphere of fear and repression in politics.

NCP leader Akhtar Hossain filed a complaint at the Port Authority Police Department police station near the airport after an incident in which eggs were thrown at him. Akhtar said that, following an earlier attack near the airport, Awami cadres returned to his hotel lobby this evening with the intent to assault him. He said NCP members and supporters in the U.S. repelled them and contacted police; an investigating officer advised filing a complaint, prompting the case. Akhtar added that the perpetrators are linked to an organization banned in Bangladesh and alleged their involvement in crimes against humanity last year; he said he informed U.S. police and referenced a related U.N. report. Earlier he had dismissed the egg attack as inconsequential, saying he is not intimidated by shots or broken eggs.

Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus expressed optimism that major political parties will soon sign a “July Charter” addressing core constitutional and political reforms. He said the reforms aim foremost to prevent the rise of another autocrat in Bangladesh. Following talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the two leaders discussed several important issues; Dr. Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the floods in Pakistan that killed more than one thousand people. He said Bangladesh is preparing to hold national elections in February and hopes that the substantial reforms proposed by 11 national commissions will pave the way for meaningful political transformation. Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to Dr. Yunus to visit Pakistan before the interim government’s term ends.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi warned that rehabilitating what he termed the “fascist” Awami League would have dire consequences for the country and could subject Bangladesh to renewed authoritarian rule. Rizvi alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami is encouraging efforts to reinstate the party and suggested Jamaat may have ulterior motives related to the Awami League’s interest in closer ties with India. He claimed India aided what he described as directives linked to mass atrocities during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. Commenting on recent opinion polls, Rizvi said BNP currently has no specific response to the surveys.

Agricultural Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury asserted there is no shortage of fertilizer anywhere in the country, saying all syndicates have been dismantled and promising that prices will not increase while he remains in office. He announced the formation of a national committee to develop fertilizer policy and said major changes are being made to dealership arrangements. He added that ongoing gas shortages will not affect fertilizer production and that outstanding fertilizer liabilities totaling BDT 20,691 crore have been cleared. Chowdhury also noted that although potato production is high this year, farmers are not receiving fair prices; the government is seeking to raise potato prices to protect growers’ interests. He said Bangladesh has exported mangoes to China for the first time and that jackfruit exports will begin next year.

After a seven-year wait, student union (GUCSU) elections are being held at Savar’s People’s University. Voting inside campus polling stations has been festive, but signs of unrest are visible off campus. Reports say crowds of outsiders have gathered near the main gate and surrounding areas, raising concerns about public order. University rules restrict entry to teachers, staff, voters, candidates and accredited journalists, yet some former students and unfamiliar faces have been seen on campus. Authorities have deployed 350 security personnel on site. AGS candidate Md. Zahid Hasan said that despite police presence, various unfamiliar and external faces are visible inside the campus and urged the administration to take swift action. Election Commission member Dr. Md. Ali Azam Khan said voting inside the campus is proceeding peacefully and that they have not been officially alerted to disturbances outside; he added that if such incidents are confirmed, legal steps will be taken.