BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has claimed that adopting a Proportional Representation (PR) system could allow parties allied with the ruling Awami League to manipulate votes and undermine Bangladesh’s independence. He alleged that separatist groups in Bangladesh, some backed by India, might use the PR system to push for partition in Parliament. Ishraq warned: “Both pro-India separatists and international powers could exploit this system, threatening Bangladesh’s sovereignty.” Declaring that the people will resist any such attempts, he added: “We will give our lives for this country, but we will not hand it over to collaborators—whether of 1971 or 2024.”

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has called on journalists covering the economy and business sectors to ask difficult and uncomfortable questions—stressing that doing so is not just a right but a responsibility. He cautioned reporters not to be intimidated by economists with prestigious Western degrees, warning that selective use of statistics often leads to misleading claims about employment, poverty, and economic performance. “To truly hold them accountable,” Alam wrote, “you must see the bigger picture—beyond exports, imports, inflation, reserves, or current account deficits. Look also at crime data, labor unrest, and cross-sector impacts. Only then can you expose hollow claims.”

Students protesting diploma grade reforms lifted their blockade at Tejgaon’s Satrasta intersection on Wednesday afternoon after nearly three hours. The protest, which began at 11:00 a.m., disrupted traffic until around 2:00 p.m. Leaders announced a nationwide sit-in program at all polytechnic institutes and key points across the country on Thursday. Student representative Mashfiq Islam declared: “Diploma students will not accept any conspiracy over the 10th grade.”

Government Adviser Sakhawat Hossain has reiterated that Bangladesh will not host any additional Rohingya refugees and remains committed to repatriating those already sheltering in the country. He expressed optimism that repatriation could begin next year but stressed the necessity of international support, noting that the government is pursuing diplomatic channels to make it possible. Writer and thinker Farhad Mazhar added that the Rohingya issue is not only humanitarian but also political, military, and geopolitical, urging greater involvement from the international community.

Ali Riaz, Vice President of the Consensus Commission, said political parties are expected to reach a final decision on implementing the July Accord by September 21, before the Chief Adviser departs for New York. He warned that failure to meet this deadline could delay progress until after October 2. Riaz expressed hope that parties would overcome differences on issues such as referendums and constitutional orders by relying on expert guidance. Experts have advised four possible methods for implementation: ordinance, executive order, referendum, or special constitutional order.

A BNP leader in Mirpur, Dhaka, has been suspended from his post for three months following allegations of intimidation and extortion against members of the Hindu community. The party acted against Abu Sayeed Dipu after a written complaint was filed by the management committee of the Shree Shree Shyama Kali Temple in DNCC’s Ward-9. The complaint accused Dipu and his son—allegedly a local gang leader—of demanding money under threat of false legal cases. Witnesses claim they warned Hindus, saying: “What’s your place in this country? Go back to your ancestors’ land.” Dipu dismissed the accusations as a conspiracy, stating: “I have never demanded extortion money. I live a solvent life.”

The distribution of nomination papers for the long-awaited Chittagong University Central Student Union (CHUCSU) election concluded on Tuesday. A total of 474 candidates collected forms for the central student union, while 589 collected for hall unions. Nomination submission remains open until Wednesday, with the preliminary candidate list set for release on Sunday. Candidates may withdraw until September 23, after which objections will be reviewed before the final list is published on September 25. Although the official deadline for distribution was 3:30 p.m., overwhelming student demand pushed the process until 7:00 p.m. The election—returning after 36 years—will see 27,637 registered voters cast their ballots on October 12.

Bangladesh has started exporting hilsa to India ahead of Durga Puja, with the first consignment of 37.46 metric tons entering through Benapole land port. Five Indian firms imported the fish, while five Bangladeshi exporters, including Lucky Trading and Swarnali Enterprise, supplied the shipment. In total, Bangladesh has permitted 1,200 metric tons of hilsa to be exported by October 5 at $12.5 per kg. Officials say the move will boost the economy and create opportunities for fish farmers.

Residents of Akhaura in Brahmanbaria blocked railway tracks on Wednesday, demanding the construction of gates and deployment of gatekeepers at level crossings. Around 10 a.m., protesters occupied the Greecenagar rail crossing, halting trains including the Dhaka-bound Chattala Express and the Chittagong-bound Mahanagar Provati Express for about half an hour. The protest followed Monday’s fatal accident at an unprotected crossing, where a train hit an autorickshaw, killing the driver and a female passenger on the spot. Local BNP leaders and police later intervened to calm the situation and restore train services.

Kabir Hossain Patwari, Divisional Forest Officer of Barisal, has been suspended after multiple wives accused him of marrying 17 times by misusing his government position and subjecting them to dowry-related abuse. Following complaints, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change suspended him on Tuesday and reassigned him to Rangpur Range. Dr. Mohammad Zahidur Rahman Miah, the divisional forest officer of Patuakhali, has been appointed acting DFO of Barisal. Meanwhile, residents of Barisal staged a human chain demanding justice, while Public Prosecutor Advocate Hafiz Ahmed Bablu filed a case against him in the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court.

Students of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute blocked roads at Tejgaon’s Sat Rasta intersection on Wednesday morning, bringing traffic to a halt around 11 a.m. Their seven-point demand includes scrapping the 30% promotion quota for craft instructors to junior instructor posts, canceling recent promotion rulings, revising job titles, annulling appointments made in 2021, and amending recruitment regulations. The protest follows a similar demonstration held in the area on Tuesday afternoon.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, has called for the adoption of a proportional representation (PR) system for national elections. He argued that PR elections prevent the emergence of authoritarian governments and ensure every vote counts, enabling all political parties to gain parliamentary representation. Rezaul Karim criticized delays in granting legal recognition to the “July Charter” and demanded its implementation before the next election. He said the charter must also include justice for the Pilkhana massacre and the Shapla Chattar killings. At the event, he introduced Shah Iftekhar Tariq, the party’s central organizational secretary, as Islami Andolan’s candidate for Dhaka-9 constituency in the upcoming national election.

For a second consecutive day, members of the “All-Party United Committee” staged a sit-in outside the Bagerhat District Election Office demanding the reinstatement of four parliamentary constituencies. From 9 a.m., demonstrators gathered in front of the district office and nine upazila election offices, staging rallies and processions. Protesters included leaders and activists from BNP, Jamaat, and other political parties, as well as local residents from diverse professions. They argued that Bagerhat’s population, Mongla Port, and industrial zones justify the restoration of the four seats. The sit-in continued until 1 p.m., with organizers set to announce new programs at 3 p.m. today.

Israeli forces have launched a large-scale ground assault on Gaza City, killing at least 78 Palestinians, according to local reports. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are combining intense airstrikes with ground maneuvers to push Palestinians out of key residential zones, Al Jazeera reported. The European Union has warned that the death toll could rise significantly. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern message to Hamas, urging the release of Israeli hostages. In the West Bank, IDF troops continued operations in Nablus, deploying sound grenades in the town of Kafr Qalil.

The Chinese Embassy has donated 49 computers and 49 printers to the Bangladesh Police, strengthening bilateral cooperation. On September 16, Ambassador Yao Wen handed over the gifts to IGP Baharul Alam, who expressed gratitude and highlighted China as an important development partner. The meeting also included discussions on ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals working on projects in Bangladesh. Officials from both the embassy and the police were present, emphasizing continued collaboration and mutual support between the two nations.