A forensic expert has testified that voices in a leaked audio recording, which allegedly ordered the use of lethal weapons during July’s mass uprising, matched those of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Dhaka South City Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh. Police Inspector Ruknuzzaman of CID’s Digital Forensic Lab presented the findings before Tribunal-2, stating that the female voice matched Hasina while the male voice matched Taposh. The recording is among several audios leaked since March, purportedly captured by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC). Earlier this month, the BBC had independently verified parts of the same audio.

Thirty-five teachers and researchers from Dhaka University have earned a spot on the 2025 list of the world’s top 2% scientists, compiled by Stanford University and Dutch publisher Elsevier. Last year, only 10 DU scholars made the list, but this year the number jumped by 250%. The ranking is based on published research, citations, H-index, consistency, and co-authorship influence. Congratulating the achievers, DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said, “This recognition not only highlights the remarkable achievements of our teachers and researchers but also reflects the university’s commitment to nurturing academic excellence despite various challenges.”

BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu has stressed that Bangladesh must hold elections without delay, warning that delays would worsen the country’s situation. Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with imams and muezzins, Pintu said: “People support the traditional election system. They neither know nor accept any other process. Voters must be able to choose their candidates freely.” He added that despite possible conspiracies, the public would resist all plots, and elections would be held by February next year.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has promoted 39 unarmed police inspectors to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). A notification issued on Monday instructed the promoted officials to submit their joining letters through the proper authority to the Senior Secretary of the ministry. The order, issued in the public interest, has been made effective immediately.

At least 34 people were injured in Sunamganj’s Dirai upazila when a minor quarrel escalated into a violent clash involving spears and other homemade weapons. The incident took place at the Rajanagar boat terminal after an argument over splashing water spiraled into a bloody confrontation between supporters of Golap Mia and Akbar Mia. Of the injured, 24 were rushed to Sylhet hospitals, while 10 others received treatment at Dirai Medical College. Police recovered a large number of spears and local weapons from the scene. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdur Razzak confirmed that law enforcement had been deployed and that the situation was now under control.

The government has ordered an investigation into the shocking discovery of five sacks of National Identity Cards (NIDs) in Narayanganj. Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has directed the Deputy Commissioner to report on what actions the Election Commission is taking in response. Police recovered the sacks, filled with NIDs, polling officer cards, and official seals, from a roadside garbage heap near the Dhaka-Narayanganj link road on Sunday night. District Election Officer Alamgir Hossain confirmed that the items belonged to the Gazipur Sadar area and said action would be taken once higher authorities issue instructions. Witnesses reported that an unidentified group in a white car dumped the sacks. Police have since launched an investigation, and a general diary (GD) has been filed.

The much-anticipated Rokeya University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election has been rescheduled for October 16, following Durga Puja, after heated slogan battles between Bangladesh Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir supporters. Earlier, the two rival groups staged counter-demonstrations in front of the Roksu treasurer’s office. While Shibir-backed candidates and supporters demanded elections on September 25, left-aligned and independent candidates opposed a “voter-less” process. Amid mounting tensions, five student panels, including Chhatra Dal, declared that the environment was not conducive to a fair election and called for a level playing field. However, Shibir’s university unit president and VP candidate, Mostakur Rahman Zahid, insisted that the September 25 election date must be upheld.

The Islami Andolan Bangladesh has demanded that BNP leader Annie Chowdhury withdraw her recent remarks and issue a public apology. In a joint statement, Sheikh Fazle Bari Masud, Joint Secretary General, and Ariful Islam, Secretary, said Annie made “obscene and fabricated” comments about Islami Andolan’s Amir and Pir Sahib of Char Monai during a public rally—remarks they described as grossly irresponsible and against political etiquette. The leaders argued that Annie’s comments have “pained the political and conscious sections of society” and accused the BNP of being complicit with autocracy by legitimizing the 2018 “dummy election” and sending six MPs to Parliament. “Falsehood is Annie Chowdhury’s only capital, but the people of Bangladesh now see through it,” they said. They further alleged that BNP is unable to accept the emerging unity among Islamists and accused the party of “betraying the nation” by engaging in extortion, land grabbing, looting, and terrorism. Annie, on her part, had branded Islami Andolan and the Char Monai Pir as “national traitors.”

A group of former officials and staff of Biman Bangladesh Airlines who were dismissed from service have staged a sit-in protest in front of Balaka Bhaban at Kurmitola, demanding reinstatement. The protesters claimed that despite a government circular in August last year promising to resolve all reinstatement petitions within 15 days, most cases remain unsettled even after a year. While a few employees were reinstated under the same order, the majority still await a decision. They warned that unless their single-point demand for reinstatement is met, they would continue with escalated, ongoing protests.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has accused the Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), led by the Charmonai Pir, of strengthening Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s grip on power through repeated electoral cooperation, calling it a betrayal of the people. Speaking on the formation of a consensus government, Annie said: “Through implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point agenda, we can bring about a national unity government. In such a setup, elected representatives would form the lower house, while unelected leaders from different political groups could join the upper house to ensure inclusive governance.” He alleged that for 17 years, Islami Andolan played a key role in propping up Hasina’s rule: “In the elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024, Islami Andolan extended support to Hasina, thus strengthening her permanence in power. For this, Charmonai Pir and his party have been marked as traitors by the people of Bangladesh.” Criticizing their current stance, he added: “Today they parade on the streets against elections, but where were they during our 17 years of struggle? Back then, we didn’t see their so-called movement. Now they threaten, march, and disrupt the electoral atmosphere. To overcome this situation, unity is our only strength.” Annie also recalled Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in frustrating opposition unity in earlier decades: “In 1986 and 1996, Jamaat did not just obstruct us, they obstructed the entire nation.”

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has said that the party’s liberal democratic vision is crucial for ensuring a peaceful and stable socio-economic environment in Bangladesh. He made the remarks during a meeting with Danish Ambassador H.E. Christian Brix Møller. The two discussed Bangladesh’s political climate, participation of different parties in upcoming elections, and Denmark’s investment interest. The ambassador highlighted Denmark’s plan to invest nearly $2 billion in coastal infrastructure and renewable energy projects, particularly in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. Both sides expressed optimism that stronger democratic stability in Bangladesh would enhance bilateral cooperation.

Uyghur-American activist Kuzzat Altay says China’s economic influence silences Muslim countries on Uyghur persecution. In a video message, he explained that trade and investment ties with Beijing prevent these nations from speaking out. Altay claimed China spends billions to pressure governments and media, while controlling information about repression in Xinjiang. He urged global support, warning that Muslim citizens would demand action if properly informed. Rights groups allege mass detentions, forced indoctrination, and abuses in China’s “re-education” camps, which Beijing denies.

Responding to allegations by cricketer and BCB presidential candidate Tamim Iqbal, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud has insisted that the government is not interfering in the Bangladesh Cricket Board election. Tamim earlier accused the government of favoring incumbent president Aminul Islam Bulbul. In reply, Asif Mahmud said: “The government is only performing routine duties. If it oversteps its jurisdiction, then it can be called unlawful interference. If that happens, Tamim can seek legal action or even approach the ICC.” Tamim had previously stated that he only wanted a transparent election, regardless of whether he won or lost.

Student organizations at Rajshahi University have demanded postponement of the long-awaited RUCSU election following campus unrest over a teacher’s humiliation. With the campus under a “complete shutdown” and most students leaving dormitories and messes, candidates supported by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal argued that voter participation would be severely compromised. VP candidate Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir said, “Elections without full student participation cannot be fair. We want the polls to be held after Durga Puja, if necessary.” Other student panels and independent candidates echoed the call, stressing that unresolved issues like the controversial “dependent quota” must be addressed to ensure inclusive participation. Candidate Tasin warned that with major religious holidays and shutdowns disrupting campaigns, the election — being held after 35 years — risks losing legitimacy.

Syria’s interim government has set October 5 for the People’s Assembly election, the first since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster last year. Of 210 seats, one-third will be appointed by President Ahmed al-Shara, while the rest will be elected under the electoral commission. The vote aims to rebuild state institutions and gain legitimacy, though critics warn of limited representation. Security concerns persist in Suwayda, Hasakah, and Raqqa, while al-Shara pushes regional diplomacy, including potential security talks with Israel.