BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie emphasized the sacrifices of today’s youth in the political struggle, saying, “We never think outside the generation. They wanted movement, and so did we — but they were on the frontlines. They were martyred, disappeared, and killed, just like us.” Annie noted that unlike in the past, no student organizations mobilized them — they took to the streets on their own, sometimes holding their parents’ hands. “Even when bullets rained from helicopters, they did not back down,” he said. He added that today’s generation knows Tarique Rahman more directly than late President Ziaur Rahman, but the leadership of Zia, Tarique, and Khaleda Zia carried the same vision for Bangladesh. Annie urged student leaders to embody this generation’s sentiment in campuses across the country.

Dhaka — British MP Tulip Siddiq, granddaughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has been identified as the owner of a flat in Eastern Housing, according to documents presented in court. The records were submitted during the fourth day of witness hearings in the corruption case involving RAJUK plot allocations linked to the Sheikh family. On Sunday, three officials from Eastern Housing Ltd. testified, along with Akhtar Jahan, an administrative officer at the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. So far, 15 witnesses have testified across three related cases. The next hearing is scheduled for October 6. Earlier witnesses claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had ordered an irregular allocation of a 30-katha plot in Purbachal under the influence of Tulip Siddiq. The ACC subsequently filed cases against 23 individuals.

National Citizen’s Party (NCP) Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud clarified that the party has no plans to change its name. Instead, discussions are ongoing about potential mergers with multiple political parties. Masud noted, “If the youth forces unite under this banner, it could usher in a new era in Bangladeshi politics.” Ahead of the upcoming national election, both NCP and Gono Adhikar Parishad leaders have hinted at possible alliances. Talks are centered on whether the two groups will form a coalition or merge into a single entity.

Aminul Islam Hannan, infamously known as ‘Japanese Hannan’, has finally been arrested in connection with murder cases filed during mass uprisings under the previous “fascist” regime. Police apprehended him Saturday near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Hannan, a long-time fugitive, faces multiple cases including murder, extortion, and violent activities allegedly carried out under political patronage. He had previously served a lengthy prison term in a separate murder case before being released. Authorities say his arrest marks a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to bring fugitive suspects to justice.

BNP leader Azam Khan has said that certain political groups are working against democracy and attempting to disrupt national harmony. He claimed, “Fascists have pushed the country toward destruction, but as we try to rebuild and move forward with development, a few parties are creating obstacles. Tarique Rahman will return very soon, and the people of Bangladesh are eagerly waiting to welcome him.” At the same event, BNP leader Afroza Abbas emphasized the importance of women’s participation, stating that with half of the country’s population being women, no state can function while excluding them.

Gono Adhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur is set to travel to Singapore for advanced medical care. He is scheduled to depart on Monday, accompanied by his personal physician, Dr. Sajjad Hossain. Nur sustained injuries on August 29 during clashes between Gono Adhikar Parishad activists and Jatiya Party members near the party’s central office in Kakrail. The situation escalated when law enforcement intervened with baton charges, leaving Nur and several others injured.

Dhaka — Prominent business leaders of the country sat for a meeting with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday afternoon. According to BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury also attended the meeting. Among the business leaders present were BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, Tapan Chowdhury, AK Azad, Nasim Monjur, Kamran T. Rahman, Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Taskin Ahmed, MA Hatem, Fazle Ehsan Shamim, and Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hossaini.

Islamic scholar Mufti Amir Hamza has issued a public apology for a series of controversial comments that sparked criticism in recent weeks. “I have been advised by my organization not to make political statements. From now on, I will confine myself strictly to Qur’anic tafsir,” Hamza stated. Clarifying a recent comment about the call to prayer at Dhaka University’s Mohsin Hall, Hamza admitted to mistakenly naming the hall instead of Salimullah Muslim Hall. “It was a slip of the tongue. I sincerely apologize. Though injustices occurred during the banned Chhatra League era, I should not have phrased it that way,” he said, vowing to be more cautious. He also responded to backlash over remarks about alcohol bottles in Jahangirnagar University halls and a comparison involving actress Rashmika Mandanna, explaining that his statements were misinterpreted. “If my words caused offense, I regret it deeply. Mistakes happen when we use comparisons during sermons. I will refrain from such remarks in the future,” Hamza added. The cleric concluded by recalling his imprisonment during the Awami League government, claiming he still suffers from lingering physical and mental health issues.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has criticized recent incidents in student politics, questioning whether a university Vice President (VP) should act with magisterial authority. Rizvi remarked, “A VP can file complaints, but can they impose fines like a magistrate? University administration is responsible for monitoring shops and businesses on campus—not student leaders. Yet we see fines being imposed, and the money funneled into Jamaat’s coffers.” He also condemned the practice of distributing iron beds in university halls under the guise of party initiatives, calling it “an alarming trend.” His comments followed an incident at Surya Sen Hall, where Hall VP Azizul Haque fined a shop Tk 3,000 for selling monosodium glutamate (MSG). The university proctor later declared the action beyond his jurisdiction.

The Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee has suspended its earlier decision to introduce the EQ-2 quota for Class XI admissions in the upcoming 2025–26 academic session. The suspension follows a High Court stay order (Writ Petition No. 13780/2025, dated September 4, 2025). The quota was originally outlined in an August 10 directive, granting admission privileges to children of teachers, officials, and staff employed under the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education in government schools, colleges, and education offices. The EQ-2 quota was meant to cover children of employees working across 28 offices, directorates, and agencies under the Education Ministry. With the court’s intervention, the policy is now on hold.

In a surprise move, Dr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, has been reassigned as a member of the Planning Commission. His replacement has not yet been formally appointed, though an additional secretary will temporarily handle his duties. Reports suggest that Dr. Abu Shaheen Md. Asaduzzaman, Additional Secretary of the Career Planning and Training Division, will be named as his successor. Mokhlesur Rahman’s tenure as Senior Secretary has been marred by allegations of unprecedented administrative chaos, favoritism in appointments, and accusations of financial dealings tied to high-profile postings. His decisions on the appointment of secretaries, agency chiefs, and district commissioners sparked widespread criticism, particularly from sidelined officials who accused the system of bias.

The U.S. has announced a staggering increase in H-1B visa application fees, raising the cost to $100,000 per applicant—a 60-fold jump—under a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The revised fee takes effect from Sunday. India, whose nationals account for over 70% of all H-1B visas issued in 2024, has strongly criticized the decision, calling it a matter of “deep humanitarian concern” that would cause severe disruption to family lives. “The exchange of skilled professionals between India and the United States is mutually beneficial. We hope policymakers consider the foundation of our bilateral ties when making such decisions,” India’s statement read. Meanwhile, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is set to depart for Washington on Monday for discussions with U.S. counterparts.

Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam has instructed all Puja committees across the country to deploy seven guards at each mandap to ensure security until law enforcement forces are stationed. Starting Wednesday, members of police, RAB, and Ansar will be deployed nationwide to oversee festival safety. “This year, the number of security personnel has been increased to guarantee a peaceful Durga Puja. We do not foresee any major risks, but the government remains alert to prevent untoward incidents,” Jahangir said. He also touched on cross-border issues, noting that drugs enter Bangladesh from neighboring countries, while rice and fertilizer are smuggled out. “The Arakan Army thrives on drug trade, but compared to before, more consignments are being seized. The government is working hard to eliminate the drug menace,” he added. Addressing agricultural concerns, Jahangir warned that farmers are not getting fair prices for potatoes. If this continues, they may refrain from cultivating potatoes next year, leading to price hikes.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has emphasized that the decision on whether Bangladesh’s next general election should be held under the Proportional Representation (PR) system or the existing electoral system must be made by political parties, not the government. “The government should keep its position minimal on this matter,” Shafiqul stated during the release of a survey conducted by Innovation on the upcoming national election. The survey revealed that 56% of respondents had no knowledge of the PR system, while 21.8% favored PR and 22.2% opposed it. A total of 10,413 people participated in the survey. Significantly, 69.9% of respondents expressed confidence that an interim government could ensure a fair election. However, religious minority groups appeared comparatively less optimistic about the ability of an interim administration to oversee free and impartial polls.

Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has assured that school students will receive their new textbooks by January this year. He confirmed that the list of printing contractors will be finalized within this month, adding that those previously accused of irregularities in the textbook printing process will not be awarded contracts this time. Addressing broader issues, the adviser also announced that the government has approved the procurement of vaccines. He noted that negotiations with UNICEF are aimed at reducing commission costs, and that vaccines for the next three months will be sourced through competitive bidding.