Islami Andolon leader Muhammad Faizul Karim has criticized the interim government, accusing it of losing neutrality by leaning towards a single political party. “The interim government has failed to meet the nation’s expectations. Now they are showing bias, which is eroding their credibility,” he said. On the debate over proportional representation (PR) in elections, Karim argued that opposition to PR lacks strong justification, noting that the system is widely practiced in many countries.

Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan has praised the successful completion of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, calling it a milestone for student democracy. “To continue students’ practice of expression, leadership, and democratic engagement, institutional platforms like DUCSU are essential,” he said. Khan emphasized the need to rise above narrow partisanship and violence for the greater interest of the nation. He also highlighted cooperation between universities, noting that institutions like Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) extended constant support and goodwill during the process. “We managed to complete the DUCSU election in a manner accepted by the nation, with contributions from many and by Allah’s mercy,” the VC said. He also reflected warmly on Noakhali, describing its people as “struggling, hospitable, and among the best in the country.”

BNP leader Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu has said that no conspiracy will be able to block the BNP’s victory in the upcoming national election. “Stay united,” Dulu urged supporters. “I firmly believe that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman and three-time Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, BNP will return to power. Nothing can prevent this victory.”

A gun battle erupted between the Bangladesh Army and members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) in Jagapara, Khagrachhari, early Saturday morning. According to the Army, troops from the Panchhari sub-zone carried out a raid at the home of active UPDF (Main) member Manek Chakma, where 15–20 armed militants were present. The militants opened fire as troops advanced, prompting soldiers to retaliate. Following the clash, a search operation recovered a Russian pistol, two magazines, 8 rounds of pistol ammunition, 200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a walkie-talkie set, a first-aid box, and uniforms used by the group. Police are preparing to file cases against key individuals linked to the incident.

BNP leader Afroza Khanom Rita has called on party activists to avoid misconduct such as grabbing sand depots or ferry ghats, urging instead to focus on grassroots campaigning. “With no movement on the streets right now, our only task is to go door-to-door, to every village and neighborhood, and ask for votes for BNP’s paddy sheaf symbol,” Rita said. She warned that opponents are quick to magnify even minor mistakes into major scandals to mislead the public. “We must remain alert, deliver BNP’s ideals to the people, and thwart conspiracies against the party,” she stressed.

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho, has announced his candidacy as an independent MP from Dhaka-8 in the upcoming national election. Hadi voiced opposition to the introduction of Proportional Representation (PR) in the lower house, claiming it would allow the ruling Awami League to push more candidates forward. “We don’t want PR in the lower house. But we definitely want it in the upper house,” he said. Hadi revealed a “one-page manifesto,” which will be displayed at Shahbagh intersection. “If the people send us to parliament, we will be accountable for how many promises we kept and how many we couldn’t,” he added. He further noted that while he welcomes support from political parties, he does not intend to run as a candidate under the BNP’s “paddy sheaf” or Jamaat’s “scales” symbols.

Ganosamhati Andolon’s chief coordinator Zonayed Saki has warned that certain political groups are attempting to capitalize on the recent coup atmosphere to serve their own interests. “One group is trying to exploit the people’s struggle against Sheikh Hasina for its own political agenda,” Saki said. “They want to grab power and establish dominance in Bangladesh. But if anyone attempts to snatch away the people’s democratic rights again, the people will resist.” He urged citizens to stay united and organized to safeguard democratic values.

The Rajshahi University (RU) administration has suspended admission activities under the reinstated “pet quota” following days of student protests. In an official statement posted on the university’s Facebook page, authorities announced an emergency syndicate meeting scheduled for Sunday to review the overall situation. Earlier, students from 17 residential halls staged a mass protest, surrounding the Vice Chancellor’s residence late at night and issuing an ultimatum to revoke the quota by midnight. Meanwhile, RU teachers, officers, and staff declared a full-day work stoppage for Sunday after alleging that pro-quota protesters harassed university officials, including the Pro-Vice Chancellor, following a senate meeting.

Jatiya Party Chairman Anisul Islam Mahmud has claimed that Bangladesh’s administration is now fully politicized, questioning how a free and fair election can be held under such circumstances. He said the 2024 election was one-sided, leading to public disengagement from the voting process. If history repeats, he warned, Bangladesh risks sliding into authoritarian rule akin to Hitler and Mussolini’s regimes. Highlighting political hypocrisy, Anisul said: “Those branding Jatiya Party as collaborators once contested elections alongside Awami League. Before the 2014 polls, we held multiple meetings with BNP for an alliance, but BNP’s disinterest thwarted it. Today, Jamaat demands our ban, but we never sought to ban them. In fact, when Awami League banned Jamaat, Jatiya Party opposed it.”

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has issued a strong condemnation and protest against BNP leader Nilufar Chowdhury Moni for blaming the organization for the murder of BUET student Abrar Fahad. In a statement, the student body demanded that Moni immediately apologize to the nation for what they termed as a baseless and misleading remark. Senior leaders of the organization said her comments not only distort the truth but also undermine Bangladesh’s 16-year-long struggle against fascism. They asserted that Abrar was brutally tortured and murdered by activists of the banned ruling party student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, simply for speaking out against imperialism. According to Shibir, labeling Abrar with a “Shibir tag” was a deliberate ploy used by his attackers—something later established in court verdicts. Chhatra Shibir leaders further emphasized that under what they described as a “fascist regime,” their organization has been among the most persecuted in the country. They accused the BNP leader of shielding the crimes of the Awami League and its student wing by scapegoating Shibir. “Her remarks raise a serious question among the people—whether she is in fact acting as an agent for the fallen fascists,” the statement concluded.

Police have arrested a former army member in connection with an attack on a July Uprising rally in Feni. The arrest was made early Saturday in the Muhuri Project area with the help of locals, said Jorarganj Police Station officials. The accused, retired soldier Anwar Hossain (50), was named in a case filed by a Chhatra Dal activist, Sayeedur Rahman, following an attack on a rally in Feni’s Mohipal area on August 4 last year. OC Saiful Islam confirmed that Anwar faces four additional cases in Sonagazi Police Station, including charges of land grabbing and attempted murder. He has also been sentenced to one year in prison in a separate case in Jashore. Police have shown him arrested in these cases and produced him before court on Saturday afternoon.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has accused certain political parties of misusing religion for political gain. “Some parties are selling Islam, while others are deceiving people by exploiting it,” Haque said, citing a viral video where women in burqas allegedly entered homes under the guise of campaigning but instead robbed residents. Haque described Tarique Rahman’s 31-point program as a blueprint for the nation’s future and urged activists to bring this message to every household. He stressed that a BNP victory would ensure people’s safety, judicial independence, prioritization of education and healthcare, and establishment of good governance. Recalling years of persecution, he noted, “For 17 years you endured cases and repression. Today, after August 5, 2024, you can walk in freedom and express your views—that is your achievement.” He urged party workers not just to distribute leaflets, but to engage directly with people to win their trust.

The National Consensus Commission has held another round of discussions with legal and policy experts on implementing the July Charter. Participants included Supreme Court Appellate Division Justice M.A. Matin, Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, Dhaka University Law Faculty Dean Mohammad Ikramul Haque, senior advocate Dr. Sharif Bhuiyan, Barrister Tanim Hossain Shawon, and Barrister Imran Siddiq. The session reviewed previous consultations with political parties, summarizing their suggestions, concerns, and recommendations. Experts then provided detailed opinions on methods and strategies for implementation. Based on these inputs, the commission plans to evaluate party positions and outline a future roadmap for the charter’s execution.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has announced that the July Memorial Museum will document the atrocities of Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule, including the Pilkhana massacre, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, the Shapla massacre, and widespread election rigging. During a briefing, adviser and filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki informed Yunus that construction of the museum will be completed by October 31, with an inauguration planned for the first week of November. “The museum will curate the dark history of fascism and state repression, preserving it for future generations,” Yunus said, thanking those involved in the project. Chief Curator Tanzim Wahab added that the museum is being developed in coordination with the ICT prosecution team and the Commission on Enforced Disappearances.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar dismissed allegations that the party distributed cash to influence voters as baseless. “There is not a single piece of evidence showing money was handed out to woo voters. Why would we do that? These are groundless claims,” he said, responding to accusations that certain village committees (VCs) belong to Jamaat. Parwar challenged critics to publish names if they insist 16 VCs are Jamaat’s, asking who controls the remaining VCs — pointing out that they belong to other parties. On recent organizational changes in Chattogram — including the removal of metropolitan amir Shajahan Chowdhury and others — Parwar said leadership changes were made for organizational reasons, not due to irregularities. “For organizational needs, we appointed a new acting amir there,” he said, noting that no one is above discipline and the party acts when misconduct is discovered.