Hasan Uddin Government, a senior BNP leader, criticized the Awami League for allegedly corrupting educational institutions with the intent to weaken the nation’s backbone. He claimed that the ruling party aimed to keep the nation ignorant and leaderless to maintain power indefinitely. “Earlier, it was unthinkable that teachers would engage in corruption, but now educational institutions have become centers of corrupt competition,” he stated. Hasan made these remarks during the inauguration of a free medical and dental camp in Tongi, Gazipur.

A new report by Bangladesh’s Disappearance Investigation Commission reveals harrowing accounts of torture inside secret government detention centers. The findings document the experiences of 253 victims, many held in ‘torture cells’ for periods ranging from 39 to 391 days. Detainees described being hung by their arms, subjected to electric shocks, waterboarding, having their nails pulled out, denied blankets in the cold, and sexually assaulted. “They tied my arms outstretched, like crucifixion, and took my scarf,” said one female victim. “I used to have late periods, but they tortured me so severely my period started immediately.” While perpetrators often tried to erase evidence of abuse, in many cases the judiciary ignored clear signs of torture.

The Anti-Discrimination Employees’ Unity Forum has strongly protested the promotion of two officers from the 15th batch of the BCS (Administration) cadre, Sirajul Noor Chowdhury and Dr. AKM Shahabuddin, to the position of Secretary. The forum accused both officers of being beneficiaries of the Awami League’s authoritarian regime and former student league activists. They allege that these officials have aided the government in money laundering activities and have connections with the fugitive former Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdour Rouf. The forum condemned such promotions as a grave betrayal of the blood shed during the people's uprisings.

Several students at Chittagong University confined Vice-Chancellor Muhammad Yahia Akhtar in his office and threatened him over the promotion of a teacher. The protesting students told the VC, “You didn’t come here by merit; we put you in this chair.” Among the two who led the intimidation were Shakhawat Hossain, a former Islami Chhatra Shibir leader, and Tahsan Habib, a former Chhatra Odhikar Parishad leader and postgraduate student of the History Department. On Friday, they occupied the administrative building in protest against the promotion of Assistant Professor Dr. Kushal Baran Chakraborty. They locked the main gate and staged demonstrations. Later, the authorities annulled the promotion board responsible for Dr. Chakraborty’s advancement.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam emphasized the urgent need for justice, political reform, and drafting a new constitution to replace the current system. Speaking at a rally in Joypurhat, he stressed that merely ousting Sheikh Hasina is insufficient; systemic change is essential to eliminate corruption, mafia networks, and terrorism. Other leaders urged unity against conspiracies and communal violence, advocating for a constitution based on the July movement ideals and an end to family-based political dominance, enabling ordinary citizens to lead Bangladesh’s future.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has advocated for the adoption of a proportional representation (PR) system to halt the rise of fascism and ensure a fair electoral process in Bangladesh. “We do not seek power for ourselves but want to establish a just and equitable Bangladesh,” he said at a party conference in Feni. Calling on the police to work for the people, he warned during a roadside rally in Cumilla that this time, the party would not accept any manipulated election. “If necessary, we are prepared to bring change — even at the cost of blood,” he declared.

Afghanistan’s capital Kabul is at risk of becoming the world’s first modern city to run completely out of water by 2030. Excessive groundwater extraction, climate change, and population growth have drastically lowered water levels, threatening nearly 3 million residents with scarcity and displacement. UNICEF reports half the deep wells are already dry, and 80% of underground water is contaminated. Experts warn urgent infrastructure improvements and international cooperation are needed, but sanctions and instability hinder effective solutions.

Bangladesh Bank is working to rehabilitate troubled banks, with the government committed to returning depositors’ money, assures Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. The Bank Resolution Act ensures no depositor will lose funds, though some time is needed. Past incidents of fund misappropriation are unprecedented globally. Discussions continue to resolve National Board of Revenue issues, with a five-member committee formed for recommendations. Import duties have been reduced to boost foreign investment, streamlining business approvals to attract investors from Europe and America.

Mohammad Anisur Rahman, an administrative officer in the Law and Justice Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, has been temporarily suspended. The suspension follows a departmental case filed against him under the Government Employees (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018, for alleged misconduct and absconding. The authorities consider the allegations serious and have ordered the suspension to ensure a thorough investigation. This action is taken under Rule 12 of the relevant government service regulations.

Railway Ministry Adviser Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan cautioned government officials against showing bias toward any political party during elections. “Their job is not to help someone win but to support whoever is elected,” he said. Speaking on electoral transparency under the interim government, he announced that for the first time, overseas Bangladeshis would be allowed to vote via postal ballots. He also addressed rising energy production costs and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to boosting solar energy as a renewable alternative to gas and coal.

Bangladesh has urged the international community to collectively ensure the rights and dignity of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine and to swiftly create a conducive environment for their safe and voluntary repatriation. Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council, Bangladesh highlighted ongoing conflicts in Rakhine that hinder humanitarian aid and worsen Rohingya suffering. The country pledged to work with all parties for a sustainable solution. The UN resolution called for increased humanitarian support and accountability to end impunity in Rakhine.

At least 24 people have died in sudden floods caused by heavy rain in south-central Texas. Over 300 millimeters of rain led the Guadalupe River to overflow, triggering flash floods, especially in Kerr County near San Antonio. Authorities say 25 children remain missing from a summer camp of over 700 attendees, though they may still be alive but unreachable. The weather service warns of more rain and flood risks in the next 48 hours across western and central Texas regions.

BNP Vice-Chairperson Nargis Begum has warned of a serious conspiracy to delay the national elections and has urged all democratic forces to unite against any attempt to establish an unelected government. Speaking at a women’s rally organized by the BNP’s women’s wing in Jessore, she said, “We must not allow a regime of chaos and plunder to return. No non-political or unelected government is acceptable.” She also recalled the efforts of the late President Ziaur Rahman in empowering women. Addressing the event, BNP leader Anindya Islam Amit stated that the freedom to breathe in a “Hasina-free” Bangladesh has come at the cost of sacrifices by both men and women, and such sacrifices must be recognized. He assured that if elected, the BNP would take all necessary steps to improve the lives of women.

President Donald Trump is set to restart negotiations with China over purchasing TikTok’s U.S. operations. He may speak directly with President Xi Jinping or his representatives early this week. Trump emphasized the deal is nearing finalization but still requires China’s approval. The September 17 deadline remains, following a series of executive orders banning the app over security concerns. Talks had previously stalled after Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods. A successful deal could mark a major strategic win amid ongoing U.S.-China tensions.

BNP Standing Committee Member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has declared that no one will be able to stop the upcoming parliamentary elections. Speaking at a public rally in Keraniganj, he said, “To those who say the BNP couldn’t achieve anything in 16 years — we can now deliver results in just 16 days.” Referring to Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of the newly formed advisory council, Goyeshwar stated, “A gentleman has made a promise for a fair election, and we believe he will fulfill it in due time.” He also criticized Jamaat-e-Islami, alleging that the group has established dominance in the education and health sectors while recruiting corrupt individuals from the ruling Awami League. BNP leaders Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, Shama Obaid, and Azizul Bari Helal also addressed the rally, urging voters to elect Goyeshwar from Dhaka-3 and called for setting a clear timeline for the upcoming election.