Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan has dismissed concerns over the location or number of ballot papers printed for the DUCSU and hall union elections, saying the process cannot compromise electoral integrity.

He explained that ballot preparation involves multiple steps: cutting to precise size, embedding security codes, pre-scanning through OMR machines, and final validation with the signatures of both the Chief Returning Officer and designated polling officers.

According to the VC, a total of 239,244 ballots were printed for the DUCSU polls, while 39,874 voters were registered. Of them, 29,821 cast votes, using 178,926 ballots, with 60,318 left unused.

National Congress Party (NCP) leader Samanta Sharmin has claimed that BNP is weakening its own electoral prospects by its leaders’ statements.

“This election will overturn every equation,” she said, accusing vested interests and certain NGOs of manipulating pre-election polls to serve political agendas.

Sharmin argued that the upcoming election is “conspiratorial,” involving interim government actors, BNP, Awami League, Jamaat, and even certain international stakeholders. “A project is underway to keep Bangladesh trapped in the old establishment, but that project will eventually be exposed,” she warned.

She further noted that 60 percent of Bangladesh’s population is youth, many of whom see this election as an act of protest. Floating voters, she said, will play a decisive role. “BNP leaders expose their political weakness every time they speak—and with each statement, their vote bank shrinks.”

Bangladesh has called for urgent international action to end Israeli occupation, stressing that sustainable peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without justice and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Speaking at the annual coordination meeting of OIC foreign ministers, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s just struggle. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s principled stance on Palestine, emphasizing that peace will remain elusive unless Palestinians attain statehood.

Hossain also underscored the need for meaningful reforms within the OIC, stronger resource mobilization, and practical, result-oriented cooperation. Highlighting Bangladesh’s role in strengthening unity across the Islamic world, he referenced Bangladesh’s contributions to the OIC’s ten-year action plan.

For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, around one million election officials and others directly involved in conducting polls will be allowed to cast their votes, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin announced Sunday.

The declaration came during a dialogue between the Election Commission (EC) and civil society representatives ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

“In past elections, those serving in the field were excluded from voting. This time, they will be enfranchised,” the CEC said.

He added that even prisoners would be given an opportunity to vote, as well as government officials working away from home districts.

Nasir Uddin stressed that the dialogue was not mere formality, but part of the Commission’s broader reform efforts, which include updating voter rolls, narrowing the gender gap in voter registration, and implementing postal ballot provisions that had long existed only on paper.

Authorities in Khagrachhari have imposed Section 144 indefinitely following violent clashes between two rival hill-dwelling groups.

Since Sunday morning, major roads in the town have seen little activity, with shops largely closed and public life paralyzed.

Officials said the restriction was necessary to prevent further deterioration of law and order and to protect lives and property.

The unrest began Saturday when Jumma student groups staged blockades demanding justice for sexual violence against women in the hills. The protest spiraled into confrontations, prompting the sweeping restrictions.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of four people, including three firefighters, in a devastating fire at a chemical warehouse in Tongi.

“The firefighters risk their lives every day to save others. Today’s tragedy reminds us of the immense dangers they face in the line of duty. Their sacrifice will remain forever etched in our nation’s history,” Yunus said in a condolence message.

He described the victims as symbols of courage, humanity, and dedication, assuring that the nation will always honor their sacrifice. Yunus extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, calling the victims “martyrs in service to the people.”

At least 91 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza in the past 24 hours, with 48 victims from Gaza City alone. Six people were killed while waiting for humanitarian aid in the Saraya area of central Gaza.

Despite the rising death toll—averaging nearly 100 deaths a day—Israel’s bombardment continues. Defense Minister Israel Katz has vowed that the offensive will not stop until all objectives are achieved, threatening further escalation.

Meanwhile, eight Muslim leaders met former U.S. President Donald Trump last Wednesday to push for an end to the war. Trump presented them with a 21-point proposal and later said a ceasefire agreement could be imminent. He is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called on Bangladeshi expatriates to play a vital role in driving forward the changes brought about by the July Revolution.

Speaking at a program, Yunus emphasized that expatriates are an “inseparable part of Bangladesh” and urged them to actively participate in rebuilding the nation.

Reflecting on the challenges faced in forming the current government a year ago, he praised expatriate Bangladeshis for their contribution to the economy, noting over 21% growth in remittance inflows.

He also highlighted the government’s initiatives to create an investment-friendly environment, inviting expatriates to take part in shaping the country’s economic future.

Sudan Gurung, a prominent youth leader of Nepal’s Gen-Z movement, has announced his candidacy in the country’s upcoming national elections.

Gurung revealed plans to launch a political platform called Movement for Change, uniting supporters nationwide. “Previous governments have corrupted politics. The ousted rulers are selfish and corrupt. If this is the politics they want, then we will fight and not back down,” he declared.

He stressed that his team is preparing to contest as a political party rather than as independents. Volunteers are already forming committees across Nepal, aiming to listen to people in every corner of the country.

The elections are scheduled for March, and Gurung expressed hopes that voters will reject old, corrupt leaders and demand accountability for past crimes.

Spain has scrapped a third major defense deal with Israel worth approximately €207 million, citing the ongoing genocide in Gaza and mounting international pressure.

The decision was approved in a cabinet meeting last Tuesday, where the Spanish government imposed a complete arms embargo on Israel. This ban halts all imports and exports of military equipment, defense technology, and related materials.

Finance Minister Carlos Cuerpo hailed the move as a “bold and pioneering step,” calling it a significant advancement in the international campaign to hold Israel accountable.

More than 2,000 tourists stranded in Sajek due to road blockades and violent clashes have been safely escorted to Khagrachhari town under army protection.

The evacuation began Saturday evening after escalating clashes between Jumma student groups and Bengali residents forced authorities to move tourists to Dighinala Army Zone for safety.

When the situation eased later in the evening, the tourists were brought to the Agricultural Research area of Khagrachhari town before being allowed to resume their journeys home around midnight. Army convoys ensured their safe passage.

Local sources confirm that the situation in Khagrachhari town is now under control, with law enforcement patrolling key areas.

The biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, Durga Puja, begins today (Sunday) across Bangladesh. Preparations to welcome Goddess Durga are underway at the Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka from early morning.

The festivities formally commence with the Bodhon ritual and the installation of the sacred urn, marking the goddess’s invocation. According to the Hindu almanac, the rituals of invitation and sanctification will be completed by 11:11 AM today during the Shasthi Tithi.

By evening, the Bodhon ceremony will be held at the temple, accompanied by the resonant sounds of conch shells, uludhwani (ritual chanting), and drums.

This year, Durga Puja will be celebrated at 33,000 pandals nationwide. Law enforcement agencies have tightened security to ensure peaceful celebrations.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that despite Jamaat-e-Islami’s return to the spotlight, the party has failed to gain significant influence among the masses.

“Jamaat is well-organized and regimented, but winning an election outright is beyond their reach,” Fakhrul told reporters.

With the Awami League banned from political activities after being ousted from power and the Jatiya Party in near-inactive condition, Jamaat has found itself in a relatively advantageous position. However, Fakhrul believes this advantage is limited to media visibility and organizational activity.

“I’m active in field politics, I travel, I talk to people—there’s no strong public momentum behind them,” he said. He acknowledged that Jamaat has strong organizational discipline and ample funding, which serve as strengths, but insisted that electoral success remains unlikely.

He added that, like elsewhere in the world, right-wing politics is trying to gain ground in Bangladesh. But, according to him, this attempt will not translate into votes.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has accused the Election Commission of succumbing to pressure in denying his party the lotus symbol despite no legal grounds. “The commission is using baseless excuses, claiming the lotus is a national emblem, which it is not in legal terms. Other symbols with national relevance have already been allotted to parties,” he argued.
Sarjis said his party had applied months ago, but the commission avoided updating its list. “This clearly shows the decision was made under pressure,” he alleged.
Turning to the ruling party, he claimed: “Awami League is bringing back billions siphoned abroad just to hire people for occasional rallies. These are not signs of real strength. The League’s political chapter is over.”

Dhaka University students have demanded a ban on the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) and the arrest of Chakma Rani Yan Yan, accusing them of fueling unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Under the banner of the “Sovereignty Conscious Students’ Alliance,” demonstrators alleged that the group was using a recent rape case to incite violence, target security forces, and spread anti-state slogans.
The students further claimed that Awami League and Indian interests were backing the unrest. They called for immediate government action, including a sweeping army operation to restore peace and safeguard national sovereignty.