In a deeply symbolic moment, the younger brother of Felani—whose death at the border became a haunting reminder of BSF’s brutality—has officially joined the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

On Thursday, Arfan Hossain received his appointment letter from Lt. Colonel Mehedi Imam, commanding officer of the battalion.

“Serving my country was my parents’ dream. After Felani’s killing, we were determined to join BGB. Today, that dream has come true,” Arfan said emotionally.

Felani’s father, Nur Islam, recalled the tragic incident: “The BSF shot my underage daughter like a bird and left her hanging on the fence. That scene still haunts me. But the nation and BGB stood by us.”

BGB confirmed that Arfan passed the recruitment exam and will begin training on September 19.

BNP leader and war hero Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram has accused the ruling party of attempting to eliminate Islam from Bangladesh during its 16-year rule.

Speaking at a gathering, Hafiz said: “They brutally killed people at Shapla Chattar, yet the truth of how many died and how the massacre unfolded has not been revealed. Those responsible must face justice.”

He lamented that while Islam is the faith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), many Muslims in Bangladesh have abandoned its true practice in pursuit of worldly pleasures. “For 16 years, this nation endured repression. Islam itself was targeted for eradication,” he said.

Students of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) staged a protest on Thursday against the formation of a committee to resolve disputes between BSc engineers and diploma holders.
Gathering at the city’s Zero Point around 1 pm, the students demonstrated for over an hour, pressing three demands:

Cancellation of the proposed six-member committee,

Justice against those who misbehaved with vice-chancellors at the secretariat,

Abolishment of quotas and recruitment based solely on merit.
The students accused diploma technicians of trying to revive the quota system, even staging transport blockades to disrupt public life.

Students of the seven Dhaka University-affiliated colleges have issued an ultimatum: unless they are officially recognized as a central university by next Monday, they will launch tough protests.

The students accused certain teachers—who they claim never supported them since 2017—of now obstructing the move. “No final solution will come without an ordinance,” they declared.

Teachers have reportedly warned students that fresh agitation could affect exam results. In August, Dhaka University formally handed over administrative, academic, and financial responsibilities of the seven colleges, along with admission data for 2024–25, to the proposed Dhaka Central University authority.

Breaking from tradition, the Ekushey Book Fair will not be held in February next year.
The Bangla Academy announced that the 2026 edition will begin on December 17, 2025, and run until January 17, 2026, citing the upcoming national elections and Ramadan.
The decision was finalized at a meeting on the fair’s schedule.

Tension gripped Comilla’s Homna upazila on Thursday morning after mobs attacked and set fire to four shrines following announcements made over loudspeakers.
The violence erupted in Asadpur village after police detained a man named Mohsin over alleged derogatory remarks about religion on social media.
Agitators gathered at Kofil Uddin Shah’s shrine and later vandalized and torched three others—Kalai Shah, Hawali Shah, and Abdu Shah shrines. Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that resolving political crises is only possible through dialogue, not through unnecessary street programs.
“Calling movements during ongoing discussions only creates pressure. It doesn’t help democracy,” Fakhrul told reporters after returning from Singapore.
He reiterated that BNP does not support banning any political party and emphasized that his party has avoided agitation since the student-people’s uprising.
Fakhrul also confirmed his plan to attend the upcoming UN session, saying decisions will be taken collectively in consultation with allies.

Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Kader has demanded the immediate implementation of the July Charter under the current administration.

Speaking at a rally outside the National Press Club, he urged the President to give the charter legal recognition. He stressed that his party wants elections in February but only if they are free and fair.

“Without a strong law enforcement system and a level playing field, free elections cannot be guaranteed,” he warned. Following the rally, Khelafat Majlish supporters marched in protest.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam urged the government to grant legal recognition to the issues agreed upon by political parties in the Consensus Commission.
“So far, no concrete action has been taken. It is the government’s urgent duty to formalize these agreements,” he said.
He warned that ignoring the consensus could fuel political complications, adding that Jamaat is running nationwide programs to build public opinion on the matter.
Referring to historical struggles, Azhar said: “Shahid Abu Sayeed gave his life to ensure change from oppressive rule. Jamaat stands for that change.”

Faiz Ahmad Tayyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, criticized the practice of allocating disproportionate development funds to ministers’ constituencies while neglecting other areas.
“Depriving people of development opportunities is unacceptable. This practice must stop,” he said.
He directed the Water Development Board to prepare for eviction drives in coordination with law enforcement and intelligence agencies, ordered rural electricity authorities to cut illegal connections, and urged the power division to ensure industrialists are not harassed.
Tayyeb also announced a marathon on the Gomti River this winter and called for peaceful cooperation to ensure smooth Durga Puja celebrations.

Magura district Jamaat chief ABM Bakar Hossain has come under fire after signing a party certification letter on official pad in support of multiple accused in the murder case of two students, Shahid Ahad and Suman, who were killed during the July uprising.
The document claimed that the accused—Shahabuddin, organizing secretary of Swechchhasebak League in Polashbari Union, and Sohel Rana—were “members of Jamaat’s organizational family” and “committed to Islamic values.” Following this endorsement, the accused were granted bail.
The revelation has triggered widespread anger among locals, as both men are known Awami League activists. Responding to criticism, Bakar Hossain said: “Many people come to me for certification. They withheld information about the case. I didn’t know they were accused in the Ahad-Suman murder.”

Islami Andolon leader Syed Faizul Karim has criticized the BNP for objecting to the proportional representation (PR) system, arguing that it would benefit them.

Speaking at a protest march near Baitul Mukarram, he said, “A senior BNP leader himself claimed they have 90% of the people’s support. If that is true, then under PR they should win more than 270 seats.”

Karim also warned that if the interim government delays reforms and elections under foreign influence, a united movement will erupt. He demanded a legal foundation for the “July Charter,” which he said was the demand of the people, not just his party.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has expressed confidence that the upcoming Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) and Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) elections will be held fairly.

Chowdhury said there were no security concerns, noting that lessons learned from the Dhaka University (DUCSU) and Jagannath University (JUCSU) polls would be applied. He added that universities may opt for OMR-based result counting to expedite the process.

Education Adviser C. R. Abrar echoed the optimism, saying: “There is tremendous enthusiasm among students. We are expecting a vibrant and fair election.”

Islami Chhatra Shibir Announces Full Panel for CUCSU Election

Ibrahim Hossain Roni Nominated for VP, Saeed bin Habib for GS, Sajjad Hossain Munna for AGS

In the upcoming Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (Chaksu) election, Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced a full panel under the banner of the “Combined Students’ Alliance” representing general students.

The panel is being led by Ibrahim Hossain Roni, who has been nominated for the position of Vice President (VP). Saeed bin Habib has been nominated for General Secretary (GS), while Sajjad Hossain Munna will contest for Assistant General Secretary (AGS).

Other Key Nominations in the Panel:

Sports Secretary: Mohammad Shawon

Assistant Sports Secretary: Shahporan Maruf

Literature, Culture & Publications Secretary: Harejul Islam

Assistant Literature, Culture & Publications Secretary: Jihad Hossain

Office Secretary: Abdullah Al Noman

Assistant Office Secretary: Jannatul Adn Nusrat

Social Welfare & Environment Secretary: Tahsina Rahman

Research & Innovation Secretary: Tanvir Anjum Shovon

Science & ICT Secretary: Mahbub Rahman

Female Students’ Welfare Secretary: Nahima Akhter Deepa

Assistant Female Students’ Welfare Secretary: Jannatul Ferdous Rita

Health Secretary: Afnan Hasan Imran

Liberation War & Democratic Movement Secretary: Monaem Sharif

Career Development & International Affairs Secretary: Mehedi Hasan Sohan

Communication & Accommodation Secretary: Ishaq Bhuiyan

Assistant Communication & Accommodation Secretary: Waydul Salman

Law & Human Rights Secretary: Tawhid Rabbi

Library & Cafeteria Secretary: Masum Billah

Executive Member Positions:

The panel also includes six nominees for executive membership: Jannatul Ferdous Sanjida, Salman Farsi, Akash Das, Sohanur Rahman, and Adnan Sharif.

Hefazat-e-Islam’s Amir, Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari, has called for unity among Islamic parties adhering to authentic faith while warning against alliances with groups “of misguided beliefs” that past scholars had cautioned against.

“Do not even consider forming alliances with those whose false ideologies have been refuted in countless scholarly works,” Babunagari declared.

He also warned that establishing a UN Human Rights office in Dhaka would pose a threat to national sovereignty. “Never endorse any decision that undermines Islamic values, the Qur’an, or Hadith,” he added, urging protection of mosques, madrasas, and the Tabligh movement.