BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman emphasized that the party has consistently modernized itself to meet the demands of time and contemporary challenges.

Speaking on the party’s 31-point program, he said BNP’s policies are built on commitments to education, healthcare, youth employment, climate change, and digital innovation. Ahead of the national election, he stressed the importance of winning every voter’s trust, noting that the party is reaching out across all social classes and professions.

Rahman revealed that over 7,000 members have faced organizational action following complaints, part of efforts to rebuild public trust—especially among the youth, who seek participatory politics rather than a mere “game of power.”

He invoked the legacy of Ziaur Rahman’s multi-party democracy and Khaleda Zia’s uncompromising struggle against autocracy, urging unity, discipline, and commitment to public service.

Police detained Kabir Hossain Patwari, the recently suspended Divisional Forest Officer of Barishal, on Wednesday night amid allegations of contracting 17 marriages.

Authorities say Kabir attempted to leave Barishal under cover of darkness but was intercepted by locals, including contractors, who accused him of borrowing large sums of money without repayment. A scuffle broke out at the scene before police intervened and took him into custody.

Police stated the move was made to prevent unrest and that the complaints against Kabir will be investigated further.

A special drive by the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) in Banani led to the seizure of 15 kilograms of shisha from two popular lounges on Wednesday evening.

The raid, which began around 7:30 PM, simultaneously targeted Al Gecino and Habana Shisha Bar. Officials recovered 10.5 kg of shisha, 10 packs of coal, and various smoking paraphernalia from Al Gecino, while 4.5 kg of shisha was seized from Habana.

Two individuals—Miraz and Rizvi—were detained from Habana during the operation, according to DNC sources.

A deadly shooting in Pennsylvania’s York County left three police officers dead and two others critically injured on Wednesday. The gunman was also killed in return fire from law enforcement.

The incident occurred around 2 p.m. local time near a school in the small town of Spring Grove, about 100 miles east of Philadelphia. Authorities said the assailant opened fire indiscriminately at police officers, killing three on the spot.

Police quickly returned fire, neutralizing the attacker. The injured were airlifted to a hospital by helicopter.

Pennsylvania’s governor assured residents that the town of 2,500 people faces no immediate threat, while investigations into the motive and details of the attack are ongoing.

A total of 176 Bangladeshi nationals have been repatriated from Libya’s Tajoura Detention Center with the assistance of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

They are expected to arrive at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on September 18 via Buraq Airlines.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Libya, Major General Abul Hasnat Muhammad Khairul Bashar, along with embassy officials, bid them farewell at the Libyan Immigration Department’s reception center. He urged migrants to avoid illegal migration routes, warning that such attempts lead not only to financial and physical harm but also cause suffering for families and society at large.

Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves have once again crossed the $31 billion mark, according to central bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan.

As of Wednesday, gross reserves stand at $31 billion, up from $30.59 billion earlier. Under the BPM6 calculation method, reserves rose to $26.08 billion from $25.75 billion. Sources confirmed that net reserves now exceed $21 billion, though the exact figure remains unpublished.

The reserves had dipped to $30.3 billion on September 7 after Bangladesh Bank settled $1.5 billion in import payments through the Asian Clearing Union.

GOP leader Rashed Khan has demanded that the Awami League, Jatiya Party, and the 14-party alliance be barred from contesting elections until ongoing trials against them are concluded.

Speaking at a press conference, he said, “Their organizational activities must be suspended. If the court later permits them to pursue different politics, we will not object.”

He further alleged that a section of the government is deliberately blocking treatment abroad for ailing leader Nur, fearing it would harm the image of the army and police. Rashed warned, “If the interim government cannot protect the heroes of the mass uprising, and if a 1/11-style situation returns, no one will be safe.”

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a defense pact under which an attack on either country will be considered an act of aggression against both.

The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. A joint statement described the pact as a reflection of both nations’ shared commitment to enhancing security and promoting peace in the region and beyond.

According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the two leaders also discussed strengthening strategic cooperation across various sectors, as well as regional and international developments.

Government adviser Mahfuz Alam has called for a special edition of Nabarun magazine dedicated to the children martyred in the July uprising, featuring their writings and personal memorabilia.

Speaking to officials from the Department of Films and Publications, he stressed the importance of publishing children’s artwork and writings in the magazine to inspire creativity among the younger generation. “Regardless of which government is in power, we must remain impartial when it comes to children and youth,” he said.

Mahfuz also urged writers to contribute articles on the Language Movement, the Liberation War, the 1974 uprising, and broader socio-economic issues. He recommended digitizing all past editions of Nabarun since its inception in 1970 and making them publicly accessible, while also introducing a special section for new writers, with at least five featured in each issue.

The Noakhali District BNP has issued show-cause notices to Companiganj BNP’s acting president Haji Abdul Mannan Monaf and general secretary Ali Akbar for demanding the release of suspended party leader Shahab Uddin, who is currently jailed in a stone theft case.

District BNP president Abdul Qayum Chowdhury said, “The party’s top leadership has already suspended all posts and positions of Shahab Uddin. By publicly demanding his release, the Companiganj unit has committed a serious breach of party discipline. Appropriate action will be taken once their responses are reviewed.”

Earlier on September 15, the Companiganj BNP issued a statement calling Shahab Uddin a “frontline fighter against past autocratic regimes” who is now being held on “false charges.”

The Shibir-backed panel “Combined Student Alliance” has submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission, outlining seven demands for the upcoming RUCSU hall parliament and senate student representative polls.

Their key demands include:

Use of error-free OMR machines for vote counting, with manual checks allowed upon complaints.

Installation of CCTV cameras at polling centers.

Full access and facilities for polling agents.

Special ID cards for journalists.

Restriction of public entry to campus on election day.

Assurance of complete neutrality from the Election Commission.

Panel VP candidate Mostakur Rahman Zahid accused Chhatra Dal of repeatedly violating the electoral code of conduct by campaigning in classrooms and hiring janitors for promotional activities.

He also criticized the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum for submitting demands on behalf of Chhatra Dal, saying, “It is unprofessional for a mother organization to intervene in student politics.”

Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul has said that his efforts in reforming Bangladesh’s legal and judicial systems will leave a lasting legacy.

“If future governments continue these reforms, ordinary citizens will finally receive true justice,” he said, adding that many of the benefits will unfold gradually over time.

He highlighted a new ordinance that makes mediation mandatory before filing cases on family disputes, parental support, house rent, preemption, partition, and dowry matters. Under the law, parties must first attempt mediation; only if that fails can they proceed to court.

Nazrul stressed that this system will reduce costs, save time, ease case backlogs, and resolve disputes more efficiently. “I am not a footballer or stage actor whose results are instantly visible,” he remarked. “But I am doing work that will be recognized by history.”

Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Advisor to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, has ordered strict enforcement to resolve mechanical issues in Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ fleet.

Speaking at a discussion, he emphasized that such technical problems directly affect passenger safety and must be treated with utmost priority to protect the airline’s reputation.

He called on both administration and engineering divisions to act responsibly, warning that negligence will not be tolerated. Bashir Uddin also stressed the importance of rigorous pre-flight inspections to prevent accidents and ordered stern action against any human-caused lapses.

BNP leader Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has condemned those who vow to prevent elections, saying such statements expose a “fascist mentality” that is ultimately against the people.

“For 17 years, Bangladeshis have struggled to rid themselves of fascism,” Tuku said. “What people want is simple: a free, fair, and impartial election where they can choose their candidate.”

On student politics, he claimed that radical groups have rebranded themselves but continue to rely on irregular practices. He also criticized the administration in Tangail for failing to prevent the brutal hacking death of a union leader’s wife, urging police to swiftly arrest those responsible.

Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, declared that the nation has experienced the rule of BNP, Awami League, and Jatiya Party, but never Islamic governance—despite 92% of citizens being Muslim.

“The fire of unrest is raging across Bangladesh,” he said. “It must be cooled with the breeze of the Islamic hand-fan.”

He praised young voters for rejecting “power-hungry” forces in student body elections at Dhaka and Jahangirnagar universities. Karim added that justice for killings and enforced disappearances must be visible, warning that any attempt to impose PR-based elections would leave a permanent stain on history.

During his speech, he introduced Anwar Hossain, the party’s nominated candidate for Dhaka-18, by raising his hand before the crowd.