Police in Bhanga, Faridpur, have filed a case naming 90 individuals and accusing another 100–150 unidentified persons in connection with recent blockades on highways and railways.

The case names Algi Union Parishad Chairman and convener of the All-Party Struggle Council, M.M. Siddiq Mia, as the prime accused. Police allege Siddiq and his associates felled trees, set tires ablaze, and blocked the Dhaka-Khulna Highway during protests over constituency redistricting.

When police attempted to clear the blockade, protesters reportedly resisted but eventually fled after a chase, restoring order. Siddiq Mia was arrested Saturday night in Nagarkanda.

A dialogue was held in Kuala Lumpur focusing on ensuring voting rights for Bangladeshi expatriates and distributing smart cards.

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar told participants, “Expatriates are a driving force in our economy. It is our duty to secure their voting rights. For the first time, they will be able to cast ballots in the national election.”

He announced the introduction of “IT-assisted postal voting” for expatriates, allowing online registration and applications. Ballot papers will be mailed to registered addresses abroad, with completed ballots returned in sealed envelopes directly to returning officers. A ballot-tracking system will also be in place.

Expatriates welcomed the move enthusiastically, with one worker remarking, “We were long deprived of our right to vote. Now we are thrilled to finally participate.”

LDP Secretary General Dr. Redwan Ahmed downplayed fears that Islami Chhatra Shibir’s victory in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) polls signals a larger national trend.

Speaking to reporters, he said, “Shibir did not win with its own votes alone. Students from diverse political leanings backed them, largely as a protest against the ruling party. But national elections are different—people vote for parties and their symbols.”

Redwan added that BNP, backed by allied parties in the ongoing joint movement, is poised to contest and win the upcoming general elections. He accused India of undermining Bangladesh’s democracy to keep Sheikh Hasina in power, insisting, “The people never voted to keep her there.”

The government has transferred Md. Nahidur Rahman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Rajbari’s Goalanda, shortly after the police chief of the same upazila was replaced.

According to a gazette notification, Nahidur Rahman has been reassigned to the Ministry of Commerce as Deputy Director at the Export Promotion Bureau. He must join his new post by September 21 or face immediate release from service the same afternoon.

Rahman dismissed speculations linking the transfer to recent unrest, saying, “This is just part of routine government reshuffles. Nothing else is involved.”

The development comes against the backdrop of intense protests in Goalanda over the 12-foot-high tomb of local spiritual leader Nural Pagla. Unrest escalated earlier this month when agitated crowds vandalized police and UNO vehicles, torched the leader’s house, burned his body, and killed one individual.

Former National Board of Revenue (NBR) member Matiur Rahman, accused in the widely discussed “goat scandal,” faced a public scolding from his wife, former Raipura Upazila Chairman Laila Kaniz, while standing in the dock on Sunday.

Witnesses said the couple stood in the courtroom for 45 minutes during an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) hearing. As Matiur attempted to speak with their lawyers, Laila abruptly snapped at him, saying: “You talk too much. Stay quiet. This happened because of you.” Stunned, Matiur fell silent while Laila continued conversing with the lawyers.

At one point, a woman nearby whispered, “There are journalists here. Be careful what you say.” Later, ACC Deputy Assistant Director Sabikun Nahar petitioned for a three-day remand of the accused couple.

A Dhaka court has acquitted BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members Mirza Abbas and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, along with 70 others, in a case filed under the Special Powers Act over allegations of torching a motorcycle in the Shahbagh area.

The court granted them relief after accepting a final police report that recommended dropping the charges.

According to case records, the incident occurred on December 11, 2019, a day before a High Court hearing on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s bail in the Zia Charitable Trust case. It was alleged that the accused set fire to a motorcycle near the High Court’s mazar gate area, causing damage.

Following the incident, Shahbagh Police Sub-Inspector Idris Ali filed a case under the Special Powers Act. After investigation, the police submitted a final report on May 10 this year, recommending exemption for all 70 accused individuals. The court accepted the findings, formally clearing the BNP leaders of all charges.

Indian National Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has cautioned that New Delhi should be ready for a future where no dependable friend remains in power in Dhaka.

In a recent opinion piece, Tharoor argued that the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election cannot be dismissed as a routine campus vote. Instead, he described it as a barometer of Bangladesh’s shifting political landscape.

According to him, the recent outcome reflects more than just a tilt toward Islamist fundamentalism—it signals deep-seated public disillusionment with both the Awami League and the BNP. Over time, he wrote, people have lost trust in these two dominant parties, creating a political vacuum that Jamaat-e-Islami has exploited by presenting itself as a “clean” alternative.

Tharoor observed that following Sheikh Hasina’s exit, the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been struggling through instability, creating fertile ground for Jamaat’s resurgence. He warned that the path is now open for Jamaat to make significant gains in the next general election, potentially emerging as a dominant force in a coalition or even a majority-led government.

Such an outcome, Tharoor stressed, would complicate India’s regional interests. A hardline administration in Dhaka could embolden anti-India groups in border regions with assistance from Pakistan’s ISI, while also heightening risks for Bangladesh’s Hindu minority community.

He urged New Delhi to closely monitor Bangladesh’s volatile political climate, maintain open dialogue with all emerging political forces, and prepare for a scenario where Dhaka no longer offers India a trustworthy partner in government.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hamidur Rahman Azad has said that the upcoming national election will only be free, fair, and acceptable if held on the basis of the July Charter.

Speaking after a consensus commission meeting chaired by the Chief Adviser, Azad stated that there are two possible ways to implement the charter:

Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO) – which has historical precedent in the country.

Referendum – also rooted in Bangladesh’s political history.

Highlighting the government’s earlier commitments, Azad said:

First, reforms were promised.

Second, justice for war crimes and genocide.

Third, a festive, historic, and credible election.

“We want to believe that under the Chief Adviser’s guidance, a level playing field will be ensured in the next election,” Azad remarked.

However, he expressed concerns over recent central student union polls, citing irregularities in both the electoral process and result announcements. “We see this as a negative signal. If such trends continue, they could affect the upcoming national election as well,” he warned.

Azad urged that the reforms process under the July Charter be brought to a dignified conclusion. He also called for the extension of the Consensus Commission’s tenure, expressing hope that it would be finalized under the leadership of Professor Ali Riaz.

BNP leader Afroza Khanam Rita has said that the only way to free Bangladesh from instability is to vote for the “sheaf of paddy” symbol.
Speaking at a party program, she asserted that BNP would return to power through elections, with Tarique Rahman at the helm. “In the past 17 years under his strong leadership, not a single leader has abandoned the party,” Rita stated.
She emphasized that a BNP government would advance women’s empowerment, ensure farmers’ rights, and secure a better future for the next generation.
Referring to the party’s 31-point program, she said it would serve the interests of all citizens. Calling for unity, Rita urged supporters not to fall for divisive propaganda. “Attempts are being made to create division within the party, but those who truly love BNP must remain vigilant. Our strength lies in the people’s support, which is what threatens our opponents,” she added.

Two students of Bangladesh Agricultural University, including a female student, were assaulted by outsiders near the university’s First Gate on Sunday afternoon.
The victims were identified as Agriculture Faculty students Rashidul Alam Rifat and Nahar. One of them sustained head injuries and was treated at the university health care center.
Witnesses said the clash erupted when locals blocked campus roads in protest, demanding that the KB College playground remain open for public use. When the two students attempted to enter campus, they were stopped, leading to a heated altercation and a violent attack. Female student Nahar was reportedly beaten with a belt.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks, with locals even threatening to bomb the college and harm faculty members after authorities restricted outsider entry. Teachers and staff had staged a hunger strike in protest but called it off following assurances from university officials.

A Sylhet court has served a show-cause notice on Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md. Sarwar Alam over the dismissal of two teachers and the vice-principal of The Sylhet Khajanchibari International School and College.
The court has ordered the DC to respond in writing within 15 working days. As of Sunday evening, the notice had not yet reached his office, confirmed Sarwar Alam.
The action follows a writ petition challenging the controversial dismissals. The matter was confirmed by Advocate Irshadul Haque, lawyer for senior teacher Abeda Haque of the institution.

Shirin Akhter Shelly, an organizer of the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP), has been issued a show-cause notice following allegations of making indecent remarks on social media.
In an official statement, Shelly was told that her recent online comments appeared “unbecoming and indecent.” She has been asked to provide a written explanation within 48 hours, clarifying why disciplinary action should not be taken against her.

The Election Commission (EC) has called 22 political parties, initially shortlisted for registration, to verify submitted documents and data.

EC Additional Secretary K. M. Ali Newaz has already held discussions with several party representatives.

Meanwhile, parties excluded during the screening process for the 13th parliamentary elections have been notified with official letters stating the reasons for rejection. Field-level reports have also reached the commission, verifying party offices, committees, and supporter lists.

The EC plans to publish a notification this month listing eligible parties. Objections and appeals will be heard until September 15. The commission has also set a deadline of September 30 for publishing the gazette of newly registered political parties.

Arab and Muslim leaders will convene in Doha on Monday to protest recent Israeli airstrikes.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain is attending the summit, organized by the Government of Qatar. On Sunday, he joined a preparatory meeting of foreign ministers chaired by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

The session was also addressed by OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The summit follows an Israeli airstrike last Tuesday on a residential building in Doha housing Hamas leaders, which killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called for joint efforts to restore democracy in Bangladesh.

In a statement marking International Democracy Day, he said, “The foundation of rebuilding the state must be free, fair, and participatory elections. Independence of the judiciary and media, along with full application of democratic principles, is essential.”

Rahman alleged that democracy has been “under siege” for the past 15 years due to what he called “Awami fascism.”

In a separate statement, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that sustained democratic practice is the best safeguard against authoritarianism. While July–August’s historic, blood-stained movement brought victory, he noted that full democracy is yet to be achieved. Ensuring continuity of fair elections, he stressed, is key to institutionalizing democracy.