Ukraine will require at least $120 billion next year to continue resisting Russian aggression, and the same amount will be necessary even if the war ends, said Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Currently, Ukraine spends nearly one-third of its GDP on defense and relies heavily on tens of billions in Western aid to sustain its economy. Shmyhal warned:
“If we fall behind in defense spending, Ukraine risks losing more territory to Russia.”

He urged that frozen Russian assets in the West be confiscated to fund Ukraine’s defense needs. Moscow responded sharply, calling any such move “outright theft” with “serious consequences.”

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested using frozen Russian assets as collateral for a “reparations loan” to Ukraine, though clarified that the EU’s 27 member states would not directly seize the funds.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president Zahidul Islam hailed the JUCSU election results as a triumph for students, drawing parallels with Dhaka University’s outcome.

In a statement, he wrote:
“Alhamdulillah. This victory is purely by the grace of the Almighty. On a campus where being identified with Shibir once meant a death sentence, today’s result is historic. We will not hold any celebratory processions across the country—our gratitude will be expressed only in prostration before Allah.”

Zahidul added, “We hold no grudges against anyone. We seek forgiveness for our own mistakes and those of our allied organizations. Let humility be our pride, and generosity our ornament. Jahangirnagar University should stand as a beacon of harmony, and our beloved motherland, Bangladesh, must belong equally to all.”

The Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) election results were declared in a charged atmosphere as the Senate building premises echoed with slogans such as “Justice for Killer Hasina” and “Justice for Shahbagh.”
Similar chants had erupted during the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election results announcement in the past.

After 33 years, the JUCSU election saw the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed coalition “Combined Student Alliance” secure a majority of positions, including the General Secretary (GS) and two Assistant GS posts.

VP: Independent candidate Abdur Rashid (Jitu)

GS: Md. Mazharul Islam (Shibir-backed) – 3,930 votes

AGS (Male): Ferdous Al Hasan (Shibir-backed) – 2,358 votes

AGS (Female): Ayesha Siddika Meghla (Shibir-backed) – 3,402 votes

In total, the coalition won 20 posts, consolidating its influence in the long-anticipated student body polls.

At least 47 Palestinians have been killed and 205 injured in the past 24 hours in Gaza, according to local reports.
Since the start of the mass killings, the death toll has risen to at least 64,803. In addition, seven more people died of starvation in the last day. Many victims remain trapped under rubble or lying on the streets, beyond the reach of rescue workers.
Meanwhile, five Palestinians were shot dead and more than 26 wounded by Israeli forces while attempting to collect humanitarian aid. The number of Palestinians killed in aid-related incidents has now reached 2,484, with 18,117 injured.

During a media reform discussion, journalists demanded a review of the Media Reform Commission’s recommendations, the introduction of a “No Wage Board, No Media” policy, and a minimum monthly salary of Tk 35,000.
Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam welcomed many of the commission’s recommendations but strongly opposed the proposal to scrap the clause on “hurting religious sentiments.”
“Religion-related violence is a serious issue, and penalties must remain in place to prevent it,” he said. He endorsed the “No Wage Board, No Media” proposal and added that editors and publishers should not hold union positions, as it conflicts with policy. Journalists, he said, should be certified to prevent “pseudo-journalism” from harming the profession.
He also suggested security deposits: Tk 10–15 crore for online media, Tk 20 crore for newspapers, and Tk 20–25 crore for TV channels.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have expressed deep grief over the passing of legendary singer Farida Parveen.
They described her as the “living voice of Lalon songs,” whose renditions carried not just melody but also messages of humanity, equality, love, and truth.
“With her death, the nation has lost a towering artist, and Bangla music has lost an irreplaceable voice,” their statement said. They extended heartfelt condolences to her family, the cultural community, and her countless admirers.

Adviser Farida Akhter has declared that those using illegal fishing nets are “enemies of the country,” as they are depriving people of food.
She called for strict action not only against users but also against factories producing and selling such nets. “Raids must be conducted to shut down illegal net production,” she said.
Highlighting the need for more fish sanctuaries, she urged increased government allocations to support fish breeding. She stressed that agricultural diversification could also boost production and that new projects would be launched in the future.
Akhter emphasized inter-ministerial coordination—between the ministries of fisheries, water resources, and shipping—for effective conservation. She acknowledged that despite extensive government drives to protect jatka and conserve hilsa, low rainfall and reduced river navigability have hindered the migration of hilsa from sea to river this season, leading to lower catches.

Padma Bridge South Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Parvez Ahmed Selim has been removed from his post after hosting a banquet attended by a local Jubo League leader in Shariatpur’s Jajira.
According to reports, the police station had organized its monthly feast on Friday afternoon, where OC Selim invited Moktar Bepari, president of Naodoba Union Jubo League. The invitation sparked criticism.
Following the backlash, Bepari was arrested Friday night on charges of involvement with anti-discrimination student protests and presented before the court on Saturday. OC Selim has since been transferred to the police lines.

Adviser Fauzul Kabir Khan has stated that even if the Awami League remains banned, its supporters still retain their constitutional right to vote. “No one can dictate which party they will vote for,” he stressed.
Khan reiterated that the interim government has no political affiliation and will ensure a free, fair, and neutral election. He warned that no government official will be allowed to take sides: “If anyone does, strict action will be taken immediately.”
He added that regardless of which party wins, civil servants must work under the elected government. Reflecting on the 2018 polls, he said: “That was a ‘Lailatul election’—but now the situation is different.”
On other issues, Khan confirmed that there is no electricity crisis at present, though some industries face gas shortages, which will be resolved. He also acknowledged public inconvenience due to construction of the Dhaka–Ashulia Elevated Expressway but said: “Temporary hardships for development are nothing.”

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has instructed the submission of information to prepare the gradation list for assistant teachers who joined in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Schools have been asked to send two hard copies of the required documents by September 30. These include copies of personal applications, service records, attested academic certificates, regularization orders, appointment and joining letters, and certifications regarding departmental or criminal cases, as well as audit objections.

Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain has confirmed that national elections will take place in February, emphasizing that there is “absolutely no doubt” about it. He stressed that even within the advisory council, there is no uncertainty regarding the polls.
“The Election Commission will oversee the elections, not us. Whoever assumes power through that process will govern the country in the democratic spirit,” he said.
He also announced the launch of a new paddle steamer service in October for passengers traveling from Barishal to Dhaka, blending tradition with modernity. “This initiative will not only enhance passenger services but also boost tourism,” he noted.
Hossain praised local authorities for restoring canals in Barishal and mentioned ongoing efforts to secure Tk 850 crore for the construction of the Mirganj Bridge and embankments in Hizla-Muladi. Discussions are also underway to bring Bhola gas to Barishal.

Bangladesh Chhatra Dal leader Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim has vowed that his organization will not allow an “unjust PR system” to undermine the upcoming national election.

In a statement, he invoked the sacrifice of Abu Sayeed, saying, “Just as Abu Sayeed laid down his life with open arms for a democratic Bangladesh, patriotic students of Chhatra Dal will also shed blood if necessary—but they will not let the election be derailed under the guise of an unfair PR arrangement.”

Hamim also criticized Barrister Fuad, accusing him of echoing Awami League rhetoric. “When Barrister Fuad insulted our activists by calling them junkies, it reminded me of the slander once directed at Abu Sayeed. He should take a lesson from Tolstoy’s story ‘How Much Land Does a Man Need?’—despite their degrees from abroad, some fail to grasp the limits of arrogance.”

Senior BNP leader M. Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu has announced that Natore residents will receive household gas connections within two months if his party wins the upcoming national election.

Speaking at a local event, he stressed the urgent need for a medical college hospital in Natore, saying, “Without quality healthcare, ordinary people suffer, and broader development is also hampered.”

Jamaat leader Abdul Hakim echoed the call for regional development, urging the establishment of an agricultural research institute and an agro-industrial EPZ in the food basket region of Chalan Beel.

Meanwhile, Professor Jargis Kadir, an NCP candidate from Natore-3, criticized past governments, claiming, “Under Delhi’s influence, the backbone of our education system was destroyed. To ensure quality education, we must build strong institutions.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has extended warm congratulations to all participants in the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) and hall union elections, with special praise for those who secured leadership positions.

In a statement, he wrote: “Congratulations to everyone who contested the elections. Special felicitations to those who earned the highest votes and were elected to various posts.”

Expressing optimism about the newly elected representatives, he added: “We hope they will give the utmost importance to safeguarding the trust placed in them by the student community. May Almighty Allah assist them in this responsibility.”

Dr. Rahman also thanked the university administration, election commission, and all others involved in conducting the polls. He praised the government and law enforcement agencies for their sincerity and dedication in ensuring a smooth electoral process.

Looking ahead, the Jamaat chief expressed hope for collective progress: “We expect that students, teachers, and the administration of Jahangirnagar University will work together to elevate the institution to the standards we all aspire to.”

The government has strongly condemned the attempted assault on Adviser Mahfuz Alam in London, weeks after a similar incident in New York.
Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam reiterated: “Violence is not protest; intimidation is not freedom of expression. The same applies in London as it did in New York.”
The statement declared that such barbaric acts have no place in a democratic society. While the right to peaceful assembly and expression must be respected, it should always be exercised responsibly.
The government has urged London’s Metropolitan Police to conduct a full investigation, review CCTV footage, and bring the perpetrators to justice. Political leaders and community organizers abroad were also urged to reject violence and intimidation publicly. “Throwing eggs, fists, or launching group attacks does not prove a point—it only shows the absence of reason,” the statement concluded.