UGC Chairman Professor Dr. SMA Faiz has stressed that universities should not only impart knowledge but also create it through the joint efforts of teachers and students.

Speaking at the freshers’ reception at Maulana Bhashani Science and Technology University, he said:
“Education is not just about personal achievement. Students must ask what their learning contributes to society and the nation.”

At the event, teacher Tanjimuddin reminded students to uphold the ideals of Maulana Bhashani and avoid wasting time in non-academic activities from the very first year, warning that otherwise they risk being “swallowed by quicksand.”

Former minister Abdul Latif Siddique has filed a bail petition in connection with an anti-terrorism case lodged at Shahbagh Police Station.

Six others accused in the same case—Golam Mostafa, Zakir Hossain, Tousif-ul Bari Khan, Amir Hossain, Shafiqul Islam, and Abdullahil Kaiyum—have also applied for bail through lawyer Kayes Ahmed.

Latif Siddique, who was presented in court last Friday, had previously refused to sign legal papers, citing a lack of trust in the judiciary. However, from prison he authorized his lawyers to proceed with the bail application.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has accused political groups of exploiting the Liberation War for personal gain, stating: “One group sold out the Liberation War for benefits, another seeks to profit by claiming credit. But the real credit belongs to the people.”

He emphasized that BNP does not seek recognition for the ongoing movement, warning that disputes over credit could endanger the nation’s future. Drawing parallels with post-revolution countries, Khasru noted that delaying elections in favor of power struggles has often led to civil war.

He urged all political parties to acknowledge people’s role in change, stressing that any failure to adapt will jeopardize their future relevance.

Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Ashik Chowdhury, has unveiled an ambitious vision to transform Matarbari and Maheshkhali into world-class commercial hubs akin to Shanghai and Singapore within the next 30 years.

The project, covering 33,000 acres, will be implemented in three phases—2025 to 2030, 2030 to 2045, and 2045 to 2055. Chowdhury stated that within the next 120 days, all administrative groundwork will be completed.

Once operational, the mega-project is expected to generate 2.5 million jobs and position Bangladesh as a global maritime hub.

Three witnesses have filed complaints with the tribunal, accusing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 39 others of coercing them into giving false testimony against Jamaat leader Delwar Hossain Sayeedi.

The complainants—Mahbubul Alam Hawlader, Mahtab Uddin, and Altaf Hawlader—alleged they were tortured and forced to testify. The accused include former tribunal chairman Justice Nizamul Haque Nasim, ex-law minister Shafique Ahmed, former state minister Kamrul Islam, Justice ATM Fazle Kabir, and Pirojpur MP AKM Awal, among others.

Lawyer Parvez claimed that in 2009, MP Awal pressured Mahbubul to file a case against Sayeedi. When he refused, Awami League activists detained him at the then-PP office, tortured him, and held a gun to his head, forcing him to give false testimony linking Sayeedi to war crimes. The other two witnesses reported similar accounts.

This follows a recent complaint by witness Sukhranjan Bali, who accused Hasina and 32 others of abduction and torture in connection with the same case.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Md. Sanuallah has announced the abolition of the provision for submitting nomination papers online under the Representation of the People Order (RPO).

He clarified that the presiding officer’s decision at a polling center will now be final, reverting to the earlier system. Previously, election commencement was subject to law enforcement reports, but the amendment has been rolled back, restoring full authority to presiding officers.

Journalists and observers’ access inside polling booths will also be regulated solely by presiding officers.

Sanuallah further stated that candidates may spend up to Tk 10 per voter, with a maximum cap of Tk 25 lakh. The Election Commission has sent the draft RPO (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 to the Ministry of Law for vetting, which includes provisions such as introducing “No” votes in constituencies with a single candidate. Once approved, it will be published in the gazette.

Shahriar Morshed Khan, a 51-year-old student, has become the oldest candidate in the upcoming RAKSU elections after collecting his nomination papers on Wednesday.

A final-year honors student of Mass Communication and Journalism, he is contesting for the post of Editor, Media & Publications.

Khan revealed that his son-in-law is also a fourth-year student at RU, studying Population Science and Human Research Development. Despite being a father of four daughters, Khan said perseverance brought him this far.

He expressed hope of winning the election, asking for everyone’s prayers and support.

As in previous years, Anjuman-e-Rahmania Ahmadia Sunnia Trust organized the Jashne Julus rally in Dhaka on the occasion of Eid-e-Miladunnabi.

The procession began at 10:30 a.m. from Qaderia Madrasa premises in Mohammadpur and paraded through Shahjahan Road, Iqbal Road, Asad Gate, Mirpur Road, and Dhanmondi, before concluding at Mohammadpur.

This year’s rally was led by Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah, who also presided over the concluding religious gathering. Bangladesh will observe Eid-e-Miladunnabi on September 6 (12 Rabiul Awal).

Former US Ambassador to Bangladesh and current Strategic Advisor to LNG company Excelerate Energy, Peter D. Haas, visited Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday morning.

Arriving at 9:30 a.m. with two associates, he traveled to Maheshkhali by speedboat and visited the “Excelerate Hope Hospital,” a joint initiative of Hope Foundation and Excelerate Energy.

He was welcomed with flowers by Hope Foundation’s country director and toured the hospital’s facilities.

Earlier rumors had circulated about a secret meeting between Haas and NCP leaders in Cox’s Bazar, though no evidence confirmed the claims.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called on students to vote for Chhatra Dal’s panel in the upcoming DUCSU election.

Speaking at a street rally in Dohar, Rizvi said people want to vote directly for their chosen candidates, not under proportional systems. Meanwhile, BNP’s AZM Zahid Hossain warned that attempts to derail the election could involve external provocations, urging vigilance.

After the rally, a colorful procession was brought out from Hili Charmatha intersection.

Garment workers of Eurozone Fashions have withdrawn their road blockade in Kuril after assurances that outstanding wages and allowances will be cleared by September 10.

Workers had blocked the Kuril-Airport road from around 11 a.m., bringing traffic to a halt in both directions. The blockade was lifted at 3:45 p.m., restoring normal movement.

Their primary demand was immediate payment of dues.

Senior Secretary of Public Administration, Mokhlesur Rahman, has announced the recruitment of 4,000 sub-inspectors (SI) to strengthen law enforcement during the upcoming national elections.

Half of the posts will be filled directly, while the rest through promotions. “Officials found favoring any political party or obstructing free elections will face administrative action,” Rahman warned.

He confirmed that seven-member committees are working on DC appointments, and no returning officer or DC involved in the past three elections will be allowed to serve this time.

Violence broke out during vote counting at the biennial council of BNP’s Pirojpur Sadar upazila unit on Tuesday night.

After peaceful polling, chaos erupted mid-count as some leaders created a commotion that quickly spread across the auditorium. Several ballot papers were reportedly snatched, forcing officials to halt result announcements.

Election in-charge Kazi Rawnakul Islam Tipu said it was unclear who was responsible. Party leaders will decide the next course of action after internal discussions.

Bangladesh Army has dismantled a training camp of the armed group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) in Ruma, Bandarban, seizing weapons, military gear, and logistical supplies.

According to ISPR, the month-long operation was conducted in the remote Reng Tlang area from July 25 to August 26, 2025. Soldiers discovered makeshift rifles, sniper equipment, military belts, cartridges, uniforms, boots, radios, solar panels, rations, and other gear.

The army also captured training grounds, firing ranges, trenches, and tactical installations used by the group.

NCP leader Samantha Sharmin has alleged that Bangladesh’s courts are routinely used in political conspiracies, undermining their independence.

Speaking at a political discussion, she claimed that successive chief justices have operated under external influence. Referring to lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua’s role, she drew connections between past political movements and student politics, especially DUCSU elections.

“DUCSU is the cradle of leadership in Bangladesh. Its elections shape national politics,” she said, stressing that no ruling party panel has ever secured victory in DUCSU. She urged all parties to ensure DUCSU elections are held fairly, warning that boycotting or undermining them could endanger political futures.

She further alleged that attempts to block DUCSU polls mirror past conspiracies against the Awami League, often involving those claiming to be “progressives.”