On Wednesday night, India's Border Security Force (BSF) fired 10 rounds targeting alleged coal smugglers near the Tahirpur border in Sunamganj.

Sources report that between 150 to 200 Bangladeshi nationals illegally crossed into Indian territory through the Charagaon border area to smuggle coal. Upon spotting them, the BSF patrol opened fire. It remains unclear whether anyone was injured or killed in the incident, as the alleged smugglers have since gone into hiding.

At a recent exhibition, Adviser Sharmin S Murshid announced that photographs taken by photojournalists capturing the nation's struggles will be preserved in cyberspace. "This will ensure that future generations can access these powerful images for years to come," she stated.

Addressing the photographers, she added, "You are the custodians of history, capturing and preserving moments that define our nation. My humble request to you is this — don't just document brutality and oppression, also show us glimpses of hope. Use your talent and the power of your profession to stand beside us as we rebuild this country. Let our politics serve the nation beyond the lines of religion and caste."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has laid out conditions to end the Ukraine war, demanding a written commitment from NATO to halt further expansion and a rollback of certain sanctions. According to Reuters, Putin wants assurances that countries like Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova will not be granted NATO membership. Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Putin for being dismissive of ceasefire talks, accusing him of “playing with fire.” Meanwhile, Moscow rejected a proposed trilateral meeting involving Trump, Zelensky, and Putin.

Two leaders from the Dhaka University branch of the Bangladesh Islami Chhatri Sangstha submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor demanding improved safety, housing, healthcare, and other essential services for female students. The delegation, led by President Sabikun Nahar Tamanna and Secretary Afsana Akter, met the VC to voice their concerns. Tamanna noted that their organization had been unable to operate on campus due to state repression, but they are now rebuilding their structure following central directives issued after August 5.

Chhatra Jote held a protest in Chattogram against the acquittal of ATM Azhar in a war crimes case. During Wednesday afternoon’s demonstration, six were injured in an alleged attack by Islami Chhatra Shibir. While Chhatra Jote blamed Shibir, the latter claimed it was a clash between pro- and anti-Shahbagh groups. A viral video shows a man, identified as Akash Choudhury, kicking a woman and a man from behind. Photos of him with Jamaat leader Shahjahan Choudhury have surfaced on social media.

A violent clash erupted at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital between hospital staff and relatives of injured freedom fighters who were protesting alleged mistreatment and lack of proper care. Army personnel intervened and used batons to disperse the crowd. The hospital staff have since gone on strike, leading to canceled surgeries and suspended services. Protesters have been demanding better treatment for days and have even attempted suicide in desperation.

A Bangladeshi laborer, Asad Mia (50), died while illegally extracting coal in a quarry deep in India’s Meghalaya hills. His body was brought back to his village in Chanpur, Tahirpur. In the past year, at least 18 Bangladeshi workers have died under similar circumstances, often due to unsafe conditions in unregulated coal pits operated by Indian coal exporters or smugglers.

Speaking at a street rally in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, Sargis Alam said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina exemplifies how a person can become worse over time. “No one should be allowed to turn from Hasina to killer Hasina,” he said. Emphasizing the need to unite against corruption, injustice, disappearances, and murders, Alam called for the next election to uproot fascist collaborators. He urged voters to elect candidates based on merit and service, not just party symbols, and warned against the ongoing exploitation of the legal system for personal gain.

Detective Branch (DB) police in Dhaka have arrested eight individuals for running Facebook pages that advertised Hilsa fish sales to scam customers. The accused—Anas Sheikh, Kamal Sheikh, Yanur Molla, Zubair Hossain, Rubel Sheikh, Sagar Hossain, Alinoor Islam, and Shariful Islam—created pages like “Ilisher Bari Chandpur Online Shop” and “Chandpur Ilish Ghat” to lure unsuspecting buyers with flashy ads. Victims paid large sums but never received any fish. Police recovered 25 mobile phones and 70 illegal SIM cards from the suspects.

To ensure transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections in Bangladesh, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a three-year project in collaboration with the Economic Relations Division and the Election Commission. Signed on Wednesday, the 2025–2027 project will be implemented in two phases: the first focusing on urgent electoral support, including technical preparation and voter outreach, and the second on post-election democratic institution strengthening and electoral reform.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagorik Oikya, stated that Bangladeshis want free and fair local government elections and warned against power vacuums at the grassroots. Criticizing local political leaders for engaging in extortion and land grabbing, Manna said if politics can run without extortion in Europe and America, it can in Bangladesh too. Regarding the current situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State, he warned that the absence of authority and the creation of a humanitarian corridor could lead to instability. He urged the government to remain vigilant about ongoing protest movements and to respect legitimate public demands.

Azizul Haque, Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam, has called for the trial of activists from the Gonojagoron Mancha, labeling them "Shahbaghis" and supporters of the 2013 Shapla Square massacre. He alleged that in 2013, anti-Islamic forces backed by India attempted to destroy Bangladesh's sovereignty and justice system through the Shahbagh movement. According to him, Hefazat thwarted this conspiracy, which led to a brutal nighttime crackdown on their rally at Shapla Chattar. Haque claimed over 84 madrasa students and teachers were martyred, and that those supporting the massacre must also be held accountable.

Due to turbulent weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal and heightened sea activity, authorities have temporarily suspended all maritime transportation to the coastal island upazila of Hatiya in Noakhali from Wednesday. Passenger and cargo movement between Hatiya and mainland areas including Chattogram, Dhaka, and Noakhali has been halted. All fishing trawlers have been instructed to return to safe harbor immediately.

Barely after tensions had cooled following the push-in of Indian nationals by the BSF at Kurigram’s Boraibari border, the BSF has now flown five drones illegally into Bangladeshi airspace. This has sparked panic among border residents. Former MP Ruhul Amin recalled the deadly BSF attack in this same area back in April 2001, leaving locals anxious and fearful. The appearance of Indian drones on Tuesday and Wednesday is a clear violation of international border laws.

BNP leader Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain accused the government of plotting both domestically and internationally to delay the upcoming general election. Speaking at a Nayapaltan rally, he said the current regime has already served ten months but has taken no meaningful steps to restore voting rights and democracy. “If the election is delayed further, we will confront this conspiracy with the power of our youth,” he declared, calling for prompt electoral reforms and an election before December.