RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam warned that no one will be spared for building code violations, regardless of their influence. He said RAJUK’s nationwide drive against unauthorized structures would continue, and legal action is already underway against past irregularities involving RAJUK officials. He emphasized that building approvals are now fully online to prevent corruption.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul claimed that past elections only resulted in changes in political power without establishing people’s rights. He asserted that Jamaat-e-Islami has been persistently oppressed despite not holding state power and highlighted the party’s longstanding efforts in social welfare, regardless of political or religious affiliation.

Leaders and activists protested in Chattogram demanding justice for Maulana Muhammad Rais Uddin, a student organization leader allegedly tortured and killed. They issued a 72-hour ultimatum to identify and arrest the perpetrators, warning of nationwide protests if demands are not met.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar stated that since August 5, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has shot and killed 16 Bangladeshis and injured 48 others. Condemning the killing of Mohammad Obaidul from Maheshpur, he urged the Bangladesh government to take strong diplomatic measures to stop such incidents and demanded India cease border killings if it desires good relations.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) announced the cancellation of trade licenses for all rooftop restaurants operating without approval in residential and commercial buildings. A public notice stated that unauthorized restaurants, especially those operating on rooftops, pose serious risks to public safety. Any business continuing operations with a canceled license will face legal action.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus launched the ‘Labbayk’ mobile app, aimed at facilitating services for Hajj pilgrims. He expressed hope that the app would allow pilgrims to perform their religious duties more smoothly. He directed that from next year, the app should assist pilgrims right from the planning phase. He also encouraged collaboration with developed countries for technical support and providing assistance to less developed nations.

BNP leader Amir Khosru said that Bangladeshis did not fight and sacrifice to hand over the country’s leadership to a ‘superman.’ He questioned the narrative that democracy must wait for a savior, emphasizing instead the people’s right to vote. Khosru highlighted that nearly 50 parties have clearly demanded elections before December and called for immediate electoral reforms and setting an election roadmap.

Lawyer Md. Moniruzzaman has issued a legal notice urging authorities to halt the gazette notification and swearing-in of BNP leader Ishraq Hossain as mayor. He argues the decision was made hastily and without proper procedure. “We expected the Election Commission to challenge the tribunal’s ruling, but they didn’t. Instead, a revised gazette was issued without consulting the Law Ministry,” he stated. He further claimed that the mayoral term had already ended and the post was declared vacant by ordinance, rendering the tribunal’s order ineffective.

Khelafat Majlis leader Maulana Mamunul Haque called for building unity from the grassroots level to defend Islam and the nation’s dignity. Speaking to party workers in Sherpur, Bogura, after returning from a visit to Rangpur, he said, “Victory is assured through the power of faith. We must stand tall against injustice, despite hardships and obstacles.”

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin emphasized that the Pakistan-Bangladesh Business Forum will play a critical role in strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation. He stressed the need for enhanced people-to-people connections between the two nations. Despite their large populations, trade volume between Bangladesh and Pakistan remains disappointingly low. He urged businesses to proactively work toward overcoming tariff and non-tariff barriers.

In Noakhali, Shahriar Hasan Rimon (16), younger brother of martyr Rizvi, was attacked and severely injured in an attempted murder. According to his mother, Farida Yasmin, Rimon, a tenth-grade student, had earlier informed his teachers and family about a conflict with outsiders at his school. On his way home, a group ambushed him, brutally stabbing him in the back and head. Shockingly, the attackers even attempted to assault him at the hospital.

Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul revealed that an average of 500,000 cases are filed each year in Bangladesh. However, only 35,000 are resolved through the National Legal Aid Services Organization. He emphasized that if the organization could resolve 200,000 cases annually, court caseloads could be reduced by at least 40%. Asif Nazrul added that the government has already approved several amendments to the Civil Procedure Code, which are awaiting final approval in the next advisory council meeting.

Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki stated that only actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha can explain why she chose to act in the Mujib biopic under certain circumstances. Farooki added, “In our marriage, both of us enjoy complete professional independence.” He continued, “Do you really think we live in a society where a wife must seek her husband’s permission before making professional decisions, or vice versa? I don’t think so. Tisha makes her own professional choices.”

A meeting between the members of the National Consensus Commission and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus was held recently. The commission reviewed the progress of ongoing discussions with political parties. Professor Ali Riaz, Vice President of the Commission, briefed the Chief Adviser on the discussions that have taken place so far. Based on the review, the Chief Adviser provided guidance on the next course of action.

Italian news outlet Rai News described Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the “Banker of the Poor” and “Pope of the Oppressed,” likening his struggle to that of Pope Francis — a shared battle against inequality and for grassroots development. Dr. Yunus stated that Pope Francis deeply respected his work, and they discussed at length how microcredit transforms lives. Rai News highlighted Pope Francis’ historic 2017 visit to Bangladesh, where he met persecuted Rohingya refugees.