BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has inquired about the health of Gano Adhikar Parishad president Nurul Haque Nur, who is currently receiving treatment in Singapore.

Tarique phoned the former DUCSU vice-president around 6:45 pm Bangladesh time on Monday, wishing him a full recovery. GOP General Secretary Rashed Khan confirmed the call, saying Tarique expressed concern for Nur’s well-being and his ongoing treatment.

Detective Branch (DB) police have arrested former MP and Awami League leader Faizur Rahman Badal, as well as Jatiya Party (Rowshan faction) Secretary General Kazi Mamunur Rashid, on charges of anti-state conspiracy.

Badal, also the president of Awami League’s Nabinagar Upazila unit, was arrested late Sunday night in Dhaka, while Rashid was detained near the Westin Hotel early Monday. DB sources said Badal faces two cases filed after the August 5 uprising, while Rashid has a history of conspiracy and multiple murder charges related to recent political unrest. He was previously arrested in November 2024 in a rape case but was released on bail.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has demanded an immediate investigation into the violent clashes in Guimara, Khagrachhari, where at least three people were killed and 15 law enforcement personnel, including a major, were injured.

In a written statement, Rahman questioned the sudden escalation of unrest in the hills and urged authorities to identify both the perpetrators and any hidden actors behind the violence. He stressed that Khagrachhari is an inseparable part of Bangladesh and that ensuring the security of citizens and law enforcement is the government’s undeniable duty.

The Government of Japan has announced a $3.4 million humanitarian grant to support Rohingya refugees and vulnerable host communities in Bangladesh.

According to the Japanese Embassy, the funds will enable the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide monthly food and nutrition assistance to more than 100,000 Rohingya refugees and 2,000 Bangladeshis. Families will receive e-vouchers to purchase rice, lentils, vegetables, and other essentials from camp stores. Special nutrition packages will also be distributed to children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.

Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting both Rohingyas and local communities, especially women and children. WFP Country Director Dom Scalpelli thanked Japan for its generosity and urged global partners to step up efforts to prevent further deterioration of humanitarian conditions in the camps.

BNP leader AZM Zahid Hossain has said that the people of Bangladesh are eager to vote for BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol to bring the party back to power.

Speaking to reporters, Zahid criticized “biased surveys,” warning that exaggerated polls aimed at misleading the public only weaken democracy. He further cautioned that conspiracies are not limited to the hills but also exist in the plains, both domestically and abroad. “We must remain vigilant so that no attempt to create chaos can derail the democratic process,” he said.

More than 305,000 rounds of ammunition were fired nationwide to suppress the July uprising, with over 90,000 rounds discharged in Dhaka city alone, prosecutors informed the International Crimes Tribunal.

The prosecution presented chilling video evidence of mass killings allegedly carried out under the orders of Sheikh Hasina and others, broadcasting it live during tribunal proceedings. Testimonies of investigating officers were also aired.

Meanwhile, the tribunal has set October 14 for the hearing on framing charges against Jasad leader Hasanul Haq Inu in connection with crimes against humanity, including the killing of seven people in Kushtia. Testimony is also ongoing in the case of BRUR student Abu Sayeed at Tribunal-2.

The Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad and Dhaka Metropolitan Puja Committee have voiced grave concern over the distorted depiction of the demon Mahishasura in some Durga idols across the country.

In a statement, the organizations said that immediate action was taken in collaboration with local administration, law enforcement, and the military to address the matter. They stressed that no room should be left for misunderstanding. While the nation celebrates Durga Puja with unprecedented enthusiasm and government support, such incidents are both “shocking and unfortunate.” The statement further added, “Whatever lies behind this, no one can undermine the extraordinary unity of the people of Bangladesh.”

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has assigned a new investigating officer to look into allegations of money laundering and illegal wealth accumulation against Bangladesh cricket star Shakib Al Hasan. On Monday, ACC Assistant Director Sajjad Hossain was officially given charge of the case.

Earlier, the ACC sought information from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) and several other institutions regarding the corruption allegations. In June, the ACC filed a case against Shakib and 14 others, accusing them of manipulating the stock market and misappropriating Tk 256 crore from general investors. The new investigator will now also examine charges of illicit assets and money laundering linked to the case.

Following backlash over his remark calling an alleged gang rape in Khagrachhari “fake,” NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud publicly expressed regret. Masud initially said conspiracies are underway to destabilize the hill districts and accused India of seeking to seize the region; during those remarks he reportedly described the incident as a “fake rape.”

The comment sparked controversy and prompted Olik Mru to resign from the party’s central committee. In a Facebook post, Masud stated that heinous crimes like rape cannot be denied under any circumstances and demanded strict punishment for perpetrators. In a subsequent post he admitted that using the phrase “fake rape” was a mistake, expressed embarrassment and remorse, and urged unity between hill and plain communities through dialogue. He also called on law enforcement and the government to hear both sides and to act to restore order.

Former MP and cricketer Shakib Al Hasan posted a birthday greeting for former leader Hussain on Sunday. In response, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud wrote that critics had hurled thousands of abuses at him for opposing a rehabilitation — “But I was right. End of discussion,” he added.

Shakib replied and wrote that someone had effectively admitted they prevented him from wearing the Bangladesh jersey again, and that he might return to his homeland someday, signing off “Love Bangladesh.” In the comments, Sarjis Alam attacked Shakib, saying: “Greedy like you who sell yourself for money — the Bangladesh jersey bought with pig’s blood will never be worn on Bangladeshi soil again.” DUCSU VP Abu Sadiq Kayem further called Hussain and his associates “murderers and genocidal,” and criticized attempts to rehabilitate or normalize those accused of mass crimes under various professional labels. He vowed the July generation will not rest until fascist structures are destroyed.

Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Akhtar Ahmed said the European Union intends to send 150 observers for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. A tripartite memorandum of understanding between the EU, the Foreign Ministry, and the Election Commission will be signed to formalize the arrangement.

Akhtar noted observers will not all arrive at once; they will come in separate groups following the announcement of the election schedule. The EU delegation has asked about procedures such as access to polling stations, presence during vote counting, and the status of the secure room. They also inquired how and where results are published and whether results are posted on official websites.

He said an EU delegation recently visited Rangpur and Chattogram and expressed satisfaction with the Commission’s preparations. The delegation will return tomorrow and is expected to submit a report; a draft memorandum has been shared for review and signature, and the Commission will raise any further observations.

Bangladesh’s representative, Hafez Anas bin Atique, secured third place at the 13th International Hifzul Qur’an Competition 2025 held in Libya, earning a prize of 50,000 Libyan dinars. The tournament drew 120 contestants from 75 countries, with 18 finalists declared winners.

The event was attended by ministers, secretaries, senior government and military officials, and a large public audience. Maulana Qari Masudur Rahman participated as an observer on behalf of the International Qirat Organization’s central deputy general secretary, Shaikh Saad Saifullah Madani.

Bangladesh has a history of strong performances at this competition: Saleh Ahmad Takrim placed seventh in 2022; in 2023 Abu Talha finished second (prize: 200,000 dinars) and Mustafizur Rahman Gazi won sixth place in Tafsir; and in 2024 Mahmudul Hasan earned recognition in Tafsir.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has uncovered preliminary evidence suggesting embezzlement of around BDT 100 crore in sales of government LP gas cylinders. The ACC has therefore launched an investigation into alleged annual siphoning of funds by the BPIC (Bangladesh Petroleum Import Company).

Earlier, on 6 May this year, the ACC raided BPIC offices following allegations of irregularities and embezzlement in sales of government cylinder LP gas. The probe team reported finding signs of malpractice and negligence. Investigators say roughly 1.4 million government cylinders are sold each year but many customers never receive them — alleged syndicates purportedly diverted and sold those cylinders. Officials from Padma and Jamuna Oil Companies, responsible for cylinder supply, were reportedly unable to give satisfactory explanations. The ACC also said BPIC officials failed in public promotion of legitimate government cylinder distribution, suggesting deliberate obstruction.

Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhter expressed regret that authorities could not bring down the retail price of hilsa. She cited both natural and human factors for declining hilsa production and noted that 103 tonnes of hilsa have been exported to India so far this year ahead of the festival season.

She said the Commerce Ministry set the export price at $12.50 per kilogram, which amounts to export revenue of approximately BDT 15.77 crore. Farida announced plans to ban catching, buying, and selling of mother hilsa from 4 October to 25 October and said that during the ban, 620,000 fishing family households across 165 upazilas in 37 districts will receive VGF rice assistance — a total allocation of 15,500 tonnes of rice.

BNP leader Hafiz Uddin Ahmed claimed the “old game” has resumed in the hills and argued that the farsighted decisions of Ziaur Rahman are still preventing any move that could be framed as an Indian declaration of independence. He accused Jamaat of fearing the people’s verdict and suggested that some political groups, influenced by intellectuals from Europe and America, are attempting to impose electoral systems that will not win public support.

Hafiz warned that if anyone tries to obstruct elections, BNP will respond on the streets. He also criticized a UN trip by the Chief Adviser that involved 104 members, without elaborating on details.