GOP leader Rashed Khan has demanded that the Awami League, Jatiya Party, and the 14-party alliance be barred from contesting elections until ongoing trials against them are concluded.

Speaking at a press conference, he said, “Their organizational activities must be suspended. If the court later permits them to pursue different politics, we will not object.”

He further alleged that a section of the government is deliberately blocking treatment abroad for ailing leader Nur, fearing it would harm the image of the army and police. Rashed warned, “If the interim government cannot protect the heroes of the mass uprising, and if a 1/11-style situation returns, no one will be safe.”

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a defense pact under which an attack on either country will be considered an act of aggression against both.

The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. A joint statement described the pact as a reflection of both nations’ shared commitment to enhancing security and promoting peace in the region and beyond.

According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the two leaders also discussed strengthening strategic cooperation across various sectors, as well as regional and international developments.

Government adviser Mahfuz Alam has called for a special edition of Nabarun magazine dedicated to the children martyred in the July uprising, featuring their writings and personal memorabilia.

Speaking to officials from the Department of Films and Publications, he stressed the importance of publishing children’s artwork and writings in the magazine to inspire creativity among the younger generation. “Regardless of which government is in power, we must remain impartial when it comes to children and youth,” he said.

Mahfuz also urged writers to contribute articles on the Language Movement, the Liberation War, the 1974 uprising, and broader socio-economic issues. He recommended digitizing all past editions of Nabarun since its inception in 1970 and making them publicly accessible, while also introducing a special section for new writers, with at least five featured in each issue.

The Noakhali District BNP has issued show-cause notices to Companiganj BNP’s acting president Haji Abdul Mannan Monaf and general secretary Ali Akbar for demanding the release of suspended party leader Shahab Uddin, who is currently jailed in a stone theft case.

District BNP president Abdul Qayum Chowdhury said, “The party’s top leadership has already suspended all posts and positions of Shahab Uddin. By publicly demanding his release, the Companiganj unit has committed a serious breach of party discipline. Appropriate action will be taken once their responses are reviewed.”

Earlier on September 15, the Companiganj BNP issued a statement calling Shahab Uddin a “frontline fighter against past autocratic regimes” who is now being held on “false charges.”

The Shibir-backed panel “Combined Student Alliance” has submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission, outlining seven demands for the upcoming RUCSU hall parliament and senate student representative polls.

Their key demands include:

Use of error-free OMR machines for vote counting, with manual checks allowed upon complaints.

Installation of CCTV cameras at polling centers.

Full access and facilities for polling agents.

Special ID cards for journalists.

Restriction of public entry to campus on election day.

Assurance of complete neutrality from the Election Commission.

Panel VP candidate Mostakur Rahman Zahid accused Chhatra Dal of repeatedly violating the electoral code of conduct by campaigning in classrooms and hiring janitors for promotional activities.

He also criticized the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum for submitting demands on behalf of Chhatra Dal, saying, “It is unprofessional for a mother organization to intervene in student politics.”

Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul has said that his efforts in reforming Bangladesh’s legal and judicial systems will leave a lasting legacy.

“If future governments continue these reforms, ordinary citizens will finally receive true justice,” he said, adding that many of the benefits will unfold gradually over time.

He highlighted a new ordinance that makes mediation mandatory before filing cases on family disputes, parental support, house rent, preemption, partition, and dowry matters. Under the law, parties must first attempt mediation; only if that fails can they proceed to court.

Nazrul stressed that this system will reduce costs, save time, ease case backlogs, and resolve disputes more efficiently. “I am not a footballer or stage actor whose results are instantly visible,” he remarked. “But I am doing work that will be recognized by history.”

Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Advisor to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, has ordered strict enforcement to resolve mechanical issues in Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ fleet.

Speaking at a discussion, he emphasized that such technical problems directly affect passenger safety and must be treated with utmost priority to protect the airline’s reputation.

He called on both administration and engineering divisions to act responsibly, warning that negligence will not be tolerated. Bashir Uddin also stressed the importance of rigorous pre-flight inspections to prevent accidents and ordered stern action against any human-caused lapses.

BNP leader Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has condemned those who vow to prevent elections, saying such statements expose a “fascist mentality” that is ultimately against the people.

“For 17 years, Bangladeshis have struggled to rid themselves of fascism,” Tuku said. “What people want is simple: a free, fair, and impartial election where they can choose their candidate.”

On student politics, he claimed that radical groups have rebranded themselves but continue to rely on irregular practices. He also criticized the administration in Tangail for failing to prevent the brutal hacking death of a union leader’s wife, urging police to swiftly arrest those responsible.

Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, declared that the nation has experienced the rule of BNP, Awami League, and Jatiya Party, but never Islamic governance—despite 92% of citizens being Muslim.

“The fire of unrest is raging across Bangladesh,” he said. “It must be cooled with the breeze of the Islamic hand-fan.”

He praised young voters for rejecting “power-hungry” forces in student body elections at Dhaka and Jahangirnagar universities. Karim added that justice for killings and enforced disappearances must be visible, warning that any attempt to impose PR-based elections would leave a permanent stain on history.

During his speech, he introduced Anwar Hossain, the party’s nominated candidate for Dhaka-18, by raising his hand before the crowd.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that introducing a proportional representation (PR) voting system in Bangladesh would be both destructive and misleading for the people, given the country’s fragile democratic state.

“The public has little interest in or knowledge of the PR system,” Rizvi said. “People prefer to vote for familiar, local candidates rather than party-list selections, which are alien to them.”

He argued that political parties often push certain systems only when they see potential benefits, calling it a reflection of “political envy and opportunism.” Rizvi accused the ruling party of plotting to derail elections by pushing the PR model, citing examples of instability in Israel and Nepal caused by similar systems.

The BNP, he stressed, has been fighting for free, fair, and inclusive elections for nearly two decades and remains committed to democratic politics. Rizvi urged policymakers to abandon “divisive PR distractions” and instead focus on building a practical, people-centered electoral system.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam, in his testimony, stated that students across Bangladesh felt deeply insulted when Sheikh Hasina referred to them as “children of Razakars” and “descendants of Razakars.” He said that very night, students of Dhaka University and other institutions nationwide took to the streets in protest.

On July 17 last year, demonstrators pressured authorities to withdraw a DGFI program and demanded dialogue with the government. Nahid added that cases, including one at Shahbagh Police Station, were filed to obstruct the movement. Despite such hurdles, students pressed on.

That same night, Nahid announced a nationwide “complete shutdown.” The following day, students and citizens across all walks of life flooded the streets, with private university and madrasa students playing a particularly strong role in resisting government forces. Movement leaders faced life-threatening risks, forcing many into hiding to avoid arrest.

The clashes left many students and civilians injured or killed, while internet services were cut nationwide that night. By July 19, Nahid said, it became clear that the government had taken full control of electronic media, as no news of the protests or casualties was being aired.

Renowned academic and advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul has visited Ratargul, Bangladesh’s only swamp forest, alongside Sylhet DC Sarwar Alam and senior government officials.
He highlighted the need for eco-friendly infrastructure development to boost tourism while preserving the environment.
During his boat tour of the forest, he listened to boatmen singing traditional songs and emphasized that improving local livelihoods must remain a key part of development plans.

For the first time in its history, Jagannath University has announced a roadmap for its Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) elections, scheduled for November 27.
The Election Commission will be formed on October 8, followed by policy discussions with student organizations, journalists, and other stakeholders.
After nomination, scrutiny, and appeals, official campaigning will commence. The university confirmed that all steps will follow its constitution and regulations.

The rights body Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has strongly opposed demands to scrap music teacher recruitment in primary schools, warning that such moves threaten cultural diversity.
“Music education is not just entertainment—it fosters creativity, moral values, tolerance, and psychological growth,” ASK said in a statement.
They argued that some groups are deliberately politicizing the issue to weaken national culture, which could have “far-reaching negative consequences” for social unity.
While acknowledging the need for religious instruction, ASK insisted that such demands must not come at the expense of artistic and cultural education.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has raised concerns over the Public Administration Ministry’s renewed push to purchase luxury cars for future ministers, despite earlier rejection of a similar proposal by the Finance Ministry.
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the move reflects “the same sycophantic behavior by bureaucrats that was seen under authoritarian governments.”
“If the interim government approves this purchase, questions will arise as to why this matter was given priority and on what justification,” he warned, calling the decision “unwanted and unacceptable.”