BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have expressed deep sorrow at the death of renowned intellectual, sociologist, and writer Badruddin Umar.
In a condolence message, the BNP leaders recalled Umar as the son of distinguished politician Allama Abul Hashim, an Oxford scholar, and a former Rajshahi University professor who left academia for politics.
They described him as a “living legend of political history” who shaped narratives of the Language Movement, the 1990 mass uprising, and the anti-autocracy movement of July.
“Badruddin Umar was a thoughtful political guardian. His death leaves a void in national politics that cannot be filled,” the statement read.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam has asserted that the Election Commission (EC) carried out the redistricting process with the utmost caution and impartiality, leaving no grounds for legal or institutional challenge.
He said the electoral atmosphere remains “100 percent favorable,” with no reports of uncertainty or adverse conditions.
On political party registration, he noted that most reports have been submitted to the EC and a final decision could come within a week. Parties will still have the opportunity to raise objections regarding names before the process is finalized later this month.
Regarding the proposed amendment to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), Anwarul confirmed it was finalized after vetting by the law ministry, adding that any legal conflicts will be adjusted accordingly.

The Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) has launched a new Farmers’ Wing aimed at ensuring farmers’ rights, land reforms, and fair prices for agricultural produce.
The preparatory committee, approved by NCP’s Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patowary, named Azad Khan Bhasani as chief coordinator, with Saeed Ujjal and Hafsa Jahan as joint coordinators.
Other members include agricultural expert Golam Mortuza Selim, Nazmul Hasan Sohag, Nofiul Islam, Fihadur Rahman Dibash, Masud Rana, Masumul Hasan Sojib, and Mahidul Islam.
The wing will operate under the party’s constitution and coordinate with grassroots farmers and organizations to strengthen agricultural activities nationwide.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed profound grief over the death of eminent writer, researcher, and leftist intellectual Badruddin Umar.
In a condolence message, Yunus hailed Umar as a “beacon of progressive thought and free spirit.”
He highlighted Umar’s role in the Language Movement, his scholarship, opposition to colonial mindsets, and dedication to socialist ideals.
Yunus recalled that Umar consistently called for uprisings against fascist and authoritarian regimes and described the July uprising as an unprecedented people’s movement in the subcontinent.
“His writings and philosophy will remain a guiding light for future generations,” Yunus said, calling his passing “an irreparable loss to the nation.”

Primary and Mass Education Adviser Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar announced that mid-day meals will be introduced in 150 primary schools between September and mid-October.
He also confirmed the reinstatement of primary school scholarships after 16 years.
Bidhan Ranjan noted that teachers are often burdened with non-academic tasks, disrupting education. He pledged to reduce holidays in the school calendar.
Bangladesh’s literacy rate among people aged 7 and above now stands at 77.9%, while 22.1% remain illiterate. He added that 32,000 teachers are awaiting promotion to headmaster positions, which will create thousands of new posts.

Police have arrested Shamsuddoha Khondker, former Additional Inspector General of Police, in connection with a cheque fraud case.
He was picked up on Sunday from his resort, Wonderland Green Park, in Nawabganj.
Shamsuddoha, long accused of corruption, allegedly amassed vast wealth by pocketing commissions from river dredging tenders and extorting industrialists who illegally occupied riversides.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed charges against him and his wife Ferdousi Sultana, accusing them of concealing assets worth over Tk 66.48 crore and acquiring illegal wealth.

Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation, has dismissed rumors that the U.S. played a role in the downfall of the Awami League.
He noted that former U.S. President Donald Trump suspended most foreign aid and disliked “nation-building,” focusing instead on transactional relations. Kugelman added that Bangladesh was not a priority for the Trump administration, which may have spared the country from greater complications.
On rising right-wing influence, he warned that religious groups have gained more political space in the past year. If they turn violent or anti-democratic, terrorism could become the biggest concern.
Kugelman also noted instability risks following the League’s ban, while suggesting the BNP is well-positioned to return to power in upcoming elections.

The prosecution of Tribunal-1 announced Sunday that the investigation into the killing of Golam Nafiz, who was shot dead during the July uprising at Farmgate, is nearing completion.
The tribunal ordered the probe to be finalized by September 28.
Nafiz, a student of Navy College, died after being shot while wearing a Bangladeshi flag tied around his head. He collapsed on a rickshaw while being rushed to the hospital.
Separately, the tribunal directed investigators to complete the probe by October 12 in the Chattogram Wasim murder case, where 15 people, including Fazle Karim Chowdhury, stand accused.

Ahead of the DUCSU elections on September 9, NCP Convener Nahid Islam voiced strong support for Abdul Kader’s candidacy for the Vice President (VP) post.
Nahid wrote that Kader had never been in the spotlight but had consistently worked for movements before and after July’s student uprising. Describing him as a grassroots leader and a “symbol of courage and patriotism,” Nahid expressed hope that Kader would emerge as the true representative of students by overturning existing political equations.

Adviser for Home Affairs Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has urged law enforcement agencies not to work in favor of any political party.
Speaking on Sunday, he emphasized the importance of impartiality and patience, stating that transparency would earn the trust of the people. He also said the government’s failures often get highlighted, while successes remain underreported.
The adviser mentioned that police transfers and postings will be conducted via lottery before the elections. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam described the upcoming election as a “litmus test” for the police, urging officers to discharge duties neutrally despite pressure.

Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar has emphasized that no nation can progress if education and healthcare are treated as private commodities. “These must remain state responsibilities,” he said.

Speaking as an advisor, he stressed the need for volunteer services alongside government initiatives. “If implemented properly, these could advance the nation,” he noted.

Criticizing the current system, he argued that education reforms remain superficial and continue to produce “clerks” as per colonial legacy. He highlighted the weak educational backgrounds of Bangladeshi migrants, leading to low global earnings.

“By privatizing education and healthcare, we serve only a handful of elites at the cost of national interest,” he concluded.

Thousands took to the streets of London demanding the lifting of the ban on Palestine Action Group. The protest, organized by “Defend Our Juries,” drew around 1,500 demonstrators.

Clashes erupted when police moved in, with more than 425 protesters arrested. Eyewitnesses reported baton charges, protesters thrown to the ground, and arbitrary arrests for holding placards saying “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

Press Association reports noted police brutality, including one protester bleeding from the face after arrest. Police later claimed officers were subjected to “unprecedented violence, including punches, kicks, spitting, and stone-throwing.”

Angry protesters blocked the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway on Sunday, opposing the inclusion of two unions from Brahmanbaria-3 into Brahmanbaria-2 following constituency boundary changes.
The blockade, organized under the banner of the All-Party Struggle Council, began around 11 am at Chandura bus stand, causing a massive traffic jam stretching nearly 10 kilometers.
Leaders alleged that Chandura and Budhanti unions were unfairly shifted as part of a conspiracy, which would bring economic and administrative disadvantages to the area. Protesters demanded that both unions be reinstated in their original constituency.

Israeli forces killed 67 Palestinians across Gaza on Saturday in fresh airstrikes, bringing the death toll to 64,435 since the offensive began. Over 162,367 have been injured.

A 15-story tower block in Gaza City, alleged by Israel to be a Hamas stronghold, was bombed and destroyed — located opposite the UNRWA headquarters. Civilians continue to receive evacuation orders, but strikes often follow without notice.

Ground troops are also conducting operations. Thousands remain trapped under rubble as bombardments intensify. Israel’s Defense Minister shared footage on X of a Gaza high-rise collapsing, writing: “We continue.”

Shamim Hossain (23), a Dhaka University student contesting for DUCSU Vice President, has filed a General Diary (GD) with Shahbagh Police citing threats to his safety.

He claimed that his campaign — promising an independent student platform free from traditional party politics — has drawn conspiracies. “False propaganda linking me to political groups is spreading online and offline, putting my life at risk,” he wrote.

Shamim fears potential physical and psychological attacks before and after the election, expressing “severe insecurity” over his safety.