Iran will present a draft resolution at the upcoming IAEA General Conference in Vienna, declaring attacks on nuclear facilities unacceptable. Diplomatic sources confirmed Tehran is finalizing the text. Russia’s envoy Mikhail Ulyanov supported the move, criticizing a Wall Street Journal reporter for confusing the IAEA Board of Governors with the General Conference. He said anti-Russian voices should prepare better before commenting. The conference begins on September 15 and will continue for five days.

China marked the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II by unveiling a vast array of new weapons, many shown for the first time. Key highlights include the DF-61 intercontinental missile, DF-17 hypersonic missile, YJ-12 anti-ship cruise missile, J-15T fighter jet, and AI-powered drones. Experts say the arsenal demonstrates nuclear triad strength and rapid growth, signaling deterrence toward the U.S. The Tiananmen Square parade ended with an 80-gun salute and release of 80,000 doves.

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan accused the Awami League of systematically destroying the country’s once-thriving jute industry.
He recalled that late President Ziaur Rahman had introduced the first eight-hour work shifts and worked to modernize mills, but in the past 15 years, the sector has been left in ruins.

Highlighting the closure of historic mills like Ghorashal and Fouji Jute Mills in Narsingdi, Moin said workers are now living in misery. “When BNP returns to power, those responsible for this destruction will be held accountable,” he declared.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur announced that no bonuses will be issued at loss-making banks.
“Banks with capital below 10% and provisioning losses cannot declare dividends or bonuses,” he said, adding that loans overdue for three months would be classified as non-performing.

Mansur noted improvements in financial discipline, including a sharp decline in hundi transactions that once siphoned off 30% of remittances. He also confirmed that the central bank bought $1 billion in dollars last month without causing a price spike.

Despite progress, he admitted concerns over inflation and warned that 30% of loans may default by June. Talks with the government on merging five troubled banks will begin Sunday.

Religious Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain has said that governments have a responsibility to ensure the proper use of social media in line with Islamic teachings.
“Promoting knowledge, standing for truth, and avoiding falsehood and obscenity are essential,” he told a conference in Islamabad.

He noted that social media has become a powerful global force shaping thought, education, and culture, but warned its misuse could spread vulgarity, false ideologies, and moral decline. The event was chaired by Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has said his party is open to discussions with the government and Election Commission on the Proportional Representation system.
He warned that without elections based on the July Charter, the people would be deprived of a fair outcome. “Repeating failed elections of the past is not an option,” Taher stated.

He stressed that Bangladeshis no longer wish to live under fascism or dictatorship and vowed that the democratic uprising of 2024 would not be allowed to fail.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu declared that his party is the only force capable of saving the country, urging leaders and activists to remain united and vigilant.
He accused Sheikh Hasina’s government of “limitless plunder” that destroyed the banking sector, expressing confidence that Tarique Rahman would recover looted wealth once in power.

Dudu also recalled BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s sacrifices for democracy, highlighting Tarique Rahman as a “tested leader forged through long struggles.”
“Standing with Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman will give them strength to lead the nation forward,” he said.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh within weeks, said senior leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain.
He reiterated that elections will take place in February, warning against “fallen autocrats plotting to steal people’s rights.”

Calling demands for Proportional Representation (PR) unconstitutional, Zahid stressed that the constitution cannot simply be discarded. “We must act in line with people’s aspirations, not emotions,” he added.

DUCSU VP candidate Abdul Kader announced that his first initiative, if elected, will be to enforce a “one bed, one student” system in dormitories.
“Currently, students must run after so-called local patrons just to get a hall seat, while administrations stay silent. We will end this culture,” he said.

Kader also promised clear policies on hall politics, saying students have shown strong support. He criticized the placement of polling centers away from dormitories, calling it a tactic to discourage student turnout.

Vice President candidate Abu Sadiq Kayem has accused the Election Commission of gross negligence, claiming it failed to act on numerous complaints.
“They talk about ensuring campus safety, yet allow outsiders inside. How can that be safe?” Sadiq asked.

He pledged to institutionalize DUCSU with a fixed annual calendar, ensure merit-based faculty recruitment instead of political favoritism, and push for new dormitories to resolve the chronic housing crisis.
“We will guarantee food and health security, and deliver on the promises students had when they first enrolled,” he vowed.

Adviser Asif Mahmud has accused several groups of conspiring to delay the upcoming elections despite previously demanding polls in December or at various times.
“They had hoped to bring back the Awami League under the guise of an ‘inclusive election,’ but since the February polls exclude fascist forces, they’ve lost their composure,” he said.

Mahmud stressed that the government is moving forward with its three key agendas: reform, justice, and democratic transformation. The implementation of the July Charter is nearing completion, and with national consensus, elections will be held at the scheduled time.
“With the cooperation of political parties, civil society, and spontaneous public participation, we can ensure a fair and meaningful election this time,” he added.

Kader Siddiqui Bir Uttam, president of Krishak Sramik Janata League, collapsed during an extended party meeting in Sakhipur, Tangail, on Saturday.

Witnesses said he fainted while listening to speeches after delivering his welcome address. Party leaders rushed him home, where doctors provided primary care. Siddiqui remains under medical observation at his residence.

Hefazat-e-Islam has strongly condemned the exhumation and burning of Nural Pagla’s body in Rajbari, calling it “disgraceful and unacceptable.”

In a statement, the Islamist group accused local authorities of failing to prevent the violence, despite repeated appeals from residents against the controversial shrine built in Kaaba’s likeness and Nural Pagla’s self-proclaimed messianic claims.

Hefazat warned that failure to protect religious sentiments of Muslims risks further unrest, while accusing leftist and progressive circles of “hypocrisy and silence” when Islamic values are attacked.

Farmers in Roumari upazila, Kurigram, are facing an acute shortage of urea, TSP, and DAP fertilizers, leading to repeated demonstrations and confinement of dealers and agricultural officers.

Police eventually intervened to restore order. According to officials, fertilizer allocation for the Aman season is far below actual demand. Allegations have surfaced that local dealers, in collusion with some agriculture officials, have diverted fertilizer to private retailers at inflated prices.

The Upazila Agriculture Officer admitted to supply shortages but assured that steps are being taken to resolve the crisis soon.

Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Rashed Khan has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating health of former student leader Nurul Haque Nur.

Rashed said Nur is now experiencing short-term memory loss, frequent nosebleeds, and difficulty maintaining balance. “When I visited him Saturday morning, he could barely sit upright. His jaw and nose remain fractured, and his condition shows no improvement,” Rashed reported.

He alleged that despite government assurances, efforts to take Nur abroad for advanced treatment are being obstructed by “a section within the ruling party.”