U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at possible new sanctions on Russia if the war in Ukraine continues. Speaking with Polish President Andrzej Duda in the Oval Office, Trump said that if he is dissatisfied with Vladimir Putin’s response, “something will happen.” He denied being soft on Moscow, citing sanctions on India for Russian oil as proof of his firm stance. Trump plans to speak with Ukrainian President Zelensky soon to determine the next steps.

A U.S. federal court has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to suspend nearly $2 billion in Harvard University research funding, calling it illegal and a violation of the university’s right to free expression. Judge Allison Burroughs ruled that while anti-Semitism exists at Harvard, it was not the real reason for the funding cuts, and issued an injunction to ensure ongoing grants are not withheld. Harvard considers this a major legal victory, though an appeal from the administration is expected.

The Shramik Adhikar Parishad has warned of a siege at the Secretariat if justice is not delivered for the recent attack on Nurul Haque Nur.

At a protest rally, leader Abu Hanif said:
“On August 29, Nur and over a hundred activists, including Al Imran and Nazmul Hasan, were injured in an assault allegedly carried out by police and army personnel. Six days have passed, yet no action has been taken.”

Hanif declared that the attack on Nur was tantamount to an attack on July’s mass uprising. He accused elements within the administration of trying to bring back the Awami League through the Jatiya Party.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that freedom of expression by political parties, regardless of stance, is a hallmark of democratic culture and should not be dismissed as mud-slinging.

Speaking at a briefing, Rizvi alleged that though Sheikh Hasina has fled, her loyalists within the administration continue to orchestrate unrest to undermine the interim government and obstruct free elections.

He accused former regime figures of conspiring to destabilize the country, warning that no power is greater than the people. “No matter how many conspiracies are hatched, they will fail, and democracy will return through fair elections,” he added.

Rizvi also praised the innovative talents of student Nabil, noting that acting BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has extended congratulations and financial support to him.

July Unity has issued an ultimatum demanding the ban of the National Party and 14 other parties allied with the Awami League, citing their role in alleged genocide, oppression, and disruption of democracy. The group consulted with families of martyrs, injured activists, and 80 organizations aligned with the July Mass Uprising before deciding. If the interim government fails to act by September 9, July Unity plans legal measures and street protests to enforce the ban and hold these parties accountable.

The Finance Division has approved the procurement of 220 vehicles—including 195 Mitsubishi Pajero QX-2427cc SUVs and 25 microbuses—for deputy commissioners’ offices and upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) to ensure smooth functioning during the upcoming national elections in February.

Each SUV will cost Tk 1.69 crore, while each microbus is priced at Tk 52 lakh, bringing the total expenditure to over Tk 343 crore.

The approval comes with conditions: the new vehicles will be used as replacements, and the old ones must be declared unserviceable by BRTA inspectors before disposal.

Earlier, on August 21, a proposal was also placed for 280 vehicles, including 60 earmarked for ministers, advisers, state ministers, and deputy ministers of the next elected government. The Finance Division has now given its nod to that proposal as well.

BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy called for vigilance against inequality masquerading as reform. He cautioned that voters need to recognize candidates personally, rather than blindly following party symbols or slogans.

He emphasized that the nation’s citizens cast their votes based on parties, individuals, and reputation. “We must focus on holding timely, single-issue elections nationwide. When the entire country engages in elections, conspirators will have nowhere to hide,” he said.

Addressing participants of the July uprising, Roy urged them to focus on the future, warning against becoming pawns in political games and instead dedicating themselves to establishing democracy. He also praised Tarique Rahman’s leadership, noting that despite his long stay abroad, Rahman has not faltered in guiding the movement. “He will continue to play a key role in defending democracy in the future,” Roy said.

BNP leader Begum Selima Rahman has accused the ruling government of plundering the country under the pretext of upholding the spirit of the Liberation War. She warned that a new “2024 mentality” is emerging, being used to undermine the upcoming elections.

Speaking on political accountability, Selima stressed that despite the fall of authoritarianism, the struggle is far from over. “We must ensure the people’s right to vote. No further conspiracies will be allowed,” she said.

She affirmed that the BNP is fully prepared for the next election and called on all party leaders and activists to work toward this goal. Addressing the controversy over the proportional representation system, she remarked that in such a system, citizens would not even know whom they are voting for. “The people will elect their leaders. The BNP will fight for votes and, more importantly, for democracy,” she added.

The government has constituted a three-member inquiry commission to investigate the recent attack on Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gono Adhikar Parishad.

The commission will be headed by Justice Md. Ali Reza of the High Court Division, with the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division as members.

The panel has been given 30 working days to submit its findings, including identifying those responsible for the assault and recommending legal action against them. It will also propose measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Following the Chief Adviser’s directive, Bangladesh is dispatching emergency relief to Afghanistan after a devastating earthquake struck the country’s eastern region on September 1.

The aid package—set to be flown today (Friday) on a Bangladesh Air Force special aircraft—includes dry food, baby food, blankets, winter clothing, tents, drinking water, and essential medicines.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than 2,200 people have been killed, over 3,000 severely injured, and at least 8,000 homes completely destroyed in the quake. Describing the disaster as a major humanitarian crisis, officials said the relief underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to standing by Afghanistan in this critical hour.

The Dhaka University (DU) administration has announced that all campus entrances will be closed to the general public from 8:00 PM on September 8 until 6:00 AM on September 10 in connection with the upcoming DUCSU elections.

According to the official notice, only students, faculty, and staff holding valid DU ID cards will be allowed to enter the campus. Family members of these individuals may enter by presenting a copy of the relevant ID card.

No vehicles will be allowed on campus during this period, except for DU-stickered vehicles and those engaged in emergency services. Family members who are neither DU students nor employees and need to access the campus for urgent reasons are advised to obtain a security pass from the Proctor’s Office.

Addressing Abdul Kader, a candidate for Dhaka University Vice President, Bangladesh Nationalist Student Party (JSD) President Rakibul Islam assured: “Kader, I promise that the BNP student wing will stand firmly with you against the descendants of Rajakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams, InshaAllah.”

Rakib also highlighted the exposure of certain militant networks within rival student groups. He said, “Leaders and operatives trained for cyberbullying are systematically targeting not only conscious women leaders but anyone with opposing views. These individuals must be identified and held accountable. Over time, justice will be ensured.”

Earlier, Kader described his struggle for safety: “I do not need to win DU elections; I just want to survive. Since speaking about the Rajakars, harassment has escalated daily. I cannot sleep, and even my family faces threats.”

UN Resident Coordinator Gwenn Lewis met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to discuss ongoing reforms and development priorities. Lewis praised strong UN-interim government collaboration and reiterated full UN support for the general elections in February, calling them vital for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. They also reviewed preparations for the upcoming UN General Assembly and the end-of-month Rohingya conference, expressing concern over declining humanitarian aid. Yunus emphasized the urgent need for sustainable international support for the Rohingya.

DU vice-presidential candidate Abdul Kader wrote that he does not seek victory; he just wants to survive. He described escalating threats and harassment, saying they have caused sleepless nights and physical trembling. Kader criticized online propaganda and appeals targeting his family, warning of continued trauma if the harassment persists.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the war in Ukraine can end either through negotiations or military force. While he prefers dialogue, he stressed that all objectives will be met if necessary by force. He reiterated that Ukraine must abandon NATO ambitions and end discrimination against Russian speakers. Putin is open to talks if President Zelensky visits Moscow, though Ukraine has rejected Moscow as a venue. The conflict continues amid Russia’s annexation of four regions and ongoing Western sanctions.