BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has claimed that Dr. Muhammad Yunus has no intention of entering politics and is instead trying to restore peace in Bangladesh.

Speaking before BNP’s voluntary canal-cleaning program, Fakhrul accused Sheikh Hasina of continuing her “evil politics” from abroad, alleging she is instigating unrest from India. He urged party members to uphold Ziaur Rahman’s ideals, warning that BNP must not become a “sycophantic party” like Awami League.

Fakhrul also assured that BNP would maintain balance of power in the future, contrasting with Sheikh Hasina’s previous control of “everything.” He called on police to act responsibly, emphasizing that BNP would not disrupt student union elections or provoke unrest.

The Dhaka University administration has formed a two-member fact-finding committee to investigate a gang-rape threat made against Fahmida, the female student who filed a High Court writ over the Daksu election.

The committee, headed by Returning Officer Prof. Dr. Kazi Mostak Gausul Haque and assisted by Proctorial Taskforce member Jahangir Alam, has been given three days to submit its report.

The accused, Ali Hossain, is a Sociology student from the 2020–21 session and a resident of Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has ordered that Nurul Haque Nur, who sustained serious injuries in a recent attack, be sent abroad immediately for advanced medical treatment.

The directive came on Tuesday after Nur’s wife, Maria Akter, met with the Chief Adviser at Jamuna. During the meeting, Maria broke down in tears while describing her husband’s condition: “He has suffered brain hemorrhage, a broken nose, and injuries to his jaw and spine. He urgently needs treatment abroad.”

Yunus expressed shock over the incident and assured full government support for Nur’s recovery. “We are taking every necessary step to ensure his proper treatment. A judicial inquiry is already underway,” he said.

Meanwhile, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul confirmed that a one-member judicial probe committee, headed by Justice Ali Reza, has been formed. The official gazette will be published tomorrow, and the committee has been tasked with submitting its findings within 15 days.

Shibir leader S.M. Forhad has accused Chhatra Dal of reviving slogans once used by Chhatra League, including the chant “Catch every Shibir member, slaughter them one by one.”

“For years, Awami League followed a brutal process of student politics. Now Chhatra Dal is trying to bring it back,” Forhad told reporters. He alleged that since August 5 last year, at least 30 rape cases have been filed against Chhatra Dal activists nationwide.

Forhad also dismissed propaganda labeling him as a Shibir leader, saying he personally lodged a written complaint with the university proctor’s office against the allegations. “We welcome the petitioner’s move, and we will respect the court’s verdict,” he said.

He further linked Chhatra Dal to recent attacks on Chittagong University students and vandalism at the Raksu building, allegedly carried out under BNP leaders’ direction.

Jamaat leader Mujibur Rahman has strongly condemned the violent attack on Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) President Nurul Haque Nur, describing it as “beyond words.”

“This attack must be thoroughly investigated, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice swiftly,” Mujibur demanded while visiting Nur at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

He also called for collective efforts to ensure unity and integrity in the run-up to national elections. “A credible election requires consensus on all major issues, including the question of a referendum. Without that, the future of our electoral process will remain bleak,” he warned.

Mujibur also appealed to the nation to pray for Nur’s recovery.

Severe floods have hit Punjab after continuous rainfall in hilly areas caused the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers to overflow. So far, 29 people have died and over 250,000 are affected across multiple districts. Over 1,000 villages are submerged, and tens of thousands are stranded or relocated to shelters. Agriculture and livestock have suffered major losses. Rescue operations by the army, NDRF, and police continue, but experts warn long-term planning is needed to prevent future climate-related disasters.

Education Adviser C.R. Abrar has expressed deep concern over the ongoing stalemate in the country’s educational institutions, calling the situation “unfortunate” and “undesirable.”

“The ministry is worried, but these issues can and will be resolved through dialogue,” Abrar said, assuring that the government is actively monitoring developments.

He emphasized that recent unrest across several universities has severely disrupted academic activities — something no one wants. “All problems will be addressed in the shortest possible time. The Education Ministry is fully committed to extending every form of support needed,” Abrar added.

Over 100,000 people in Sudan have been infected with cholera in the past year, as the country faces its largest hunger crisis. The outbreak, described as the worst in recent years, has claimed at least 2,561 lives since August 2024. The cholera surge coincides with ongoing conflict between the military and Rapid Support Forces, which has killed over 20,000 people and displaced 14 million. Humanitarian agencies warn urgent aid is needed to prevent further catastrophe.

Belgium will officially recognize Palestine as a state during the UN General Assembly in September, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot announced. The decision includes 12 sanctions on Israel, such as banning settlement imports and reviewing procurement with Israeli firms. Prévot said the move responds to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. France, Australia, and Canada have also pledged recognition. Currently, 147 UN member states recognize Palestine. Belgian prosecutors recently referred Israeli soldiers to the ICC for alleged war crimes.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has slightly reduced the retail price of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas.

For September, a 12-kg LPG cylinder will cost Tk 1,270, down by Tk 3 from Tk 1,273. The price of autogas has also been reduced by Tk 0.13 to Tk 58.15 per liter.

The Taliban government has confirmed that the death toll from the powerful earthquake in Afghanistan has climbed to 1,411.

Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reported that Kunar province suffered the worst devastation, with over 3,124 people injured and more than 5,400 homes destroyed. Rescue efforts remain hampered by landslides, collapsed roads, and communication blackouts in mountainous regions.

The UN has warned that the toll is likely to rise further as access to affected areas remains extremely limited.

A catastrophic landslide struck Sudan’s southern Marra mountain region on August 31, killing more than 1,000 people and erasing an entire village. Only one resident reportedly survived. The Sudan Liberation Movement confirmed the tragedy, appealing to the UN and international groups for help in recovering bodies. Many victims had sought refuge in the remote mountains to escape the ongoing civil war between Sudan’s army and paramilitary forces. The disaster highlights the deadly mix of conflict, displacement, and natural calamity in the region.

The caretaker government has expressed regret over the attack on former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur, with officials confirming that a judicial inquiry committee will be announced by tonight.

The assurance came after Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a meeting with representatives of seven political parties and Hefazat-e-Islam.

Rashed Khan, a student leader, said the government has also agreed to send Nur abroad for medical treatment. Participants in the meeting further called for electoral reforms, including consideration of proportional representation and a referendum on its implementation.

The chairman of First Security Islami Bank (FSIB), Abdul Mannan, has accused S. Alam Group of siphoning off nearly Tk 38,000 crore through anonymous loans from the bank.

Speaking after a meeting with the Bangladesh Bank governor, Mannan said multiple audits confirmed the embezzlement, with much of the money already laundered abroad. He named Saiful Alam, chairman of S. Alam Group, as the prime beneficiary.

The massive loan default has pushed FSIB into a severe crisis. Bangladesh Bank is reportedly planning to merge five weak banks, including FSIB, raising concerns over job security for employees and deposit safety for customers.

Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam has said that whether former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun receives clemency will be determined by the court, not the prosecution.

He revealed that Mamun admitted his crimes out of “conscience” and even applied to testify as a state witness. His testimony, Tazul said, is an irrefutable document against enforced disappearances and killings spanning the last 15 years in Bangladesh.

Earlier, Mamun gave statements before the tribunal implicating Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others in the July killings case.