Filmmaker and adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has criticized what he sees as selective memory in Bangladesh’s intellectual circles.

“Our intelligentsia does not celebrate Osmani or Ziaur Rahman,” he wrote. “Yet these are the very people who talk about the spirit of the Liberation War—while those who fought on the ground or declared the war have been deliberately sidelined or dimmed in history.”

Farooki questioned why critical aspects of history remain unaddressed: “What were Osmani’s statements during the war? Did he differ on any issues? Why was he absent on December 16? Why was the surrender made to Indian forces? These are the questions that must now be asked.”

He added: “It is also time to document not only the atrocities of the Pakistanis but also the injustices and oppression faced by Bengalis in the pre-1947 years. We are beginning this work, and I believe the next government will carry it forward.”

On General Osmani’s birthday, Farooki recalled a moving memory: “Some footage of him during the Liberation War remains etched in my mind. But one moment will stay with me forever—his salute at Ziaur Rahman’s grave after Zia’s death. A rare gesture of love and respect from a general to his commander.”

The government is determined to curb tax evasion while boosting efficiency among businesses, said Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin on Monday during the 9th NTFC meeting.

“To facilitate trade, unnecessary regulations and restrictive controls will be reviewed,” he announced. “We want to ensure fairness and create a level playing field, which will increase trade volume and strengthen our economic capacity.”

He further emphasized: “We need an efficient trade regime that will drive significant progress in our national economy and serve as a strong platform for equitable distribution of resources.”

Chittagong City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain praised BNP as a liberal, democratic political party. He urged BNP leaders and activists to uphold the party’s ideals and prepare to regain governance with public support.
Reflecting on BNP’s founding by Ziaur Rahman on this day in 1978, he noted the party’s successes in parliamentary and government leadership over the years. He lauded Zia’s vision for national unity, development, and democracy, and emphasized Begum Khaleda Zia’s role in sustaining the party through political crises, including the post-2007 emergency period. Hossain said the country now awaits the return of BNP leader Tarique Rahman.

The Ministry of Education has issued a gazette declaring that the minimum educational qualification for presidents of committees at private secondary schools and colleges is a bachelor’s degree.
The revised regulations clarify the composition of the managing committee, including representatives of teachers, parents, founders, donors, and members actively involved in education, with the institution’s head serving as the member secretary. Detailed democratic procedures for committee elections are also outlined.

The government has sent letters to Interpol headquarters requesting Red Notices against three garment owners: Shahadat Hossain Shamim (TNZ Group), Ittemad Uddoula and Nabil Uddoula (DARD Group), and Mamunul Islam (ROR Fashion Ltd).
The Ministry of Labour stated the action aims to hold the owners accountable for labor rights violations, ensure workers receive their dues, and facilitate the return of accused individuals who have been abroad for extended periods.

Chief Election Commissioner A. M. M. Nasir Uddin stated following a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador that the upcoming 300-seat parliamentary election will be conducted fairly, with no advantage for those attempting to incite disturbances.
He emphasized that preparations have been accelerated since receiving instructions from the Chief Advisor and assured that the Election Commission is ready to manage the elections without bearing any blame. Uddin expressed optimism that political parties will reach a consensus on the election and praised the Chief Advisor’s efforts in allowing the commission to operate independently.

A Dhaka University student, identified as Ali Hossain, has sparked outrage after threatening Daksu election candidate B.M. Fahmida Alam with gang rape in a Facebook post.
Islami Chhatra Shibir condemned the incident and filed a formal complaint with the university proctor.
Shibir’s Dhaka University president, S.M. Farhad, said, “We immediately urged the administration to act against the accused. This culture of slut-shaming and abusive language against female students must be fought collectively.”
He also alleged that a “syndicate” was spreading propaganda against Shibir on social media. Meanwhile, Ali Hossain denied any political affiliation in a Facebook Live video.

A major mechanical failure disrupted the Cox’s Bazar–Dhaka Tourist Express on Monday night, when the engine’s buffer hook broke near Patiya, Chattogram, separating 18 coaches from the locomotive.
The incident occurred at 10:10 PM, about one kilometer from Patiya station, leaving the train with around 900 passengers stranded until 11 PM. Rescue efforts were launched, with an additional engine dispatched from Pahartali.
Station Master Rashedul Alam confirmed that railway security forces were deployed to ensure passenger safety.
Notably, a similar incident occurred on July 26 when a coach of the Cox’s Bazar Express became detached after a hook failure.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) Commissioner Dr. Md. Nazmul Karim Khan has been withdrawn following allegations that he blocked roads during his commute to and from work.
An official order signed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on Monday instructed him to hand over his responsibilities and report to Police Headquarters in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Earlier, he was issued a show-cause notice after multiple complaints surfaced regarding traffic disruptions caused by his movement.
Dr. Nazmul Karim Khan had been serving as GMP Commissioner since November 11 last year and was also elected President of the Bangladesh Police Service Association on May 1.

Authorities have identified two Chhatra League members responsible for violent clashes at Chittagong University, including one who attacked students with a machete. The individual has been identified as Faisal Mahmud Trishad, an outlawed Chhatra League leader and coordinator of West Gujra Union-11.
Another leader, Jahir Uddin Chowdhury Titu, reportedly incited locals to participate in the clashes and directed attacks on students. The university’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Md. Kamal Uddin, confirmed witnessing the violence firsthand. Despite this, law enforcement has yet to apprehend the leaders involved.

State Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that the government is closely examining the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) report on the sandstone looting in Goainhat. He warned that if the allegations are proven true, strict legal action will be taken against the culprits.
Chowdhury added that even if the report is found false, involved ACC officials will not be exempt from accountability. For maintaining election security, the Army, Navy, and Air Force will be deployed alongside additional personnel from Ansar and the APBN. On the attack on politician Nur, he described the incident as “highly unfortunate” and assured that law enforcement is taking action. Regarding universities, he emphasized resolving issues through teacher-student discussions and confirmed efforts to recover weapons looted after August 5.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stressed the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue despite differences among political parties. Speaking after receiving NCP’s anniversary greetings, he stated that democratic culture must prevail to eliminate past authoritarian tendencies.
He called for a national unity against fascism and encouraged fostering good political practices. NCP leader Sarjis Alam added that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has undermined both democracy and political culture, noting that building a “new Bangladesh” requires harmonious relationships among parties. Samanta Sharmin also warned against judicial manipulation for political influence in the DUCSU elections.

BNP leader Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu highlighted the historical struggles behind the party’s formation, stating that 47 years ago, the BNP was founded by the late President Ziaur Rahman to rescue citizens from extreme misrule. He condemned the Awami League’s past authoritarian practices, saying millions were held hostage under its oppressive regime.
Dulu reaffirmed that no one can dismantle the BNP as long as Bangladesh, the Bengali language, and national sovereignty endure. He also criticized past attacks on the Zia family, including the forced exile and neglect of Zia’s son, Arafat Rahman Koko, despite his non-involvement in politics.

On the occasion of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) 47th founding anniversary, a delegation from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sarjis Alam, visited BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office at 7:30 PM to convey their greetings.
Other NCP leaders present included Samanta Sharmin and Ariful Islam Adib. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Salahuddin Ahmed received the floral tributes on behalf of the party.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has warned that any attempt to manipulate the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections will be met with strict action. Speaking at a coordination meeting on security and traffic arrangements for DUCSU Elections 2025, he stated that the DMP is fully prepared to provide complete support in accordance with the directives of the Election Commission.
He emphasized that a coordinated effort by all government agencies is crucial to ensuring a safe and smooth election. “By working together, we can guarantee a fair and peaceful voting process,” the commissioner added.