Over the past three days, a total of 945 tons of coarse rice has been imported from India through Benapole Land Port in Sharsha Upazila, Jessore, arriving in 27 trucks. The latest shipment of 420 tons arrived on August 27. The government aims to stabilize domestic rice prices through these imports. Importers, with the help of C&F agents, are expediting customs clearance, and more rice-laden trucks are awaiting entry. The last import via this port was on April 15.

The Multimedia Reporters Association has strongly criticized Umama Fatema for her derogatory comments targeting journalists, particularly mobile journalists, while running for DUCSU VP. The association stated that mobile journalism is a vital tool for rapid, on-the-spot reporting, strengthening democratic processes. Secretary Akhtaruzzaman said Fatema is obstructing journalists under the guise of “personal privacy,” ignoring that DUCSU elections are public events. The association demanded that Fatema retract her statements immediately.

Dr. Kamal Hossain, Emeritus President of Gono Forum, called for unity among all democratic forces, warning that partisan domination in previous governments destroyed constitutional and financial institutions, undermining democracy. He urged interim authorities to implement necessary reforms and credible elections. Meanwhile, ZM Zahid Hossain raised concerns over a 200-crore transaction related to an adviser position and the immense wealth of senior officials, noting the lack of accountability even during law enforcement operations. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding free speech and maintaining the dignity of respected figures like Dr. Yunus.

BNP leader Aminul Haque highlighted the severe shortage of sports facilities across Bangladesh, stressing the importance of physical activity for youth development. He promised that under a BNP government, sports would be mandatory in every school and college. Additionally, vacant land in wards, police stations, and sub-districts would be preserved and converted into playgrounds, with walking tracks for the elderly. Aminul cited the need to curb mobile phone overuse and enhance children’s physical and mental health. He said party chairperson Tarique Rahman has pledged to improve sports infrastructure nationwide and promote a drug-free Bangladesh through active sports programs.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, emphasized the need to form a government composed entirely of honest individuals. “The people should not send corrupt individuals to parliament,” he stated. Manna praised former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as a good leader who did not siphon national funds abroad, contrasting her tenure with alleged financial misconduct during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. At the same event, LDP General Secretary Redowan Ahmed criticized the Jamaat party for its historical collaboration with Pakistani forces and continued harassment of freedom fighters. He argued that proportional representation elections would be illogical and legally unacceptable in Bangladesh, citing Nepal’s frequent government changes under such a system.

The government has drafted a new Haor Master Plan to ensure sustainable development in Bangladesh’s wetland regions. Prepared by the Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Development Board through a comprehensive survey, the draft is now open for public feedback from August 24. The report is available on the Ministry of Water Resources website (www.mowr.gov.bd) and the Haor Board website (dbhwd.gov.bd). Comments and suggestions can be submitted by September 23 via email to dbhwd.hmp@gmail.com

Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the Chief Adviser, visited Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) to see VP Nurul Haque Nur, who was injured during clashes between the National Party and the Gana Odhikar Parishad, followed by police action. Alam arrived at the hospital’s emergency department around 11:15 PM on Friday. Earlier in the evening, tensions had erupted between party supporters. Several individuals, including Nur, were first taken to a private hospital but were later transferred to DMCH for advanced treatment.

Adviser Asif Nazrul has strongly condemned the violent attack on VP Nurul Haque Nur by police and military personnel. In a Facebook post, Nazrul stated, “I strongly denounce and protest the barbaric attack on VP Nurul Haque Nur.” In response, Hasnat Abdullah commented: “Is protesting your job? Please stop the hypocrisy, sir. You will have to answer for what you were appointed for. We have reports on who obstructed what and where. Focus on doing your work rather than these symbolic protests.” Meanwhile, NCP leader Ariful Islam Adib noted that recent political developments have exposed attempts by the deep state, neighboring powers, and old elite factions to engineer elections along the 2008 model. He added that it will gradually become clear who will form the government and who will be in opposition.

Five young men have been arrested for attempting to illegally enter India through the Kalmokanda border in Netrokona. They were sent to jail on Friday. According to officials, three individuals were handed over to the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) by the Border Security Force (BSF) after being intercepted at the Kochugura border point on Friday afternoon. Earlier, on Thursday night, a BGB patrol team apprehended two others attempting to cross via the Bolmath border. Sources confirmed that a BGB operation, conducted based on secret intelligence, saw three of the youths flee into India, where they were later detained by the BSF and returned to local BGB custody.

Ganadhikar Parishad Advisor Asif Nazrul strongly condemned the attack on VP Nurul Haque Nur on social media, calling it a “barbaric assault.” However, Hasnat Abdullah commented, urging restraint and focusing on actionable work rather than protests. Meanwhile, NCP leader Ariful Islam Adib claimed that attempts are underway to orchestrate elections under the 2008 model, coordinated by “deep state, neighboring powers, and former looters,” highlighting political manipulation of government formation.

The final list of candidates for the JAKSU elections has been released, with a total of 179 contestants vying for various positions. According to Election Commission Secretary Rashidul Alam, 10 candidates are contesting for the Vice President (VP) post, while 9 are competing for the General Secretary (GS) position. The commission also reported that 86 candidates withdrew their nominations, and 6 candidates were disqualified for filing nominations for multiple posts, bringing the total number of invalidated nominations to 92. The deadline for nomination withdrawals ended on Thursday, and the commission released the final list the following day. Voting is scheduled to take place on September 11.

Stone extraction at Madhyapara Granite Mine in Dinajpur has been temporarily suspended due to a shortage of ammonium-based explosives, imported from India. The German contractor Trust Consortium, responsible for mining and maintenance, halted operations yesterday. The mine typically produces 5,500 tons of stone daily, worth around 15 million Taka, leading to significant daily financial losses during the halt. Authorities expect shipments of explosives to arrive within 2–3 days, after which extraction and development activities are likely to resume.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Ganadhikar Parishad, stated that Nurul Haque Nur’s condition is extremely critical. “Nur is being transferred from Islami Bank to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. His situation is very serious. A press briefing will be held at 11:30 PM,” Rashed confirmed. Rashed further described the extent of Nur’s injuries: “Nur’s nose is fractured, his eyes are in very bad condition, and his hand is broken. He is in a critical state. Whether he survives, I don’t know. I myself was attacked, and over a hundred of our activists have been injured.”

Zunaid Saki, leader of the Ganashanghati Movement, has emphasized that to definitively defeat fascism, the country must establish a sustainable democratic system. “For this, the upcoming elections must be free, fair, and credible,” he stated. Saki warned that one faction is attempting to confront reforms with elections, but stressed that genuine electoral processes are essential to advance justice and reform. “At this moment, justice, reform, and elections are in the national interest of the country. Everyone must recognize the importance of their vote to strengthen democracy,” he added. He noted that while the fall of dictatorship followed the recent uprising, the remnants of fascist structures have yet to be fully dismantled. Saki called for prioritizing representative elections through the exercise of people’s voting rights and emphasized that democratic transformation can be achieved through necessary reforms implemented by elected representatives. He also reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to continue fighting against fascism in the future.

Japan is reforming its skill development program for foreign workers, allowing job changes in seven key sectors after two years at the first workplace. The new policy, effective from 2027, requires workers to remain within the same industry and offers permanent work opportunities through the “Specified Skilled Worker” visa after three years. Restrictions on relocation apply in high-wage prefectures like Tokyo and Osaka, while companies elsewhere cannot hire more than one-third foreign workers. The move addresses Japan’s labor shortage amid an aging population.