U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the Gaza war is nearing its conclusion, saying he believes the conflict will reach a “final end” within two to three weeks. “This war must end,” Trump said on Monday, citing rising deaths, starvation, and worsening humanitarian conditions. While his administration has repeatedly pledged to help end the conflict, Washington has simultaneously approved billions in arms sales to Israel and rejected international moves to recognize a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital killed at least 21 people, including six journalists, with reporters from Reuters and Al Jazeera among the victims.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdullah Muhammad Taher warned that holding elections without reforms would drag Bangladesh back into fascism. “Reforms must be completed before the next election. Those opposing reforms have hidden agendas,” he said, adding that elections without changes would revive “Awami Jahiliyat.” Taher advocated for a proportional representation (PR) system, claiming it would end violence, curb vote-rigging, and ensure fair elections. “There is no alternative to PR—this is the only solution,” he asserted.

BUET students withdrew their sit-in outside Hotel Intercontinental early Tuesday morning, three hours into their demonstration, following assurances of a meeting with the Education Advisor and the Public Administration Secretary. The protest began after a former BUET student, Rokon, was allegedly threatened with death inside the office of a DESCO executive engineer over the diploma-to-BSc issue. Students staged a sudden night procession, blocked Shahbagh intersection, and later occupied the hotel premises demanding justice. Police intervened around 4:30 AM, after which students agreed to return to campus. BUET students had earlier staged movements pressing for reforms in the quota for diploma engineers.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations, the Anhui Museum of China and the National Museum of Bangladesh jointly inaugurated a special exhibition on Monday. The exhibition, displayed in the National Museum’s lobby, showcases replicas and photographs highlighting the 5,000-year-old Lingjiatan civilization. Environmentalist and advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan inaugurated the event as chief guest, while Anhui Vice Governor Sun Yong attended as special guest. The prehistoric Lingjiatan site, discovered in 1987, spans 1.4 million square meters and dates back over five millennia. The exhibition runs until September 26, open to visitors Saturday–Wednesday (10:30 AM–5:30 PM) and Fridays (2:30 PM–7:00 PM). It remains closed on Thursdays and public holidays.

Islami Chhatra Shibir at Jagannath University held a press conference on Monday, presenting five demands, including approval of the JnUCSU (Jagannath University Central Students’ Union) policy within 15 days, a clear roadmap for its execution, and provision of supplementary scholarships. Branch secretary Arif said, “Since the establishment of JnU, we have faced continuous neglect. We no longer wish to remain deprived. Quick implementation of our demands will benefit both students and the administration.” He added that Shibir is ready to cooperate if the administration shows sincerity, but warned of strict programs if demands remain unmet.

On the second day of hearings, the Election Commission (EC) settled 513 objections regarding the boundaries of 20 constituencies across nine districts in Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions. Applicants demanded that all four constituencies in Bagerhat remain unchanged, while residents of Barguna and Pirojpur called for the creation of an additional parliamentary seat in each district. Meanwhile, representatives from the three hill districts—Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban—urged the EC to increase their collective seat count to eight. Applicants argued that reducing Bagerhat’s constituencies would be discriminatory and unjust.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has accused the ruling authorities of ignoring serious allegations of extortion against leaders and advisors of newly formed political parties. He alleged conspiracies to derail the upcoming February elections, saying, “Some want to question its credibility, others want to delay it with foreign backing. But the people are united—they will accept nothing short of a free and fair election.” Haque criticized Islamic parties advocating for a PR system, saying their aim is to secure seats with minimal votes. He accused new political groups of conspiring with foreign influence for power, while stressing that BNP remains committed to solving people’s problems. “Elections must reflect the people’s choice. It is they who decide who governs,” he said.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has strongly condemned the attempted harassment of Advisor Mahfuz Alam by Awami League activists outside the Bangladesh Consulate in New York. In a statement, he wrote: “Freedom of expression and peaceful protest are fundamental to democracy, but they must be exercised responsibly. Violence, intimidation, and chaos are not democracy.” He said the incident reflects why Awami League’s activities have been banned in Bangladesh, as the party has repeatedly terrorized the public and resorted to destructive behavior—this time even abroad. “The right to dissent is sacred, earned through the blood and sacrifice of the martyrs of the July uprising. Protests must be conducted with dignity, not hostility,” he added.

Revolutionary Workers Party leader Saiful Haque has warned that if uncertainty over the February elections deepens, security risks will escalate. “We could lose both power and stability,” he cautioned. He urged all election stakeholders to act responsibly and demanded the withdrawal of controversial advisors, restructuring of the advisory council, and full administrative control under the government. “The Election Commission’s first duty is to rebuild public trust in the electoral system. Draft rules must be shared with political parties before finalization, and key ministries must be placed under the commission during the polls,” Saiful said, stressing the need to move beyond divisive politics.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, has rejected proposals for a Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, saying countries that adopted it did not benefit. “We want free and fair elections, not PR,” he asserted. Manna recalled that within just 25 days of mass protests, Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country, with 1,500 protesters sacrificing their lives. “Yet extortion, land-grabbing, robbery, and price hikes continue. Trust in police is still absent, and corruption remains rampant,” he said. He stressed the need for restoring public trust in law enforcement, adding that only then would truly free elections be possible. While critical of the interim government’s performance, he urged political unity to ensure credible elections.

Gen-Z activists in Dhaka organized a rally titled “March for Arakan” demanding an independent homeland for Rohingyas. The march, held on International Rohingya Genocide Remembrance Day, began at Shahbagh and ended at the Central Shaheed Minar under the banner of Bangladesh People’s Coalition for Rohingya Rights. Rohingya youth Ahnaf Alam recounted the long history of persecution faced by his people, saying, “Despite centuries of presence in Arakan, our very existence is being erased. Misconceptions and hostility towards us must end.” Spokesperson Shahriar Fahad presented an eight-point demand for Rohingya liberation and independence of Arakan.

National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman has stated that Rohingya refugees are prepared to return to Myanmar, but only with rights, dignity, and security ensured. He shared outcomes from the latest dialogue, where Rohingyas directly voiced their concerns and aspirations. Six key priorities emerged: ensuring their participation in solutions, safe and permanent repatriation, access to food, healthcare, and education, building trust among stakeholders, eliminating criminal activities for stability, and ensuring accountability for crimes committed against them. “Our focus is to amplify their collective voice at the upcoming UN conference and ensure safe repatriation through regional cooperation,” Rahman said. He added that Bangladesh continues to bear the burden of the crisis with the support of international and regional partners.

Law Advisor Asif Nazrul has pledged that by December 2026, the government will ensure that legal aid services cover 200,000 cases every month. Speaking on the government’s commitment to saving time, money, and effort for justice seekers, he said: “Legal aid will not depend on external donations. With proper use of resources, much can be achieved.” Nazrul stressed the importance of long-term accessibility: “Even after we leave office, people must continue to benefit. If legal aid is made widely available, countless disputes can be resolved at minimal cost. Already, 90% of recipients have expressed satisfaction with verdicts.” He assured that within six months, legal aid infrastructure would be established in every district.

Advisor Sharmin S. Murshid has called for urgent reforms in Bangladesh’s NGO sector, citing widespread irregularities. “We must move beyond corruption and build a credible, effective system. The goal is to bring competent individuals and NGOs to work in partnership with state institutions,” she said. Sharmin emphasized the need for integrity in public service: “We are not here for power; we are here to serve. Our time in office is short, but we must leave with our heads held high, having tried our utmost.” She acknowledged the challenges of undoing 16 years of misrule within a short transitional period, urging citizens to recognize both the limitations and the sincere efforts of the current administration.

Leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League and Awami League vandalized doors and windows of the Bangladesh Consulate in New York. The attack was reportedly led by US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad, and Ibadur Rahman Chowdhury, along with nearly 50 activists. New York police quickly dispersed the attackers and detained two individuals, though they were later released. The consulate is considering legal action against those involved. Consul General Mohammad Mozammel Haque stated that the matter would be discussed with higher authorities before a decision is made, adding, “This involves diplomatic immunity. We are in contact with local law enforcement and have already informed Mayor Eric Adams.” Intelligence agencies have begun investigating and are collecting video footage of the incident.