A delegation from the South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus today. The delegation included Rashmi Goswami, Sarup Ijaz, Dikshe Ilangasinghe, Anushaya Kallure, and Saeed Ahmed. During the meeting, Chief Adviser Yunus highlighted the government’s focus on youth participation in governance since taking office. “We have ensured youth representation in the Reform Commission, policy-making, and state administration. Those who once felt hopeless are now leading the nation in the post-uprising era. As the older generation, it is our duty to guide and support them,” he said. Rashmi Goswami remarked, “This is not just a transformative moment for Bangladesh, but for the entire South Asian region. We have spoken with members of civil society here, and expectations from this government—especially among the youth—are very high. Meeting those expectations will be a major challenge.” The SAHR delegation praised the interim government’s reform initiatives and its commitment to upholding human rights.

Legal Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has revealed that nearly 20,000 politically motivated false cases filed during the previous Awami League regime have been withdrawn. However, after the withdrawal, stakeholders have expressed concern that some of those cases did involve actual militants and terrorists. “Suppose 100 people were labeled as militants — out of them, around 5 to 10 may have genuinely been militants,” Dr. Nazrul explained. He said he had informed Nabila that if any individual wrongly accused in such cases could present concrete evidence, the Ministry of Law would ensure swift resolution. Dr. Nazrul further noted that the government has signed an agreement with the United Nations on enforced disappearances to prevent such incidents in the future. At the same event, Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan stated that despite strong evidence of enforced disappearances, victims continue to face obstacles in their pursuit of justice. He emphasized that the reports submitted by the Commission on Disappearances should not be seen as the end of its work. “If we can preserve the detention centers and torture cells of the previous regime as museums, they will stand as historic reminders of authoritarian repression for future generations,” he added.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has announced that the International Crimes Tribunal cases against Sheikh Hasina are expected to reach final verdicts by February next year. He explained that the tribunal has faced significant challenges in investigating human rights violations during the July–August 2024 movement, where many police officers were allegedly involved. “Investigating police misconduct using the police itself was a major challenge. Many pieces of evidence were also destroyed. Despite that, we have managed to push the trial process significantly forward,” he said. Tajul Islam emphasized that the proceedings are being conducted in line with international standards, leaving no room for doubt or dispute. “Several important cases are now close to completion, and final verdicts will be delivered very soon,” he added.

Environmental concerns over Cox’s Bazar’s hotel industry have resurfaced after allegations of river pollution and waste dumping. Advisor M. Sakhawat Hossain has instructed government agencies to go beyond imposing fines and to shut down hotels responsible for environmental violations. Speaking in Cox’s Bazar, Sakhawat said, “Year after year, the Department of Environment fines hotels millions of taka, yet river pollution continues. Simply fining them has not worked — the hotels dumping waste must be shut down completely.” He further stressed the urgent need to first free rivers from illegal occupation and then make them pollution-free.

Upazila and Thana Election Officers have issued a strong ultimatum demanding the formation of the long-delayed Election Commission Service by September 15. The demand was made during the general meeting of the Upazila Election Officers’ Association. Speakers at the meeting expressed frustration that, despite being a clear and prioritized recommendation of the Electoral Reform Commission and receiving formal approval from the Election Commission, the service has not yet been formed. They warned that without establishing the Election Commission Service to strengthen and institutionalize the electoral process, it will be impossible to ensure free, fair, and impartial elections — including the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Germany’s unemployment has surpassed 3 million in August, reaching its highest level since 2015, as the economy faces the risk of contracting for a third consecutive year. The labor market crisis is linked to weak economic growth, production declines due to global uncertainties, and the halt of cheaper Russian fuel imports. Key sectors like automotive lost tens of thousands of jobs. Experts warn that structural challenges, rather than temporary weakness, are driving the country’s economic slowdown.

The Dhaka University administration has announced a four-day suspension of all classes and examinations to facilitate the upcoming DU Central Student Union (DUCSU) and hall council elections 2025. According to the official notice, all academic activities will remain paused from Sunday, September 7, through Wednesday, September 10, to allow students and staff to participate in the election process.

Following his remand, Touhid Afridi has been sent to prison in connection with the murder of Asadul Haque Babu during the mass uprising. The court had approved a five-day remand for Afridi on August 25 after hearings. Authorities allege that Afridi, supporting the former autocratic government, gave provocative statements on live broadcasts and incited other content creators to disrupt protests. The investigation found that his inflammatory actions indirectly encouraged local Awami League-affiliated militants, political activists, and law enforcement personnel to open fire, leading to the death of 24-year-old Babu.

Mehendiganj in Barishal has been without electricity for five days following the severing of a submarine cable under the Gajaria River. Around 45,000 residents are affected. The outage, caused when an unidentified vessel’s anchor hit the cable, has disrupted healthcare, transport, and local businesses. Limited mobile charging is possible via solar panels and generators, but network services remain down. Divers have recovered one section of the cable, and authorities are working to restore power using the repaired segment.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the state plans to supply drinking water to 51 wards of Agartala Municipal Corporation using water from Bangladesh’s Titas River. He said local rivers and canals eventually merge into the Titas, making it a viable source. If the plan succeeds, it will be raised with India’s central government. Saha also highlighted ongoing development projects, including the formation of the Tripura Urban Development Authority to support modern infrastructure and high-rise construction.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport authorities (KEPS) have barred 104 foreign nationals, including some Bangladeshis, from entering Malaysia due to failure to meet the requirements of the 1959/63 Immigration Act. A KEPS statement noted that most travelers arrived from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, though the exact number of Bangladeshis was not specified. Many were denied entry for failing to demonstrate valid return tickets, provide proof of accommodation, or clarify their purpose of visit. Some were also flagged due to suspicious explanations. Additionally, KEPS reported that 288 travelers previously denied entry remain at KLIA, and repatriation processes are ongoing.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges announced that a signal system will be introduced at seven points along Dhaka’s Airport Road starting Sunday, August 31. The signals, developed using local technology, will operate under a pilot program. The ministry has urged all commuters to follow traffic laws and signals for smoother traffic management. The project is being implemented by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA). Officials hope the system will improve safety and reduce congestion in the busy corridor.

At a major conference in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, over 200 Muslim scholars and religious leaders from 50+ countries declared Palestinian armed resistance against Israeli occupation as legitimate, calling it a religious and humanitarian duty. The Istanbul Declaration urged Muslim businesses to cut ties with Zionist companies, allocate profits to Gaza, and demanded an end to political and trade relations with Israel. Delegates also called for accountability over alleged war crimes in Gaza and stronger global solidarity with Palestinians.

Upazila election officers have announced they will not take responsibility for the 2014, 2018, and 2024 national elections, citing that they were not in primary roles. Speaking at their general meeting in Agargaon, Ashfaqur Rahman stressed the need for proper recognition, upgraded grades, vehicles for officers, and the repeal of laws transferring national ID services to the Home Ministry. Officers emphasized that if allowed to perform duties properly, they will ensure fair, smooth, and neutral elections.

At least 70 people have died after a migrant boat carrying mostly Gambian and Senegalese citizens sank off the coast of Mauritania. Around 150 passengers were on board, and 16 were rescued. Mauritanian authorities recovered 70 bodies, while eyewitnesses suggest the toll could exceed 100. The route from West Africa to Spain via the Canary Islands is one of the world’s most dangerous migration paths. The Gambian government urges citizens to avoid such perilous journeys.