Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has declared that the 13th National Elections in February will mark a “festival of democracy” and a true rebirth for the nation. Speaking at a consensus commission meeting on the July Charter, Yunus said: “The sacrifices made will only be meaningful if we can achieve this rebirth through the elections.” The commission has stressed that the July Charter represents more than political reform—it is a roadmap to strengthen democracy and good governance. But, they added, its success hinges on broad political consensus.

Under the leadership of Maulana Mamunul Haque, Khelafat Majlis has announced a five-point demand, including immediate implementation of the July Charter, introduction of proportional representation (PR) in parliament’s upper house, and ensuring a level playing field for upcoming elections. The demands also call for banning the politics of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance, and visible justice for the July massacre. The party has scheduled demonstrations in Dhaka on September 18, divisional protests on September 19, and nationwide marches on September 26.

After more than two decades, former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar made a return to the Ministry of Home Affairs. On Sunday afternoon, he paid a courtesy call on Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser to the Home Ministry, at the Secretariat. Sources confirmed that the meeting was primarily ceremonial, though discussions touched upon security preparations ahead of the possible return of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh. Ensuring comprehensive, round-the-clock security for him reportedly featured in the talks. Other issues discussed included the country’s overall law and order situation, border security, and the use of advanced technology in crime prevention. The meeting was attended by Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Special Assistant Khodabox Chowdhury, Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, former Senior Secretary Kamruzzaman, and former Additional IGP Mahbubur Rahman.

RAB-9 has arrested Shahab Uddin, suspended president of Companyganj Upazila BNP, for his alleged role in large-scale illegal stone extraction. He was detained during a late-night raid in Kumarpara, Sylhet, on Saturday. Authorities say that over the past year, vast quantities of stones were unlawfully mined from Companyganj and Gowainghat. Following public outcry, RAB launched extensive intelligence operations, identifying Shahab Uddin as one of the masterminds behind the infamous Bholaganj white stone looting. He faces seven separate cases under Companyganj and Kotwali police stations and has been handed over to Kotwali police for legal proceedings.

Attorney General AM Amin Uddin Asaduzzaman has accused the former government of unprecedented money laundering, citing international reports that estimate around 19 lakh crore taka ($1.9 trillion) was siphoned out of Bangladesh each year—equivalent to three national budgets. Speaking at the BUP National Law Fest, he said the current government is investigating the illicit outflows. He also stressed that the Bangladesh Bar Council exams are conducted transparently, leaving no room for question leaks. Organizers of the festival said the event aimed to enhance students’ extracurricular skills, promote legal research and policy dialogue, and build inter-university connections. Around 400 students and 50 judges participated.

An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale struck parts of South Asia at 5:11 PM on Sunday, shaking Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and China, according to the US Geological Survey. The epicenter was located in Dhekiajuli, Assam, India. Experts warn that Bangladesh remains highly vulnerable to major seismic events due to its location on the India-Myanmar tectonic boundary. They caution that a strong earthquake near Dhaka could cause devastating damage given the city’s dense population and fragile infrastructure. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Syed Humayun Akhter said: “Even a 7.0 magnitude quake could lead to a massive catastrophe in Dhaka, considering our level of preparedness, building structures, and urban density.”

At a virtual presentation of the Livestock Department in Rangpur, attended by Adviser Farida Akhter, images of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina were displayed alongside their quotes. The presentation, delivered by Project Director Golam Rabbani, drew controversy when the photos appeared prominently on-screen. Farida Akhter criticized the move as “disrespectful,” saying: “At this interim period, displaying their photos over the sacrifices of so many lives is unacceptable. Fascism has many faces—we must act whenever we recognize it.” She noted that the project director admitted it was an error and apologized, but assured that she would look deeper into the matter and take necessary action. Shifting focus, Farida highlighted the ministry’s key responsibility: controlling livestock diseases and preventing transmission to humans. She said the government is working with the World Health Organization and has set targets for vaccine production.

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Chief Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, currently on an official visit to Bangladesh, met with Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan. Talks focused on strengthening professional and military training cooperation, with both sides pledging mutual support to deepen defense relations. Earlier, General Hilmy paid tribute to the martyrs of Bangladesh’s Liberation War by laying a wreath at Shikha Anirban and receiving a Guard of Honor. He also met the Chiefs of Army and Air Force. The MNDF delegation will visit the National Defence College, Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory, and Naval Academy before concluding its three-day tour on September 17.

Speaking at Dhaka Medical College about the condition of Nurul Haque Nur, GOP leader Rashed Khan said Nur suffered fractures to his nose and jaw, with additional injuries to his head and gums. Doctors advised extended hospitalization, but Nur insisted on receiving treatment in Bangladesh instead of abroad. Rashed questioned whether there was pressure on the Chief Adviser to prevent sending Nur overseas. He criticized the lack of action against the army despite video evidence of the attack and complained that the investigation commission had not formally contacted them. Rashed warned: “Within 48 hours, we will announce a program that will corner the government. It could be a siege of the Jamuna Bridge or the Secretariat. The Home Affairs Adviser must resign.”

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused Dhaka University authorities of rigging the DUCSU and JUCSU elections in favor of a specific organization. He alleged the Vice-Chancellor deliberately orchestrated “a monopoly outcome” with backing from government allies, citing ballot papers being printed by a firm linked to one political group. Rizvi further claimed that many ruling Awami League activists involved in repression were now joining Jamaat, raising fears of a “deep blueprint” to suppress nationalist forces. He warned that the growing influence of such forces posed risks to both democracy and religious communities, while accusing sections of the government of actively patronizing Jamaat.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has warned that the ongoing protest in Bhanga, Faridpur, over the exclusion of Algi and Hamerdi unions from the Faridpur-4 constituency, has caused suffering in several districts and “will not be tolerated.” “If the blockade is not lifted by Sunday evening, legal measures will be taken,” he said. He also revealed that the government has long been considering reducing prison sentences, prioritizing elderly inmates. Women who have served 20 years may be released, while criteria for men are yet to be finalized. On upcoming festivals, he said committee disputes over Puja must be resolved to ensure smooth celebrations. He praised law and order during recent DUCSU and JUCSU elections and confirmed preparations are underway for the national polls, including recruitment and training.

The National Consensus Commission has held multiple rounds of talks with political parties to implement the July Charter, but differences remain. NCP Convenor Nahid Islam earlier said his party would only contest elections if the July Charter is enforced. Commission Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain stated that while most parties supported proportional representation in the upper house, BNP and a few others opposed it. Out of 20 agenda points in the second round, BNP issued notes of dissent on seven. “BNP’s goodwill could make immediate implementation possible. Blocking it would be a betrayal of the nation,” Akhtar warned. He stressed that all constitution-related points agreed upon must be included in the new constitution, otherwise “street action will follow with all parties united.” Senior leader Ariful Islam Adib added that only a Constituent Assembly election can provide durability to the July Charter, but accused BNP of reducing it to a political compromise while keeping the old structure intact.

Leaders and activists from BNP, Jamaat, and the All-Party Combined Committee enforced sit-ins and protests on Sunday across all government offices in Bagerhat district and its upazilas, demanding the reinstatement of the district’s four parliamentary seats. From morning, protesters besieged the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Election Commission office, and other government institutions, shutting down administrative activities. Demonstrators announced a series of programs: a dawn-to-dusk strike across the district on Monday, half-day strikes and highway blockades on Tuesday and Wednesday. Identical protests were observed in all nine upazilas, where activists occupied spaces in front of UNO and election offices. The program is set to continue until 5 PM.

Police have arrested M.M. Siddiqi Manji, chairman of Algir Union Parishad, who was the chief coordinator of a three-day highway blockade set to begin Sunday in Bhanga, Faridpur. Detectives detained him late Saturday night from his home. In response, authorities deployed armed vehicles, water cannons, and intensified patrols on the highways to avert unrest. The blockade is part of ongoing protests against the government’s decision to redraw boundaries, merging Algir and Hamridi unions from Faridpur-4 constituency into Faridpur-2. Despite previous demonstrations, Manji announced a fresh three-day morning-to-evening blockade on Saturday evening—hours before his arrest.

Romania’s Defense Ministry reported that a Russian drone entered its airspace during an assault on Ukraine, heightening regional tensions. Following detection, Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and two Eurofighters, while civilians were warned to take shelter. The drone disappeared from radar near Chilia Veche village, close to the border. The incident follows Poland’s closure of an airport in Lublin and the deployment of fighter jets after similar drone threats earlier in the week. NATO allies in Eastern Europe remain on high alert as Russia intensifies its drone warfare against Ukraine.