Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that the Chief Advisor has instructed authorities to ensure a festive environment during the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. He reiterated that the 13th national parliamentary elections will be held in the first half of February next year, and “no global force can prevent the vote.” The Chief Advisor has directed local administrations nationwide to maintain law and order to ensure a free, fair, and impartial election.

Bangladesh’s overall inflation rate fell to 8.29% in August, its lowest level in more than three years, according to BBS data. The figure is down from 8.55% in July and significantly lower than 10.49% recorded a year earlier. Food inflation edged up slightly to 7.60% in August from 7.56% in July, while non-food inflation dropped from 9.38% to 8.90%. Despite the decline, wage growth slowed to 8.15%, marking the 43rd consecutive month where wage increases lagged behind inflation—further straining low-income households.

Sirajul, a section officer at Chittagong University and known Jamaat leader, has been issued a show-cause notice for controversial comments following clashes between CU students and local villagers. In a statement, he had claimed: “Chittagong University was built on our ancestral land. We are the landlords, and no one can interfere with us.” The notice, signed by Acting Registrar Prof. Dr. Mohammad Saiful Islam, requires Sirajul to submit a written explanation within three days.

Candidates from the BNP’s student wing-supported Abid-Hamim-Mayed panel have taken their oath for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall elections. The oath ceremony began with the national anthem on Sunday afternoon. The panel pledged to uphold the country’s independence and sovereignty, promising to build Dhaka University into a safe, modern, democratic, and student-friendly institution. They vowed to eliminate abusive practices such as “guestroom” and “mass room” culture, ensure women’s safety and empowerment, strengthen cyber security, improve educational standards, and guarantee affordable quality services.

Local BNP activists and residents of Bera upazila staged a blockade on the Dhaka-Pabna highway demanding the reinstatement of the Pabna-1 constituency. They condemned the redistricting decision, which split Bera upazila and merged it into Pabna-2 with Sujanagar, despite longstanding socio-economic ties with Sathia. The blockade ended around 1 pm after discussions with law enforcement. Police said they remain prepared to handle any situation. The EC recently revised Pabna-1 to cover only Sathia upazila, fully merging Bera into Pabna-2.

Krishak Sramik Janata League chief Kader Siddique has clarified that he has no political affiliation with Sheikh Hasina or the Awami League, emphasizing that he left the party 26 years ago to form his own. “I do not work to rehabilitate the Awami League. Politically, I have no ties with Sheikh Hasina. But I love and respect Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the people of Bangladesh,” he stated. Following an attack on his residence early Sunday by unidentified assailants, Siddique remarked, “If demolishing my home—like Dhanmondi 32—brings peace to the country, I support it.” He said no party leaders or activists were to blame, but confirmed that a legal case will be filed. Meanwhile, authorities have imposed Section 144 in Basail, Tangail, to prevent clashes over separate rallies organized under the banners of Kaderia Bahini and a student forum.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have expressed deep sorrow at the death of renowned intellectual, sociologist, and writer Badruddin Umar. In a condolence message, the BNP leaders recalled Umar as the son of distinguished politician Allama Abul Hashim, an Oxford scholar, and a former Rajshahi University professor who left academia for politics. They described him as a “living legend of political history” who shaped narratives of the Language Movement, the 1990 mass uprising, and the anti-autocracy movement of July. “Badruddin Umar was a thoughtful political guardian. His death leaves a void in national politics that cannot be filled,” the statement read.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam has asserted that the Election Commission (EC) carried out the redistricting process with the utmost caution and impartiality, leaving no grounds for legal or institutional challenge. He said the electoral atmosphere remains “100 percent favorable,” with no reports of uncertainty or adverse conditions. On political party registration, he noted that most reports have been submitted to the EC and a final decision could come within a week. Parties will still have the opportunity to raise objections regarding names before the process is finalized later this month. Regarding the proposed amendment to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), Anwarul confirmed it was finalized after vetting by the law ministry, adding that any legal conflicts will be adjusted accordingly.

The Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) has launched a new Farmers’ Wing aimed at ensuring farmers’ rights, land reforms, and fair prices for agricultural produce. The preparatory committee, approved by NCP’s Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patowary, named Azad Khan Bhasani as chief coordinator, with Saeed Ujjal and Hafsa Jahan as joint coordinators. Other members include agricultural expert Golam Mortuza Selim, Nazmul Hasan Sohag, Nofiul Islam, Fihadur Rahman Dibash, Masud Rana, Masumul Hasan Sojib, and Mahidul Islam. The wing will operate under the party’s constitution and coordinate with grassroots farmers and organizations to strengthen agricultural activities nationwide.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed profound grief over the death of eminent writer, researcher, and leftist intellectual Badruddin Umar. In a condolence message, Yunus hailed Umar as a “beacon of progressive thought and free spirit.” He highlighted Umar’s role in the Language Movement, his scholarship, opposition to colonial mindsets, and dedication to socialist ideals. Yunus recalled that Umar consistently called for uprisings against fascist and authoritarian regimes and described the July uprising as an unprecedented people’s movement in the subcontinent. “His writings and philosophy will remain a guiding light for future generations,” Yunus said, calling his passing “an irreparable loss to the nation.”

Primary and Mass Education Adviser Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar announced that mid-day meals will be introduced in 150 primary schools between September and mid-October. He also confirmed the reinstatement of primary school scholarships after 16 years. Bidhan Ranjan noted that teachers are often burdened with non-academic tasks, disrupting education. He pledged to reduce holidays in the school calendar. Bangladesh’s literacy rate among people aged 7 and above now stands at 77.9%, while 22.1% remain illiterate. He added that 32,000 teachers are awaiting promotion to headmaster positions, which will create thousands of new posts.

Police have arrested Shamsuddoha Khondker, former Additional Inspector General of Police, in connection with a cheque fraud case. He was picked up on Sunday from his resort, Wonderland Green Park, in Nawabganj. Shamsuddoha, long accused of corruption, allegedly amassed vast wealth by pocketing commissions from river dredging tenders and extorting industrialists who illegally occupied riversides. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed charges against him and his wife Ferdousi Sultana, accusing them of concealing assets worth over Tk 66.48 crore and acquiring illegal wealth.

Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation, has dismissed rumors that the U.S. played a role in the downfall of the Awami League. He noted that former U.S. President Donald Trump suspended most foreign aid and disliked “nation-building,” focusing instead on transactional relations. Kugelman added that Bangladesh was not a priority for the Trump administration, which may have spared the country from greater complications. On rising right-wing influence, he warned that religious groups have gained more political space in the past year. If they turn violent or anti-democratic, terrorism could become the biggest concern. Kugelman also noted instability risks following the League’s ban, while suggesting the BNP is well-positioned to return to power in upcoming elections.

The prosecution of Tribunal-1 announced Sunday that the investigation into the killing of Golam Nafiz, who was shot dead during the July uprising at Farmgate, is nearing completion. The tribunal ordered the probe to be finalized by September 28. Nafiz, a student of Navy College, died after being shot while wearing a Bangladeshi flag tied around his head. He collapsed on a rickshaw while being rushed to the hospital. Separately, the tribunal directed investigators to complete the probe by October 12 in the Chattogram Wasim murder case, where 15 people, including Fazle Karim Chowdhury, stand accused.

Ahead of the DUCSU elections on September 9, NCP Convener Nahid Islam voiced strong support for Abdul Kader’s candidacy for the Vice President (VP) post. Nahid wrote that Kader had never been in the spotlight but had consistently worked for movements before and after July’s student uprising. Describing him as a grassroots leader and a “symbol of courage and patriotism,” Nahid expressed hope that Kader would emerge as the true representative of students by overturning existing political equations.