BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy has dismissed claims that political chaos would erupt if the Awami League lost power, pointing to past remarks made by ruling party leaders. “Obaidul Quader said in parliament that one lakh people would die if the Awami League stepped down. Tofail Ahmed even claimed that two lakh people would die if the party was no longer in power. But nothing of that sort happened after they lost power,” Roy said. “The BNP does not practice the politics of killing.” He made the remarks while distributing relief and gifts among members of the Hindu community. Roy also alleged widespread corruption in state institutions, particularly in Keraniganj. “In the last 16 years, whenever one crore taka came as aid through the UNO office, half of it would simply disappear. When government relief materials arrived, half was sold off and the rest was divided among themselves,” he said. Contrasting this with BNP’s actions, Roy added: “During every Ramadan, we have distributed iftar items. During Eid, we have provided semai, milk, sugar, and other essentials to the best of our ability. We have never snatched food from people’s mouths or stolen their money.”

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mia Golam Parwar has warned that Bangladesh risks sliding into another authoritarian regime if the upcoming parliamentary elections are not held under a Proportional Representation (PR) system. Speaking at a protest in front of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Parwar demanded a referendum on PR-based elections. He accused the government of attempting to bypass the July Declaration without proper implementation and alleged that the ruling party was using political maneuvering to maintain control. “The July Declaration mentioned the narrow ambitions of a few parties, which did not align with the aspirations of the people,” Parwar said. “Before the elections, the July Declaration must be given a constitutional basis. I call upon the head of government to conduct the election on the basis of that declaration. The people of Bangladesh will not allow another Hasina to emerge.” Citing survey data, he added: “Seventy percent of the people support PR. Out of 31 political parties that engaged with the Election Commission, 25 are in favor of it. If the people accept PR, then the government must also accept it. If the people reject it, Jamaat-e-Islami will respect that verdict. But why is the government afraid of a referendum?” Parwar argued that a PR-based system would ensure inclusive representation, eliminate the influence of muscle power and black money, and pave the way for a “quality parliament” and a government that truly reflects the will of the people—preventing any single-party majority from devolving into fascism.

In an unusual gesture ahead of Durga Puja, Jamaat-e-Islami distributed saris to more than 300 Hindu women in Chowgacha upazila of Jessore. At a gathering, local Jamaat chief Maulana Golam Morshed said: “We are not giving you these saris as charity, but as gifts from brothers to sisters. If Jamaat comes to power in the future, we will stand by you at the state level as well, InshaAllah.”

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has instructed ministries to inform the public about reforms they have implemented independently, beyond the recommendations of reform commissions. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the directive came after a Council of Advisers meeting. Out of 121 initial reform proposals, 77 have been marked “high priority,” with 24 already implemented and the rest in progress. The meeting also approved the draft of the Financial Laws (Second Amendment) Ordinance 2025.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the agriculture sector for a prosperous future. Speaking at a daylong training workshop in Cox’s Bazar with over 300 agricultural entrepreneurs, he stressed: “We must enhance entrepreneurial skills, adopt modern technology, and expand financial support to ensure sustainable farming.” He noted that agriculture not only boosts economic resilience but also secures food security for the nation.

The Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees Coordinated Council has placed a seven-point demand that includes rejuvenation training, overseas opportunities, and enhanced medical allowances for retirees. Key demands include: Extending rejuvenation training for employees in grades 10–20 to a minimum of 10 days. Providing at least Tk 20,000 in pocket allowances to trainees. Organizing training programs in SAARC member countries. Completing and implementing the recommendations of the 9th National Pay Commission by November 2025. Replacing the existing 20-grade pay structure with a 12-grade structure. The council warned that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide movement by employee unions under a single demand platform. Allocating Tk 15,000 as a monthly medical allowance for retirees, along with special budgetary provisions for their welfare. Eliminating unnecessary delays and alleged harassment in financial decision-making within the Ministry of Finance. The Coordinated Council urged the government to act swiftly, warning of united action if their demands are ignored.

The government has initiated a plan to enhance housing, medical, and festival allowances for teachers and employees working in MPO-enlisted private educational institutions. To facilitate this, the Ministry of Education has sent a formal request to the Ministry of Finance, seeking an additional allocation of Tk 769.34 crore in the 2025–26 fiscal budget. The letter, signed by the Education Adviser, emphasized that ensuring the welfare of teachers is a fundamental responsibility of the government. The adviser pointed out that in the past, reductions in the education budget and a greater focus on infrastructure development created disparities in teachers’ living standards. Addressing these inequalities and strengthening the social status of teachers and staff, the letter stated, requires higher investment in the education sector. The proposal also highlighted that while teachers’ festival allowances were previously raised from 25% to 50%, staff allowances did not exceed 50%, leaving many frustrated. To resolve this, a demand has been placed to raise staff festival allowances to 75%.

BNP leader Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has denounced the proportional representation (PR) electoral system, calling it a conspiracy to undermine Bangladesh’s democratic process. “The people of Bangladesh have already rejected PR. They trust the traditional system where their votes directly decide the winners,” Tuku said. He accused ruling elites of pushing PR because “they are disconnected from the people and know their ideology will never be accepted.” Tuku expressed confidence that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the BNP will secure victory in the upcoming national election, which the government has announced will take place in February before Ramadan.

In a deeply symbolic moment, the younger brother of Felani—whose death at the border became a haunting reminder of BSF’s brutality—has officially joined the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). On Thursday, Arfan Hossain received his appointment letter from Lt. Colonel Mehedi Imam, commanding officer of the battalion. “Serving my country was my parents’ dream. After Felani’s killing, we were determined to join BGB. Today, that dream has come true,” Arfan said emotionally. Felani’s father, Nur Islam, recalled the tragic incident: “The BSF shot my underage daughter like a bird and left her hanging on the fence. That scene still haunts me. But the nation and BGB stood by us.” BGB confirmed that Arfan passed the recruitment exam and will begin training on September 19.

BNP leader and war hero Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram has accused the ruling party of attempting to eliminate Islam from Bangladesh during its 16-year rule. Speaking at a gathering, Hafiz said: “They brutally killed people at Shapla Chattar, yet the truth of how many died and how the massacre unfolded has not been revealed. Those responsible must face justice.” He lamented that while Islam is the faith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), many Muslims in Bangladesh have abandoned its true practice in pursuit of worldly pleasures. “For 16 years, this nation endured repression. Islam itself was targeted for eradication,” he said.

Students of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) staged a protest on Thursday against the formation of a committee to resolve disputes between BSc engineers and diploma holders. Gathering at the city’s Zero Point around 1 pm, the students demonstrated for over an hour, pressing three demands: Cancellation of the proposed six-member committee, Justice against those who misbehaved with vice-chancellors at the secretariat, Abolishment of quotas and recruitment based solely on merit. The students accused diploma technicians of trying to revive the quota system, even staging transport blockades to disrupt public life.

Students of the seven Dhaka University-affiliated colleges have issued an ultimatum: unless they are officially recognized as a central university by next Monday, they will launch tough protests. The students accused certain teachers—who they claim never supported them since 2017—of now obstructing the move. “No final solution will come without an ordinance,” they declared. Teachers have reportedly warned students that fresh agitation could affect exam results. In August, Dhaka University formally handed over administrative, academic, and financial responsibilities of the seven colleges, along with admission data for 2024–25, to the proposed Dhaka Central University authority.

Breaking from tradition, the Ekushey Book Fair will not be held in February next year. The Bangla Academy announced that the 2026 edition will begin on December 17, 2025, and run until January 17, 2026, citing the upcoming national elections and Ramadan. The decision was finalized at a meeting on the fair’s schedule.

Tension gripped Comilla’s Homna upazila on Thursday morning after mobs attacked and set fire to four shrines following announcements made over loudspeakers. The violence erupted in Asadpur village after police detained a man named Mohsin over alleged derogatory remarks about religion on social media. Agitators gathered at Kofil Uddin Shah’s shrine and later vandalized and torched three others—Kalai Shah, Hawali Shah, and Abdu Shah shrines. Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that resolving political crises is only possible through dialogue, not through unnecessary street programs. “Calling movements during ongoing discussions only creates pressure. It doesn’t help democracy,” Fakhrul told reporters after returning from Singapore. He reiterated that BNP does not support banning any political party and emphasized that his party has avoided agitation since the student-people’s uprising. Fakhrul also confirmed his plan to attend the upcoming UN session, saying decisions will be taken collectively in consultation with allies.