Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Shahjahan Mia, contesting Chandpur-3, urged voters to choose justice and fairness in the upcoming election. Speaking at Chandkhar Bazar Jame Mosque and during local community outreach, Shahjahan emphasized that ending terrorism, corruption, and looting, and establishing a justice-based society, requires casting ballots for the candidate symbolized by fairness.

The government has extended special executive magistrate powers for army captains and commissioned officers in the Bangladesh Armed Forces for an additional two months. The Ministry of Public Administration confirmed that military officers serving in the Coast Guard and BGB will also retain these powers during the period. Powers are exercised under sections 64, 65, 83, 84, 86, 95(2), 100, 105, 107, 109, 110, 126, 127, 128, 130, 133, and 142 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898. The government initially granted these powers to commissioned officers last September, gradually expanding to navy and air force officers.

A three-member NCP delegation will visit Japan on Thursday, including Sarjis Alam, Nasiruddin Patwary, and Mahbub Alam. According to Sarjis Alam, the visit is at the invitation of the NCP Japan Diaspora Alliance and other expatriates. This marks NCP’s third foreign delegation trip within a month; previous visits included Malaysia (August 22–25) and China (August 26–30). During the visit, the leaders will participate in “Remember the Heroes,” a program commemorating July fighters, with events scheduled in Tokyo and Osaka. Earlier, the delegation met Japan’s Ambassador to Dhaka, Shinichi Saida.

Bangladesh’s unusually high spectrum fees and taxes are hindering mobile network investment, slowing internet speeds, and delaying 5G expansion, according to a GSMA report. Operators spend 16% of revenues on spectrum—double the global average—while total financial burdens reach 55%, among the world’s highest. The report warns that continuing high prices could worsen connectivity by 2035. It recommends lowering fees, releasing new bands, simplifying taxes, and offering long-term licenses to unlock billions in economic benefits and expand digital inclusion.

A total of 8,016 votes were cast in the recent JAKSU and Hall Parliament elections, with 11,919 registered voters, marking a voter turnout of 67.9%. The University Election Commission officially concluded voting across all centers on Thursday at 7:00 PM, according to commission sources. This year, 178 candidates competed for 25 positions across the elections. Eight panels, backed by left-leaning groups, the Chhatra League, Shibir, and independent student supporters, participated in the contest. However, the panel supported by the Chhatra Dal boycotted the election, alleging irregularities and vote manipulation.

Adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan has revealed that he is under pressure to halt existing gas supplies to households. Speaking to reporters, he said: “There will be no new gas connections for households. In fact, there’s pressure on me to cut the supply that households already receive. But I refuse to do it—if I did, I wouldn’t be able to enter my own home.” He further clarified that despite global price concerns, the cost of imported LNG will not rise for now. “Earlier, there was a government plan to hike gas and electricity prices every two to three months. But over the past year, we have not increased prices for either electricity or gas,” he added.

Jamaat-e-Islami lawyer Shishir Monir has called for the implementation of the July Charter through a special constitutional order. He argued that the historic events of August 5 last year reflected the will of the people, and that the constitutional order should recognize that day as the starting point for enforcement. Meanwhile, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher stated that the next national election must be held on the basis of the July Charter. “Discussions are still ongoing regarding the mechanism of its enforcement, but a logical solution will emerge through dialogue,” he assured. Monir, however, pressed for immediate action, emphasizing: “The people’s expectations found expression on August 5. The implementation date of the July Charter must be tied to that day.”

Mufti Syed Mohammad Fayzul Karim, senior Naib Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, said the party is advocating for elections under the proportional representation (PR) system, which he called the safest mechanism to prevent fascism, muscle power, and undue influence. He stated that Islamic parties are exploring unified participation, criticizing the current administration’s inability to conduct free and fair elections. Fayzul also highlighted the recent Dhaka University student elections, describing it as a victory for Islamists over leftist and pro-India factions.

Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Power and Energy Adviser, has issued a stern warning to rural electrification workers, stating that the government will not tolerate disruptions caused by unreasonable mass leave. Alternative measures are ready if employees fail to return promptly. A seven-member committee will investigate procurement corruption, and employment regulations will be established. Despite some absences, electricity supply continues uninterrupted. Legal action has begun against those obstructing work, while some employee demands are being addressed through ongoing reforms in laws and regulations.

French authorities have detained 675 people during nationwide blockade protests, with 280 arrested in Paris alone. Clashes with police erupted across the country, but efforts to block roads, rail stations, schools, and bus depots largely failed. Police vow to maintain strict measures against further disruptions. Labor unions have called another protest for September 18, while tensions stem from former PM François Bayrou’s 2026 budget plan, which proposes €44 billion in savings to reduce France’s national debt, rejected in a recent confidence vote.

Veteran freedom fighter Fazlur Rahman, popularly known as “Fazu Pagla,” launched a fiery critique of Jamaat-e-Islami for denying the legitimacy of the 1971 Liberation War. “Jamaat claims it was a conflict between brothers, instigated by India. But I will say till my last breath—it was a war for Bangladesh’s freedom,” he declared. Fazlu accused Jamaat leaders of distorting history, claiming freedom fighters were mostly Hindus from India. He challenged Jamaat’s Amir directly: “You have 19 seats in Sylhet. Contest in even one, and if you win, I’ll concede your legitimacy. Until then, I will keep exposing you.” He vowed to contest the next general election under the BNP’s sheaf of paddy symbol, reaffirming his identity as anti-Jamaat, not anti-religion.

Russia’s experimental cancer vaccine, Enteromix, has successfully completed preclinical trials, showing a 60–80% tumor reduction and improved survival in tested animals. Initially developed for colorectal cancer, researchers are also exploring versions for glioblastoma, melanoma, and rare ocular melanoma. While some reports claim 100% effectiveness, verification remains pending. The vaccine is “ready for use” pending government approval, but no timeline for human trials or widespread availability has been announced. Experts see it as a potential breakthrough in cancer treatment.

Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Pakistan’s government and people over unprecedented floods in the country. Delivered through Religious Advisor Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, the letter emphasized Bangladesh’s solidarity with the affected population and offered full support for relief and rehabilitation efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the delegation, highlighting the historical and cultural ties between the two nations. He also praised Yunus’s visionary leadership and contributions to poverty alleviation.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed deep frustration to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s unexpected strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar. Trump criticized the attack as ill-timed and learned of it from the U.S. military, not Israel. Netanyahu defended the operation, citing limited time. Hamas confirmed its leadership survived, though five members and a Qatari security officer were killed. Qatar condemned the strike, calling it a violation of international law, while regional consultations continue to address the fallout.

The United States has announced $14.2 million in assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces, aiming to enhance their operational capabilities and safely remove unexploded ordnance and Hezbollah weapons caches. The aid aligns with previous U.S. efforts to support Lebanon against Iran-backed militant groups and curb Hezbollah’s influence. The announcement coincides with Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem urging regional countries to back the Palestinian resistance and cautioning governments against supporting Israel in ways that undermine the resistance movement.