A Dhaka court has acquitted BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, senior leader Mirza Abbas, and 106 others in two cases of violence from 2013. Judge Sabbir Faiz accepted a police final report and cleared 77 accused, including Fakhrul, Abbas, and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, in a case involving the torching of vehicles in Shahbagh in 2019. In a separate case over clashes during a protest march in Shantinagar on March 2, 2013, Dhaka’s Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Wahiduzzaman acquitted Fakhrul and 29 other BNP leaders and activists. The cases stemmed from BNP’s demonstrations demanding a caretaker government, which led to violent clashes with police and ruling party supporters.

A delegation of top industrialists met Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman for a courtesy call to discuss the country’s investment climate and labor issues. The delegation included Square Group MD Tapan Chowdhury, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, and Employers’ Federation President Fazle Shamim Ehsan. Discussions focused on industrial growth prospects, new investments, and challenges surrounding the upcoming 2025 labor law. Rahman emphasized improving labor-employer relations to safeguard industries and sustain economic stability. He also thanked the business leaders for their visit and concern for his health.

Bangladesh will not form an independent statistics commission but instead a seven-member Statistics Council to ensure transparency and accountability in data management, according to a draft report submitted to the Planning Adviser. The report recommends renaming the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) to Statistics Bangladesh (STAT), with its head designated as Chief Statistician. The council will oversee appointments, cadre recruitment, and audit processes, led by the Planning Adviser. Amendments to the Statistics Act 2013, expansion into 16 branches, and creation of 437 new upazila-level posts have been proposed. Taskforce chief Hossain Zillur Rahman noted that implementing these recommendations would bring about “major institutional reforms.” The report also urged a Tk 50 crore budget allocation to strengthen BBS’s autonomy.

Jamaat leader Hamidur Rahman Azad has reaffirmed that his party practices politics within Bangladesh’s legal and constitutional framework, acknowledging the country’s independence as non-negotiable. “Denying the Liberation War would mean denying Bangladesh itself,” Azad said. He stressed that elections based on the legal framework of the July Charter would be both fair and historically significant. He further stated that establishing good governance, justice, democracy, and accountability requires reforms under the July Charter’s legal foundation. Azad suggested that anchoring this constitutional order in Article 7 — which enshrines people’s sovereignty — and validating it through a referendum would make it the strongest possible framework.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said that the collective efforts of Bangladesh’s youth will help the country emerge as a developed, humane, and innovative nation. Highlighting the role of youth in education, healthcare, environmental protection, poverty reduction, and social justice, Yunus emphasized that no barrier can halt progress when driven by innovation and determination. He stressed that volunteerism is not only a service to humanity but also a path to self-development, character building, and leadership. Calling on young people to apply their talent and creativity to national progress, Yunus presented the Youth Award 2025 to 12 outstanding individuals for their contributions to nation-building.

The Election Commission (EC) has started purchasing and distributing materials for the upcoming national elections, with supplies already arriving at EC headquarters. Deputy Secretary Rashedul Islam confirmed that items such as red cloth seals, transparent ballot box locks, official seals, marking stamps, and large and small hessian bags are being delivered in phases. The full supply is expected by September 30. According to EC officials, most materials are centrally distributed, though returning officers may source some items locally. Once the election schedule is declared, materials will be dispatched step by step to regional, district, and upazila offices — with ballot papers and sensitive items sent under tight security just before polling.

Islamic Movement chief Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim has said that Islamic political parties are close to reaching a consensus on consolidating their votes in the upcoming national elections. He announced a series of protest programs — September 18 in Dhaka, September 19 in divisional cities, and September 26 across districts and upazilas — pressing a five-point demand that includes implementing proportional representation, ensuring a level playing field, and upholding the “July Charter.” Karim warned that sidelining reforms and justice while prioritizing elections indicates a return to “old arrangements.” He hinted at a joint movement if the government does not respond positively. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami announced similar programs separately.

Adviser Asif Mahmud has announced that 12,877 individuals from families of those injured or killed in the July 2024 mass uprising will receive training and employment opportunities. He said the uprising opened a historic chance to build a “new Bangladesh” founded on equality, justice, dignity, democracy, and prosperity — with the youth as the driving force. The government will soon launch the “ARN Project,” providing training to around 900,000 young men, women, and entrepreneurs. A “Youth Entrepreneurship Policy 2025” has also been drafted. On the occasion, three individuals were honored for their contributions to youth development and employment generation.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva is set to hold a virtual meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser tomorrow evening to discuss future cooperation. Bangladesh is currently under a $5.5 billion IMF loan program, with five installments already disbursed. In June, the IMF approved an additional $800 million for the country. Earlier, the Chief Adviser had sent a letter thanking the IMF for supporting reform initiatives. In response, Georgieva pledged continued assistance for Bangladesh’s development. The IMF’s executive board first approved the $4.7 billion loan package on January 30, 2023.

Journalist Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, testified at a tribunal against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others in a war crimes case tied to the July uprising. Rahman alleged that in 2008, then-Army Chief Moeen U. Ahmed struck a deal with Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee to bring the Awami League to power in exchange for job security and a safe exit. He further claimed that Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and other Awami League leaders conspired in the 2009 BDR mutiny to weaken the army. “Awami fascism was carefully planned, with foreign powers involved,” Rahman told the tribunal. So far, 45 witnesses have testified in the case against Hasina, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Chowdhury Mamun. Separately, a tribunal in Ashulia begins hearing testimonies today in a murder and corpse-burning case.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a series of protest rallies demanding a national charter and five-point reforms, while warning of tougher movements if elections are not held under a proportional representation (PR) system. Naib-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher revealed the schedule: a rally in Dhaka on September 18, divisional protests the next day, and nationwide demonstrations on September 26. He cautioned that without a legal framework for the July Charter, mass uprisings could falter. Taher also noted that several parties may join under similar demands, though he stopped short of calling it a united movement. Talks with other pro-Charter groups are reportedly ongoing.

Faridpur has seen fresh violence on the second day of protests against parliamentary constituency redistricting, with demonstrators demanding restoration of old boundaries. Around 11 a.m., protesters blocked at least six key points along the Dhaka-Khulna and Faridpur-Barisal highways near Bhanga, halting traffic to 21 districts including Dhaka. When police attempted to disperse the protesters, clashes broke out. Demonstrators vandalized and set fire to Bhanga police station, the Upazila Parishad, and the election office. Local reports confirm several people sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Law enforcement agencies are struggling to regain control of the situation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur on Saturday for the first time since ethnic clashes erupted two years ago, leaving nearly 250 people dead. His arrival was met with protests, with crowds chanting “Go Back Modi.” Tensions flared within hours of his visit, as police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse demonstrators, injuring several. Modi is on a three-day tour that also covers Assam and Bihar. Violence in Manipur broke out in May 2023 between the largely Hindu Meitei community and the predominantly Christian Kuki population, displacing thousands, many of whom still live in government-run camps. Addressing the state, Modi said, “The Government of India is making every effort to restore normal life in Manipur. I am here with you today—the people of Manipur are not alone.” He urged all sides to pursue peace.

The government has initiated steps to amend the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) Act of 2018. If approved, the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) will take over printing of textbooks for primary students starting in the 2027 academic year. Education adviser C.R. Abrar confirmed that the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has proposed the amendment, which is currently under review. DPE officials argue that since their ministry already receives budget allocations for printing, handling the process directly would cut costs and ensure timely book delivery. They also raised concerns about delays and paper quality under the current system. However, education experts caution that NCTB’s decades of experience and technical capacity must be weighed carefully before transferring responsibilities.

At least 53 Palestinians have been killed in a series of Israeli strikes across Gaza, where relentless bombardments are driving thousands from their homes. On Sunday, three people were killed and several wounded in Khan Younis following an IDF strike. In Sheikh Radwan, an attack on a civilian vehicle claimed one life. Another strike on a shelter in Tel al-Hawa killed seven Palestinians, where Israeli hostages were reportedly also present. The IDF also targeted Al-Shifa Hospital and several other sites. Reports say schools, mosques, hospitals, health centers, residential towers, tents, and even humanitarian offices are being struck. The ongoing bombardment has triggered mass displacement of civilians seeking safety.