At a special session of the Rohingya Conference in Cox’s Bazar on Monday, refugees carried placards and banners declaring their desire to return to their homeland. The session brought together diplomats from multiple countries, leaders from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), along with international experts, civil society groups, and Rohingya representatives. BNP leader Ismail Jobiullah accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of failing diplomatically and politically to resolve the crisis. NCP leader Akhtar Hossain argued that the Rohingya had been forcibly displaced and did not voluntarily seek refuge in Bangladesh. Jamaat secretary Mia Golam Porwar stressed that repatriation must ensure human dignity to be sustainable. Other participants warned that failure to address the crisis could heighten regional security risks and potentially trigger shadow conflicts along the border. The refugees themselves sent a clear message, holding up signs that read: “We want to go home.”

Former Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haque has been hospitalized after suffering a heart attack while in prison. He was transferred from Keraniganj Central Jail to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital at 11:45 a.m. on Monday, where he is currently receiving treatment. Haque was arrested on July 24 by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police in connection with a murder case filed at Jatrabari Police Station. Following a court hearing, he was remanded to prison. Justice Haque is widely remembered for presiding over the 2011 verdict that annulled the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, effectively abolishing the caretaker government system.

BNP leader Barkat Ullah Bulu has launched a scathing attack on Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing the party of “selling tickets to heaven” by going door-to-door with religious propaganda. “Those who make such claims cannot be true Muslims,” Bulu said, stressing that only Allah has the authority to decide who enters paradise. Bulu also criticized political double standards, claiming that when BNP raises funds, it is labeled extortion, while Jamaat’s control of banks, insurance firms, and educational institutions is dismissed as ‘recovery.’ He further remarked that Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman has been elevated by supporters to the status of a divine saint, quipping that he once asked Rahman to “pray for Bangladesh’s protection and guidance.”

Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin has acknowledged widespread irregularities in the sale of airline tickets, describing the situation as “chaotic.” He assured that the government is making the “highest possible effort” to bring order to the sector. Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan said discussions are being held with travel agencies and stakeholders to curb malpractice. Authorities are investigating allegations of embezzlement against Flight Expert Agency, with its owner and associates now barred from leaving the country. Additionally, the ministry has directed deputy commissioners across the country to take legal action against unlicensed travel agencies, ensuring stricter regulation of the aviation market.

At the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), three prominent South Asian leaders — Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi — are scheduled to deliver speeches on the same day. The high-level session will open in New York on September 23, with the speeches of Yunus, Modi, and Sharif set for September 26. According to the preliminary agenda, Prime Minister Modi’s address will be immediately followed by Prime Minister Sharif’s, creating an opportunity for Islamabad to issue a direct response to New Delhi’s positions. Sharif will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Adviser Tariq Fatemi as part of Pakistan’s delegation. This year’s UNGA theme is “Better Together: Eighty Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.” As per tradition, Brazil’s president will deliver the first speech, followed by the U.S. president. Later in the same session, Israel, China, and Dr. Yunus will also speak.

State prosecutor Advocate Nayon has branded Touhid Afridi a “media terrorist,” accusing him of conspiring with the figure known as “Haun Uncle” to destabilize the country during the recent mass uprising. In court, Nayon claimed Afridi was directly involved in instigating violence, including attacks linked to ruling party affiliates. Most shockingly, he alleged that Afridi filmed students after stripping them of clothing and held them hostage during the uprising. “Police have been searching for him for a long time,” Nayon said, also linking Afridi to the Jatrabari incident. The defense, however, argued Afridi is seriously ill with kidney, liver, and cancer-related complications, submitting medical documents to the court.

Former state minister Lutfozzaman Babar returned to his haor-based constituency in Netrokona after 17 years, leading a dramatic speedboat campaign that drew massive crowds. Traveling through multiple villages, Babar exchanged greetings with locals and addressed grassroots gatherings across 43 villages. Over 50 speedboats and 300 party activists joined the rally, creating a festive atmosphere with decorated arches throughout the area. Addressing supporters, Babar urged youth to pursue education, technical skills, and entrepreneurship instead of relying only on slogans. “Daily life must include prayer, Quran recitation, and physical exercise,” he said, also seeking prayers for BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health and for Tarique Rahman.

A total of 21 candidates withdrew their nominations on the final day of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) election process. Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mohammad Jasim Uddin confirmed that no major violations of the electoral code had occurred so far. He urged candidates to maintain discipline as official campaigning begins Tuesday. To vote, students must present their hall card, university ID, library card, or pay-in slip. A discussion with all VP, GS, and AGS candidates on the code of conduct will be held at Senate Hall on Tuesday at 11 a.m. The CEC also clarified that no formal complaints had been received against candidate Umama Fatema over alleged campaign irregularities.

UGC Chairman Professor Dr. SMA Faiz praised China’s role in advancing Bangladesh’s education sector, highlighting Beijing’s “tireless support” as a driver of modernization and quality improvement. Speaking at a reception for Bangladeshi students awarded Chinese government scholarships, he said the partnership is built on “trust, mutual respect, and cooperation.” He noted that Chinese assistance has not only transformed education but also contributed significantly to economic growth, infrastructure, and human resource development. Looking ahead, he emphasized expanding collaboration in research, technology, and culture. At the event, swimmer Najmul Haque Himel—who recently crossed the English Channel—was also honored.

Dr. Abdul Momen, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission, has called on voters to reject candidates who use black money in the upcoming national elections. Speaking at a public event, he warned that unchecked spending not only fuels vote-buying but also risks triggering inflation. “There are two sides to election expenditure—the demand side and the supply side. We must block the supply,” he said, stressing banks’ responsibility alongside the ACC. He urged citizens to share evidence if candidates conceal wealth in their affidavits. “The government is committed to ensuring a fair election,” he added, expressing hope the polls will be held on schedule.

The Election Commission (EC) has sent 22 political parties for field-level scrutiny as part of their registration applications. District and upazila offices will be physically verified, and reports must be submitted by August 31. According to EC instructions, senior district election officials will complete checklists, seal documents with page numbers, and send them confidentially to the Commission Secretariat via regional election officers. Upon receiving these reports, the EC will proceed to the next stage of the registration process.

Israel’s Chief of Defense, General Yaal Zamir, announced that a proposed agreement to secure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza is “on the table.” The matter now rests with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision. On August 19, Israel’s security cabinet submitted a new proposal via mediators, which Hamas has reportedly accepted. Despite this, Netanyahu remains intent on continuing military operations in Gaza. The Israeli government faces growing domestic pressure as families of hostages protest outside ministers’ residences, demanding an end to the war and immediate release of captives.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam issued a stern warning in a recent statement, saying those who obstruct the implementation of the July Charter will be exposed before the public. He declared that no advisor or politician will be spared if they attempt to derail fundamental reforms. “Be warned—nothing will remain hidden. Sheikh Hasina barely escaped with her life; you won’t be able to. The people are not that forgiving,” he wrote. In a provocative remark, he added that “all power will be forced through the fleshy middle of the skeletal structure’s rear.”

With the slogan “Together We Build a Corruption-Free Bangladesh”, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) organized a public hearing in Tangail. The event was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, with ACC Commissioner Miah Mohammad Ali Akbar Azizi as chief guest. Citizens used the platform to voice grievances about harassment and denial of services in government and private offices. ACC officials made on-the-spot decisions in some cases, while others were referred for further investigation. Speakers emphasized that public participation and awareness are crucial to curb corruption.

BNP Chairperson’s advisor, Advocate Fazlur Rahman, has been granted an additional 24 hours to respond to a show-cause notice issued against him. The notice, served on Sunday, followed his controversial remarks regarding the July uprising and other sensitive issues. Initially, he was given 24 hours to reply, but he formally requested seven days. Party sources confirmed he has now been asked to submit his explanation within 48 hours from Sunday, rejecting his request for a longer extension.