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.

Khelafat Majlish Secretary General Ahmad Abdul Kader has demanded the immediate implementation of the July Charter under the current administration. Speaking at a rally outside the National Press Club, he urged the President to give the charter legal recognition. He stressed that his party wants elections in February but only if they are free and fair. “Without a strong law enforcement system and a level playing field, free elections cannot be guaranteed,” he warned. Following the rally, Khelafat Majlish supporters marched in protest.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam urged the government to grant legal recognition to the issues agreed upon by political parties in the Consensus Commission. “So far, no concrete action has been taken. It is the government’s urgent duty to formalize these agreements,” he said. He warned that ignoring the consensus could fuel political complications, adding that Jamaat is running nationwide programs to build public opinion on the matter. Referring to historical struggles, Azhar said: “Shahid Abu Sayeed gave his life to ensure change from oppressive rule. Jamaat stands for that change.”

Faiz Ahmad Tayyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, criticized the practice of allocating disproportionate development funds to ministers’ constituencies while neglecting other areas. “Depriving people of development opportunities is unacceptable. This practice must stop,” he said. He directed the Water Development Board to prepare for eviction drives in coordination with law enforcement and intelligence agencies, ordered rural electricity authorities to cut illegal connections, and urged the power division to ensure industrialists are not harassed. Tayyeb also announced a marathon on the Gomti River this winter and called for peaceful cooperation to ensure smooth Durga Puja celebrations.

Magura district Jamaat chief ABM Bakar Hossain has come under fire after signing a party certification letter on official pad in support of multiple accused in the murder case of two students, Shahid Ahad and Suman, who were killed during the July uprising. The document claimed that the accused—Shahabuddin, organizing secretary of Swechchhasebak League in Polashbari Union, and Sohel Rana—were “members of Jamaat’s organizational family” and “committed to Islamic values.” Following this endorsement, the accused were granted bail. The revelation has triggered widespread anger among locals, as both men are known Awami League activists. Responding to criticism, Bakar Hossain said: “Many people come to me for certification. They withheld information about the case. I didn’t know they were accused in the Ahad-Suman murder.”