Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport is grappling with a staggering Tk 2,126 crore in unpaid dues owed by six domestic and international airlines. Among them, three carriers have already shut down operations without clearing their liabilities. According to airport authorities, Regent Airways alone owes Tk 252.56 crore, while United Airways has an outstanding Tk 54.96 crore and GMG Airlines Tk 29.30 crore. All three airlines ceased operations without settling their accounts. Among the active carriers, US-Bangla Airlines owes Tk 2.38 crore and Novoair Tk 1.20 crore. The largest single debtor, however, is the state-run Biman Bangladesh Airlines, with a massive outstanding of Tk 1,786.96 crore. Despite repeated official reminders and correspondence, authorities say little progress has been made in recovering the dues. Over the past 25 years, 15 airlines have pulled out of Shah Amanat International Airport. Today, only two foreign airlines continue operations from Chattogram. Industry insiders blame the exodus on poor facilities, inadequate services, and lack of passenger-friendly amenities, which have discouraged international airlines from maintaining their routes through the airport.

Islamic Movement leader Maulana Ahmad Abdul Kayum has said that establishing a fascism-free society requires proportional representation (PR) elections. “Fascism thrives when power is centralized in one hand. The constitution has been amended repeatedly to serve partisan interests. Only a PR-based election system can save this country, Islam, and humanity,” he argued. Kayum stressed that the people of Bangladesh have already risked their lives to free the nation from fascism. He called for visible justice for past atrocities, constitutional reforms, and a transition away from “the old arrangements.” Referring to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said: “On August 5, the killer, fascist, and money launderer Hasina didn’t even realize she would have to flee the country. Those who fail to learn from history will face the same fate.” He warned extortionists and vested interest groups: “The people are now united. They will throw these looters and killers into the Bay of Bengal.”

The Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RAKSU) election, initially postponed to September 28, has been rescheduled again to September 25 to accommodate Hindu students’ Durga Puja festivities. According to the new schedule: Nomination papers distribution ends on August 31 Submission on September 1–4 and 7 Scrutiny on September 8–9 Preliminary candidate list on September 11 Appeals and objections resolved by September 14 Final candidate list published on September 16 Voting and results on September 25

Pakistan has demolished a protective dyke next to a major dam to relieve water pressure caused by heavy rainfall, but the move has submerged one of Sikhism’s holiest sites, Kartarpur Sahib. Punjab Disaster Management spokesperson Mazhar Hussain confirmed that the dyke was deliberately destroyed to safeguard the dam infrastructure. Pakistan’s foreign ministry also revealed that India had given advance diplomatic notice before releasing water from its dams. Still, relentless rainfall across northern India led to an abnormal surge in Pakistan’s eastern rivers—the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej—forcing authorities to issue a high flood alert across Punjab province.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that the Election Commission is being used as a tool by the ruling BJP during elections. “I respect the Election Commission, but it cannot become BJP’s lollipop,” Mamata said. She also criticized discrimination against Bengali speakers in India, claiming they face obstacles in jobs, education, and even basic hospitality. Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she asked: “Why does he say money is stopped because Bengalis are thieves? If theft is the issue, look at Uttar Pradesh or Maharashtra. Why target Bengal?” Mamata accused the central government of financially depriving West Bengal through discriminatory policies.

A daring robbery attempt at a Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank branch in Bhajanpur Bazar, Panchagarh, was foiled late Tuesday night with the help of locals. Police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Shahidul Haque. The night guard, upon noticing suspicious movements inside the bank, alerted authorities and locals. Together, they caught the suspect inside the branch with burglary tools in his possession. Police have confirmed that legal proceedings against the detainee are underway.

The Arakan Army has reportedly abducted seven Bangladeshi fishermen along with their fishing trawler from the southern waters of Saint Martin’s Island. The abduction occurred in an area known as “Sita”, said Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, who confirmed the incident and expressed concern. Officials noted that due to navigability issues in Bangladeshi waters, fishermen are often forced into Myanmar’s territory, where such incidents have become increasingly frequent. According to trawler owners’ associations, at least 65 fishermen have been abducted this month alone.

Engineering students across the country have declared a “complete shutdown” in all engineering universities on Thursday, suspending classes and exams as part of their ongoing movement. Movement leader Sakibul Haque Lipu said, “None of our three-point demands have been met. Policymakers remain completely unaware of our concerns. Until our demands are addressed, we will continue.” Students, however, clarified that they will not block Shahbagh this time to avoid causing public suffering. Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner visited protesting students on Wednesday night and expressed regret over recent confrontations.

Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves have crossed $31 billion once more, fueled by higher remittance inflows, export earnings, and loan support from international organizations. As of Wednesday, gross reserves stood at $31.33 billion, while reserves calculated under IMF’s BPM-6 methodology reached $26.31 billion. Earlier in July, after clearing $2.02 billion in ACU payments, reserves had dropped to $29.53 billion. By August 24, gross reserves recovered slightly to $30.86 billion.

A Dhaka court has ordered the imprisonment of Daksu VP candidate Jalal Ahmad Jalal in a case of attempted murder of his roommate. Reacting to the development, Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Rashed Khan defended Jalal, recalling his role in past movements. “In 2018, when we were arrested, Jalal reorganized the quota reform movement and sought support from national leaders. With their help, we were freed and successfully revived the movement,” Rashed said. He added that Jalal also stood by activists during the 2024 quota reform protests when Akhtar Hossain was arrested. Raising questions about the Mohsin Hall incident, Rashed asked: “Is this truly a personal dispute, or something else? His candidacy should not be canceled without a fair investigation.” Rashed further alleged that Jalal had been a victim of enforced disappearance in the past and suffered severe trauma from electronic shocks to his tongue, leaving him mentally scarred. “If guilty, punish him—but do not strip him of his studentship,” he urged.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has said that National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam inspired the oppressed to rise against tyranny, and his works provided courage during historic struggles for freedom and democracy in Bangladesh. In a tribute on the poet’s death anniversary, Tarique wrote: “Forty-nine years ago, the life of our national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam came to an end. He was one of the foremost poets and musicians of 20th century Bengali literature. Having endured hardship from childhood, his innate protest against injustice became the hallmark of his writings.” Tarique highlighted that Nazrul’s poems and songs sparked a cultural renaissance and played a vital role in inspiring freedom fighters during the Liberation War, the 1990 pro-democracy movement, and the 2024 uprising. He added, “Kazi Nazrul Islam is a shining example of human love. I believe his works will continue to inspire patriotism for generations to come.”

In a recent meeting, leaders of several like-minded Islamic parties emphasized that the upcoming national parliamentary election must be conducted strictly on the basis of the July Charter. They warned that any deviation from this framework would not be accepted by the public, nor would it be considered legitimate by their parties. The leaders stressed that ensuring the implementation of the July Charter cannot rely on mere rhetoric but must be secured through a solid legal framework. Raising pointed questions, they asked, “How can a government that is neither formed nor functioning under the Constitution organize national elections under the same Constitution?” They further noted that while some claim that the current interim government operates under the existing Constitution, the reality is that this government is largely the product of a special political compromise among the participants of the July Revolution—a compromise that has no direct constitutional recognition. The meeting was chaired by Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed, Secretary General of the Khelafat Majlis, and attended by leaders from Islami Andolan, Nezam-e-Islam Party, and Khelafat Majlis.

Bangladesh is vying for a Category-C membership seat at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. Ahead of the vote, Foreign Affairs Advisor M. Sakawat Hossain briefed diplomats, highlighting Bangladesh’s strategic maritime significance and ongoing infrastructure projects. He noted the construction of a deep-sea port in Matarbari, along with three other seaports and 52 inland river ports contributing significantly to the country’s maritime sector. “Bangladesh is playing a strong role in the international maritime arena,” he said, emphasizing that 95% of the nation’s trade occurs via sea. Hossain urged diplomats to support Bangladesh’s bid, highlighting the country’s leadership in environmentally sustainable shipping and ship recycling initiatives.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince stated that the party cannot take responsibility for personal remarks made by any leader outside the party framework. “Fazlur Rahman has been summoned because his comments embarrassed the party. He is a distinguished freedom fighter and a dedicated activist, and we respect him. However, his views are personal,” he said. Prince also highlighted the party’s commitment to protecting the rights of minority communities in Bangladesh. He pointed out that during past regimes, minority groups faced land dispossession and persecution, and that the philosophy of Ziaur Rahman recognized the social, cultural, and religious identity of all communities. The party pledges to ensure these communities’ political, social, and constitutional rights.

Advisor Sharmin S. Murshid has cautioned that the coming days will be challenging as the country moves toward elections. “To ensure elections, a peaceful environment must be maintained. If the environment deteriorates, holding elections will become difficult,” she said. Sharmin added that in the past, corruption and irregularities were widespread across 15 countries. “After August 5, we inherited a country where funds were unavailable, and systems were not functioning. Eliminating corruption in a short period is difficult.” She emphasized the need for patience and urged political parties to cooperate for a rule-based electoral process.