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.

Eight members of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police were injured while trying to prevent protesting BUET students from marching toward the Jamuna area. The injured officers were admitted to Rajarbagh Central Police Hospital, with two in critical condition. Additionally, three journalists were reportedly hurt during the clash. Earlier in the afternoon, engineering students had gathered at the university’s Gol Chattar as part of their pre-announced “Long March to Dhaka” program, pressing three specific demands. When students attempted to march toward Jamuna, they clashed with police, who used batons, tear gas, sound grenades, and water cannons to disperse the crowd.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has admitted that, despite decades of resilience, a growing sense of despair now shadows him as he witnesses the moral decay around him. “I have never been disheartened in politics—I have always given people courage. But lately, despair has been following me everywhere. Because wherever I look, I see corruption and moral decline,” Fakhrul said. He pointed to rampant corruption in offices and institutions, where ordinary people are being deprived of basic services. “Sadly, even political leaders have become entangled in this corruption, causing greater damage to the nation,” he lamented. Fakhrul stressed that the expected moral transformation of society has not occurred, urging everyone to rise to the occasion to save the country. He also warned that efforts are underway to erase the memory of 1971. “The Liberation War cannot be forgotten. Those who aided Pakistan back then are the very people making grand speeches today. The nation must remain vigilant,” he cautioned.

NCP leader Sargis Alam has condemned the police crackdown on BUET students protesting for their legitimate demands, accusing the administration of crossing a dangerous line. “This administration must explain where it gets the audacity to unleash police violence and shed the blood of BUET students who are fighting for a just cause,” Sargis wrote. Reaffirming his stance against all forms of quota-based privileges, Sargis expressed solidarity with the protesting students. He also denounced those responsible for the attacks, calling the assault on students “shameful and unacceptable.”

Bangladesh is pushing for significant reforms in its energy and infrastructure sectors to boost economic stability. Policymakers highlighted sustained GDP growth, lower inflation, record remittances, and a stable currency. Key initiatives include 32 investment reforms, multimodal transport planning, renewable energy incentives, increased LNG imports, and EV charging infrastructure development. BIDA is upgrading its services and establishing international economic zones, while solar programs and battery storage systems aim to stabilize the grid. These steps signal a long-term strategic vision for sustainable growth.

South Korea has passed a law banning the use of mobile phones and smart devices during school classes, effective from the 2026 academic year. The legislation aims to reduce smartphone addiction among students, enhance focus on studies, social life, and mental development, and make nationwide restrictions mandatory. While most schools already limited phone use, the law ensures uniform enforcement, allowing exceptions only for students with disabilities. Critics, including students and some teachers, question its effectiveness and broader impact.