The National Consensus Commission has decided to restart discussions with political parties, following a series of review meetings with experts. According to an official press release, the Commission first met with a panel of experts on Sunday, followed by an internal review session the next day at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. It was during this review session that the decision to reopen dialogue with political parties was finalized. The meeting was attended by the Commission’s Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz, members Badiul Alam Majumdar, Justice Md. Emdadul Haque, Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, and Md. Ayub Mia. Monir Haidar, who has been actively engaged in the consensus-building process, also joined the discussion. The last official round of talks between the Commission and political parties took place on July 31.

United Nations Resident Representative’s Human Rights Advisor, Huma Khan, paid a courtesy call on Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. She was accompanied by Barrister Tajrian Akram Khan during the meeting. Huma Khan inquired about Dr. Rahman’s health condition and wished him a full recovery. She also expressed her gratitude for his address at the UN Human Rights Council’s commemorative event on July 29, which focused on remembrance and accountability. The discussion covered a wide range of issues, including the current human rights situation in Bangladesh, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the demand for justice. When asked about Jamaat’s proposed reform programs, Dr. Rahman provided a detailed briefing. As a gesture of goodwill, the Jamaat chief presented the UN delegation with the 12-volume English edition of the party’s publication commemorating the “July Martyrs.”

BNP leader Amanullah Aman has said that national elections will be held in February as scheduled, despite conspiracies to derail the process. “The fascist Awami League government has done nothing meaningful in 17 years—except change names and loot in the name of development. People couldn’t vote or speak freely,” he alleged. Aman added: “The people know that true development means Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. Tarique Rahman stands as a shining example of patriotism, and the country is ready to welcome him back soon.”

Krishak Sramik Janata League founder and Bir Uttam Kader Siddiqui has warned that if those who brought victory in 2024 fail now, ordinary people may lose the will to resist future dictatorships. Speaking in Basail, he said: “If my home is destroyed and it brings peace to the country, I accept it. But the government must restore the rule of law. People confuse Sheikh Hasina’s downfall with the fall of independence, the Liberation War, or Bangabandhu—that is not the case.” He condemned recent restrictions, including Section 144 being imposed even on freedom fighters’ meetings, calling it an attack on democracy. “If an attack on my house is possible, then everyone in this country is vulnerable,” he warned.

Musaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad, candidate for Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary in the DUCSU election, has called on the university administration to adopt stronger measures to ensure a free and fair vote. “Security measures were supposed to be in place since Sunday, but that has not been implemented properly. Some groups are openly announcing they will surround the campus, yet the election commission is passive,” he alleged. He also claimed rule violations were going unchecked, with parties attempting to sway students with food and money, as well as spreading disinformation online. Musaddiq urged the commission to act swiftly against such irregularities.

Rumors circulating online that former Narayanganj mayor Selina Hayat Ivy and former state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak have been released on bail are false, according to Rumor Scanner Team. Investigations revealed that Ivy remains in Kashimpur jail, and her lawyers said a bail hearing may take another six weeks. An old photo of her wearing a garland is being misused to spread misinformation. Similarly, a photoshopped “news card” carrying Jamuna TV’s logo claimed Palak had secured bail. Jamuna TV has issued no such report. Both leaders remain in custody.

DUCSU Chief Election Commissioner Prof. Dr. Mohammad Jasim Uddin has said the polls will set an example for other universities across Bangladesh. “This will be a model election, a benchmark created by Dhaka University students,” he declared. Voting begins Tuesday at 8 a.m. and will continue uninterrupted until 4 p.m. “If students are in line at closing time, they will still be allowed to vote,” he added. The election will be held across eight centers with 810 booths. Urging participation from both residential and non-residential students, Prof. Jasim said law and order is under control and he sees no cause for concern.

Bhutanese Ambassador Dasho Karma Hamu Dorji has sent seasonal fruits to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The fruits were delivered Monday evening to her political office in Gulshan. Abdul Moyeen Khan received them on Khaleda Zia’s behalf. BNP’s media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan confirmed the development.

One person was killed and another injured in a mob beating in Mohammadpur on Monday afternoon after being caught snatching a mobile phone. The incident took place around 3:00 p.m. at the end of Road 12, Block-E, Chandrima Model Town. The deceased, Yamin (23), was a resident of Udayan area in Dhaka. Police said locals caught two unidentified youths during the snatching attempt and severely beat them. Both were rushed to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, where Yamin was pronounced dead. Police recovered the victim’s phone and confirmed preparations are underway to file two separate cases.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam has said that the current government infrastructure is inadequate to ensure journalists’ financial and social security. “A coordinated effort between government and private sectors is essential,” he noted. He added that while the government provides some support through the Journalist Welfare Trust, implementing the Journalist Protection Act has been difficult due to inter-ministerial complexities. “With more time, we will try to make this law effective,” he assured.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir Rezaul Karim has said that although the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election is a student body election, its historical significance for Bangladesh is immense. “The eyes of the nation will be on DUCSU tomorrow. This election will clarify the future trajectory of our political and cultural journey. We want DUCSU to stand as a model election,” he stated. Calling on authorities, he urged: “Conduct this election in a fair, free, and joyous atmosphere. Run the administration with a firm hand, use intelligence inputs, and take preventive measures to avoid untoward incidents.” Karim pointed to concerns over past administrative failures in Rajbari, Chittagong University, and Hathazari, urging proactive measures this time. He also emphasized that DUCSU must protect student rights and interests, while Dhaka University’s main focus should remain academics and research.

The Ministry of Housing and Public Works has removed the names of Sheikh Hasina, her family members, and other figures from six prominent landmarks across Bangladesh. In Dhaka, “Sheikh Hasina Sarani, Kuril Link Road” has been renamed “July 36 Expressway, Kuril Link Road.” In Chattogram, “Mayor Mohiuddin Chowdhury CDA Flyover” is now “Shaheed Wasim Akram Flyover.” Other changes include: “Bangabandhu Square” → “RDA Complex, Rajshahi” “Shaheed Captain Mansur Ali Park” → “RDA Park, Rajshahi” “Bangabandhu International Conference Centre” → “Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre” “Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Road” → “Professor Dr. Abdul Karim Road, Chattogram.”

The body of Marxist intellectual Badruddin Umar was taken to Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar this morning, where people from all walks of life paid floral tributes. Writer and thinker Farhad Mazhar said Umar would remain an enduring figure, rejecting the notion that Marxist and revolutionary traditions had faded. “The political events of August 5 show clear signs of a revival of this tradition,” he added. Sharmin S. Murshid, an adviser, said Umar’s passing marked the end of a crucial chapter in Bangladesh’s history, describing him as principled, uncompromising, and visionary. Other political, social, and cultural leaders, including BNP’s Habibun Nabi Khan Sohel and NCP convener Nahid Islam, also paid their respects.

The Anti-Fascist Resistance Movement has demanded punitive measures and travel bans against senior BTV officials, including Chief News Editor Munshi Fariduzzaman, Syeda Tasmina Ahmed, and Shamsul Alam, accusing them of aiding state propaganda during the July massacre. At a human chain event, Mohammad Olid, acting editor of Bangla Post, said that while Sheikh Hasina has fled the country, her trusted aides remain entrenched in BTV. He alleged that Fariduzzaman, a former member of Hasina’s press wing, and Tasmina continue to control state media operations, while Shamsul Alam—who allegedly directed student killings—is now part of the chief adviser’s press wing. The group claimed that through these figures, sensitive state information and footage are still being funneled to Hasan Mahmud.

Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman has said that ongoing trials for crimes against humanity are being conducted with the sole aim of ensuring justice, not targeting individuals. “What matters to the law is the crime and its nature, not the person,” he stressed. He also claimed that in the past 17 years, the Awami League government was responsible for over 700 enforced disappearances and 4,500 extrajudicial killings, along with widespread harassment through fabricated cases. However, he noted improvements in law and order over the past year, stating that no disappearances or politically motivated cases had been reported during this period.