Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has raised concerns over the Public Administration Ministry’s renewed push to purchase luxury cars for future ministers, despite earlier rejection of a similar proposal by the Finance Ministry. TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the move reflects “the same sycophantic behavior by bureaucrats that was seen under authoritarian governments.” “If the interim government approves this purchase, questions will arise as to why this matter was given priority and on what justification,” he warned, calling the decision “unwanted and unacceptable.”

The National Consensus Commission may recommend that the government issue a “Constitutional Order” to implement the July National Charter 2025, said commission vice-chairman Professor Ali Riaz. He explained that the order would require final approval through a nationwide referendum, to be held on the same day as the upcoming parliamentary elections. Experts had previously debated between two options—referendum or constitutional order—but have now proposed a combined approach.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman has vowed to protect Bangladesh’s tradition of communal harmony, warning against “malicious attempts to incite unrest” during the upcoming Durga Puja. He noted that past regimes had tried to disrupt religious festivals for political purposes, but Bangladesh had long maintained a strong example of peaceful coexistence. “We are committed to preserving this harmony, and any attempt to destroy it will be met with firm resistance,” Tarique said, urging BNP members and allies to assist Hindu communities in celebrating Durga Puja without disruption.

A case has been filed naming Nixon Chowdhury as the prime accused in connection with the attack and vandalism at Bhanga Police Station in Faridpur. Sub-Inspector Azaduzzaman lodged the case on Tuesday, identifying 29 individuals. The second accused is Khokon Mia, chairman of Hamirdi Union Parishad. Earlier, Siddique, chairman of Algi Union Parishad, was arrested under the Speedy Trial Act. The case documents link the attack to protests over constituency redistricting.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mujibur Rahman has demanded that the government replace music teachers in primary schools with religious instructors. At a press conference, he warned of “mass protests on the streets” if the demand is ignored. The All-Party National Committee for Protecting Islamic Education also presented a five-point proposal, including the mandatory appointment of qualified religious teachers in every primary school and amending the 2025 teacher recruitment rules. Meanwhile, rights organization ASK criticized the demand, calling it a regressive attempt to undermine cultural education.

Chief Returning Officer Jasim Uddin has responded to allegations that ballots pre-marked for Shibir candidates Forhad and Sadiq Kayem were supplied at the TSC center during the Daksu elections. He revealed that video footage shows a female student entering the polling booth four separate times—spending about 40 seconds the first time, 66 seconds the second, just 2 seconds the third, and over 10 minutes the fourth. “Her repeated entry and interactions with multiple individuals inside the booth raise serious questions and suspicion,” the CRO stated, adding that the matter is being investigated thoroughly.

The National Board of Revenue’s Central Intelligence Cell has seized two lockers belonging to Sheikh Hasina at Agrani Bank’s Dilkusha branch. Officials carried out the operation on Wednesday as part of an investigation into possible tax evasion. According to reports, the lockers numbered 751 and 753 were registered under her name. Earlier, on September 10, another locker belonging to Hasina was seized at Pubali Bank. With this, authorities have so far seized three lockers from the two banks combined.

The Election Commission (EC) has clarified that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with her family members whose National ID cards have been blocked, will not be allowed to vote. Those affected include her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Rehana Siddiq, nieces Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and Azmima Siddiq, and nephew Radwan Siddiq Bobby. Tarique Ahmed Siddiq, Hasina’s brother-in-law, is also on the list. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed explained that the restrictions apply only to those with suspended NIDs, not to expatriates abroad due to cases or other reasons. For the first time, the EC is introducing IT-supported postal ballots to facilitate expatriate voting. A new registration app called “Postal Ballot BD” is being rolled out for this purpose.

Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman has met with an EU delegation led by Ambassador Michael Miller. The courtesy call at Army Headquarters included discussions on strengthening military cooperation between Bangladesh and the EU, as well as exploring opportunities for developing Bangladesh’s defense industry with European support. Ambassador Miller praised the army’s significant contribution to maintaining law and order in the current national context.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged people of all faiths to remain vigilant during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations to thwart any attempt at communal violence. He warned that vested groups sometimes exploit festivals to incite unrest by sowing mistrust and division for political gain. “Any conspiracy, provocation, or sabotage must be defeated,” Fakhrul said, calling on BNP leaders, activists, and like-minded parties to act as guardians of peace and coexistence during the festivities. He also directed BNP activists to function as watchful sentinels at puja mandaps to ensure safety and harmony.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has assured that the upcoming national election in February will be free, fair, transparent, and celebratory. He made the statement during a meeting with a European Parliament delegation led by MEP Munir Satouri. Yunus highlighted the revival of student union elections in several universities after decades, noting the surge of enthusiasm among young people. “Many will be voting for the first time in over 15 years, and they will turn out in record numbers,” he said. The hour-long meeting also touched on government reforms, Bangladesh’s development journey, democratic transformation, and the Rohingya crisis. European lawmakers described the election as a “turning point” for Bangladesh, with one Dutch MEP remarking that the country is “one of the few where things seem to be moving in the right direction.” Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude for the EU’s continued support and called for enhanced aid for the 1 million-plus Rohingya refugees hosted in Bangladesh.

A Dhaka court has issued a travel ban on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 38 others in connection with a murder case during the mass uprising. The case alleges that during protests in Vatara, Hasina’s directives led to clashes that caused the death of Mohammad Jahangir, a participant in the movement. The investigating officer, SI Nazmul Amin of Vatara Police Station, requested the ban, citing fears the accused might flee abroad. Notable figures named include Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Kazi Rakib Uddin, KM Nurul Huda, and Habibul Awal, among others. The case accuses ruling party leaders and financiers of supplying weapons and orchestrating attacks on protesters, resulting in Jahangir’s fatal injuries.

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud has announced major reforms in public procurement, ensuring greater opportunities for new contractors. Under the new rules, 30% of all government tender work must be allocated to new contractors. Previously, powerful groups repeatedly secured contracts through collusion, but this practice is being phased out. Mahmud explained that bids will no longer be judged solely on experience. Instead, a contractor’s past performance, business dealings, and financial integrity—including loan defaults or corruption—will be scrutinized. “This marks a quiet revolution in government procurement,” he said, describing it as one of the administration’s landmark reforms. He added that steps are underway to resolve land acquisition bottlenecks in project implementation and to prioritize the use of state-owned (khas) land to protect agricultural fields. A committee has already been formed to identify and manage khas land across the country.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will leave for New York on September 21 to attend the 80th UN General Assembly. He will be accompanied by four political representatives: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and NCP leader Akhtar Hossain. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that for the first time, the UN Secretary-General will chair a high-level meeting on the Rohingya crisis during the session. Dr. Yunus is scheduled to deliver his address to the UNGA on September 26. On the sidelines, he will also hold meetings with the UN Secretary-General, the prime ministers of Pakistan and Finland, and heads of several international organizations. New York police have made security preparations in case of protests during his visit.

BNP leader Rumin Farhana has warned that Jamaat-e-Islami poses a unique political threat in Bangladesh, saying: “If Jamaat identifies someone as an enemy, the way they attack—no other party in Bangladesh does that.” Speaking on Jamaat’s organizational strength, she described it as “highly disciplined, much like the military,” stressing that its supporters unquestioningly follow party commands without considering right or wrong. She noted that politics now has two battlefields—the traditional ground and the digital space, where Jamaat unleashes particularly harsh rhetoric against perceived opponents. Rumin recalled her past criticisms of Jamaat in Parliament, adding: “Once they decide a group or individual poses a political threat, Jamaat will crush them without hesitation.”