BNP leader Rumeen Farhana has slammed rival parties for insisting on proportional representation (PR), saying they are only doing so because they know they cannot secure even 10 seats in a direct election. “Such parties are trying to disrupt the election,” she said, “but BNP believes that if the polls are free and fair, no force can stop the wave of victory for the paddy sheaf (BNP’s election symbol).” Highlighting her party’s struggle, Rumeen added: “No political party has demanded justice for Awami League’s tyranny more than BNP, because it is BNP that first spoke of reform and accountability. The majority of oppression in this country has been inflicted upon our leaders and activists.” She stressed that the people of Bangladesh have never abandoned Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, or BNP activists. “A mass wave will rise in the 2026 elections,” she declared.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser and rights activist, has assured that the government is committed to safeguarding journalists and strengthening the media’s role as the “fourth pillar of the state.” Speaking at a dialogue organized by the Bangladesh Journalists Council (BJC), she said: “The government wants to see media evolve as the people’s voice. Necessary reforms are being implemented, and a separate commission has already been formed to prioritize media development. Journalists’ protection will be ensured, and those involved in mob attacks are facing legal action — not just condemnations.” Other speakers emphasized that without a properly empowered media, the country cannot progress. They urged the Ministry of Information to lead the sector’s development, while calling on the government to formally acknowledge the commission’s reform report to ensure media owners take it seriously.

Ahead of the 2025 DUCSU and hall union elections, Dhaka University authorities have issued strict guidelines for voters. Chief Returning Officer announced Sunday that students will not be allowed to carry bags, mobile phones, smartwatches, or any electronic devices into polling centers. Additionally, water bottles and all forms of liquid substances have also been prohibited. The university administration stated the restrictions were introduced to ensure discipline and security during the polls.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) general secretary candidate Meghmallar Basu has urged students to exercise their voting rights on September 9, stressing that a high voter turnout will prevent anti-liberation elements from securing any position. Criticizing BNP-Jamaat activists for allegedly intimidating and pressuring voters, he said: “The way they are seeking votes across districts and police stations is disgraceful. But complaining won’t help — nothing can be expected from the election commissioners. It’s the ordinary students who must take charge. If 35,000 Dhaka University students cast their votes, every equation will collapse.” Meghmallar further stated: “You may vote for anyone you wish, but please make sure you come to the polling booths. If you vote, anti-liberation forces won’t win a single post. No matter the result, the resistance council has already won.” Reflecting on his absence from campaigning due to surgery, he credited his fellow activists for keeping the movement alive and expressed confidence that students would not deprive him of votes.

The Power Division has ordered all officials and employees of rural electricity cooperatives who are absent under the pretext of “mass leave” to return to their posts within 24 hours. The ministry warned that failure to comply would result in legal action under the Essential Services Act, as uninterrupted power supply is considered a critical public service. Authorities also assured workers that their demands are under review and that the government is sensitive to their concerns.

A new natural gas flow has been discovered in Rashidpur gas field, Bahubal, Habiganj, following the renovation of Well No. 3. Officials estimate the well could produce 25.55 million cubic feet of gas over the next 10 years, along with condensate as a byproduct. At current LNG market rates (Tk 65 per cubic meter), the gas is valued at approximately Tk 4,700 crore.

Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim, contesting for the General Secretary post in the upcoming DUCSU polls, accused rival groups of spreading fear about vote manipulation. “Those who doubt their popularity are the ones alleging vote engineering and scaring students,” he said. Hamim criticized alleged bias among some advisers toward specific candidates but urged students not to be disheartened: “Your presence will change the situation. Let’s not ruin the festive spirit of the election.”

Adviser Farida Akhter has emphasized the government’s goal of making every household self-reliant, with livestock farming playing a central role. Speaking in Keraniganj, she said: “We want villagers to rear poultry, goats, or sheep on a small scale so they can support their families and earn extra income.” She added that livestock contributes not only to food security but also to poverty alleviation and economic growth. During the event, 217 families in riverine char areas received livestock and feed support.

Despite a ban on political activities, Awami League activists staged another rally in the Parliament area on Sunday, a day after their previous protest. Police confirmed the arrest of Sirajul Islam, a former Chhatra League leader from Shibchar, Madaripur, who was carrying a banner during the demonstration. The rally began under the Bijoy Sarani metro rail station and ended at Khamarbari. Tejgaon Police OC Mobarak Hossain said law enforcement acted swiftly to disperse the gathering. Earlier on Friday, Awami League supporters had also held a rally in Nabisco area after Friday prayers.

Jamaat leader Masud Saeedi has said every citizen in Bangladesh, regardless of religion or ethnicity, deserves equal rights and full freedom to practice their faith. He criticized political groups for what he described as a decade-long attempt to mislead people through rhetoric, adding: “Those who incite communal violence in the name of religion are the real minorities. We want a Bangladesh where Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians live in peace, free of divisions.” Saeedi also decried poor infrastructure and collapsing schools despite five decades of independence, arguing that people are looking to Jamaat for leadership to build a prosperous, just, and peaceful nation.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has vowed to end politics driven by muscle power, saying, “The days of ‘10 motorbikes, 20 thugs’ deciding leadership are over. True leadership must come from qualities, not hooliganism.” Speaking to supporters, he stressed that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) stands firmly for justice and truth. “If you stand for justice, you are with the NCP. There is no room in our party for injustice.” He called on people across villages and unions to unite against “evil forces,” warning that local political patronage often turns activists into criminals. A united stand, he said, would strip offenders of courage.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has dismissed fears of election delays, saying, “Some political parties are trying to postpone the polls. But I believe elections will be held on schedule. We are not anxious.” His comments came in Thakurgaon, where the city has taken on a festive look ahead of the BNP’s long-awaited district council after eight years. The conference, set for Monday at Thakurgaon District School ground near Fakhrul’s ancestral home, will elect new leadership and revitalize party activities. Party sources confirmed that there was no contest for the president’s post, with Fakhrul’s younger brother, former mayor Mirza Faisal Amin, being formally chosen as district president.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman met with Palestinian Ambassador Yusuf Saleh Y. Ramadan for a courtesy call and exchange of views. During the meeting, the envoy prayed for the Jamaat leader’s recovery. In response, Dr. Rahman condemned ongoing Israeli aggression, claiming: “In more than two years of relentless bombardment, nearly 65,000 Palestinians — including women and children — have been martyred, with around 170,000 seriously injured. Entire families, such as 2,700 in Gaza, have been wiped out.” He urged the UN, OIC, and global peace-loving nations to compel Israel to halt what he described as a plan to seize Gaza and forcibly displace nearly one million Palestinians. Ambassador Ramadan expressed gratitude, saying he was honored to meet Dr. Rahman and deeply appreciated the solidarity of the Bangladeshi people.

A Goaland court has rejected bail petitions for six individuals accused in a case of attacking police and vandalizing vehicles, ordering them to be sent to jail. The defense lawyer urged authorities not to harass anyone by falsely implicating unidentified individuals. The accused are Shafin Sardar (19), Enamul Haque Jony (32), Chhatra League leader Masud Mridha (29), Swechchhasebak League leader Hiru Mridha (40), Kazi Apu (25), and Ali Mridha (29). Police said five of them were arrested on Saturday night after reviewing video footage of the incident, and another was detained on Sunday afternoon. They were subsequently presented in court. Meanwhile, no case has yet been filed regarding the vandalism, arson, or deaths linked to the destruction at Nural Pagol’s shrine.

Advisor Adilur Rahman has expressed optimism that the upcoming national election in February will be held in a festive atmosphere, continuing the momentum of reforms and justice. Speaking at a ship handover ceremony to Turkey, Adilur said: “The interim government has initiated crucial reforms. The elected government will carry them forward. Despite obstacles, we are moving ahead with the power of the people.” He likened the nation’s journey to waves — sometimes rising, sometimes falling — but expressed confidence in the country’s resilience. Highlighting the shipbuilding industry’s growing strength, he said it would play a vital role in strengthening Bangladesh’s economy. The exported vessel is a 5,500-ton ship, 341 feet long, 55 feet wide, and 25 feet deep.