BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu has stressed that Bangladesh must hold elections without delay, warning that delays would worsen the country’s situation. Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with imams and muezzins, Pintu said: “People support the traditional election system. They neither know nor accept any other process. Voters must be able to choose their candidates freely.” He added that despite possible conspiracies, the public would resist all plots, and elections would be held by February next year.

A group of former officials and staff of Biman Bangladesh Airlines who were dismissed from service have staged a sit-in protest in front of Balaka Bhaban at Kurmitola, demanding reinstatement. The protesters claimed that despite a government circular in August last year promising to resolve all reinstatement petitions within 15 days, most cases remain unsettled even after a year. While a few employees were reinstated under the same order, the majority still await a decision. They warned that unless their single-point demand for reinstatement is met, they would continue with escalated, ongoing protests.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has accused the Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), led by the Charmonai Pir, of strengthening Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s grip on power through repeated electoral cooperation, calling it a betrayal of the people. Speaking on the formation of a consensus government, Annie said: “Through implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point agenda, we can bring about a national unity government. In such a setup, elected representatives would form the lower house, while unelected leaders from different political groups could join the upper house to ensure inclusive governance.” He alleged that for 17 years, Islami Andolan played a key role in propping up Hasina’s rule: “In the elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024, Islami Andolan extended support to Hasina, thus strengthening her permanence in power. For this, Charmonai Pir and his party have been marked as traitors by the people of Bangladesh.” Criticizing their current stance, he added: “Today they parade on the streets against elections, but where were they during our 17 years of struggle? Back then, we didn’t see their so-called movement. Now they threaten, march, and disrupt the electoral atmosphere. To overcome this situation, unity is our only strength.” Annie also recalled Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in frustrating opposition unity in earlier decades: “In 1986 and 1996, Jamaat did not just obstruct us, they obstructed the entire nation.”

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has said that the party’s liberal democratic vision is crucial for ensuring a peaceful and stable socio-economic environment in Bangladesh. He made the remarks during a meeting with Danish Ambassador H.E. Christian Brix Møller. The two discussed Bangladesh’s political climate, participation of different parties in upcoming elections, and Denmark’s investment interest. The ambassador highlighted Denmark’s plan to invest nearly $2 billion in coastal infrastructure and renewable energy projects, particularly in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. Both sides expressed optimism that stronger democratic stability in Bangladesh would enhance bilateral cooperation.

Uyghur-American activist Kuzzat Altay says China’s economic influence silences Muslim countries on Uyghur persecution. In a video message, he explained that trade and investment ties with Beijing prevent these nations from speaking out. Altay claimed China spends billions to pressure governments and media, while controlling information about repression in Xinjiang. He urged global support, warning that Muslim citizens would demand action if properly informed. Rights groups allege mass detentions, forced indoctrination, and abuses in China’s “re-education” camps, which Beijing denies.

Responding to allegations by cricketer and BCB presidential candidate Tamim Iqbal, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud has insisted that the government is not interfering in the Bangladesh Cricket Board election. Tamim earlier accused the government of favoring incumbent president Aminul Islam Bulbul. In reply, Asif Mahmud said: “The government is only performing routine duties. If it oversteps its jurisdiction, then it can be called unlawful interference. If that happens, Tamim can seek legal action or even approach the ICC.” Tamim had previously stated that he only wanted a transparent election, regardless of whether he won or lost.

Syria’s interim government has set October 5 for the People’s Assembly election, the first since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster last year. Of 210 seats, one-third will be appointed by President Ahmed al-Shara, while the rest will be elected under the electoral commission. The vote aims to rebuild state institutions and gain legitimacy, though critics warn of limited representation. Security concerns persist in Suwayda, Hasakah, and Raqqa, while al-Shara pushes regional diplomacy, including potential security talks with Israel.

Law enforcement agencies have arrested six Awami League leaders and activists in separate drives across Dhaka. The arrests, made on Sunday, were disclosed on Monday. Deputy Commissioner of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, stated that the detainees were involved in organizing flash processions and financing party activities in the capital. He added that further details would be shared later.

Marking the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent 500 kilograms of premium aromatic Chinigura rice as a gift to India. On Monday afternoon, a pickup truck carrying the rice crossed into Agartala, Tripura, through the Akhaura land port. The rice, branded as Chashi, will be distributed from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi to distinguished recipients. Rajib Bhuiya, owner of Suyeib Trade International, which handled the customs clearance, confirmed that the rice would be presented as gifts to notable figures in India.

A low-pressure system has developed over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, triggering heavy cloud formation. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has warned that squally winds may sweep across the North Bay, coastal regions, and nearby sea ports. On Monday, the BMD advised the ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3. Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay have been instructed to remain close to shore and proceed with utmost caution until further notice.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam assured that comprehensive 24-hour security will be in place throughout the Durga Puja celebrations this year. Speaking during a visit to Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Narayanganj’s Missionpara, he praised the arrangements, calling them “well-organized with no cause for concern.” “Durga Puja is a sacred religious festival, and its sanctity must be preserved. We have taken steps to ensure that all faiths can work together harmoniously. There are no security threats, as CCTV surveillance has been installed at every site,” he said. Alam added that coordination meetings with puja committees have been held, ensuring round-the-clock security measures from the outset of festivities. Alongside government security forces, volunteer groups will also provide support. From September 24, Ansar personnel will be deployed. To further support the celebrations, the government has allocated Tk 3.2 million across Narayanganj puja mandaps, along with 500 kilograms of rice for each mandap. Alam expressed optimism that the festival would further strengthen communal harmony in the country.

The Election Commission (EC) is preparing to grant official registration to six new political parties, including the National Citizen’s Party (NCP) and the Bangladesh National League. According to EC sources, a field-level verification of 22 parties has been completed. Following this process, the National Citizen’s Party, Bangladesh Aam Janagon Party, Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party, and Bangladesh National League are among the six parties recommended for final approval. Files recommending their registration have already been submitted to the commission. After the relevant branch concluded its review and signed off on the documents last Sunday, the file is being placed before the commission today for approval. The commission may amend or adjust the proposals before granting final consent. Once approved, a public notice will be issued, giving 15 days for objections and hearings. After resolving any disputes, symbols will be allocated, and the EC will publish the final gazette.

Islamic movement leader Faizul Karim has sharply criticized the country’s ruling class, saying they have failed to bring any meaningful welfare to the people in the past 53 years. Addressing a gathering, Karim said: “For decades, the rulers have been tested, but they have given the people nothing worthwhile. Now, I urge you—test Islam once. Islam has not come into this world to fail; it has come to triumph. If we fail, we will not come before you again.” During the event, he also announced Dr. Noor Alam Siddique, President of Islami Andolon Bangladesh’s Dinajpur South District branch, as the party’s candidate for the Dinajpur-6 parliamentary seat.

Rajshahi University (RU) teachers and staff have enforced a “complete shutdown” of all academic activities following a violent scuffle between students and faculty over the controversial “offspring quota” policy. Speakers at the protest alleged that a group of students carried out a planned and organized attack on teachers—an incident they described as unprecedented in the university’s history. The demonstrators issued three demands: Permanent expulsion of the identified attackers. Cancellation of certificates for those whose studentship has ended. Cancellation of candidacy for those contesting in the RUCSU elections. They vowed to continue the movement until visible punishment is delivered.

Celebrated singer Tahsan Khan has announced that he is gradually stepping away from his two-decade-long music career. His verified Facebook and Instagram accounts—once followed by millions—have mysteriously disappeared, sparking speculation among fans. At a recent concert in Melbourne, Australia, Tahsan clarified, “This is not my last concert, but my last tour. Slowly, I will retire from music—it’s only natural. Can someone jump on stage forever? My daughter is growing up. If I now stand and sing ‘Dure Tumi Dariye,’ how would that look?” The audience was stunned, many breaking into tears, but Tahsan remained resolute, continuing his performance. He later summed up his decision in a single sentence: “I chose this path in hopes of living a simple life.”