The Election Commission (EC) is set to hold a key meeting on Thursday to finalize the registration of new political parties, following field-level investigations and verification. According to an EC circular, the 13th meeting of the commission’s committee on “delimitation, party registration, election preparations, polling centers, officials’ panels, and stakeholder consultations” will be chaired by Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar on September 11 at 11:30 a.m. The agenda includes finalizing decisions on party registration applications. As per the EC’s roadmap, a public notice on eligible parties will be issued by September 14. Any objections or appeals will be heard between September 15 and 22. Final approval, gazette notification, and distribution of registration certificates are scheduled between September 23 and 30. “We have sought district-wise investigation reports on 22 parties. Some reports are in progress while others are arriving,” said Commissioner Anwarul Islam.

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Brahmanbaria Sadar Model Police Station, Mozzafar Hossain, has been withdrawn and attached to the district police lines following a social media controversy. Earlier, a post from his personal Facebook account appeared to endorse candidates backed by the Bangladesh Chhatra Dal (student wing of BNP) in the upcoming DUCSU election. The post read: “Best wishes for the talented ones. 21, 17, 08”—numbers corresponding to the ballot positions of the Chhatra Dal’s VP, GS, and AGS nominees. Although the post was deleted within hours, it stirred widespread criticism since government officials are legally prohibited from political involvement or partisan expression. Hossain later claimed that his Facebook account had been hacked and that he had already lodged a general diary with authorities. He assured that legal steps would be taken against the alleged hacker.

Islamic scholar Mamunul Haque has described the five-point ideological agreement signed between his party and the Awami League in 2006 as a “major milestone” in the history of Islamic politics in Bangladesh. Speaking about the deal, Haque said it included demands such as enacting blasphemy laws, declaring Ahmadis (Qadianis) as non-Muslims, and granting state recognition to fatwas. “It was a remarkable achievement that even a historically anti-Islamist party like the Awami League accepted those terms,” he said. Haque added that the agreement had sparked outrage among leftists and secularists but marked a turning point in Islamist politics. He also noted that past alliances—such as the four-party coalition and understandings with the Jatiya Party—were shaped by the common goal of protecting Islam, independence, and national interests. “Diplomatic compromises are part of political history,” he said.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cook, paid a courtesy call on Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at his office on Wednesday. She was accompanied by Kate Ward, Second Secretary at the High Commission. During the meeting, Cook inquired about Rahman’s health and wished him a full recovery. According to Jamaat sources, the discussion touched on Bangladesh’s prevailing political situation, democracy, the upcoming elections, human rights, minority rights, and the Rohingya crisis. They also discussed strengthening the longstanding ties between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.

Brahmanbaria Sadar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mozzafar Hossain has been withdrawn and attached to the district police lines after controversy over a Facebook post from his account. The post, published Tuesday, wished success to Chhatra Dal’s DUCSU panel, referencing their ballot numbers: “Best wishes for the talented ones—21, 17, 08.” Government officials noted that political endorsement by civil servants is prohibited. Although the post was deleted within hours, it sparked widespread debate. Mozzafar later claimed his account had been hacked and that he was not responsible for the post. He said he had filed a general diary and informed higher authorities, promising legal action.

DUCSU central member candidate Sajib Hossain has alleged that his vote was not recorded properly. “I want to know where my vote went,” Sajib told reporters, explaining that although he cast his ballot for a GS candidate at Curzon Hall, the candidate’s result showed zero votes. He demanded clarification and justification if his vote was canceled. Another candidate, Rakib Hossain Gazi, also complained of irregularities, accusing the election commission of giving preferential treatment to certain groups and ignoring rules on distributing candidate slips. Both said they would file written complaints with the university administration.

Bangladesh’s Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue has seized locker No. 128 belonging to Sheikh Hasina at Pubali Bank’s Motijheel branch. CIC Director General Ahsan Habib confirmed that investigators found the locker registered under Hasina’s name at the Sena Kalyan Bhaban branch. One key was in Hasina’s possession while the other remained with the bank. Revenue officials sealed the locker earlier today. Additionally, investigators froze fixed deposits worth Tk 1.2 million under Hasina’s name and Tk 4.4 million jointly held with her sister Sheikh Rehana. Officials believe the locker may contain sensitive documents, valuables, and jewelry.

Prominent filmmaker and advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki posted on social media following the DUCSU polls, writing: “Do you know who lost today’s DUCSU election? The ‘Killer Hasina League’—the very group that destroyed elections in Bangladesh and handed over the country to others.” He added that the real victory lay in Bangladesh’s renewed journey toward democracy, declaring: “The winners are not candidates or parties. The winner is Bangladesh’s path to democracy—and the students of Dhaka University who united at the end of the day chanting, ‘We demand justice for Killer Hasina!’”

BNP leader Salauddin Ahmed has congratulated the winners of the DUCSU elections, acknowledging it as part of democratic tradition. “Since elections were held after a long time, some irregularities did occur,” he noted. On the impact of student politics on national elections, Ahmed said: “Many DUCSU leaders elected under major party banners later reached parliament. However, independent winners have not yet made it to the national stage.” He also criticized media outlets for labeling candidates under the Sadiq Kayem–SM Farhad panel as “Shibir’s panel,” calling the reports misleading.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s recent military strikes on Qatar. “This attack is a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as international law and the UN Charter,” the ministry said in a statement. Bangladesh reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with Qatar’s government and people, describing the strikes as illegal and unjustified. The statement further called on the international community—especially the United Nations—to ensure accountability and uphold respect for global laws and norms.

BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have instructed their student fronts—Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir—not to engage in clashes over the results of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election. The directive came after government officials reached out to both parties’ leadership, warning that any unrest would be met with strict action by law enforcement agencies. BNP leader Salauddin Ahmed confirmed, “We assured the government that Chhatra Dal will not engage in violence or disorder. We have informed our leaders accordingly.” A Jamaat leader similarly stated that no outsiders would enter the university premises and instructed members to remain vigilant. Sources revealed that three government advisors, the chief advisor’s special assistant, and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner also spoke with BNP and Jamaat leaders to ease tensions.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed firm support for Qatar following Israeli airstrikes in Doha. “We stand in strong solidarity with the people of Qatar and its Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,” Rahman said in a statement. He urged international stakeholders to take urgent measures against Israel’s military aggression and ensure accountability for violating international laws and norms. Rahman also emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a united stance to protect humanity.

Hamas leaders narrowly survived a series of Israeli airstrikes in Doha on Tuesday. At least 12 air raids were carried out on a hotel complex where top Hamas officials were meeting to discuss potential conditions for a ceasefire in Gaza. Although the leaders—including Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin—remained unharmed, the hotel sustained heavy damage. Netanyahu later confirmed he personally coordinated the operation. Qatar, in response, has condemned Israel’s actions, describing the strikes as “terrorist acts” against a sovereign state.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced discontent over Israel’s airstrikes targeting senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar. “I’m not happy with the situation. This is not a good situation,” Trump said, adding, “One thing is clear—we want our hostages back, but we’re not satisfied with how this has happened.” Advisors close to Trump have also expressed anger over Israel’s decision to carry out the strikes in Qatar. According to a U.S. official, Trump was not informed directly by Israel but rather through Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Charles Q. Brown. Trump then immediately instructed envoy Steve Witkoff to deliver a statement to Qatari authorities. However, another U.S. official revealed that by the time Witkoff attempted to reach Qatari leaders, it was already too late. Just a day earlier, Witkoff had met with a top aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, yet no mention of the imminent strike was made during their discussions.

In Bagerhat, an all-party coalition committee has launched a 48-hour strike, demanding the restoration of the district’s four parliamentary seats. From Wednesday morning, protesters set up blockades, burning tires at multiple points, effectively halting long-route bus services on 16 major routes, cutting off road connections to 21 districts. The committee argues that the EC’s decision to cut one seat ignores Bagerhat’s geographic, demographic, and economic importance, which includes the Mongla Port, EPZ-industrial zone, and two UNESCO World Heritage sites.