Train services across northern Bangladesh have been disrupted after a coach of the Dhaka-bound Kurigram Express derailed early Monday near Akkelpur in Joypurhat. Railway officials said the derailment occurred about two kilometers south of Akkelpur station, involving the train’s power car. Five other coaches were later moved to Joypurhat station. Rescue teams from Parbatipur have been deployed to remove the derailed carriage. Until then, train operations on the route remain suspended, cutting off links between the north and the rest of the country.

Voting for India’s Vice Presidential election is set for September 9. The ruling NDA has nominated former Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, while the opposition has fielded former Andhra Pradesh judge B. Sudarshan Reddy. On the eve of the vote, Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM party declared support for Reddy. Owaisi said, “At the request of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, we are backing the opposition candidate to strengthen the fight against the Centre.” Reddy already has backing from Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), AAP, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction). Though parliamentary arithmetic favors the NDA candidate, analysts say the opposition’s campaign is more about sending a political message than securing victory.

Dhaka University has come under fire after issuing accreditation cards for journalists covering the Daksu elections riddled with errors in names, designations, and institutions. Examples include Sheikh Nasir Uddin of Daily Sun, whose name appeared as “Sheikh Nasir Uddir” and designation “Stff Correspondent” instead of “Staff Correspondent.” Similarly, Azharuzzaman of Ekhon TV was labeled as “Sir Reporter” instead of “Staff Reporter.” The mistakes, signed off by the Chief Returning Officer, sparked outrage among journalists and drew widespread criticism on social media. Chief Returning Officer Dr. Mohammad Jasim Uddin acknowledged the issue, explaining that over 1,200 applications were processed by lower-level staff, leading to errors. He assured corrections would be made upon request and promised measures to prevent future lapses.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the recent Alaska meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, calling it a fulfillment of Putin’s long-standing wish to meet the former U.S. president. “Putin doesn’t want to meet me, but he is eager to meet the U.S. president and flaunt the pictures. Excluding Ukraine from the August 15 meeting was deeply disappointing,” Zelensky said. He praised Washington’s move to impose tariffs on countries continuing trade with Russia, describing it as “the right step” to intensify pressure on Moscow. He also criticized certain European states for still purchasing Russian energy. Zelensky reiterated he would not visit Russia during wartime but suggested Putin could come to Kyiv—while acknowledging such a scenario was virtually impossible, as Moscow does not recognize his legitimacy.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered what he called a “last warning” to Hamas, demanding the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. “Israel has accepted my conditions. Now Hamas must do the same,” Trump said. “If Hamas refuses, they will face the consequences. This is my final warning.” The statement comes after Trump previously issued a similar caution in March, following his meeting at the White House with eight hostages freed by Hamas. Israeli military officials say at least 25 hostages have been killed in captivity and are pressing for the return of their bodies.

Prince Hisahito of Japan, nephew of Emperor Naruhito, has formally reached adulthood at the age of 19—becoming the first male royal in four decades to do so. As the second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his milestone has reignited debate over Japan’s 19th-century male-only succession law. At a ceremony Saturday, Hisahito received the traditional kanmuri crown from the Emperor’s envoy. In his remarks, he said, “As an adult member of the Imperial Family, I will fulfill my duties with a sense of responsibility.” The prince later donned ceremonial attire at the Imperial Palace and is scheduled to pay respects at the Ise Grand Shrine, Emperor Jimmu’s mausoleum, and the tomb of his great-grandfather, Emperor Showa. He will also meet Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other dignitaries. With no younger male heirs in line, calls are growing to amend succession laws that exclude women despite Japan’s shrinking imperial family.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called on the government to prioritize citizens’ livelihoods while simultaneously urging Islamic nations to sever all trade and political relations with Israel. During a meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian and his cabinet on Sunday, Khamenei stressed that soaring prices and economic hardships remain pressing national concerns. He demanded stronger measures to control inflation and improve people’s living conditions. Khamenei described Israel as a “cursed and criminal entity” and directed Iran’s Foreign Ministry to push other countries to cut ties with Tel Aviv. “National unity and morale are the foundations of strength, but we must also stand firm against the Zionist regime’s atrocities,” he said.

A legal notice has been served demanding the ban of Jatiya Party’s political activities, accusing the party of perpetuating military rule, engaging in corruption, and undermining democracy. Supreme Court lawyer Salah Uddin Regan issued the notice Sunday on behalf of NCP activist Hossain Mohammad Anwar, naming the Election Commission and other authorities as respondents. The notice warns that if no action is taken within three days, a writ petition will be filed with the High Court. It alleges Jatiya Party has repeatedly corrupted Bangladesh’s political process since its inception and turned elections into farces. The move follows earlier appeals submitted to the Election Commission seeking the party’s disqualification from politics in the interest of protecting the nation’s democratic future.

A case has been filed against seven people, including Lohagara Upazila NCP chief coordinator Md. Zahir Uddin, for allegedly abducting and torturing Jubo Dal leader Mohammad Faruk, and attempting to frame him in a drug case. According to the complaint, Faruk was returning home with his father after medical treatment on Thursday when Zahir and his associates forced him onto a motorcycle from outside a local hospital. He was taken to a house, brutally assaulted, and coerced into giving a false confession labeling him as a yaba dealer. Police later rescued Faruk in critical condition following family complaints. He is now undergoing treatment at Lohagara Upazila Health Complex. Zahir has denied the allegations, while OC Md. Arifur Rahman confirmed an investigation is underway and legal action will follow.

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.