BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called for joint efforts to restore democracy in Bangladesh. In a statement marking International Democracy Day, he said, “The foundation of rebuilding the state must be free, fair, and participatory elections. Independence of the judiciary and media, along with full application of democratic principles, is essential.” Rahman alleged that democracy has been “under siege” for the past 15 years due to what he called “Awami fascism.” In a separate statement, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that sustained democratic practice is the best safeguard against authoritarianism. While July–August’s historic, blood-stained movement brought victory, he noted that full democracy is yet to be achieved. Ensuring continuity of fair elections, he stressed, is key to institutionalizing democracy.

After 19 years, former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar visited the Home Ministry and met with the current Home Affairs Adviser. Following the meeting, Babar told reporters that discussions included the possible return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman: “Inshallah, he will come back soon.” He also expressed concern over law and order, stressing the need to recover looted assets and illegal firearms. “The government is making sincere efforts,” he said, adding that he wished to assist the interim administration and the Chief Adviser. Babar further alleged that a special business group recently met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a neighboring country, with the aim of derailing upcoming elections.

The Chairman of the Pay Commission, Zakir Ahmed Khan, has assured Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus that the new pay structure will be finalized earlier than the scheduled six months. Speaking on Jamuna TV, Khan said that while inflation and GDP have risen over the past decade, salaries have not kept pace. The commission is working on a timely pay scale that includes: Separate salary structures for specialized jobs Income tax-adjusted salaries Revised allowances for housing, medical, and transport Inflation-linked wage adjustment mechanisms Updated pension and retirement benefits Recommendations will also address anomalies in grades and increments, rationalize perks such as phone and car allowances, and evaluate employee performance as a basis for pay reform. Chief Adviser Yunus emphasized that fair pay alone is not enough: “We often see a single illness wipe out entire family savings. With proper insurance, families feel secure. Neighboring countries already follow such models.”

Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur received a hospital visit on Sunday evening from legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Dr. Nazrul entered through the Bagan Gate of the administrative block and met Nur briefly before leaving. Party General Secretary Rashed Khan confirmed that Dr. Nazrul inquired about Nur’s health and ongoing treatment.

The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has arrested nine leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations on charges of participating in flash processions and plotting acts of sabotage in the capital. Those arrested include: Mokshedur Rahman Molla Kishore (47), President of Ward-10 Volunteer League, DSCC Enamul Huda Lalu (60), former President of Srinagar Thana Volunteer League Abdul Gaffar (56), former member of Ward-9 Jubo League, DSCC Baharul Islam Titu (46) Saiful Islam Leon (24) Nayeem Noman (60) Humayun Kabir Rajon (42) Mohiuddin Matbar (43) Shikdar Sohel Hazari (30) According to a statement issued Sunday, the DMP said multiple DB units conducted the coordinated operations that led to the arrests. Police allege the detainees were involved in attempts to destabilize law and order in the capital, spread panic through sudden street marches, and carry out activities related to cases filed across various police stations. Legal proceedings against them are currently underway.

Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam has said Bangladesh does not need “another shadow-Maududist” political party. “Half a dozen proxy forces are already active—you will add nothing new,” he wrote, urging political groups instead to “redefine, reorganize, and reclaim.” Although Mahfuz did not specify which parties he meant, in Bangladesh the term “Maududist” typically refers to Jamaat-e-Islami. The party was founded in 1941 in the Indian subcontinent by Syed Abul Ala Maududi.

Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has emphasized the caretaker government’s determination to leave behind tangible contributions for citizens before its tenure ends. “I asked the NBR chairman whether we’ll be able to see some of the benefits of our reforms before February, when we step down,” Dr. Salehuddin said. “The Chief Adviser often reminds us that we should try to leave some lasting contributions. Yet, I see certain newspapers publishing only despair—no signs of hope. We want to show people a ray of hope.” He explained that any new government would need time to settle in, so it was crucial for the current administration to act with goodwill and demonstrate immediate progress. Addressing tax lawyers, Dr. Salehuddin criticized harassment in public services: “People are made to run around unnecessarily. Even I sometimes get fed up and say, ‘Just process it.’ For instance, I tell my driver not to bother me repeatedly about his driving license. Citizens need to be freed from such hassles. People want service, and when they receive good service, they are willing to pay for it without hesitation.”

The Dhaka University unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced plans to install sanitary napkin vending machines across five key academic zones of the university. The designated locations are: TSC (Teacher-Student Centre), Central Library, Curzon Hall, Mokarram Building, and the Faculty of Business Studies. Speaking on the initiative, DU Shibir’s Organizing Secretary Kazi Ashiq said: “To ensure convenience for female students, we are installing sanitary napkin vending machines in five academic areas. This was supposed to be implemented by DUCSU earlier, but due to restrictions in its code of conduct regarding gifts, it never materialized. We are now moving forward, and this kind of student-friendly initiative will continue.” AGS Mohiuddin Khan added: “For the past year, we’ve been trying to undertake welfare-oriented initiatives for students. Today’s step for female students is a continuation of that effort.”

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called for financial reforms that empower individuals to become entrepreneurs rather than employees. “People are not born to work for others—they are born to be entrepreneurs,” he said. Highlighting the growing aspirations of rural youth, Yunus urged the creation of financial and social structures that allow individuals to pursue independent ventures. He pointed out that hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs have already emerged, many working in teams, and their experiences could be scaled nationwide. Tracing the origins of PKSF (Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation), Yunus said it was established unexpectedly in the 1980s, but its legal framework now needs reform to meet modern entrepreneurial realities. He proposed expanding PKSF’s programs, emphasizing partnership with entrepreneurs rather than institutions.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has criticized the government’s approach to the July Charter, warning that it risks becoming overly complicated. After a meeting with the Consensus Commission, he said: “We do not want to leave behind a legacy that collapses within days or faces immediate challenges.” The commission previously met with political parties on September 11 but failed to reach a final decision on the Charter’s implementation.

Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz has described the July Charter as a product of collective effort and “a testament to political unity in Bangladesh.” Speaking at a commission meeting chaired by the Chief Adviser, he said: “The spirit of cooperation among political parties must be preserved in the coming months to bring this process to its rightful conclusion.” He warned that remnants of fascist forces are still working to sabotage the process.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has declared that the 13th National Elections in February will mark a “festival of democracy” and a true rebirth for the nation. Speaking at a consensus commission meeting on the July Charter, Yunus said: “The sacrifices made will only be meaningful if we can achieve this rebirth through the elections.” The commission has stressed that the July Charter represents more than political reform—it is a roadmap to strengthen democracy and good governance. But, they added, its success hinges on broad political consensus.

Under the leadership of Maulana Mamunul Haque, Khelafat Majlis has announced a five-point demand, including immediate implementation of the July Charter, introduction of proportional representation (PR) in parliament’s upper house, and ensuring a level playing field for upcoming elections. The demands also call for banning the politics of the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance, and visible justice for the July massacre. The party has scheduled demonstrations in Dhaka on September 18, divisional protests on September 19, and nationwide marches on September 26.

After more than two decades, former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar made a return to the Ministry of Home Affairs. On Sunday afternoon, he paid a courtesy call on Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser to the Home Ministry, at the Secretariat. Sources confirmed that the meeting was primarily ceremonial, though discussions touched upon security preparations ahead of the possible return of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh. Ensuring comprehensive, round-the-clock security for him reportedly featured in the talks. Other issues discussed included the country’s overall law and order situation, border security, and the use of advanced technology in crime prevention. The meeting was attended by Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Special Assistant Khodabox Chowdhury, Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, former Senior Secretary Kamruzzaman, and former Additional IGP Mahbubur Rahman.

RAB-9 has arrested Shahab Uddin, suspended president of Companyganj Upazila BNP, for his alleged role in large-scale illegal stone extraction. He was detained during a late-night raid in Kumarpara, Sylhet, on Saturday. Authorities say that over the past year, vast quantities of stones were unlawfully mined from Companyganj and Gowainghat. Following public outcry, RAB launched extensive intelligence operations, identifying Shahab Uddin as one of the masterminds behind the infamous Bholaganj white stone looting. He faces seven separate cases under Companyganj and Kotwali police stations and has been handed over to Kotwali police for legal proceedings.