BNP leader Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has condemned those who vow to prevent elections, saying such statements expose a “fascist mentality” that is ultimately against the people. “For 17 years, Bangladeshis have struggled to rid themselves of fascism,” Tuku said. “What people want is simple: a free, fair, and impartial election where they can choose their candidate.” On student politics, he claimed that radical groups have rebranded themselves but continue to rely on irregular practices. He also criticized the administration in Tangail for failing to prevent the brutal hacking death of a union leader’s wife, urging police to swiftly arrest those responsible.

Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, declared that the nation has experienced the rule of BNP, Awami League, and Jatiya Party, but never Islamic governance—despite 92% of citizens being Muslim. “The fire of unrest is raging across Bangladesh,” he said. “It must be cooled with the breeze of the Islamic hand-fan.” He praised young voters for rejecting “power-hungry” forces in student body elections at Dhaka and Jahangirnagar universities. Karim added that justice for killings and enforced disappearances must be visible, warning that any attempt to impose PR-based elections would leave a permanent stain on history. During his speech, he introduced Anwar Hossain, the party’s nominated candidate for Dhaka-18, by raising his hand before the crowd.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that introducing a proportional representation (PR) voting system in Bangladesh would be both destructive and misleading for the people, given the country’s fragile democratic state. “The public has little interest in or knowledge of the PR system,” Rizvi said. “People prefer to vote for familiar, local candidates rather than party-list selections, which are alien to them.” He argued that political parties often push certain systems only when they see potential benefits, calling it a reflection of “political envy and opportunism.” Rizvi accused the ruling party of plotting to derail elections by pushing the PR model, citing examples of instability in Israel and Nepal caused by similar systems. The BNP, he stressed, has been fighting for free, fair, and inclusive elections for nearly two decades and remains committed to democratic politics. Rizvi urged policymakers to abandon “divisive PR distractions” and instead focus on building a practical, people-centered electoral system.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam, in his testimony, stated that students across Bangladesh felt deeply insulted when Sheikh Hasina referred to them as “children of Razakars” and “descendants of Razakars.” He said that very night, students of Dhaka University and other institutions nationwide took to the streets in protest. On July 17 last year, demonstrators pressured authorities to withdraw a DGFI program and demanded dialogue with the government. Nahid added that cases, including one at Shahbagh Police Station, were filed to obstruct the movement. Despite such hurdles, students pressed on. That same night, Nahid announced a nationwide “complete shutdown.” The following day, students and citizens across all walks of life flooded the streets, with private university and madrasa students playing a particularly strong role in resisting government forces. Movement leaders faced life-threatening risks, forcing many into hiding to avoid arrest. The clashes left many students and civilians injured or killed, while internet services were cut nationwide that night. By July 19, Nahid said, it became clear that the government had taken full control of electronic media, as no news of the protests or casualties was being aired.

Renowned academic and advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul has visited Ratargul, Bangladesh’s only swamp forest, alongside Sylhet DC Sarwar Alam and senior government officials. He highlighted the need for eco-friendly infrastructure development to boost tourism while preserving the environment. During his boat tour of the forest, he listened to boatmen singing traditional songs and emphasized that improving local livelihoods must remain a key part of development plans.

For the first time in its history, Jagannath University has announced a roadmap for its Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) elections, scheduled for November 27. The Election Commission will be formed on October 8, followed by policy discussions with student organizations, journalists, and other stakeholders. After nomination, scrutiny, and appeals, official campaigning will commence. The university confirmed that all steps will follow its constitution and regulations.

The rights body Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has strongly opposed demands to scrap music teacher recruitment in primary schools, warning that such moves threaten cultural diversity. “Music education is not just entertainment—it fosters creativity, moral values, tolerance, and psychological growth,” ASK said in a statement. They argued that some groups are deliberately politicizing the issue to weaken national culture, which could have “far-reaching negative consequences” for social unity. While acknowledging the need for religious instruction, ASK insisted that such demands must not come at the expense of artistic and cultural education.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has raised concerns over the Public Administration Ministry’s renewed push to purchase luxury cars for future ministers, despite earlier rejection of a similar proposal by the Finance Ministry. TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the move reflects “the same sycophantic behavior by bureaucrats that was seen under authoritarian governments.” “If the interim government approves this purchase, questions will arise as to why this matter was given priority and on what justification,” he warned, calling the decision “unwanted and unacceptable.”

The National Consensus Commission may recommend that the government issue a “Constitutional Order” to implement the July National Charter 2025, said commission vice-chairman Professor Ali Riaz. He explained that the order would require final approval through a nationwide referendum, to be held on the same day as the upcoming parliamentary elections. Experts had previously debated between two options—referendum or constitutional order—but have now proposed a combined approach.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman has vowed to protect Bangladesh’s tradition of communal harmony, warning against “malicious attempts to incite unrest” during the upcoming Durga Puja. He noted that past regimes had tried to disrupt religious festivals for political purposes, but Bangladesh had long maintained a strong example of peaceful coexistence. “We are committed to preserving this harmony, and any attempt to destroy it will be met with firm resistance,” Tarique said, urging BNP members and allies to assist Hindu communities in celebrating Durga Puja without disruption.

A case has been filed naming Nixon Chowdhury as the prime accused in connection with the attack and vandalism at Bhanga Police Station in Faridpur. Sub-Inspector Azaduzzaman lodged the case on Tuesday, identifying 29 individuals. The second accused is Khokon Mia, chairman of Hamirdi Union Parishad. Earlier, Siddique, chairman of Algi Union Parishad, was arrested under the Speedy Trial Act. The case documents link the attack to protests over constituency redistricting.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mujibur Rahman has demanded that the government replace music teachers in primary schools with religious instructors. At a press conference, he warned of “mass protests on the streets” if the demand is ignored. The All-Party National Committee for Protecting Islamic Education also presented a five-point proposal, including the mandatory appointment of qualified religious teachers in every primary school and amending the 2025 teacher recruitment rules. Meanwhile, rights organization ASK criticized the demand, calling it a regressive attempt to undermine cultural education.

Chief Returning Officer Jasim Uddin has responded to allegations that ballots pre-marked for Shibir candidates Forhad and Sadiq Kayem were supplied at the TSC center during the Daksu elections. He revealed that video footage shows a female student entering the polling booth four separate times—spending about 40 seconds the first time, 66 seconds the second, just 2 seconds the third, and over 10 minutes the fourth. “Her repeated entry and interactions with multiple individuals inside the booth raise serious questions and suspicion,” the CRO stated, adding that the matter is being investigated thoroughly.

The National Board of Revenue’s Central Intelligence Cell has seized two lockers belonging to Sheikh Hasina at Agrani Bank’s Dilkusha branch. Officials carried out the operation on Wednesday as part of an investigation into possible tax evasion. According to reports, the lockers numbered 751 and 753 were registered under her name. Earlier, on September 10, another locker belonging to Hasina was seized at Pubali Bank. With this, authorities have so far seized three lockers from the two banks combined.

The Election Commission (EC) has clarified that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with her family members whose National ID cards have been blocked, will not be allowed to vote. Those affected include her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Rehana Siddiq, nieces Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and Azmima Siddiq, and nephew Radwan Siddiq Bobby. Tarique Ahmed Siddiq, Hasina’s brother-in-law, is also on the list. Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed explained that the restrictions apply only to those with suspended NIDs, not to expatriates abroad due to cases or other reasons. For the first time, the EC is introducing IT-supported postal ballots to facilitate expatriate voting. A new registration app called “Postal Ballot BD” is being rolled out for this purpose.