Bangladesh is experiencing widespread power outages due to the sudden shutdown of several major power plants caused by technical malfunctions, the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has announced. In an official statement, the BPDB explained that these unexpected mechanical failures have led to an increase in load-shedding across the country. The board expressed optimism that the situation will improve within the next two to three days. In the meantime, it urged citizens to cooperate and show patience during this temporary crisis.

BNP central leader Nargis Begum has alleged that under what she called the "fascist rule" of Sheikh Hasina, women in Bangladesh have not been spared from persecution and repression. Speaking at a discussion, she praised the resilience of Mahila Dal activists, saying they remained steadfast on the streets despite facing countless adversities. “Even when Felani’s body was hanging at the border fence, our women leaders risked their lives to raise their voices in protest,” she said. Nargis highlighted the vision of late President Ziaur Rahman, noting his belief that no nation could progress while half its population—its women—remained marginalized. “Ziaur Rahman integrated women into productive work through proper training, and today women are proving their capabilities in every professional field,” she added. She also credited Begum Khaleda Zia for further expanding these initiatives. At the same event, BNP leader Anindya Islam said that Ziaur Rahman had legislated against the curse of dowry and initiated women’s empowerment through the National Women’s Organization and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. He added, “Khaleda Zia introduced laws to protect women from acid violence, ensured free education for girls up to grade twelve, and reserved 50 percent of primary teacher recruitment for women.”

BNP leader Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal linked Nepal’s political unrest to its proportional representation (PR) system. “PR elections in Nepal led to unstable governments and failure to reflect people’s aspirations. That’s one of the main reasons behind today’s uprising,” Alal said. He added that Nepal’s Gen Z movement drew inspiration from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. “Geopolitical realities must be understood quickly. Stability depends on vigilance in diplomacy and geopolitics,” he stressed.

Dhaka University has declared a suspension of all classes and exams on Wednesday due to the ongoing DUCSU elections. The campus has taken on a festive atmosphere, with polling ending at 4 PM on Tuesday, according to a press release from the university’s public relations office.

At a seminar, political analyst and advisor Asif Nazrul criticized the Public Service Commission (PSC), saying, “Like the country itself, PSC exams were turned into the Awami League’s family property.” He urged reform and emphasized creating jobs in the private sector. Meanwhile, economist Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stressed moral training for building an honest society, while advisor Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan noted, “Transforming a country fundamentally takes time, but efforts are underway.”

AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad said Advisor Asif Mahmud assured support for multiple development projects in Barishal-3. Requests included construction of roads, 27 culverts, 45 deep tube wells, and renovation of 34 mosques and temples in Muladi upazila. Mahmud also promised quick allocation for the Mirganj Bridge, while proposals for paving 18 roads and Tk 200,000 for Muladi Press Club repairs are under consideration.

On Tuesday, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider paid a courtesy call on Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. He was accompanied by Political Counsellor Kamran Dhangal. According to Jamaat, the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, where both sides discussed issues of mutual interest. They expressed optimism about further strengthening Bangladesh-Pakistan relations.

BNP leader Ruhul Kuddus Talukder Dulu highlighted women’s role in politics, claiming: “Half the population are women, and the majority of them love BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ and Khaleda Zia. If women decide, they can bring change in power.” He pledged that under BNP rule, all families needing assistance would receive family cards. Dulu also condemned the Awami League for establishing “fascist control” across state institutions, saying, “The only way out is under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.”

BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu blamed the past government for the rise of mob violence. “This menace started earlier. We are united in trying to suppress it,” he said. Pintu argued that quick elections are vital for stability. Referring to the DUCSU polls, he said: “The festive environment shows vibrant competition. I am confident the Chhatra Dal panel will secure a major victory.”

Recent police data shows a rise in murders and abductions. However, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam clarified that much of the increase stems from cases previously suppressed under the former government. “In the past 20 months, 6,056 murder and 1,358 abduction cases were recorded. Many of these—like 1,130 murder cases—date back to Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule but were only filed after the change in power,” Alam explained. He added that ruling party operatives had discouraged victims from filing cases, with police often complicit. “Now victims can file cases without fear of political terror, and police are not obstructing them. Accountability has improved, even if some crimes appear numerically higher.”

Professor Samina Luthfa, an observer from Dhaka University Teachers’ Network, described the DUCSU elections as participatory but noted irregularities. “Many voters walked away with booth pens, later using ballpoints. If the machines fail to read those ballots, whose responsibility is that?” she asked. She pointed out mismanagement, delays in polling agent approvals, and disputes in Rokeya Hall that hampered voting. In some centers, candidates were even denied entry. Still, Professor Giti Ara Nasreen from the same network stated, “No major irregularities have been observed so far.”

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) GS candidate Abu Bakar Majumder alleged that Mirza Abbas, who has no connection with the DUCSU polls, entered the campus—sending a “wrong message” to the nation. “Mirza Abbas has no right or reason to be here. His presence raises the biggest question—why did he enter?” said Majumder. Responding sharply, Mirza Abbas rejected the claim. “I just came from my Tejgaon office and am now heading to Gulshan for a standing committee meeting. What can I say? Pure fiction! This is how baseless stories spread in this country,” Abbas said.

Sarzis Alam, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has strongly criticized Dhaka University Chhatra Dal President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas for his behavior toward the university’s Vice-Chancellor. In a Facebook post, Sarzis wrote: “The way Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas treated the honorable Vice-Chancellor today was outright insolent. Someone who doesn’t even know how to speak respectfully to a teacher doesn’t deserve to be called a student, let alone a student leader.” He further condemned recent gatherings of Jamaat-Shibir activists around the university as “provocative,” accusing BNP and Chhatra Dal of following suit. “But for a student leader to scold a teacher in front of the media, bang on the table, and speak in a derogatory tone is a disgrace for all of us. Shame on him,” Sarzis concluded.

Veteran politician Fazlu Rahman has alleged a massive conspiracy to cancel his election candidacy, claiming it is orchestrated by “collaborators across Bangladesh.” “Whenever I speak the truth, they go against me. This group will even spend Tk 500 crore to revoke my nomination,” Rahman said. Recalling his decades-long political journey, Rahman described himself as “a son of Itna-Mithamain-Austagram” and a freedom fighter who has been engaged in activism for 17 years. He said he was stunned after suddenly receiving a letter suspending him for three months on charges of making anti-religious remarks and offensive comments against political parties. Rahman also recalled his independent candidacy in 1996, which ended in defeat, and later joining the BNP on the advice of Zafrullah Chowdhury. Since then, he claimed, certain Islamist groups have continuously run smear campaigns against him. “This is my last election. Please keep me in your prayers,” he appealed.

Tensions gripped the Bangladesh national football team in Kathmandu after protesters set fire to a nearby building and stormed into their hotel in search of political leaders. Footballer Sumon Reza recounted the ordeal: “The protesters eventually calmed down when hotel authorities explained that only footballers were staying here, not politicians. They even saw us in the lobby and realized it themselves. That eased our fears.” Captain Jamal Bhuiyan was also heard in a video saying, “It doesn’t feel safe here. Should we move elsewhere?” Clarifying the situation, Reza added that the unrest was linked to a nearby residence of a ruling party leader, which was set ablaze. Another hotel, Hilton, was also attacked during the violence.