Bong Sena held a march from the busy Sealdah area of Kolkata, West Bengal, calling for the division of Bangladesh and the creation of a proposed “Bongobhumi.” Marchers chanted slogans demanding that Bangladesh be divided and describing the Padma, Meghna and Jamuna region as their address. Women also joined the procession, carrying posters and banners, while bystanders watched from both sides of the road.

The organisation’s materials named Partha Samanta as president of the proposed Bongobhumi movement, Narayan Das as commander and Subhash Majumdar as chief spokesperson. Majumdar said Samanta was in hiding and did not want to appear publicly. Majumdar alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and demanded six former districts—Faridpur, Jessore, Khulna, Patuakhali, Kushtia and Barisal—for an initial Bongobhumi.

Majumdar later said the group sought 21 districts and intended to include Rangpur, claiming one-third of Bangladesh’s land. He said the organisation had written to the United Nations. Narayan Das said Bong Sena’s headquarters was in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district and claimed presence in Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Both leaders said they had contacts with some Hindu organisations in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Coast Guard and Navy personnel rescued 28 fishermen alive from two fishing trawlers drifting in the Bay of Bengal after their engines failed. The vessels, FB Mayer Doa and FB Al-Amin, were taken with the fishermen to the Coast Guard station at Dublar Char in the Sharankhola Range of the eastern Sundarbans, where they received initial medical care.

On Monday around 8pm, the Coast Guard rescued FB Mayer Doa and its 12 fishermen from deep sea about 12 nautical miles south of Dublar Char. The Navy vessel BNS Kopotakkho rescued FB Al-Amin with 16 fishermen at the same time and handed it over to the Coast Guard.

According to the Coast Guard, FB Mayer Doa began drifting after its engine failed while fishing on Sunday night. The crew contacted the owner after entering network coverage, and owner Kalam Khan sought help through the Coast Guard emergency number 16111. The rescued fishermen were also given food, and procedures are under way to hand them over to their mahajans.

A Dhaka metropolitan magistrate’s court on Tuesday, August 25, ordered five days of remand for Mohammad Abul Kashem Patwary, known as “Hatkata Kashem,” in a case over an alleged attack and attempted murder targeting former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s motorcade. Kashem is president of the Tejgaon police station unit of the Jatiya Sramik League. Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam issued the order, confirmed prosecution sub-inspector Arif Reza.

Police arrested Kashem from the capital’s Karwan Bazar area on August 17. A court rejected his bail application the following day and sent him to jail. The investigating officer sought seven days of remand on August 20, and the court set Tuesday for a hearing in Kashem’s presence.

The prosecution said Khaleda Zia’s motorcade was attacked in Karwan Bazar on April 20, 2015, while she campaigned for Dhaka North City Corporation mayoral candidate Tabith Awal. Defence lawyers sought cancellation of remand and bail, arguing there were no specific allegations and citing Kashem’s physical disabilities. After hearing both sides, the court granted five days of remand.

Three agreements signed during the Awami League period allowing India to use Bangladesh’s ports, waterways and land routes remain in force, according to the report. The agreements are the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports for goods movement to and from India, the Coastal Shipping Agreement, and the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade. Critics cited in the report describe the arrangements as contrary to Bangladesh’s national interests.

The Coastal Shipping Agreement created scope for India to use Chattogram, Mongla, Payra and Pangaon as coastal ports. Under the port-use agreement, India can transport goods between its states through Bangladesh by paying what the report describes as nominal fees. The water transit protocol assigns Bangladesh responsibility for maintaining navigability on designated routes used by Indian vessels and provides for automatic renewal every five years.

A memorandum on use of Chattogram and Mongla ports was signed on June 6, 2015, while the port-use agreement was signed on October 25, 2018. An implementation procedure was signed in 2019, followed by a trial container shipment in 2020. Political analyst Dilara Chowdhury called for a public reassessment and parliamentary discussion of the agreements.

A government gazette has been issued for the proposed Santoshpur Ecopark in Fulbaria, Mymensingh, prompting optimism among residents about biodiversity protection, recreation and local development. Local people believe the project could reshape the upazila’s socio-economic conditions and transport links while creating a healthier recreational space for residents and visitors.

The report says roads in poor condition could be repaired and paved to ease tourist travel, improving connectivity across the upazila. It also says park-related hotels, restaurants, transport, guiding and handicrafts could create direct and indirect jobs for hundreds of unemployed young people. Greater visitor numbers are expected to increase income for local businesses.

MP Principal Kamrul Hasan Milon said the ecopark could strengthen infrastructure and communications, while protecting forests and endangered wildlife. BNP leaders and other local figures welcomed the announcement and said they were committed to advancing the government programme. The report further says the project could protect Forest Department land from illegal occupiers and safeguard the area’s natural environment and wildlife.

Bangladeshi diploma engineers in civil, electrical and architecture fields are set to receive employment opportunities in Japan under a signed memorandum of understanding, officials said at a Tuesday meeting at the Secretariat. The initiative, led by Town Life Company Limited, has begun Japanese-language instruction for students of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, with the Japanese company expected to cover costs from language and technical training through entry into Japan.

Prime Minister’s education and primary education adviser Mahdi Amin said Japan’s labour market is highly important for Bangladesh in the current circumstances. He said the government is pursuing multiple initiatives with Japan, prioritising Japanese-language education and working to assist Japanese teachers with visa applications and housing arrangements. The government is also taking steps to expand overseas labour markets and improve Technical Training Centre capacity.

Officials said the first batch’s Japanese-language course is nearly complete and a second batch is under way. Candidates who pass Japanese-language examinations will be sent to Japan in phases. First-batch jobs have been confirmed, with placements due to begin by October 2026; other selected candidates are expected to enter Japan by January 2027. Town Life will also support laboratory development and training equipment at Dhaka Polytechnic Institute.

Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Juris van Bommel paid a courtesy call on Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday morning at the opposition leader’s official residence at 29 Minto Road in the capital. The meeting was also attended by embassy First Secretary for Political Affairs Jawad Azaoui and Senior Political Adviser Lubain Chowdhury Masum.

According to a Jamaat press release, the participants held open discussions on Bangladesh’s current political situation, democracy, human rights, bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Netherlands, and trade and economic cooperation. Dr Shafiqur praised Dutch government initiatives supporting Bangladesh’s economic development, climate-related challenges and Rohingya refugees.

The Dutch ambassador praised the opposition’s constructive and positive role in parliament. He stressed the importance of political stability and regular dialogue between the government and opposition to ensure Bangladesh’s development and investment. Both sides expressed hope that the existing friendly relationship between Bangladesh and the Netherlands would be strengthened further. After the meeting, the opposition leader showed the ambassador graffiti related to the July movement at the residence.

UNDP has expressed willingness to provide full cooperation for Bangladesh’s overall reform process, including legal and judicial reforms and constitutional amendments, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said after a courtesy meeting with UNDP Resident Representative Stephen Rodrick at the Home Ministry in the Secretariat on Tuesday.

According to a ministry release, the meeting discussed constitutional reform, assistance for Rohingya refugees, strengthening police capacity, institutional and technological support against rumours and misinformation, the proposed National Human Rights Commission Act, and a law on preventing and remedying enforced disappearances. Rodrick said UNDP wanted to support the government’s goals, priorities and work plan, including assistance for the constitutional amendment process.

The minister praised UNDP’s continuing support for Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development and called for expanded cooperation. He said the government seeks appropriate upgrading and modernization of existing Rohingya camp infrastructure but does not want new construction there. He also said draft laws on the National Human Rights Commission 2026 and Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance 2026 had received cabinet approvals at different stages.

Nearly 10 months after the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union, or RAKSU, election, elected representatives say they have carried out programmes including seminars, training, sports and cultural events. Their work has drawn campus discussion and criticism over how far election promises have been fulfilled, what activities were completed, and the allocation and spending of funds.

According to the RAKSU treasurer’s accounts, Tk 17 million was allocated for one year of activities at the first session. In 10 months, Tk 9,155,939 was allocated following applications from the vice-president, general secretary, assistant general secretary and secretaries, while leaders spent Tk 6,389,759. Activities included sports screenings and tournaments, debate and literature seminars and publications, cultural observances, Wi-Fi at the RAKSU building, webinars, courses, media workshops, technology programmes, health awareness events and campus welfare initiatives.

Records say some work remains ongoing and vouchers for certain allocations have not yet been submitted. The vice-president’s overall allocation of Tk 990,324 was fully withdrawn, with vouchers submitted for half and work continuing for the rest. Other divisions also reported pending vouchers, ongoing programmes, or returns of surplus funds after completed work.

French companies are increasingly viewing Saudi Arabia as more than a domestic market, positioning it as a base for expansion across the Middle East and wider region. The kingdom is seeking to establish itself as a hub for manufacturing, technology, exports and regional management under Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil.

By the end of 2025, Saudi Arabia had 12,946 factories. During that year, it issued 1,660 new industrial licences with potential investments of about €17.1 billion, while 1,201 factories began production. The country has 36 industrial cities and more than 700 ready-built factories. Eligible investors in four special economic zones can receive a 5% tax rate for up to 20 years, while the Saudi Industrial Development Fund may finance up to 75% of eligible project costs.

French firms including Schneider Electric, Vallourec and Tarkett are expanding industrial operations in Saudi Arabia, with Tarkett establishing a manufacturing joint venture in Jeddah. Non-oil exports and re-exports reached €83.4 billion in 2025 across more than 180 countries. Riyadh hosts more than 750 regional headquarters, including 39 French companies, while French direct investment reached about €16.3 billion in 2024.

Upazila authorities recovered 72 sacks of fertilizer from the home of former union parishad chairman Shaheen Sarkar in Sadullapur, Gaibandha, and fined him. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Jasim Uddin conducted the raid on Tuesday morning at Sarkar’s residence in North Mondwar area. Sarkar, 60, is a former chairman of Bongram Union Parishad.

The administration said the fertilizer had been stored illegally. The recovered stock included 13 sacks of urea, 28 sacks of gypsum, 16 sacks of DAP, 13 sacks of TSP and two sacks of potash fertilizer. Authorities put the market value of the seized fertilizer at about Tk56,700.

Shaheen Sarkar said his family were marginal farmers and that the fertilizer was neither intended for sale nor illegally stockpiled. He said it had been kept for use on transplanted Aman paddy land. Jasim Uddin said strict legal action would be taken against anyone who illegally hoards fertilizer allocated for farmers or attempts to sell it at higher prices.

Bangladesh will observe a nationwide public holiday on Wednesday, August 26, for Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SM). Government employees, bankers and teachers and students at most educational institutions will be off, according to the Ministry of Public Administration’s 2026 holiday notification. The holiday applies to government and semi-government offices as well as statutory, autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies.

The National Moon Sighting Committee decided on August 13 that Rabiul Awal would begin on August 15. On that basis, 12 Rabiul Awal falls on August 26, confirming the Wednesday holiday. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi is observed in remembrance of the birth of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SM), although Islamic historians differ over his birth date.

Bangladesh Bank’s 2026 holiday list says banks and financial institutions will remain closed, with no regular banking transactions. ATMs, internet banking, mobile financial services and card-based digital services will generally remain available. Revised calendars for government primary schools and institutions under the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education also list the holiday, suspending classes at covered primary, secondary and lower-secondary schools.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, MP, inspected river and embankment areas linked to the Muhuri-Kahua flood control project in Feni’s Parshuram and Fulgazi. The visit came ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s expected arrival for the project’s inauguration. On Tuesday afternoon, the minister visited the Muhuri Bridge-adjacent river and embankment area on the Parshuram-Subar Bazar road.

During the inspection, he received information from relevant officials on the project’s current condition, vulnerable embankment sections, river erosion and measures being taken for flood control. In the severe floods of 2024, parts of embankments along the Muhuri, Kahua and Silonia rivers collapsed, inundating wide areas of Parshuram and Fulgazi. Residents have since demanded permanent flood-control arrangements and durable embankments.

Local residents showed strong interest in the minister’s visit. They expect the project, with an ECNEC-approved allocation of Tk1,500 crore, to reduce annual risks of flooding and erosion caused by hill runoff and rising river water. Preparations are continuing in the area for the prime minister’s visit and the project inauguration.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has announced plans to establish a new Saudi cultural center in Paris, the capital of France. The announcement was made during Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to France. The center is intended to present Saudi culture, history and creative diversity to French audiences and the wider international community.

The ministry said the center will host cultural events and programs. It will also work to strengthen connections among Saudi and French artists, writers, intellectuals and other creative figures. The initiative is expected to create opportunities for cooperation and joint projects between cultural institutions in the two countries.

According to the ministry, the center will help expand the international presence of Saudi artists and cultural practitioners. It will support exchanges of cultural experience and expertise, as well as cooperation on joint cultural projects. Riyadh said the initiative reflects the growing development of Saudi-French relations and will showcase both Saudi traditional heritage and contemporary creative activity.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has introduced special security measures across Bangladesh for Eid-e-Miladunnabi, to be observed on Wednesday, August 26. In a press release issued Tuesday by its Legal and Media Wing, RAB said it had intensified regular patrols and plainclothes intelligence surveillance to ensure religious programmes are held without disruption. Personnel will be deployed at venues as required.

RAB said intelligence activities have been increased to prevent any vested group, suspicious individual or organisation from carrying out attacks, sabotage or other harmful activities around the observances. The force is also monitoring possible provocative or controversial actions that could worsen the law-and-order situation.

RAB has kept its bomb disposal unit and dog squad ready for emergencies. It has also strengthened cyber patrols to identify social-media posts, comments or images that spread rumours, misinformation, propaganda or communal provocation. The force urged people to celebrate in a peaceful and safe environment and asked them to inform nearby law-enforcement agencies about suspicious people, objects or activities.