Brigadier General Hasan Mahmud, Regional Commander of the Army in Khagrachhari, alleged that the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) is exploiting the recent rape incident to create unrest in the hill tracts.

He warned that the ripple effects could destabilize all three hill districts. “There are major national events ahead, and UPDF is staging incidents with outside militants to sabotage them,” he said.

General Hasan added that premeditated violence erupted across the city, followed by clashes in Guimara that left three dead. He held UPDF responsible for the killings. Meanwhile, Section 144 remains in force in Khagrachhari for the third straight day, with checkpoints set up at entry and exit points.

A gun battle erupted between the Bangladesh Army and members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) in Jagapara, Khagrachhari, early Saturday morning.

According to the Army, troops from the Panchhari sub-zone carried out a raid at the home of active UPDF (Main) member Manek Chakma, where 15–20 armed militants were present.

The militants opened fire as troops advanced, prompting soldiers to retaliate. Following the clash, a search operation recovered a Russian pistol, two magazines, 8 rounds of pistol ammunition, 200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a walkie-talkie set, a first-aid box, and uniforms used by the group.

Police are preparing to file cases against key individuals linked to the incident.

A 37-member contingent of the Bangladesh Army has successfully taken part in the multinational joint strategic exercise “West-2025,” held in Russia’s Mulino Military Training Ground from September 1–17.
According to the army, the drills focused on coordination, responsiveness, and strengthening mutual cooperation through diverse tactical operations.
The exercise included participation from the armed forces of several friendly nations, enhancing military-to-military collaboration on a global scale.

The Bangladesh Air Force and the United States Pacific Air Forces have successfully concluded their six-day joint exercise titled Operation Pacific Angel 25-3.

According to the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR), the drill began on September 14 and ended on Thursday at BAF Base Zahurul Haque under the Armed Forces Division’s directive and Air Force management.

Air Vice Marshal Javed Tanvir Khan, Assistant Chief of Air Staff, delivered the closing remarks and joined participants from both nations for a group photo. The ceremony was attended by US Embassy representatives, senior US Pacific Air Force officials, participants from both countries’ air forces, and top officers from Bangladesh’s three armed services.

Venezuela has launched large-scale military training programs for civilians as tensions with the United States intensify. President Nicolás Maduro has ordered all members of the Bolivarian militia to join the nationwide exercise, named Operation Independence 200.

Training sessions have already begun across hundreds of military bases, with civilians enlisting at army barracks. One participant remarked, “It feels incredible. Military training is essential for us as Venezuelan citizens—we need this experience.”

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López personally inspected the drills, stressing that such large-scale exercises will now be held regularly. The move comes shortly after U.S. forces deployed in the Caribbean, further straining relations between the two nations.

The Bangladesh Air Force and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces have commenced a week-long joint exercise, Operation Pacific Angel 25-3, to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Air Vice Marshal Haider Abdullah inaugurated the exercise on Sunday. Activities include medical evacuation coordination, aircraft maintenance, aerial operations, parachute rigging, and helicopter hoist missions.

The drills involve one C-130J transport aircraft and one Mi-17 helicopter from Bangladesh, alongside two C-130Js from the U.S. Around 150 Bangladeshi and 92 U.S. air force personnel are participating, joined by members of the Bangladesh Army and Navy.

Officials said the exercise would further deepen bilateral military ties.

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Chief Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, currently on an official visit to Bangladesh, met with Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan.
Talks focused on strengthening professional and military training cooperation, with both sides pledging mutual support to deepen defense relations.
Earlier, General Hilmy paid tribute to the martyrs of Bangladesh’s Liberation War by laying a wreath at Shikha Anirban and receiving a Guard of Honor. He also met the Chiefs of Army and Air Force.
The MNDF delegation will visit the National Defence College, Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory, and Naval Academy before concluding its three-day tour on September 17.

The government has extended special executive magistrate powers for army captains and commissioned officers in the Bangladesh Armed Forces for an additional two months. The Ministry of Public Administration confirmed that military officers serving in the Coast Guard and BGB will also retain these powers during the period. Powers are exercised under sections 64, 65, 83, 84, 86, 95(2), 100, 105, 107, 109, 110, 126, 127, 128, 130, 133, and 142 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898. The government initially granted these powers to commissioned officers last September, gradually expanding to navy and air force officers.

Addressing questions about an attack on Kader Siddique’s residence, Bangladesh Army Headquarters declared that no mob will be allowed to insult freedom fighters.
“The army is actively working to prevent mob violence and will act decisively if needed,” the statement read.
Army officials also dismissed rumors of involvement in the upcoming DUCSU election, calling it propaganda. “We want a fair and transparent election that strengthens democracy,” they stressed.
On the general election, the army said it will act under the direction of the Election Commission and the government but has yet to receive formal orders.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has dismissed speculation about military involvement in upcoming central student union elections, particularly the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) polls. In a statement, ISPR said a vested quarter is deliberately spreading “false and baseless rumors” to destabilize the situation. The army expressed hope that the long-awaited elections will be conducted peacefully, serving as an example ahead of the national polls. It also extended best wishes to all candidates and voters.

Bangladesh Army has dismantled a training camp of the armed group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) in Ruma, Bandarban, seizing weapons, military gear, and logistical supplies.

According to ISPR, the month-long operation was conducted in the remote Reng Tlang area from July 25 to August 26, 2025. Soldiers discovered makeshift rifles, sniper equipment, military belts, cartridges, uniforms, boots, radios, solar panels, rations, and other gear.

The army also captured training grounds, firing ranges, trenches, and tactical installations used by the group.

A worker was shot dead and at least six others injured after army personnel opened fire during protests outside Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Nilphamari.
The deceased has been identified as Habibur Rahman Habib. According to locals, workers of the Evergreen Wig Factory had been protesting for several days over unmet demands. On Monday night, factory authorities abruptly shut operations, heightening tensions. This morning, workers gathered in front of the EPZ and attempted to enter the premises. When troops tried to disperse them, clashes broke out and workers reportedly attacked military vehicles. In response, the army opened fire.
The injured were rushed to Nilphamari General Hospital, where doctors declared Habib dead. News of his death triggered a larger gathering of workers, but officials say the situation is now under control.

In an official statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said clashes erupted between rival political groups in Kakrail around 8 p.m. Friday, prompting deployment of both army and police forces. Law enforcement initially urged both sides to disperse peacefully, but some activists allegedly ignored the warnings and launched violent attacks, including torch-lit processions, stone pelting, and attempts to set fire to structures. Five army personnel were injured. ISPR stressed that force was used only to protect public safety and reiterated the government’s “zero-tolerance” policy against mob violence.

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman returned home Wednesday night after an official visit to China.
According to ISPR, he received a Guard of Honor upon arrival at PLA headquarters on August 22. He later met General Chen Hui, Political Commissar of China’s Ground Force, to discuss strategic cooperation, people-to-people engagement, repatriation of displaced Myanmar nationals, and support for Bangladesh’s defense industry.
On August 23, he also held talks with Chen Defang, President of China’s Norinco Group, and toured key military installations and factories.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has categorically denied any deployment of the army in upcoming central student union elections at universities.

In an official statement, ISPR clarified that the government has issued no directive assigning the military any role in the process, nor will there be any scope for such involvement in the future.

It further noted that rumors circulating in media and on social platforms about army deployment are “completely baseless.” The ISPR expressed confidence that law enforcement agencies and university administrations would ensure the elections are held peacefully in a festive atmosphere.