Fire Service and Civil Defence officer Khondokar Jannatul Naeem (37) has died from injuries sustained in last week’s devastating chemical factory fire in Tongi. He passed away Saturday morning while undergoing treatment at the National Burn Institute. Naeem had suffered 42% burns on his body while battling the fire on September 22. With his death, the toll from the incident has risen to three.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has expressed interest in signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh and linking the economic zones of both countries. In a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus on Friday, Tobgay proposed connecting Bhutan’s “Gelephu Mindfulness City” with the special economic zone allocated for Bhutanese investors in Kurigram. He also highlighted opportunities in hydropower exports, pharmaceuticals, fiber-optic connectivity, and religious tourism. Chief Adviser Yunus welcomed the proposal and invited Tobgay to visit Bangladesh, which he plans to do before the upcoming national elections in February.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed growing international criticism of Israel as “mere posturing” during his UN address. He claimed many leaders who publicly condemn Israel privately express gratitude, acknowledging that Israeli intelligence has helped prevent terrorist attacks in their capitals and saved countless lives. His comments come amid a surge in calls for Palestinian state recognition and demands for a ceasefire.

Long-distance bus operations remained suspended for the second consecutive day in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Natore due to an ongoing strike called by bus owners. Passengers are facing severe hardship. The strike was announced suddenly on Thursday night despite an earlier agreement in Dhaka between owners and workers to implement a wage hike starting September 25. Owners have now backtracked on paying the revised wages, triggering the strike.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus attended a reception hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump last Tuesday in New York. On Saturday, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing released a photograph capturing a cheerful moment where Dr. Yunus and his daughter Dina Yunus posed alongside Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. According to the press note, the photo was taken on September 23 during Trump’s reception in New York.

The government has announced that Bangladeshis living abroad must perform Hajj by traveling from Bangladesh, not from their country of residence.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs cited Saudi Arabia’s mandatory guidelines under Article 14 of the Hajj and Umrah Ministry, which prohibits foreign-residing Bangladeshis from registering abroad and flying directly to Saudi Arabia.

Officials noted that some agencies have been arranging such registrations, creating multiple complications:

Inability to upload “pre-arrival” flight and health data to the Nusuk system.

Missed health screenings, including meningitis and influenza vaccinations.

Absence of medical certificates verifying pilgrims’ ability to perform Hajj.

Lack of Hajj training.

Airline seat mismanagement and broader organizational disruptions.

For smooth management, the ministry has urged agencies to ensure that registered pilgrims abroad travel to Saudi Arabia from Bangladesh only.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has dismissed Transparency International Bangladesh’s (TIB) recent claims about the Chief Adviser’s UN delegation as “misinformation based on unchecked sources.”

He clarified that this year’s delegation includes 62 members, not over 100 as alleged, and is smaller and more focused than those during the Hasina administration. About one-third are security officials, necessary due to open threats from Awami League supporters.

Over the past five days, Bangladesh’s delegation has held at least a dozen high-level meetings, including bilateral talks with more than six heads of state and government.

The press secretary noted that some delegates will also represent Bangladesh at the upcoming Rohingya Conference on September 30.

Dr. Yunus has acknowledged that upon taking charge, the interim government discovered the alarming extent of corruption and plundering of public resources, which left Bangladesh’s economy fragile.

In his UN speech, he said, “We are determined to end this. Development must never again be used as an excuse to loot public wealth.”

Yunus highlighted key reforms, particularly in revenue collection, where a new law separates policymaking from implementation. This, he said, will ensure transparency, accountability, and stronger revenue generation.

“Bangladeshis expect not just development, but accountable, democratic, and inclusive development,” Yunus stressed.

A violent clash erupted between residents of two villages in Baniachong, Habiganj, leaving at least 30 people injured, including men and women.

The conflict occurred between the villagers of Tarasoi and Jatrapasha. According to locals, the incident began on Friday when a resident of Tarasoi, Kudrat Mia’s son, went to cut reeds from a nearby bush for his paddy. A verbal dispute with Hasan Mia of Jatrapasha escalated into a physical fight. Soon, both sides armed themselves with traditional weapons, turning the area into a battleground.

Police and a team from the army were dispatched to the scene to restore order. Authorities are investigating the incident further.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called for the immediate implementation of a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestine.

In his UN address, he warned that extreme nationalism, harmful geopolitics, and indifference to human suffering are destroying decades of hard-won progress.

“The most tragic image of this is Gaza, where children are dying of hunger, civilians are being indiscriminately killed, and entire communities with hospitals and schools are being wiped out,” Yunus said.

He aligned with the UN’s Independent Commission of Inquiry, saying, “What we are witnessing is an indiscriminate genocide.” He urged the global community to act decisively, warning that history and future generations will not forgive inaction.

Yunus also cautioned against the spread of disinformation, deepfakes, and politically motivated fake news in Bangladesh following last year’s student uprising, stressing the need for global unity to counter such challenges.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has voiced deep concern over the prolonged Rohingya crisis in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly, he said: “Even after eight years, Rohingyas continue to face persecution and denial of rights in Rakhine, creating a dangerous situation for the entire region.”

He called for an immediate end to Myanmar’s discriminatory, identity-based policies and stressed that a lasting solution lies in a political settlement ensuring citizenship and equal rights for Rohingyas, alongside inclusion of all ethnic groups in Myanmar.

Highlighting the funding crisis, Yunus cited WFP warnings that without emergency aid, monthly food rations for Rohingyas may be slashed to just $6 per person. “This will worsen hunger and malnutrition and could force desperate actions,” he cautioned.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has highlighted tourism as one of Bangladesh’s most promising sectors in South Asia, calling on the younger generation to drive its growth.

“Tourism can play a pivotal role in tackling unemployment and poverty while also helping to prevent environmental degradation,” Dr. Yunus said. “In building a new Bangladesh, I expect everyone to contribute responsibly from their respective positions.”

He noted that tourism not only accelerates development in travel hubs but also fosters awareness about preserving local traditions, culture, and the environment.

“Our rich history and heritage, natural beauty, architectural landmarks, diverse ethnic lifestyles, traditional cuisine, and genuine hospitality can attract visitors from all over the world,” Yunus emphasized.

The interim government, he added, is working to harness this potential for sustainable development by implementing measures to protect biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage, and promote economic growth in tourism-rich areas.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs Sohel Taj was stopped from traveling abroad at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka while en route to the United States.

His sister, Mahjabin Ahmed Mimi, confirmed the incident, saying authorities prevented his departure on Wednesday. She declined to explain further, suggesting reporters “ask them directly” why he was stopped.

Airport security authorities confirmed that Taj was under a “travel restriction,” which barred him from leaving the country.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has assured the world that Bangladesh will never again revert to autocratic rule. Addressing the UN General Assembly, he said that democracy and reforms in Bangladesh will move forward sustainably through consensus across political lines.

“No force can now obstruct the reconstruction of a just state structure, earned through the people’s sacrifices,” he stated.

Yunus also revealed that preparations are underway to hold national elections in February next year. Alongside this, the interim government will continue reforms to strengthen transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. He affirmed that whichever party secures public support in the election, there will be no uncertainty in implementing reforms.

“Democracy in Bangladesh will never again be at risk,” Yunus emphasized.

Trade through Panchagarh’s Banglabandha land port has been suspended for nine consecutive days, including weekends, in observance of Durga Puja. The closure began Friday and will continue until October 4. However, cross-border travel for passport holders remains open. Port manager Abul Kalam Azad said Indian traders and transporters from Fulbari agreed to halt import-export operations during the period.