A strong earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck Pakistan on Friday morning, with its epicenter in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush mountains. Tremors were felt across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Swat, Charsadda, Buner, Lower Dir, and Mardan, causing residents to rush outdoors in fear. Several aftershocks were reported in Khyber District’s Landikotal. Experts warned that the Hindu Kush region is earthquake-prone, and residents of mountainous areas expressed concern over potential further tremors. No immediate casualties have been reported.

US tech giant Microsoft has disabled certain cloud and AI services for an Israeli Ministry of Defense unit following claims of mass surveillance on Palestinians. The decision, based on internal reviews of records and communications, aims to prevent the use of Microsoft technology for monitoring civilians. Microsoft stressed it never accessed customer content, consulted IMOD before acting, and said the move won’t affect its cybersecurity work in Israel or regional cooperation under the Abraham Accords. Further details are expected soon.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed that the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held in the first half of February, as declared by the Chief Adviser. His comments came amid controversy after the NCP was denied its lotus symbol. While some NCP leaders threatened to escalate political protests, Alam dismissed concerns: “What statements political leaders make is not our issue. The fact is—elections will take place in early February, and no conspiracy can prevent them.”

Education Adviser Professor Dr. C.R. Abrar has said Bangladesh is advancing towards a biotechnology-driven future to ensure sustainable solutions in health, agriculture, and the environment. Speaking at a conference, he highlighted biotechnology’s potential in tackling climate change, food security, and healthcare challenges. Successes such as high-yield rice varieties, local COVID-19 test kits, and microbial waste management were cited. Dr. Abrar also proposed establishing a National Biotech Innovation Institute and a National Biotech Data Bank to accelerate progress.

This year, 259 mandaps in Dhaka and 33,355 mandaps across Bangladesh will host Durga Puja celebrations, according to the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad (Central Puja Committee).

Committee President Jayanta Kumar Dey noted that the number of mandaps has grown significantly compared to last year’s 31,461. “This year, nearly 2,000 more mandaps will celebrate Durga Puja,” he said.

He, however, raised concerns over recent attacks on idols and temples in 13 districts during festival preparations. “Law enforcement responded swiftly, and most of the culprits have been arrested. Security forces remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents,” Dey added.

The Puja rituals will officially commence tomorrow, Saturday, September 27, with Bodhon, and conclude on October 2 with Bijoya Dashami. On the final day, starting from 3 PM, colorful processions will take place in Dhaka and across the country, marking the grand conclusion of the biggest festival for the Hindu community in Bangladesh.

Election Commissioner Anowarul Islam has assured that the ongoing movement demanding a proportional representation (PR) system by Jamaat-e-Islami and the dispute over the NCP’s electoral symbol will not hinder the upcoming parliamentary elections.

He emphasized that those involved in past electoral irregularities will not be entrusted with election duties this time. “The Election Commission is fully prepared to conduct the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. All preparations are underway strictly in line with existing laws,” he stated.

Highlighting the commission’s preventive measures, Anowarul said mobile teams, mobile courts, electoral inquiry and monitoring teams, along with a dedicated mobile app, will be deployed to ensure transparency. He also reassured that journalists will face no obstacles in carrying out their professional duties on election day.

Former Anti-Discrimination Student Movement leader K.M. Mamunur Rashid Mamun has been rescued five days after he went missing. However, details of who abducted him remain unknown. He was found on Friday afternoon in Purbachal, Narayanganj, and later taken to Kuwait Maitree Hospital in Dhaka for treatment. Mamun had disappeared last Sunday morning after leaving home in traditional attire. His family had filed a missing person report with the local police.

At a high-level dinner hosted by Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed his government’s pledge to implement major labor reforms aligned with ILO conventions before the upcoming February national elections.

Yunus stressed that labor reforms are crucial to attract large-scale foreign investment in Bangladesh.

The event was attended by the ILO Director-General, UN officials, and senior political leaders.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized that Bangladesh’s garment industry is the cornerstone of the economy and must remain a top priority for any future government.

Jamaat leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher highlighted his party’s experience in the garment sector, claiming it could help boost competitiveness.

NCP senior leader Dr. Tasnim Jara, recalling her frontline experience during the Rana Plaza tragedy as a medical student, said it shaped her understanding of the human cost of unsafe labor practices.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has deployed 281 patrol teams across Bangladesh, including 94 in Dhaka, to ensure security during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations.

RAB reports that 31,526 puja mandaps are being set up nationwide. Enhanced surveillance, intelligence monitoring, and continuous patrols have been launched to prevent violence, sabotage, or disruption during the festivities.

Deployment began on September 25 and will continue until October 3. Battalions are coordinating with local puja committees, elected representatives, and other law enforcement agencies.

RAB also urged citizens to immediately contact local control rooms or assigned district officers in case of any security concerns.

Travelers have been left stranded in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Natore after bus owners abruptly suspended Dhaka-bound services, escalating tensions following recent worker strikes.

On Thursday night, owners announced the sudden shutdown from ticket counters, citing disputes over increased wages for transport workers. This comes just days after transport unions held strikes demanding pay raises.

A tripartite meeting on September 23 in Dhaka agreed to implement wage increases from September 25. However, owners halted operations without notice.

Rafiqul Islam Pakhi, acting general secretary of the District Motor Workers’ Union, said:
“Workers had reached a negotiated settlement with owners. Yet, without warning, owners have stopped buses, causing immense suffering for passengers.”

An elderly man in Mymensingh’s Tarakanda upazila was forcibly shaved in public, sparking outrage and condemnation. The victim, Halim Uddin Akand (70)—popularly known as Halim Fakir in his village of Kodalia—was attacked by a group of men who cut his decades-old matted hair and beard against his will.

Eyewitness video shows three men, dressed in traditional attire, restraining the fakir in a crowded marketplace and forcibly cutting his hair. Despite his desperate attempts to break free, he was overpowered.

“They dragged me out, pinned me down, and eight to ten of them shaved my hair with a machine. I fainted,” Halim recounted in tears. “I am not insane. I am a fakir. I practice herbal healing. My hair was nearly 30 years old, untouched since visiting the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal in Sylhet.”

Deeply humiliated, Halim said he has been unable to work since the assault. “They thought I was mad, but I am not. I leave their punishment to Allah.”

Local police chief Tipu Sultan confirmed that authorities have spoken with Halim’s family. “If a complaint is filed, those responsible will be arrested,” he assured.

A tragic road accident in Shantiganj, Sunamganj, claimed three lives when a truck collided head-on with a CNG auto-rickshaw.
The victims were identified as Abadit Keshba Priyo, her daughter Prothoma Chowdhury, a 7th-grade student, and driver Sojal Gopal.
Police said two victims died instantly at the scene, while Prothoma was rushed to Shantiganj Health Complex but declared dead on arrival. The truck driver has since been arrested.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is set to deliver a speech today at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Scheduled as the 10th speaker of the day, Yunus is expected to highlight the interim government’s reform initiatives, the aspirations of the July 2024 mass uprising, the commitment to free and fair elections in February 2026, justice for the July killings, and the Rohingya crisis.
Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed that Yunus will also present progress on Bangladesh’s economic recovery and reforms over the past 14 months, emphasizing efforts to ensure a smooth democratic transition.

Albania has expressed interest in recruiting both skilled and unskilled workers from Bangladesh to meet its growing labor demand.
In a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus on Thursday, Albanian President Bajram Begaj said several companies have already applied to hire Bangladeshi workers. He added that cooperation could also expand in sectors like tourism.
Dr. Yunus welcomed the proposal, stressing Bangladesh’s potential to contribute with its young, energetic workforce. He urged Albania to simplify visa procedures, noting that Bangladeshis currently need to apply via New Delhi.
President Begaj assured that Albania is considering introducing an e-visa system for Bangladesh. He also stated that Albanian universities are ready to welcome Bangladeshi students under existing international admission programs.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has sought Dutch assistance to establish cold storage facilities in rural Bangladesh. During a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, he highlighted that such facilities would reduce post-harvest losses and enable better marketing of agricultural produce.
“Every year, thousands of tons of fruits and vegetables are wasted due to lack of storage, causing huge losses for farmers,” Yunus said, urging for Dutch technology and expertise in agriculture.
PM Schoof responded positively, saying the proposals would be reviewed, while also expressing interest in cooperation in the textile sector. The two leaders also discussed elections, past authoritarian rule, and bilateral issues.