Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep disappointment at the government’s decision to send over 100 delegates to the UN General Assembly, continuing what it termed an “embarrassing trend.”
Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “We had hoped the interim government, born out of a mass movement, would end this waste. Instead, they’ve sent an even larger delegation this time.”
Last year, Bangladesh sent 57 delegates, sparking optimism for change. TIB argued that only superpowers like the U.S., China, and Russia occasionally send large teams, but even they rarely cross 100 members. It added that this lavish trip, funded by taxpayers, directly contradicts earlier government pledges to cut overseas spending.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Israel would not be permitted to annex the Palestinian West Bank, while suggesting that a settlement over Gaza could be reached soon.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday, ahead of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled UN address, Trump said: “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank… it simply won’t happen.”
His remarks come as several Western nations formally recognize Palestine as an independent state. The UN Secretary-General warned that annexation would be “morally, legally, and politically unacceptable.” Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed willingness to work with world leaders on France’s proposed peace plan.

A violent attack targeted students participating in the ongoing mass uprising in Uttara, leaving at least six injured. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. Thursday near the central playground in Sector 18.
Video footage shows a group of men armed with local weapons assaulting students. Victims alleged that Chhatra League activists had been issuing threats prior to the attack and held them responsible. The students demanded immediate arrests of the attackers.
Army personnel, accompanied by police, arrived at the scene around 4:30 a.m. and assured that the culprits would be identified and arrested swiftly.

To manage the surge of passengers during Durga Puja, the Ministry of Railways has decided to operate four pairs of special trains. Additionally, the weekly breaks for the Padma Express and Madhumati Express, which run on the Rajshahi-Dhaka-Rajshahi route, have been canceled.

This year, the festival coincides with four consecutive government holidays, from September 28 to October 8, when all public and private educational institutions will remain closed, leading to higher passenger demand. Intercity train schedules have been adjusted accordingly.

Considering passenger needs in the eastern region, from September 30, four additional pairs of Tourist Special trains will run on the Chattogram-Dhaka-Chattogram and Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar-Dhaka routes. Tickets for these trains will be sold exclusively online. To prevent passenger harassment, mobile courts will operate at Dhaka and airport railway stations during this period.

Advisor Asif Mahmud emphasized the importance of honesty and objectivity in presenting information. Responding to media reports labeling certain initiatives as “special projects,” he clarified that district-based rural infrastructure projects exist in 20 districts nationwide.

Over the past year, new projects were launched in Manikganj, Comilla, Patuakhali, and Satkhira, raising the total number of such district-level projects to 24. According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) policy, district-based projects will eventually cover all 64 districts.

Mahmud questioned the selective framing of only two projects as “special,” explaining that LGED evaluates projects based on the total length of paved and unpaved roads under the “Upazila Road” category. Highlighting only a single category, he said, is misleading. The remaining districts are also included under broader divisional or infrastructural development schemes. The addition of the four new districts last year is part of a phased rollout of individual projects for all districts.

Advisor Farida Akhter emphasized that cooperation with China is essential for Bangladesh’s economic transformation. Strengthening competitiveness between the two nations will promote social and economic development.

Chief Adviser’s recent visit to China resulted in economic and technological agreements and memorandums of understanding, covering sectors including culture, media, sports, and health. Farida noted the significance of these agreements for the youth.

China has long been a reliable trade partner for Bangladesh, and this partnership continues to grow stronger. The cooperation is expected to enhance aquaculture technology, modernize production methods, IT-based livestock management, climate-resilient animal housing, disease control, antimicrobial resistance measures, fish landing and processing facilities, and value-added dried fish industries—boosting both food security and economic growth.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said the Dhaka-China Day event reflects the close ties between the two countries, fostering deep understanding and cultural connections among students and the wider population.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized that no country can achieve youth empowerment alone. Speaking at the commemorative meeting, Yunus stated that without global cooperation, it is impossible to remove obstacles, ensure justice, or cultivate intergenerational leadership.

“I believe young people will make the right decisions—for themselves, the world, and the future,” Yunus said. Reflecting on Bangladesh, he added, “Last year, we witnessed the extraordinary strength of our youth. They courageously ended authoritarianism and guided the nation toward a new path, entrusting me with the responsibility of reform and democratic transformation.”

Yunus highlighted that while youth worldwide are a driving force for change, they remain the first to be affected by inequality, conflict, climate change, security issues, and digital divides. Unemployment among young people remains a critical challenge. Bangladesh has implemented the National Youth Entrepreneur Policy to provide financing, skill development, and market access, cultivating young people not just as job seekers but as job creators. Youth participation has been ensured in reform commissions, and national policy competitions have been launched.

Globally, Yunus affirmed support for initiatives including the Youth Action Plan, Pact for the Future, the UN Youth Strategy 2030, and the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda.

A 35-year-old man, Nur Islam, died while filming a TikTok video at Joydebpur Railway Station in Gazipur.
Eyewitnesses reported that while recording on the northern side of Platform No. 1 this afternoon, he was struck by the Dhaka-bound Balaka Commuter train. The collision left him critically injured, with severe head trauma and a crushed arm. Locals rushed him towards Gazipur Sadar Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries en route.

Bangladesh received $2.23 billion in remittances in the first 24 days of September, marking a 17% increase compared to the same period last year.
Between September 1–17 alone, $1.77 billion was received, followed by another $460 million in the next seven days.
By comparison, August remittances totaled $2.42 billion, while July saw $2.48 billion. Notably, expatriates sent a record $30.32 billion during the 2024–25 fiscal year.

The Indian government has introduced new regulations to control rice exports to Bangladesh. From now on, non-basmati rice exports will only be allowed upon registering export contracts with India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The directive applies to all new letters of credit (LCs), excluding those already backed by tenders.
Bangladeshi rice importer Dinesh Poddar noted that the new policy may slow down import procedures and increase costs, which could lead to higher retail rice prices in Bangladesh.

Police have alleged that Mozammel Haque, president of the Bangabandhu Foundation, financed the egg attack on NCP leader Akhtar Hossain.

On Thursday, investigators sought a 10-day remand for former MP Kabirul Haque Mukti and Mozammel Haque in connection with a Gulshan anti-terror case.

According to IO Abdus Salam, Mozammel transferred money via bKash to fund the New York attack. “They are engaged in activities to destabilize the country and disrupt law and order,” he said.

Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk added: “The accused operated WhatsApp and Messenger groups to coordinate anti-government activities. Mukti played a behind-the-scenes role. Police have been monitoring them and arrested them after identification.”

Battery-powered rickshaw drivers, owners, and workers staged demonstrations in Sylhet on Thursday demanding permits to operate legally.

Gathering at Chowhatta Alia Madrasa grounds, protesters marched toward the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Along the way, some agitated workers vandalized vehicles, including a city corporation car, and threw bricks at Nagar Bhaban, escalating tensions.

Chanting slogans like “Give us permits” and “Don’t starve the poor,” they later submitted a memorandum demanding approval for their livelihoods.

Police, however, continue crackdowns on unauthorized vehicles, with more than 100 seized in the last three days. Drivers allege they are being left destitute without permits, urging authorities to reconsider.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said India’s dissatisfaction with last year’s student-led uprising has strained bilateral ties.

Speaking to U.S. South and Central Asia envoy Sergio Gore, Yunus claimed Indian media spread “false propaganda” portraying the mass protests as an Islamist movement. “Many fake reports came from India, worsening the situation,” he added.

Yunus also noted: “India gave shelter to Sheikh Hasina, who is creating problems. This has further fueled tensions between the two countries. Because of India, SAARC remains stalled.”

He expressed interest in Bangladesh joining ASEAN as an alternative regional bloc.

The government is borrowing $1.06 billion under stringent repayment terms to fund seven major projects.

At a recent ERD meeting chaired by the finance adviser, ministries presented 36 foreign loan-dependent projects, including those tied to Chinese funding. Of these, seven received preliminary approval despite being classified as “hard-term loans” with higher, market-based interest rates and shorter grace periods.

Officials noted such loans are often unavoidable, particularly for vital imports and energy infrastructure, where concessional loans are unavailable. With easy credit from institutions like the World Bank and ADB declining, Bangladesh is increasingly turning to costlier borrowing options.

The Ministry of Tourism has announced that Saint Martin’s Island will reopen for visitors starting November 1.

Secretary Nasreen Jahan said a daily quota of 2,000 tourists will be allowed. However, for the first two months, visitors will only be permitted day trips. Overnight stays will be allowed in January and February.

Tourism and Aviation Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin added that a new tourism policy is underway to ensure sustainable growth. On Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal, he said: “The government has invested Tk 21,000 crore. We are working relentlessly to launch it as soon as possible.”