Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman met with Spain’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Gabriel Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru, during a courtesy call.

The envoy inquired about Rahman’s health and wished him well. The meeting featured an open discussion on Bangladesh’s political climate, bilateral and international relations, and investment prospects. The Spanish Ambassador reaffirmed Spain’s firm support for Bangladesh and expressed optimism about stronger economic cooperation and development partnerships in the future.

Chief of the Election System Reform Commission Badiul Alam Majumdar has called for bringing political parties under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

He argued that candidates’ educational qualifications and income-expense reports should be made public ahead of the election.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman added that the interim government has failed to set an example in implementing RTI. “Information belongs to the people, not the officials. Unless the culture of secrecy changes, the benefits of the RTI law will not be realized,” he said.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has assured that this year’s Durga Puja will be celebrated peacefully across Bangladesh, dismissing concerns of unrest.

He warned, however, that “neighboring countries and fascist collaborators” may attempt to spread false rumors online. “We must counter misinformation on social media with facts and ensure public trust,” he said.

Chowdhury confirmed that 100,000 armed forces personnel, 70,000 police officers, and 430 platoons of additional security units, including BGB and volunteers, will be deployed nationwide. Any attempt to incite communal unrest will be met with firm action, he added.

Malaysia-bound migrant workers protesting at Karwan Bazar have withdrawn their road blockade following assurances of dialogue with authorities.

The demonstrators began their protest around 10 a.m. Sunday, demanding resolution of five key issues, including alleged ticket syndicates preventing their departure despite valid visas. Many claimed to have spent 500,000–800,000 taka but remain stranded for up to three years.

After repeated government assurances failed to resolve the issue, protesters formed an eight-member delegation to meet with the secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment for negotiations.

Social Welfare and Women & Children Affairs Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid has announced that around 80,000 officials and staff from her ministries will work alongside law enforcement to ensure a peaceful and safe celebration of Durga Puja.

She emphasized that every citizen has the right to share in the joy of religious festivals, with a special focus on women’s and children’s safety and participation. Monitoring teams and help desks will be set up at puja venues to provide immediate support.

Hotline numbers 1098 and 109, along with dedicated control room numbers, will remain active for emergencies. Special provisions have also been made for lodging complaints in case of harassment, in addition to financial support for the festivities.

Bangladesh has called for urgent international action to end Israeli occupation, stressing that sustainable peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without justice and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Speaking at the annual coordination meeting of OIC foreign ministers, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s just struggle. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s principled stance on Palestine, emphasizing that peace will remain elusive unless Palestinians attain statehood.

Hossain also underscored the need for meaningful reforms within the OIC, stronger resource mobilization, and practical, result-oriented cooperation. Highlighting Bangladesh’s role in strengthening unity across the Islamic world, he referenced Bangladesh’s contributions to the OIC’s ten-year action plan.

For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, around one million election officials and others directly involved in conducting polls will be allowed to cast their votes, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin announced Sunday.

The declaration came during a dialogue between the Election Commission (EC) and civil society representatives ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

“In past elections, those serving in the field were excluded from voting. This time, they will be enfranchised,” the CEC said.

He added that even prisoners would be given an opportunity to vote, as well as government officials working away from home districts.

Nasir Uddin stressed that the dialogue was not mere formality, but part of the Commission’s broader reform efforts, which include updating voter rolls, narrowing the gender gap in voter registration, and implementing postal ballot provisions that had long existed only on paper.

Authorities in Khagrachhari have imposed Section 144 indefinitely following violent clashes between two rival hill-dwelling groups.

Since Sunday morning, major roads in the town have seen little activity, with shops largely closed and public life paralyzed.

Officials said the restriction was necessary to prevent further deterioration of law and order and to protect lives and property.

The unrest began Saturday when Jumma student groups staged blockades demanding justice for sexual violence against women in the hills. The protest spiraled into confrontations, prompting the sweeping restrictions.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of four people, including three firefighters, in a devastating fire at a chemical warehouse in Tongi.

“The firefighters risk their lives every day to save others. Today’s tragedy reminds us of the immense dangers they face in the line of duty. Their sacrifice will remain forever etched in our nation’s history,” Yunus said in a condolence message.

He described the victims as symbols of courage, humanity, and dedication, assuring that the nation will always honor their sacrifice. Yunus extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, calling the victims “martyrs in service to the people.”

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called on Bangladeshi expatriates to play a vital role in driving forward the changes brought about by the July Revolution.

Speaking at a program, Yunus emphasized that expatriates are an “inseparable part of Bangladesh” and urged them to actively participate in rebuilding the nation.

Reflecting on the challenges faced in forming the current government a year ago, he praised expatriate Bangladeshis for their contribution to the economy, noting over 21% growth in remittance inflows.

He also highlighted the government’s initiatives to create an investment-friendly environment, inviting expatriates to take part in shaping the country’s economic future.

Spain has scrapped a third major defense deal with Israel worth approximately €207 million, citing the ongoing genocide in Gaza and mounting international pressure.

The decision was approved in a cabinet meeting last Tuesday, where the Spanish government imposed a complete arms embargo on Israel. This ban halts all imports and exports of military equipment, defense technology, and related materials.

Finance Minister Carlos Cuerpo hailed the move as a “bold and pioneering step,” calling it a significant advancement in the international campaign to hold Israel accountable.

More than 2,000 tourists stranded in Sajek due to road blockades and violent clashes have been safely escorted to Khagrachhari town under army protection.

The evacuation began Saturday evening after escalating clashes between Jumma student groups and Bengali residents forced authorities to move tourists to Dighinala Army Zone for safety.

When the situation eased later in the evening, the tourists were brought to the Agricultural Research area of Khagrachhari town before being allowed to resume their journeys home around midnight. Army convoys ensured their safe passage.

Local sources confirm that the situation in Khagrachhari town is now under control, with law enforcement patrolling key areas.

The biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, Durga Puja, begins today (Sunday) across Bangladesh. Preparations to welcome Goddess Durga are underway at the Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka from early morning.

The festivities formally commence with the Bodhon ritual and the installation of the sacred urn, marking the goddess’s invocation. According to the Hindu almanac, the rituals of invitation and sanctification will be completed by 11:11 AM today during the Shasthi Tithi.

By evening, the Bodhon ceremony will be held at the temple, accompanied by the resonant sounds of conch shells, uludhwani (ritual chanting), and drums.

This year, Durga Puja will be celebrated at 33,000 pandals nationwide. Law enforcement agencies have tightened security to ensure peaceful celebrations.

Security forces in Khagrachhari have detained three indigenous youths for allegedly plotting an attack on the Yonged Buddhist Monastery following recent clashes in the district. Authorities recovered homemade weapons, machetes, sticks, and a bag from them.
The arrests came amid a dawn-to-dusk road blockade called by “Jumma Students and Citizens” protesting the gang rape of a tribal girl. The blockade paralyzed transport on major routes including Chattogram–Khagrachhari, Khagrachhari–Rangamati, and Khagrachhari–Sajek. Later, Section 144 was imposed in several areas to quell escalating tensions, as protesters clashed with law enforcement in the evening.

The government has approved the formation of two new upazilas by splitting Cumilla’s Muradnagar and Chattogram’s Fatikchhari. Ten unions under Bangra police station will form “Bangra Upazila,” while Fatikchhari will be divided to create “Fatikchhari North.”
The Cabinet Division has finalized the draft, which will increase the number of upazilas in Bangladesh from 495 to 497. Additionally, preparations are underway to establish two new administrative divisions—Faridpur and Cumilla. Final approval may come at the upcoming meeting of the National Implementation Committee on Administrative Reorganization (NICAR).