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.

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.

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.

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.