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.

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.

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.