Kabir Hossain Patwari, Divisional Forest Officer of Barisal, has been suspended after multiple wives accused him of marrying 17 times by misusing his government position and subjecting them to dowry-related abuse.

Following complaints, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change suspended him on Tuesday and reassigned him to Rangpur Range. Dr. Mohammad Zahidur Rahman Miah, the divisional forest officer of Patuakhali, has been appointed acting DFO of Barisal.

Meanwhile, residents of Barisal staged a human chain demanding justice, while Public Prosecutor Advocate Hafiz Ahmed Bablu filed a case against him in the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court.

Nearly nine months after taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump has approved the first arms sale to Ukraine. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Undersecretary has already signed off on the shipment.

Two consignments, each worth $500 million in weapons and ammunition, are set to be delivered soon. However, the arms will be purchased by Kyiv’s European allies from the U.S. and then sent to Ukraine, with Europe covering the logistics costs.

American officials revealed that under a new deal, codenamed “PEARL,” Washington has agreed to supply Ukraine with $10 billion worth of arms. The upcoming delivery marks the first shipment under this arrangement.

Notably, during his January 20 inauguration, Trump had pledged to prioritize ending the Russia-Ukraine war and vowed not to authorize further military aid to Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin inspected military exercises wearing full combat uniform, according to footage released by Moscow. Anadolu reported that Putin visited the drill site alongside Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and senior military commanders.

At the command center, Putin issued operational instructions and personally reviewed modern weaponry used in the exercise.

The drills are part of a seven-day joint military exercise under the CSTO alliance, launched in late August in Belarus. Forces from Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are participating across 41 locations, with over 100,000 troops involved. The CSTO, formed in the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union, has become a key defense platform for the region.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Britain on Tuesday night for what is being described as an unprecedented second state visit. The trip is expected to see the signing of multiple investment agreements between Washington and London.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would use Trump’s visit to highlight the strengthening of the “special relationship” between the two nations. Ahead of the visit, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves jointly announced the creation of a “Transatlantic Taskforce.”

King Charles will formally welcome Trump on Wednesday, while Starmer is set to host him at the prime minister’s countryside residence, Chequers, on Thursday. Starmer is also arranging meetings with leading business groups to promote Britain as an attractive destination for U.S. investment.

As part of a nationwide anti-drug campaign, the Directorate of Prisons has declared September as the “Month of Anti-Drug Activities.”

In an official statement, the Directorate said drug abuse has become a global crisis, with alarming growth in Bangladesh as well. In response, special security checks are being carried out on prison visitors, inmates, and staff. Additionally, drug tests have been introduced for inmates and employees suspected of substance abuse.

Authorities confirmed that those identified will be placed under strict monitoring and administrative measures.

The Directorate also emphasized its ongoing mission under the motto “Keep them safe, show them the path of light.” Rehabilitation programs, awareness campaigns, and modern training initiatives are being implemented to help inmates return to society as skilled, productive citizens.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Tracy Ann Jacobson has visited the ongoing joint military exercise ‘Operation Pacific Angel 25-3’, involving the Bangladesh Air Force and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces.

She inspected the drill at Chattogram’s BAF Zahurul Haque Base on Tuesday and exchanged greetings with air force personnel from both nations, according to ISPR.

The seven-day exercise, running until September 18, includes Bangladesh’s C-130J transport aircraft, an MI-17 helicopter, two C-130J transport aircraft from the U.S., 150 Bangladeshi personnel, and 92 U.S. participants.

Religious Affairs Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain has assured that the ministry will work closely with Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAB) and others to reduce airfare for the upcoming Hajj season. He added that support from the Chief Adviser will be sought if required.

“If elections are held in February, I will return to my old position, but before that, I want to establish a good management framework for the next government,” he said.

The adviser also stated that if Saudi authorities permit, Bangladesh is interested in developing residential facilities for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Md. Mezboul Haque, former Spokesperson and Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, resigned citing personal reasons after coming under pressure following the fall of the Awami League government. He faces allegations of involvement in reserve theft and irregularities in Nagad. Mezboul was promoted to Executive Director in December 2022, the same day he was assigned the role of spokesperson. He is also known to be a close associate of Sajeeb Wazed Joy and, through this connection, was involved in various digital transaction initiatives during the Awami League government. After the popular uprising, Mezboul was transferred from the headquarters to the Rajshahi office of Bangladesh Bank.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has announced that any individuals proven to be falsely listed as July Fighters or Martyrs will be removed from official records, with legal action to follow.

The ministry noted recent media reports alleging inclusion of fake names. It confirmed that names already verified as false have been deleted and fresh gazettes issued. The July Uprising Directorate is now re-verifying all names exposed in the media.

“If proven fake, those names will be struck off the list, new gazettes will be issued, and legal measures will be taken,” the ministry said.

The High Court has issued a rule questioning why the government’s gazette, which removed Algi and Hamirdi unions from Faridpur-4 and added them to Faridpur-2, should not be declared illegal.

The order came after two nomination hopefuls filed a writ petition. Lawyer Humayun Kabir Pallab, representing the petitioners, said the respondents must reply within 10 days.

The court also asked why Article 125(a) of the Constitution and Section 7 of the Election Act should not be declared contradictory, and why the gazette itself should not be struck down. Earlier, the Election Commission was served a legal notice seeking cancellation of the gazette.

Policy adviser Asif Mahmud confirmed that Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum has long been battling cancer and is undergoing treatment in Singapore.

He stressed that such medical issues should be approached from a humanitarian perspective:

“One cannot simply change hospitals after assuming office. Continuity of treatment is crucial, especially for cancer patients.”

Asif called on policymakers to strengthen the domestic healthcare system so that Bangladeshis no longer have to travel abroad for treatment of critical diseases. Nurjahan Begum flew to Singapore on a midnight flight yesterday.

Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed described the dispute over constituency boundaries in Faridpur-2 and 4 as “unfortunate” but stressed it must not escalate into harmful actions.
He acknowledged public grievances but urged resolution through dialogue, noting that final demarcation decisions have already been made and are now under judicial review.
The controversy began when Algi and Hamirdi unions of Bhanga upazila were shifted from Faridpur-4 to Faridpur-2, prompting protests by local residents.

The “All-Party United Committee” staged a sit-in on Tuesday morning in front of the Bagerhat District Election Office, demanding the restoration of four parliamentary constituencies in the district.
The protest, which ran from 10 am to 1 pm, drew participation from leaders and activists of BNP, Jamaat, and other political groups, as well as people from diverse professions. Speakers stressed that the district’s population, industrial zones, and the importance of Mongla Port justify reinstating four seats.
On Monday, a writ petition was also filed in the High Court seeking the same demand.

Four coaches of the Padmarag Mail train derailed Tuesday afternoon at Pirgacha station in Rangpur, disrupting train services across the region.
According to the station master, the Lalmonirhat-bound train departed Santahar and reached Pirgacha around 12:45 pm. Shortly after leaving the station, a broken line separator caused four coaches behind the engine to derail. No casualties were reported, though some passengers complained of missing belongings during the chaos.
A relief train has been dispatched from Lalmonirhat to clear the tracks.

Relief Adviser Faruq-e-Azam has announced that the government is working to ensure every citizen receives timely early warnings during natural disasters. As part of this initiative, a unified national volunteer force will be established to extend immediate assistance to affected communities.

Speaking at a national dialogue, he stressed the importance of strong coordination between government and non-governmental organizations to ensure effective disaster preparedness. "Through proper coordination, we can work together more efficiently for vulnerable populations in disaster-prone areas," he said.

The dialogue brought together representatives from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the Red Crescent Society, international aid organizations, and other key stakeholders, reflecting a collaborative approach to building resilience against natural calamities.