Romania’s Defense Ministry reported that a Russian drone entered its airspace during an assault on Ukraine, heightening regional tensions.

Following detection, Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and two Eurofighters, while civilians were warned to take shelter. The drone disappeared from radar near Chilia Veche village, close to the border.

The incident follows Poland’s closure of an airport in Lublin and the deployment of fighter jets after similar drone threats earlier in the week. NATO allies in Eastern Europe remain on high alert as Russia intensifies its drone warfare against Ukraine.

The Hostages’ Families Forum accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately sabotaging peace efforts, following Israel’s strike in Qatar last week.

“Every time peace is within reach, Netanyahu destroys it,” the forum said, blaming his “inaction” for the deaths of 42 hostages and putting the lives of the remaining 48 at risk.

They added:
“The Qatar operation proved beyond doubt that Netanyahu is the only obstacle to bringing the hostages home and ending the war. His excuses serve only to cling to power.”

The accusations come as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel. Rubio noted before departure that President Trump was “not satisfied” with Israel’s Qatar strike but reaffirmed that US-Israel ties remain “very strong,” with Washington’s top priority being the return of hostages and ending the Gaza conflict.

Amid the ongoing Gaza war, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed for Israel on Saturday to discuss the latest developments and regional security.

According to a State Department statement, the visit will “underscore America’s priorities regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict and reaffirm Washington’s commitment to Israel’s security.”

The visit follows Israel’s controversial airstrike in Qatar earlier in the week, targeting Hamas leaders during peace talks. The move angered Qatar and other key US allies. Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani has since met with former President Donald Trump and also held talks at the White House with Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.

Two more bodies—a 7-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman—were recovered from the Dhanua River in Khaliajuri, Netrokona, following Friday’s speedboat collision with a fishing boat.

The victims were identified as Laila Akter (7) and Shirin Akter (18). Earlier, the body of Ushamoni (7) had been recovered. One child, Samia Akter, is still missing.

The accident occurred when a speedboat, rented for a wedding party, took 15 passengers on a pleasure ride before the official journey began. The boat capsized, leaving four people missing—three of whom have now been confirmed dead.

Adviser Farida Akhter has declared that those using illegal fishing nets are “enemies of the country,” as they are depriving people of food.
She called for strict action not only against users but also against factories producing and selling such nets. “Raids must be conducted to shut down illegal net production,” she said.
Highlighting the need for more fish sanctuaries, she urged increased government allocations to support fish breeding. She stressed that agricultural diversification could also boost production and that new projects would be launched in the future.
Akhter emphasized inter-ministerial coordination—between the ministries of fisheries, water resources, and shipping—for effective conservation. She acknowledged that despite extensive government drives to protect jatka and conserve hilsa, low rainfall and reduced river navigability have hindered the migration of hilsa from sea to river this season, leading to lower catches.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has instructed the submission of information to prepare the gradation list for assistant teachers who joined in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Schools have been asked to send two hard copies of the required documents by September 30. These include copies of personal applications, service records, attested academic certificates, regularization orders, appointment and joining letters, and certifications regarding departmental or criminal cases, as well as audit objections.

Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain has confirmed that national elections will take place in February, emphasizing that there is “absolutely no doubt” about it. He stressed that even within the advisory council, there is no uncertainty regarding the polls.
“The Election Commission will oversee the elections, not us. Whoever assumes power through that process will govern the country in the democratic spirit,” he said.
He also announced the launch of a new paddle steamer service in October for passengers traveling from Barishal to Dhaka, blending tradition with modernity. “This initiative will not only enhance passenger services but also boost tourism,” he noted.
Hossain praised local authorities for restoring canals in Barishal and mentioned ongoing efforts to secure Tk 850 crore for the construction of the Mirganj Bridge and embankments in Hizla-Muladi. Discussions are also underway to bring Bhola gas to Barishal.

Badiul Alam Majumdar, head of the Election System Reform Commission, warned that partisan politics driven by loyalist students and faculty is damaging the education system. “We are paying the price for politics carried out by partisan teachers and students,” he said, urging political parties to demonstrate the goodwill necessary to end such practices.

Badiul argued that to stop the emergence of authoritarianism, students and teachers must act primarily in their educational roles — students as students, teachers as teachers. He added that reforms are needed to ensure free, fair, and impartial parliamentary elections, but that implementation ultimately depends on political parties’ willingness to cooperate.

The Election Commission began formally announcing results for the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) and hall union elections after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Voting had taken place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, and counting started around 10:15 p.m. that night. The manual vote-counting process contributed to delays in publication of results.

The elections faced a boycott by four panels, including Chhatra Dal, and five independent candidates. Allegations of an uneven playing field and irregularities prompted the resignation of four BNP-affiliated faculty members, including one election commissioner.

Intelligence police arrested former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) AKM Nahidul Islam on Saturday from his home in Dhanmondi, authorities confirmed. Nahidul Islam faces charges at the International Crimes Tribunal, and an arrest warrant had previously been issued in relation to those proceedings.

The government placed him on compulsory retirement on July 28. Officials have not yet released further details about custodial arrangements or next steps in the tribunal process.

A Bangladesh Enterprise Institute survey across 12 districts found that just 2.5% of respondents reported being satisfied with the interim government’s fulfillment of public expectations. More than half — 54% — described the administration’s performance as “average” in meeting those expectations.

On political-party reforms, the survey reveals broad public demand for change: 96% want democratic practices established within parties, and 94% expect parties to ensure financial transparency and accountability. While 19% prioritize internal reform, 24% say they want elections first. Meanwhile, 78% of respondents want the option to abstain on the ballot in the next parliamentary elections.

Celebrated Lalon singer Farida Parveen has been placed on life support after her health sharply deteriorated, her son Imam Jafar Nomani confirmed on Thursday.

“Her natural breathing has completely stopped, and her blood pressure collapsed. Doctors are keeping her alive with maximum medication and ventilator support,” Nomani stated.

He added that while chances of recovery are slim, the family is continuing treatment under doctors’ advice. Nomani also warned against fraudulent fundraising scams circulating under his mother’s name, stressing that the family needs no financial assistance.

He urged everyone to keep the iconic singer in their prayers.

The Election Commission has released a draft list of polling centers for Chuadanga’s two parliamentary constituencies—Chuadanga-1 and Chuadanga-2.

According to the draft, the district will have 349 polling centers with 1,853 booths to serve 993,680 registered voters. Objections and claims can be filed until September 25, with final decisions due on October 12. The final list is expected on October 20.

Chuadanga-1 constituency includes 179 centers serving 507,481 voters, while Chuadanga-2 will have 170 centers serving 486,199 voters.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, has congratulated Sushila Karki on her appointment as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister.

In a congratulatory message, Dr. Yunus hailed her leadership during a “critical and challenging time” as a reflection of the trust placed in her by the Nepali people. He expressed confidence that under her guidance, Nepal will continue advancing toward peace, development, and stability.

He also extended condolences for recent casualties during political unrest in Nepal and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Although vote counting for the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) and hall union elections concluded by noon, results will not be published until 7 PM, Chief Election Commissioner Prof. Md. Moniruzzaman confirmed on Saturday.

Election officials said the delay aims to prevent any controversy, given that this is the first such election in 33 years. Counting has been completed in 18 of the 21 halls, with the remaining three still underway. The delay has sparked frustration among both candidates and students.