Egypt and Qatar have strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent comments regarding the potential displacement of Palestinians. Netanyahu had claimed that “various plans exist for Gaza’s reconstruction” and suggested that “half the population may want to leave,” though he denied advocating mass eviction.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry called Netanyahu’s statements an “ongoing attempt to prolong regional tensions and normalize Israeli violations in Gaza,” and stated that forced displacement would constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law and potentially war crimes. Qatar similarly condemned Israel’s policy, emphasizing that collective punishment will not succeed in depriving Palestinians of their land or rights.

White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett has described President Donald Trump and his trade team as “frustrated” over India’s crude oil imports from Russia, while expressing hope for a positive resolution soon.

When questioned about Trump’s recent social media posts concerning India, Russia, and China, Hassett said, “We certainly want this to improve.” Earlier, Trump commented that the U.S. seems to have “lost India and Russia to the deepest hand of China,” wishing them a prosperous future.

The U.S. has criticized India for profiting from Russian oil, while Indian officials argue that singling out India is unfair since the EU continues to import Russian gas. China remains the largest importer of Russian crude. The U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on certain Russian imports starting September 27.

The University of Chittagong will resume all academic activities, including classes and exams, from Sunday, following a weeklong suspension due to violent clashes between students and locals. The acting registrar confirmed that teaching will continue in person, rejecting rumors of online classes. The unrest erupted last Saturday night after allegations of an assault on a female student, leaving at least 500 injured, including senior university officials. Authorities have urged all departments to take necessary preparations for normal operations.

Hilsa harvest has fallen sharply this year, with a 38–48% decline compared to 2023, according to Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. She cited river pollution, climate change, and harmful fishing practices by non-fishermen as key reasons. Speaking at the International Conference on Sustainable Fisheries at Sylhet Agricultural University, she stressed integrated development of fisheries, agriculture, and livestock. Over 600 experts from home and abroad attended the event, which highlighted innovative solutions for resilient fisheries and aquaculture.

Political commentator and adviser Asif Nazrul has written an emotional account recalling his experiences with former RAB magistrate-turned-bureaucrat Sarwar Alam.

Nazrul described how Sarwar, once celebrated for his bold anti-corruption drives, was sidelined by powerful vested interests and later transferred to a low-profile post. Despite his professionalism, he too faced smear campaigns online.

“Baseless rumors are spread about me every day. But even Sarwar, a man far removed from politics, was not spared such malicious attempts. I couldn’t shield him from that completely, and it pains me still,” Nazrul wrote.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum on Friday visited students of Chattogram University who were critically injured in recent clashes with local villagers. At Parkview Hospital, she met the patients, spoke with doctors about their treatment progress, and wished them a speedy recovery.

Hospital Managing Director Rezaul Karim confirmed her visit, noting that the adviser reassured families of government support and urged continued quality care for the victims.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has issued a warning regarding fraudulent calls claiming financial incentives. Scammers have been using the name and photo of Secretary Abu Taher Md. Masud Rana, contacting officials via WhatsApp from a different number (01851-274565), and requesting credit card and bank details. The ministry confirmed that these claims are entirely false and urged people not to share sensitive information. Citizens are advised to report such incidents to the ministry or the nearest police station.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Special Metropolitan Magistrate Court has disposed of 5,558 cases through summary trials between March and August this year.

According to official data, 11,323 individuals were arrested during this period, of whom 2,771 were sentenced to varying terms of imprisonment.

Breakdown of cases by division:

Motijheel Division: 768 arrests, 378 cases, fines of Tk 135,000, with 356 convictions.

Wari Division: 964 arrests, 518 cases, fines of Tk 159,000, with 326 convictions.

Tejgaon Division: 1,675 arrests, 725 cases, fines totaling Tk 438,000.

Gulshan Division: 1,344 arrests, 740 cases, fines of Tk 209,000, with 9 convictions.

Lalbagh Division: 875 arrests, 505 cases, fines of Tk 289,000, with 407 convictions.

Mirpur Division: 2,762 arrests, 1,267 cases, fines amounting to Tk 1.18 million, with 457 convictions.

Uttara Division: 1,897 arrests, 888 cases, fines of Tk 816,000, with 813 convictions.

Ramna Division: 1,038 arrests, 537 cases, fines totaling Tk 338,000, with 276 convictions.

The data reflects a significant crackdown across Dhaka under the DMP’s special magistrate operations, aimed at maintaining law and order in the capital.

Violence erupted in Rajbari’s Goalanda after Friday prayers when enraged locals attacked the shrine of Nurul Haque, popularly known as Nural Pagol, who had declared himself Imam Mahdi. Protesters vandalized and set fire to the premises, sparking deadly clashes.

At least one person, identified as Russell Molla (28), was killed, while more than 50 others — including police officers — sustained injuries. The unrest stemmed from long-standing disputes over Nural Pagol’s elevated burial site. Prior to the violence, local Jamaat leaders had urged his followers to rebury him according to Islamic norms.

In a related incident, another shrine in Rajshahi’s Paba was also vandalized. Locals accused BNP leader and former union council member Golam Mostafa of instigating the attack, a charge he has denied.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin announced that the advisory council has repeatedly discussed potato prices, and export incentives are being offered to stabilize the market.

Efforts include purchasing potatoes from the market through the TSC for distribution and encouraging exports. Bashiruddin noted that last year’s prices ranged from 80–90 BDT per kg, prompting higher cultivation this year and resulting in oversupply. He emphasized that exports are crucial to ensuring farmers receive fair prices and warned against syndicate practices, promising strict action against offenders.

The Government of Bangladesh has announced financial rewards for the recovery of various police weapons and ammunition that were looted. According to an official statement from the Bangladesh Police, genuine informants who provide accurate leads will be rewarded.

In a notice published on the police’s official Facebook page, the government outlined a detailed reward structure:

Pistol or shotgun: Tk 50,000 each

Chinese rifle: Tk 100,000 each

Submachine gun (SMG): Tk 150,000 each

Light machine gun (LMG): Tk 500,000 each

Ammunition: Tk 500 per round

Authorities have also assured that the identities of those providing information will be kept strictly confidential.

Earlier, on August 25, the Home Affairs Adviser had made a similar announcement regarding the recovery of looted police weapons.

Farida Akhtar, Advisor on Fisheries and Livestock, praised the country’s scientists for their role in sustainable fisheries management. Speaking at the 3rd International Conference for Sustainable Fisheries at Sylhet Agricultural University, she stressed increasing research funding and protecting fish resources from overfishing, illegal nets, and pesticide contamination. She highlighted freshwater aquaculture, hilsa production, and wetland conservation as key priorities. The three-day conference features 250 papers from local and international researchers, aiming to promote innovation, coordination, and long-term sustainability in Bangladesh’s fisheries sector.

Pakistan and China have signed agreements and MoUs worth $8.5 billion during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Beijing.

The deals include $1.5 billion in contracts between private companies and $7 billion in MoUs covering various development and investment projects aimed at boosting Pakistan’s economy and infrastructure.

Sharif assured that a transparent monitoring mechanism has been established to ensure proper implementation.

Bangladesh’s Housing and Public Works Ministry has taken disciplinary measures against two sub-assistant engineers accused of inflating costs for furniture purchases and installation in the Ruppur Green City project (2019).

Shahin Uddin of Pabna’s Public Works Subdivision has been forced into compulsory retirement, while Alomgir Hossain of Rajshahi’s Public Works Zone has been demoted to a lower pay grade.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus extended heartfelt greetings to the nation and the global Muslim community on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi.

In a statement, he highlighted the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a guiding light for humanity. He described the day commemorating the birth and passing of the Prophet as sacred and glorious for Muslims worldwide. Yunus emphasized that the Prophet, as ‘Rahmatul-lil-Alamin,’ was sent by Allah for the guidance and salvation of mankind. He urged all to draw inspiration from the Prophet’s exemplary life and teachings for peace, prosperity, and collective well-being.