Ali Ahsan Junayed, convener of UP Bangladesh, has begun testifying in a high-profile crimes against humanity case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and one other accused.

Junayed is appearing as the 48th witness in the tribunal, providing detailed testimony that spans from the 2013 anti-quota movement to the July 2024 mass uprising, which ultimately led to Hasina’s fall from power.

Earlier, state-appointed defense counsel Md Amir Hossain, representing Hasina and Kamal, completed a second round of cross-examination of Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party. Nahid had delivered his testimony in two sessions, including one on September 17, when he spoke for over an hour before the tribunal.

On the same day, Amir Hossain also resumed questioning Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the now-defunct daily Amar Desh.

With Junayed’s appearance, the tribunal has now heard testimony from 48 witnesses over the course of 19 hearing days, marking a significant progression in one of the most politically sensitive trials in Bangladesh’s recent history.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called for urgent measures to halt the ongoing massacre in Gaza. Writing in The Guardian, she emphasized that increased international recognition of Palestine and an immediate halt to military cooperation are crucial. Ardern stressed delivering humanitarian aid, medical support for the injured, malnourished, pregnant women, and new mothers. Addressing global leaders ahead of the UN General Assembly, she urged prioritizing Gaza amid global crises, warning against dehumanizing people by treating them as mere numbers.

The caretaker government’s Advisory Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the purchase of vaccines for the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) through UNICEF from Gavi under the direct purchase method. The decision, made during the 30th ACAE meeting chaired by Economic Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, covers a three-month supply for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Officials said future procurements may follow competitive bidding, ensuring timely and efficient vaccine availability to strengthen the national immunization program.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged India to decide whether it wants to remain an enemy or be a good neighbor, emphasizing that both countries must coexist. Speaking to expatriate Pakistanis in London, he highlighted the cost of past wars and called for investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure instead. He stressed resolving the Kashmir issue, condemned the Gaza crisis, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness for dialogue on equal terms. Recent national achievements, economic progress, and strengthened global standing were also highlighted.

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Afghanistan’s Taliban government return the Bagram airbase, warning of “terrible consequences” if they refuse. In posts on Truth Social and remarks at the White House, Trump insisted the airbase must be handed back immediately, hinting at undisclosed action if demands are ignored. He earlier revealed during a UK trip that talks are underway to regain Bagram. Trump has long criticized its loss, citing its strategic importance and alleging growing Chinese influence in Afghanistan.

Brazil has formally joined South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocidal acts in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Exercising its right under Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, Brazil argued that Israel’s impunity threatens international law. The country now stands with Spain, Ireland, Mexico, Turkey, and others supporting South Africa’s case. Since the conflict began in October 2023, over 65,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) says it has no knowledge of any cash reward scheme for arresting leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliates, despite recent media reports claiming officers would receive Tk 5,000 per detainee.
Deputy Commissioner of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, said police officers are indeed rewarded for good performance, including financial incentives, but he was unaware of any such targeted program.
He added that DMP currently operates over 600 CCTV cameras across the capital, while private initiatives in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Niketan have installed around 1,200 additional cameras, significantly aiding crime prevention and public security.

Dhaka — BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has voiced support for delaying Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, citing concerns over economic readiness.

The statement came after a meeting between BNP leaders, including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and top business figures at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Discussions centered on LDC graduation and labor laws.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said while they were not calling for a full halt, businesses needed at least three more years for infrastructure readiness.

Bangladesh is set to graduate from LDC status on November 24, 2026, following UN assessments over the past eight years. The government must submit a progress report on preparations by October 31 this year.

BNP leader Zahiduddin Swapan has claimed that Sheikh Hasina has fled the country, and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia watched the development on television from her hospital bed.
Speaking at a political program, Swapan said, “Some parties are fueling conflict to prevent elections in February. If this government truly wants to hold a ballot-based election but any group stands in the way, we will expose them before the people. And if anyone dares to misuse the Holy Quran or mosques in this evil game, we believe the devout citizens will understand and resist.”

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has said that no reform will work unless corruption is eradicated from society. “The previous government looted so much wealth that it could have built 100 Padma Bridges. The stolen money equals five years of the national budget,” he alleged.

He argued that the wealthy elite benefit most from corruption, while ordinary citizens are left to suffer. “Ziaur Rahman was an honest leader. Even the Awami League could never accuse him of corruption,” he said, calling for accountable governance and citizen participation to ensure sustainable development.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam has called for the Awami League to be brought under trial as a political party for crimes committed during its tenure.
Speaking after cross-examination as the 47th witness in Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumder, Nahid said, “Sheikh Hasina, as party chief, ordered killings to maintain her grip on power. The people have since overthrown her, making these crimes the responsibility of Awami League as a party. We will formally petition the tribunal for their trial.”
Hasina currently faces two additional cases: one over enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during her regime, and another linked to the deadly crackdown on Hefazat-e-Islam’s Shapla Square rally.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie emphasized the sacrifices of today’s youth in the political struggle, saying, “We never think outside the generation. They wanted movement, and so did we — but they were on the frontlines. They were martyred, disappeared, and killed, just like us.”

Annie noted that unlike in the past, no student organizations mobilized them — they took to the streets on their own, sometimes holding their parents’ hands. “Even when bullets rained from helicopters, they did not back down,” he said.

He added that today’s generation knows Tarique Rahman more directly than late President Ziaur Rahman, but the leadership of Zia, Tarique, and Khaleda Zia carried the same vision for Bangladesh. Annie urged student leaders to embody this generation’s sentiment in campuses across the country.

National Citizen’s Party (NCP) Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud clarified that the party has no plans to change its name. Instead, discussions are ongoing about potential mergers with multiple political parties.
Masud noted, “If the youth forces unite under this banner, it could usher in a new era in Bangladeshi politics.”
Ahead of the upcoming national election, both NCP and Gono Adhikar Parishad leaders have hinted at possible alliances. Talks are centered on whether the two groups will form a coalition or merge into a single entity.

BNP leader Azam Khan has said that certain political groups are working against democracy and attempting to disrupt national harmony.
He claimed, “Fascists have pushed the country toward destruction, but as we try to rebuild and move forward with development, a few parties are creating obstacles. Tarique Rahman will return very soon, and the people of Bangladesh are eagerly waiting to welcome him.”
At the same event, BNP leader Afroza Abbas emphasized the importance of women’s participation, stating that with half of the country’s population being women, no state can function while excluding them.

Gono Adhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur is set to travel to Singapore for advanced medical care. He is scheduled to depart on Monday, accompanied by his personal physician, Dr. Sajjad Hossain.
Nur sustained injuries on August 29 during clashes between Gono Adhikar Parishad activists and Jatiya Party members near the party’s central office in Kakrail. The situation escalated when law enforcement intervened with baton charges, leaving Nur and several others injured.