Residents and business owners in Malibagh staged a human chain and protest march from Mouchak to Malibagh Railgate to demand the arrest of the main perpetrators behind an attack on Sohag Transport’s counter and the owners’ homes.

Speakers condemned the violent incident as shocking and noted that, despite media evidence, authorities have yet to take action. The protestors called for immediate arrest and exemplary punishment for the attackers, warning that failure to act could trigger further public demonstrations. Reports suggest BNP-affiliated activists were involved, with one individual expelled from the party.

Panchagarh NCP leader Sarjis Alam has accused BNP-backed chairman Faridul Islam of publicly threatening him and his father at their home. Sarjis stated that irregularities, corruption, and intimidation persist in Bangladesh’s political culture, leading to a loss of public trust.

He added that BNP-affiliated student groups are forming committees at the school level and attempting to influence educational institutions. Sarjis emphasized that his party will recognize good work from any political faction but will resist any wrongdoing.

Israel’s growing involvement in Cyprus, particularly through Greek Cypriot alliances, aims to secure energy routes and expand regional influence, while sidelining Turkey and the TRNC. Allegations of espionage and military positioning in Northern Cyprus have sparked controversy, but Turkish Cypriots remain committed to their rights under international law. The Greek Cypriot-Israeli partnership strengthens defense and intelligence cooperation, yet dependence on Israel is rising. Strategic energy projects and settlement activities highlight Israel’s broader geopolitical ambitions, underscoring Cyprus’ critical role in Eastern Mediterranean security and energy networks.

AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad launched a scathing critique of the ruling Awami League, claiming the party is “not a liberation war party, but a gang of opportunists, profiteers, and criminals.”

Fuad highlighted that former President Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for anti-hegemony politics in India and called for building a patriotic political movement free from external influence. “The Awami League betrayed Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and in doing so, sidelined other heroes of the liberation war,” he said.

He further asserted that the BNP has a larger number of freedom fighters, including decorated veterans, compared to the Awami League, which, despite not participating in the liberation war, claims full ownership of it. Fuad warned that unless people remain vigilant, the ruling party could monopolize the legacy of the 1924 (assumed 24) movement, aligning it with Delhi’s interests. He also cautioned that attempts are underway to stage a “new 1/11 scenario,” manipulating narratives and targeting political adversaries.

Rajbari Municipality, established over a century ago, has yet to develop modern infrastructure despite being a first-class municipality for over three decades. Most roads are broken, drainage covers are missing, and waste is scattered across the city. Mosquito control operations have been halted for 10 months, increasing dengue cases, with 60 patients admitted in August. Residents report foul smells and uninhabitable areas, while municipal authorities cite broken equipment and lack of mosquito-control medicine as major obstacles.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed deep concern over the violent attack and vandalism at the Jatiya Party’s central office, issuing strong condemnation in an official statement.

The statement warned that such attacks and arson, following the July mass uprising, could create confusion and frustration among the public, undermining hopes for democratic governance. “While differing opinions are natural in a democracy, using force to suppress freedom of expression reflects authoritarian tendencies,” the statement read. It emphasized that a true democracy requires a multi-party system, and that the survival of any political party depends on the will of the people, not on intimidation, violence, or threats.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) is preparing street-level programs nationwide to demand the implementation of the July Charter, citing delays in reforms, genocide trials, and new constitution drafting. Party leaders say the interim government and Election Commission have created uncertainty by announcing the election roadmap without resolving key issues. NCP warns that if table discussions fail, mass mobilization will follow. They emphasize legal backing for the charter, coordinated protests, and nationwide rallies to ensure the aspirations of the July Revolution are realized.

Over 16 years, 14 foreign airlines have ceased operations at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport due to mismanagement and corruption, leaving only four airlines on international routes. Passenger traffic continues to rise, reaching over 1.64 million in 2024, straining limited airport infrastructure. Outstanding dues from six defunct airlines total BDT 2,126 crore. Airport authorities report modernization plans and efforts to attract returning airlines like Flydubai, Saudi Airlines, and Qatar Airways, aiming to restore international service quality and expand capacity.

Dhaka – Chaos erupted once again at the central office of the National Party (Jatiya Party) in the capital, as a violent attack and arson left two young men, Rahul (22) and Monir (25), injured. Rahul has been admitted to Ward 102 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while Monir sought treatment elsewhere.

According to witnesses, shortly after 7 PM, a group of protesters stormed the party office, causing widespread destruction before setting fire to the premises. Police intervened around 7:30 PM, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Once the protesters retreated, authorities moved quickly to extinguish the flames.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar has commented on the current political landscape, saying, “Many traps have been set in politics. Some block all paths to force everyone into a single snare.”

He clarified the term “trap” (Anta) after a senior political leader recently used it, explaining it as a “fishing net” for opportunists. Majumdar noted that many are attempting to capitalize on disorder for personal gain, highlighting the complex and competitive nature of today’s political environment.

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund has sold shares in Caterpillar, citing the use of its bulldozers in demolishing Palestinian property in violation of international law. The Trump administration expressed strong concern, protested to Oslo, and threatened tariffs and visa bans against fund officials. Senator Lindsey Graham warned Norway of consequences for targeting Caterpillar. The divestment marks the first time the fund has acted against a non-Israeli firm over the conflict. The issue is also influencing Norway’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

Rising U.S. inflation, debt concerns, and uncertainty over Trump’s tariff policy are rattling global markets. Analysts warn that aggressive tariffs and political pressure on the Fed could destabilize growth while pushing up long-term bond yields. Yields on U.S., UK, France, and Japan bonds have surged, prompting investors to shift toward gold, which hit a record $3,578 per ounce. Experts caution that fiscal deficits, inflation, and weak investor confidence may deepen volatility, leading to further sell-offs in government bonds worldwide.

Ahead of Durga Puja, West Bengal’s fish markets are flooded with hilsa from Gujarat, with nearly 4,000 tons arriving in just six weeks. Traditionally, hilsa from Bangladesh’s Padma and Meghna rivers are prized for their unique aroma and sweetness, but supply remains uncertain. Experts and traders say Gujarat’s catch lacks that signature flavor. With Odisha’s catch limited and juveniles still being sold illegally in local markets, Bengalis are reluctantly turning to less flavorful alternatives.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mujibur Rahman has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, describing her rule as “the darkest chapter in Bangladesh’s history.”

Speaking at a recent program, he alleged that during Hasina’s 15 years in power, hundreds of people have been killed, abducted, and subjected to oppression, with no accountability. He further accused the government of tailoring laws to suit its own agenda, while repealing those that did not serve its interests.

Highlighting the need for honest leadership, Mujibur Rahman stated:

“The foundation of a modern and welfare-oriented state lies in establishing honest leadership. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the embodiment of such leadership. His noble ideals must be our guiding principle, and his governance model should serve as our roadmap.”

He emphasized that true national welfare can only be achieved by adhering to the statecraft of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whom he described as the architect of the most advanced system of governance for all times. According to him, the divine principles by which the Prophet governed remain the ultimate framework for just leadership and state management.

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has credited late finance minister Saifur Rahman with saving Bangladesh’s economy by introducing the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Speaking at a memorial marking Saifur Rahman’s 16th death anniversary, Moin said, “Today, no government can survive without VAT. Yet the Awami League, then in opposition, bitterly opposed it.”

He praised Saifur Rahman as a visionary economist and skilled manager who not only restructured Bangladesh’s economy but also laid the foundation for long-term financial sustainability.