The Malaysia unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated wings observed National Revolution and Solidarity Day with a two-part discussion program at the G-Tower Ballroom in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, November 8. The first session was presided over virtually by Malaysia BNP President Engineer Badlur Rahman Khan Badol, while the proceedings were conducted by Organizational Secretary Mirza Salahuddin and Publicity Secretary Bashir Alam.
Central BNP Treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millat addressed the event virtually as chief guest, saying the spirit of the day inspires renewed commitment to restoring democracy, and urging expatriates in Malaysia to contribute to that goal in future elections.
Special guest and BNP Assistant Secretary for ICT Affairs H.M. Saif Ali Khan praised the long-standing dedication of Malaysia BNP activists and demonstrated the digital membership registration process.
The second session, chaired by Malaysia BNP founding General Secretary and current Vice President Talha Mahmud, featured speeches from several senior leaders and representatives of different BNP wings across Malaysia.

What began as an act of frustration turned into a life-changing opportunity for Kishoreganj’s young autorickshaw driver, Rabbi. Earlier this month, he rented a microphone for 500 taka and roamed around his neighborhood shouting insults after repeated failures to secure a bank loan for his trip to Saudi Arabia. His video quickly went viral on social media, sparking laughter, debate, and eventually compassion. Following widespread media coverage, the Probashi Kallyan Bank contacted Rabbi and approved a loan of 200,000 taka. With the funds in hand, he is now set to fly to Saudi Arabia on October 30 to start a new job. Grateful for the unexpected turn of events, Rabbi apologized for his earlier actions and asked for everyone’s prayers. The bank confirmed the loan and encouraged other aspiring migrant workers facing financial struggles to seek official assistance.

The U.S. Department of State has once again excluded Bangladesh from the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program for 2026, continuing a multi-year restriction that prevents Bangladeshi citizens from applying. This means Bangladeshis, like in previous years, will not be eligible to participate in the lottery that offers permanent residency in the United States. According to the official DV-2026 guidelines, countries with high immigration rates to the U.S.—including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, China, and South Korea—are not eligible this year. The Diversity Visa program is designed for countries with historically low U.S. immigration levels, providing up to 55,000 green cards annually. While 31 Asian countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka remain eligible, Bangladesh’s continued exclusion highlights its significant immigration rate to the U.S. and brings disappointment to thousands hoping for a chance at the American dream.

Dublin witnessed intense violence on Monday as anti-immigration protests spiraled out of control following allegations of the sexual assault of a 10-year-old child. According to Al Jazeera, thousands of demonstrators gathered in the Irish capital’s city center, waving national flags and holding placards reading “Irish Lives Matter” and “Get Them Out.” The protests, initially sparked by outrage over the reported assault, quickly descended into chaos as crowds clashed with law enforcement. Protesters hurled bottles and fireworks at police, setting fire to police vans and blocking key roads. Officers responded with pepper spray and detained several individuals. Authorities have condemned the violence, urging calm and warning against xenophobic rhetoric. The government is expected to launch a full investigation into both the assault case and the subsequent unrest that has shaken Ireland’s reputation for stability and tolerance.

In a landmark reform, Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the decades-old Kafala (sponsorship) system that tightly controlled the movement and employment of foreign workers. The new labor model replaces the restrictive framework with a contract-based employment system, allowing migrant workers to change jobs, renew visas, and leave the country without needing employer permission. This historic move is expected to directly benefit over 13 million expatriates, most from South and Southeast Asia. Human rights groups have hailed the decision as a “new chapter in Saudi labor history,” though they stress the importance of strict implementation to ensure genuine change. The reform aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to modernize the economy and strengthen workers’ rights. By ending employer dominance over workers, the kingdom seeks to create a more balanced, transparent, and competitive labor environment across the Gulf region.

Malaysian immigration authorities detained 13 immigrants, including Bangladeshis, during a special operation in Kuala Lumpur. The raid targeted illegal homestays operating in rented local residences. Among the detainees, six held temporary work passes, while seven lacked valid documents. Items seized included passports, rental agreements, and cash. The detainees face charges under immigration laws. The operation reflects ongoing efforts to curb illegal immigration and related activities in Malaysia, with further investigations underway at Putrajaya Immigration Headquarters.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has reduced ticket prices for workers traveling to Saudi Arabia and Malaysia under a special “Worker Fare” scheme, valid for about four months. The new fare for flights to Jeddah, Riyadh, Medina, and Dammam is $360 (excluding tax), down from $400–$480. Kuala Lumpur fares have been cut to $150 from $175–$180. This offer applies only to new worker visas and one-way tickets for BMET cardholders. A 4,000 BDT tax applies to all non-SAARC flights, including these routes.