Mexico is positioning its southern rail corridor across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec as a faster alternative for shipping goods from Asia to the U.S. amid Panama Canal water shortages. South Korea’s Hyundai has already used the route, with major U.S. automakers expressing interest. The government is investing $540 million to expand ports and rail lines, aiming to establish a full freight corridor. The route cuts transit time to the U.S. by several days compared to Panama or Canadian routes, boosting southern Mexico’s logistics potential.

Canada and Mexico have agreed to boost cooperation as trade uncertainty grows under Trump’s tariff policies. Following talks in Mexico City, both nations pledged unity in negotiations with Washington ahead of the 2026 USMCA review. Tariffs of up to 50% on Canadian steel and aluminum and sector-specific duties on Mexico have disrupted supply chains, raising costs. Analysts warn stalled talks could strain North America’s competitiveness, while compliance with USMCA rules and alternative sourcing are seen as key strategies.

Ahead of the Sharadiya Durga Puja, cash gifts were distributed at 131 puja mandaps in Comilla city on behalf of BNP leader Tarique Rahman.

The event’s chief guest, BNP leader Aminur Rashid Yasin, highlighted the party’s commitment to supporting citizens of all faiths. “BNP believes in ‘Religion for everyone, festival for all’ and has consistently worked to maintain communal harmony,” he said.

Yasin emphasized that Sharadiya Durga Puja is an integral part of Bengali culture. He added, “Tarique Rahman respects people of all religions and backgrounds. Today’s gift distribution is a reflection of his sincere affection. To build a healthy and prosperous Bangladesh, communal harmony must be preserved.”

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone for 90 minutes, agreeing to meet in South Korea next month. Trump described the talk as constructive and praised Xi’s cooperation. He said he would visit China next year, followed by Xi’s U.S. trip. The leaders are expected to discuss TikTok ownership and trade. Recently, Washington and Beijing reached a preliminary deal allowing U.S. investors to hold at least 80% of TikTok shares, ensuring its operations in America.

BNP leader Ahmed Azam Khan has accused those agitating over proportional representation (PR) and attempting to disrupt the upcoming February 2026 general election of being “dark forces working against the country’s democratic interests.”

“These groups are dragging the nation back toward fascism,” Azam said, urging citizens to remain vigilant. He questioned why political parties are even debating whether the election will be held in February 2026, emphasizing that holding elections on time is crucial for democracy.

Azam pointed out that when discussions were held in the consensus commission, PR was not raised as a priority issue for the national parliamentary elections—only a handful of parties in the Upper House had made the demand. “The BNP’s position is clear: the nation is not prepared for PR at this stage. It requires time.”

He warned that without elections, Bangladesh cannot progress on its democratic path. “We call on all parties to come to the electoral field, refrain from disruptive politics, and prove their patriotism,” he said.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General Redwan Ahmed sharply accused Jamaat-e-Islami of consistently working against Bangladesh’s peace, order and sovereignty. Speaking at a party event, Redwan said historical evidence shows Jamaat’s opposition to nationhood: “During the partition of India, Maulana Maududi opposed the creation of Pakistan. During our Liberation War, Ghulam Azam opposed the creation of Bangladesh.”

He accused Jamaat of now raising “unrealistic” demands for proportional representation (PR) to obstruct the upcoming national election, and suggested the party has never sought the country’s welfare. “They once took up arms on the side of Pakistani invaders against freedom fighters,” Redwan said.

Redwan also claimed external influence is undermining Bangladesh’s democracy. “With India’s support, Sheikh Hasina has been able to suppress democracy here,” he said, while stressing that historical friendship with India — born from solidarity during the independence movement — should not come at the cost of Bangladesh’s sovereignty. “We want friendship, but not by surrendering our independence and sovereignty.”

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, has slammed recent statements suggesting that elections would not be allowed unless proportional representation (PR) is implemented, calling them “echoes of Sheikh Hasina-style authoritarian rhetoric.”

He argued that before the next election, people expect to see visible reforms in the justice system, yet the interim government has shown little progress beyond lofty promises. “The July Charter remains trapped in table discussions,” he said.

Terming the February national election a crucial milestone for Bangladesh’s democratic transition, Saiful warned that pushing narrow party agendas could derail necessary reforms. If the election is obstructed, he cautioned, the country’s fragile state could deteriorate further, with social unrest spiraling into political chaos.

“Political competition must not be dragged onto the streets,” he added.

Bangladesh has launched the Dredging and Dredged Material Management Policy, 2025, mandating that all river, canal, haor, and waterbody excavation use government-approved dredgers. The policy aims to protect river flows, wetlands, agricultural land, and biodiversity while supporting fisheries, irrigation, and navigation. Environmental impact assessments and a “Dredging Master Plan” are required before operations. Unauthorized dredging is prohibited, particularly in environmentally sensitive or erosion-prone areas, and coordination among relevant authorities is emphasized to restore river channels and manage dredged materials sustainably.

Abidul Islam Khan, joint secretary of the Dhaka University unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), has said that allegations surrounding the recent Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election must be addressed by the administration and Election Commission.

“If they fail to ensure proper accountability, there is every possibility of a fresh election—and we will fight for it,” Abid declared.

He pointed out that unlike in past years, JCD refrained from violent protests after the results, choosing instead to remain patient. “We have tried to introduce a new political culture in Bangladesh’s student politics,” he said, though he criticized what he called a “web of manipulation” during the voting process.

Abid concluded that the outcome should not be seen as a defeat, but as a sign that an “invisible political force” is asserting dominance across universities.

The Bank of England has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 4 percent, ending a series of five consecutive cuts since August last year. The central bank highlighted that inflationary pressures have eased, supported by tight monetary policy, though wage growth remains a key factor. The UK economy is growing slowly, with some labor market slack and spare capacity. Future monetary policy adjustments will depend on the underlying trend of inflation to achieve the 2 percent medium-term target.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has asserted that his party’s journey has been built on struggle, not privilege. Speaking at a triennial conference in Kishoreganj, he said, “BNP has faced conspiracies and false propaganda, but it has always given its best for Bangladesh.”

Fakhrul assured party activists there was no reason to fear: “BNP never bowed its head. Tarique Rahman will continue the vision of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia to rebuild Bangladesh.”

He added, “Even those who were newborns during independence, or opposed it, now criticize us. Like the phoenix, BNP has risen again and again despite attempts to destroy it. Those who tried to break us with killings and disappearances have fled the country.”

The UK, France, and other Western states plan to formally recognize Palestine, potentially at the upcoming UN General Assembly. Nearly 75% of UN members already do so, but the move remains largely symbolic since Palestine lacks defined borders and full sovereignty. Israel and the U.S. strongly oppose the initiative, calling it a reward for terrorism. Supporters argue it could revive the two-state solution and pressure Israel amid the Gaza humanitarian crisis and growing global outrage.

A U.S. federal judge has dismissed Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, publisher Penguin, and two reporters, calling it overly long, insulting, and procedurally flawed. The complaint, stretching 85 pages with just two defamation claims, was deemed inappropriate. Trump alleged the defendants acted as Democratic mouthpieces and published false claims about his business, education, and family wealth. The judge allowed him 28 days to refile. The Times dismissed the suit as intimidation of the press.

BNP leader Nilufar Chowdhury Moni has claimed that the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, not the ruling party’s student front, was behind the brutal killing of BUET student Abrar Fahad.

Speaking at a discussion, she alleged that “Shibir members disguised as the so-called ‘Helmet Brigade’” carried out the attack. “People used to call them Chhatra League, but they were actually Shibir, hiding their identity,” she said.

Nilufar argued that the involvement of lawyer Shishir Monir—defending the accused—proves who orchestrated the crime. “Abrar was beaten to death by the Helmet Brigade, by Shibir operatives,” she concluded, accusing the government of being surrounded by Jamaat influence.

BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed has stressed that political disputes can only be resolved through dialogue. Speaking to reporters, he said, “If someone insists on elections under a proportional representation system, the people will ultimately decide.”

He urged students to actively demand change rather than just rely on appeals. Highlighting constitutional uncertainties, Salahuddin noted that the judiciary has yet to clarify how the July declaration would be implemented.

Meanwhile, NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah criticized the government for blaming coalition partners for failures despite having advisors nominated by all parties. He warned that biased media coverage only strengthens “invisible conspirators” seeking to destabilize the country.