South Korean President Yoon Jae-myung has pledged to respect North Korea’s political system and work toward building military trust, following Pyongyang’s statement that it has no interest in improving ties. Since his election in June, Yoon has promised unconditional dialogue with the nuclear-armed North, marking a shift from his predecessor’s rigid approach. Speaking on National Liberation Day, he emphasized reducing tensions, restoring trust, and pursuing peaceful engagement, while dismissing reports of North Korea removing propaganda loudspeakers along the border.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at the potential for a new nuclear arms agreement with the United States ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump. Analysts suggest Putin aims to position himself as part of a broader peace process to ease Ukraine tensions while deterring new U.S. sanctions. The discussion may also foster trade and economic ties. With Russia holding the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, renewed talks could reshape global security dynamics, especially as the current New START treaty nears expiration in February 2026.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, in a message marking Janmashtami, emphasized Bangladesh’s longstanding tradition of religious harmony.

He extended warm wishes to Hindu communities, highlighting that festivals like Janmashtami unite people beyond communal divides and reinforce brotherhood. “Religious tolerance has always been an integral part of Bangladeshi culture,” Rahman said, adding that the BNP remains committed to safeguarding this spirit.

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine could be possible, hinting at the transfer of Ukrainian territory through a “land swap.” Speaking ahead of a meeting in Alaska, Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement and said the threat of economic sanctions might push Putin toward peace. Analysts interpret his comments as a signal of potential territorial compromise. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that changes on the battlefield could complicate peace efforts, though Trump aims to seek a solution through direct talks.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has praised Iran for its steadfast support of Lebanon and its firm stance against Israel. During a meeting in Beirut with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani, Qassem highlighted Iran’s role in defending Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, and independence. He described the Lebanon-Iran relationship as a pillar of resistance and perseverance in the region. Larijani also held talks with Lebanon’s President, Prime Minister, and Parliament Speaker during his one-day visit.

BNP leader Altaf Hossain Chowdhury has declared that his party is now the only strong political force in the country, predicting a decisive victory in the upcoming national elections.

“Awami League has fled the field. The only party left with real strength on the ground is BNP,” Chowdhury said, adding that Jamaat and other smaller parties cannot match the party’s influence.

He claimed that senior BNP leaders, including Tarique Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, have strengthened the party even from abroad, making it capable of fielding 1,800 qualified candidates for the 300 parliamentary seats. Chowdhury added that Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh this October.

Chowdhury further criticized the Awami League leadership, claiming that it has fled due to public dissatisfaction, noting that even top MPs, ministers, and the parliamentary speaker have abandoned the party after alleged injustices toward citizens. He cautioned that these events should serve as a significant lesson for BNP going forward.

Two separate cocktail bomb blasts shook Dhaka on Friday night.

The first explosion occurred around 12:45 AM near the NCP office in Banglamotor. Witnesses reported several individuals on motorcycles throwing explosives before fleeing. Police confirmed no casualties but launched an investigation.

Earlier, at 10 PM, another cocktail blast went off near bus counters at Russell Square, close to Dhanmondi 32. Officers collected evidence from the site. Kolabagan Police OC Md. Fazle Ashish said no arrests had yet been made.

Maruf Kamal Khan quoted Enayetullah Khan on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, describing him as a skilled actor who deceived the people while claiming the title of Father of the Nation. Enayetullah said Mujib’s three-year misrule devastated the nation, exploited resources, suppressed culture, and sold off sovereignty, leaving the economy in ruins. He compared Mujib to a tragic Greek character—charismatic yet weak, ambitious yet betraying those who trusted him.

Former MP and former Central Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat’s Women’s Wing, Begum Rokeya Ansari, was laid to rest in Banani Cemetery following a Janaza at Baitul Mukarram. Ansari passed away at a private hospital on Thursday. Jamaat leaders, including the Amir and Secretary General, expressed deep condolences.

Jamaat leader Abdul Halim alleged that Awami League-Bakshal plotted to eliminate Jamaat and create a leadership vacuum by executing Allama Saidi under the guise of war crimes trials. Halim described Saidi as a globally renowned Quranic scholar and orator, victimized by false charges.

He called for a high-powered investigative committee, emphasizing that dedication to faith, not titles, motivates their commitment to sacrifice.

AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad suggested that Dr. Yunus could resign if Jamaat and NCP do not participate in elections. He warned that the upcoming elections risk becoming one-sided, similar to previous 1973 and 2018 elections conducted by the ruling Awami League.

Fuad emphasized that BNP faces internal challenges with rebel candidates in 130–135 constituencies and that unity and sacrifice are needed to lead the party toward fair participation.

NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud hailed Begum Khaleda Zia’s unwavering leadership. “If she had compromised, such a massive mass uprising and Sheikh Hasina’s downfall would not have happened,” he said, urging immediate government action to prevent river erosion in Hatia.

Masud called for unified efforts by BNP, Jamaat, NCP, and other parties to transform Hatia into a model sub-district. He claimed that the success of the uprising allowed him to speak openly today, whereas otherwise, he might have been silenced.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, speaking at a prayer gathering for Begum Khaleda Zia’s 81st birthday, criticized Sheikh Hasina’s government as oppressive. He said, “We saw reforms under the Fakhruddin-Moinuddin government, but after that came Hasina’s monstrous regime. Democracy was murdered; countless BNP leaders, including Ilias Ali, Chowdhury Alam, Zakir, and Suman, were disappeared or killed, and the economy destroyed.”

Rizvi emphasized that BNP supports necessary reforms and called for elections to occur on their announced schedule. He praised Begum Khaleda Zia as a symbol of national independence and sovereignty, saying her leadership has inspired efforts to challenge the current government.

Unprecedented plundering in Bangladesh’s banking sector under the Awami League government has left banks facing liquidity shortages, slowing industrial growth. Machinery imports fell 25% in FY2024-25, while LC openings dropped similarly, limiting future industrial imports. Raw material imports for export industries rose, boosting exports, but non-export sectors saw declines. Political instability, rising interest rates, and reduced private sector credit have prolonged nearly five years of industrial slowdown, affecting production growth, credit availability, and loan recovery across multiple sectors.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned Israel’s plans to build thousands of new settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, calling them illegal under international law. He warned that such settlements deepen occupation, heighten tensions, and threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state. The UN urged Israel to immediately stop all settlement activities, reaffirming obligations highlighted in the International Court of Justice advisory opinion. The Palestinian Authority also criticized the move as part of the “Greater Israel” vision.