Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered all Israeli diplomats to leave the country after Israeli forces detained two Colombians aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying aid to Gaza. The flotilla, made up of around 45 vessels, came under Israeli attack, with several ships seized. Petro condemned the action as a violation of international law and canceled Colombia’s free trade agreement with Israel. He had already cut diplomatic ties in May but escalated measures with this expulsion order.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, and Turkey after Israel intercepted several ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla. In Naples, protesters blocked train services, while in Rome, police surrounded demonstrators near Termini station. Videos on social media showed mass rallies in Berlin, Athens, and Istanbul. The flotilla, with more than 45 vessels carrying 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and activists, aims to break the Gaza blockade with food and medical supplies despite Israeli warnings.

Israel has blocked the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, with reports of its navy boarding some ships, including Alma and Sirius. Italy’s largest labor union has announced a nationwide strike in protest, following demonstrations in cities such as Naples. Organizers say broadcasts from most vessels stopped as Israeli forces surrounded them. While some ships were halted, others continue toward Gaza. The flotilla includes 45 civilian vessels with 500 people, among them lawmakers, activists, and Greta Thunberg.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh soon, with the exact date to be announced personally by him, according to his foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir. Speaking at a press briefing upon his return from the UN General Assembly session, Kabir accused Awami League of engaging in political terrorism by attacking opposition leaders abroad. He assured that the upcoming national elections will take place on time under the caretaker government, without fear of disruption. However, the briefing turned chaotic when NCP activists shouted slogans, leading to clashes with journalists. In protest of misbehavior by party activists, journalists boycotted statements from senior NCP leaders Akhtar Hossain and Tasnim Zara. The situation underscored growing political tensions as Bangladesh braces for elections.

A detailed investigation alleges a large-scale operation producing near-perfect counterfeit Bangladeshi notes abroad and smuggling them into the country via an organized chain linking dealers, retail vendors and fugitive political figures. Sources claim a neighbouring state’s intelligence service and foreign-made machinery and components supply counterfeit currency, with documentary-quality paper matching Bangladesh notes. Social media platforms and secret groups are used to advertise and sell fake notes, offering bulk discounts and deceptive guarantees to build trust. Law enforcement reacted after a viral exposé by a Qatar-based journalist, and Bangladesh Bank described the allegation—if true—as deeply alarming, urging stronger police action and public vigilance. Officials suggest insider knowledge from former mint designers and politically-aligned staff may have aided the operation. Authorities are investigating networks, tightening monitoring, and warning citizens against suspicious online offers and secret-group solicitations, even money-back guarantees to buyers regularly.

An explosive revelation claims Sheikh Hasina and exiled Awami League leaders, with the backing of a foreign intelligence agency, are plotting to cripple Bangladesh’s economy by smuggling nearly two lakh crore taka worth of counterfeit notes into the country. Investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer Khan exposed the plan, sparking nationwide concern. Reports indicate that advanced printing facilities abroad, even using paper identical to Bangladesh’s official notes, are producing these fakes, making detection nearly impossible. Former mint designers and Awami-linked technicians are suspected of aiding the scheme. Authorities fear this influx could trigger inflation, erode public trust in currency, and destabilize financial institutions. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are on high alert, cracking down on secret networks and online groups trading fake notes. Bangladesh Bank warns citizens to stay vigilant, as the stakes for economic security remain dangerously high.

Education advisor Prof. Dr. C. R. Abrar has accused political syndicates of taking control of educational institutions across Bangladesh, discouraging genuine philanthropists and alumni from contributing to development. Speaking at the 246th founding anniversary of Dhaka Alia Madrasa, he said that in the past, wealthy individuals and communities actively worked to improve schools, but political interference pushed them away. Alumni also distanced themselves, fearing conflict with politically linked groups who treat institutions as personal property. Abrar noted that the burden of improvement now solely falls on the government. He revealed that the interim government is formulating policies to free institutions from such groups, enabling social workers and education enthusiasts to contribute once again. He expressed hope that reforms will soon bring positive results in the country’s education system.

During an interview in New York on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus highlighted India’s consistent backing of Sheikh Hasina, noting that New Delhi still hopes she may one day return to Bangladesh as a victorious leader. Speaking to journalist Mehdi Hasan of digital media outlet GTO, Yunus addressed concerns over Awami League’s virtual meeting with Hasina, suggesting external forces could aid her return. He confirmed direct talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting that Hasina not comment on Bangladesh while in India. Yunus also discussed key issues such as the July uprising, the fall of the Awami League government, his interim leadership, the party’s ban, and upcoming elections, underscoring the delicate balance of domestic politics and regional influence shaping Bangladesh’s path ahead.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has clarified that the Chief Adviser never mentioned lifting restrictions on Awami League’s activities. He said a mistranslation caused confusion, as the Chief Adviser only shared information regarding the party’s current status, not future decisions. According to him, there is no plan to withdraw the existing ban, and the Election Commission has also restricted Awami League from participating in polls. He warned that quoting words out of context may create misleading narratives. The Press Secretary further noted that the government remains firm on the restriction, and the matter is already fact-checked by PIB. Addressing concerns about national elections, he assured there is no uncertainty, and enthusiasm is growing nationwide with campaign banners and candidates reaching voters. He expects the excitement to intensify as the election approaches.

Madagascar’s Gen-Z-led movement, inspired by youth protests in Kenya and Nepal, continues to intensify even after the government’s fall. Protesters are demanding a public apology from President Andry Rajoelina and the recently dismissed prime minister, as well as the removal of the capital’s administrator. Demonstrations have spread beyond Antananarivo to cities like Fenoarivo, Mahajanga, and Diego Suarez. Protesters highlight water shortages, power outages, and corruption, urging Rajoelina to resign. Despite the president’s televised promise to address crises and support businesses, young demonstrators expressed disappointment on social media. Since last week, the UN reports at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, though Madagascar’s foreign ministry disputes these figures. This is the largest uprising in recent years in the Indian Ocean island nation, posing the most significant challenge to Rajoelina since his disputed reelection in 2023.

In an interview with GTO during the UN General Assembly, interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus revealed that many people urge him to remain in power not for five or ten years, but even for fifty years—questioning the need for elections. Responding to why Bangladesh requires 18 months for elections instead of the usual six, he highlighted both public sentiment and political complexities. He clarified that the ruling Awami League has not been banned, only its political activities suspended temporarily, with the possibility of reinstatement anytime. Dr. Yunus also spoke about the Rohingya crisis and the legitimacy of delaying polls. After Sheikh Hasina was ousted in 2024 following mass uprisings, Yunus reluctantly accepted his role as interim head, describing it as a duty rather than ambition.

In Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election, the dominance of family legacy in BNP politics is once again visible. Children of senior BNP leaders are actively seeking party nominations in multiple constituencies across the country. Among them are Shama Obaid, daughter of late KM Obaidur Rahman; Anindya Islam Amit, son of Tariqul Islam; Barrister Naushad Zamil, son of Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar; Nipun Roy Chowdhury, linked to Nitai Roy and Goyeshwar Roy; and Ishraq Hossain, son of Sadeque Hossain Khoka. In Chattogram, seven heirs of six senior leaders are competing for nominations, including Mir Helal, Hummam Quader Chowdhury, and Saeed Al Noman. Similar trends appear in Cumilla, Manikganj, Natore, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Dhaka. While some heirs built political credibility through activism, others largely rely on their family background, reflecting both continuity and controversy in BNP’s leadership.

YouTube has agreed to a $24.5 million settlement to resolve former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit over the suspension of his account following the January 6 Capitol riot. Court filings show $22 million will be donated to the National Mall Trust for a White House ballroom project, while $2.5 million will go to other plaintiffs, including the American Conservative Union and author Naomi Wolf. YouTube, owned by Alphabet, admitted no wrongdoing, saying the deal was meant to avoid further litigation costs. The move follows multimillion-dollar settlements between Trump and Meta, X, ABC News, and Paramount Global. Experts warn such settlements undermine consistent content moderation standards, raising concerns over tech platforms’ political alignment and influence. The case highlights ongoing clashes between Trump and media companies over alleged censorship since the 2020 election and January 6 events.

BNP central leader Shama Obaid has warned party activists against extortion, tender manipulation, and unethical activities, declaring no place for such practices in the party. She urged that even if her own supporters engage in wrongdoing, they must be handed over to the police. While visiting Durga Puja mandaps in Faridpur’s Saltha, she emphasized that real development requires ending corruption, police brokerage, and land office lobbying. Shama Obaid pledged to prevent immoral activities in her constituency as long as she is alive. She also assured equal treatment of Hindus and Muslims, calling for vigilance against attempts to disrupt communal harmony during the festival. BNP activists will guard temples day and night to prevent any mischief. She reaffirmed her lifelong support for the Hindu community, continuing her father’s legacy of unity and cooperation.

A leaked phone recording published Sept 30, 2025 captures a July 24 conversation between former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-state minister Nasrul Hamid Bipu. During the call, the recording alleges Hasina instructed Bipu to pin arson at government buildings during the July–August uprising on BNP and Jamaat, to ‘manage’ journalists by giving them ‘hadia’, and to intimidate channels by threatening to cut lines or electricity if they did not comply. The clip has circulated across media and social platforms, prompting debate and demands for investigation into the authenticity and political implications of the leak.