BNP leader Monir Khan has warned of emerging conspiracies surrounding the upcoming elections, urging unity across all opposition forces to defeat them.

He stressed that implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan would build a prosperous Bangladesh and called for BNP activists to set aside internal divisions. “Whoever receives the paddy-sheaf nomination must get our full support,” he said, referring to the party’s election symbol.

BNP leader and newly elected BCCI councilor Ishraq Hossain has warned of strong resistance, including a possible siege of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), if the government interferes in the upcoming October 6 elections.

He alleged that powerful figures—including the BCB president, the Prime Minister’s sports adviser, and senior officials of the National Sports Council—are trying to influence councilor nominations at district and divisional levels. Ballots will be uploaded online on October 1, and votes must be submitted by October 6.

The Nationalist Teachers’ Forum at Rajshahi University has declared an indefinite boycott of all classes and examinations until those responsible for assaulting the Pro-Vice Chancellor and several other teachers are punished.

Teachers held protests, including human chains and rallies, demanding justice. They vowed to continue their boycott until the perpetrators are identified and disciplinary action is taken.

Qatar has formally requested Israel to apologize for airstrikes in Doha before restarting negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani raised the demand with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussions later involved Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. envoy Steve Whitcuff, and Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. Qatar may accept an apology limited to the death of a Qatari security official, compensation to his family, and assurances of respecting Qatar’s sovereignty.

After recent attacks in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, and Qatar, Turkey is increasingly wary of Israel’s regional ambitions. Analysts warn that Turkey could be Israel’s next target, with NATO membership offering no guaranteed protection. Tensions are fueled by Netanyahu’s “Greater Israel” vision and Israel’s aggressive moves across the Middle East. Turkey has suspended economic ties with Israel and is bolstering its maritime and regional strategies, preparing to counter what it views as unilateral Israeli dominance in the region.

Police in Chattogram have arrested 11 leaders and activists of the banned factions of Chhatra League and Awami League from a sudden flash procession. Authorities confirmed that a case has been filed against them at Double Mooring Police Station.

According to police sources, around 80–85 activists, including leaders from Chhatra League, Sramik League, and other affiliated bodies of the Awami League, brought out a sudden procession in Agrabad Beparipara on Saturday night. Acting swiftly, police dispersed the rally and detained 11 participants, while several others managed to flee.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Babul Azad said that charges have been brought against 64 individuals under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and they have been sent to court.

Ali Ahsan Junayed, convener of UP Bangladesh, has begun testifying in a high-profile crimes against humanity case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and one other accused.

Junayed is appearing as the 48th witness in the tribunal, providing detailed testimony that spans from the 2013 anti-quota movement to the July 2024 mass uprising, which ultimately led to Hasina’s fall from power.

Earlier, state-appointed defense counsel Md Amir Hossain, representing Hasina and Kamal, completed a second round of cross-examination of Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party. Nahid had delivered his testimony in two sessions, including one on September 17, when he spoke for over an hour before the tribunal.

On the same day, Amir Hossain also resumed questioning Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the now-defunct daily Amar Desh.

With Junayed’s appearance, the tribunal has now heard testimony from 48 witnesses over the course of 19 hearing days, marking a significant progression in one of the most politically sensitive trials in Bangladesh’s recent history.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called for urgent measures to halt the ongoing massacre in Gaza. Writing in The Guardian, she emphasized that increased international recognition of Palestine and an immediate halt to military cooperation are crucial. Ardern stressed delivering humanitarian aid, medical support for the injured, malnourished, pregnant women, and new mothers. Addressing global leaders ahead of the UN General Assembly, she urged prioritizing Gaza amid global crises, warning against dehumanizing people by treating them as mere numbers.

The caretaker government’s Advisory Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the purchase of vaccines for the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) through UNICEF from Gavi under the direct purchase method. The decision, made during the 30th ACAE meeting chaired by Economic Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, covers a three-month supply for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Officials said future procurements may follow competitive bidding, ensuring timely and efficient vaccine availability to strengthen the national immunization program.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged India to decide whether it wants to remain an enemy or be a good neighbor, emphasizing that both countries must coexist. Speaking to expatriate Pakistanis in London, he highlighted the cost of past wars and called for investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure instead. He stressed resolving the Kashmir issue, condemned the Gaza crisis, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness for dialogue on equal terms. Recent national achievements, economic progress, and strengthened global standing were also highlighted.

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Afghanistan’s Taliban government return the Bagram airbase, warning of “terrible consequences” if they refuse. In posts on Truth Social and remarks at the White House, Trump insisted the airbase must be handed back immediately, hinting at undisclosed action if demands are ignored. He earlier revealed during a UK trip that talks are underway to regain Bagram. Trump has long criticized its loss, citing its strategic importance and alleging growing Chinese influence in Afghanistan.

Brazil has formally joined South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocidal acts in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Exercising its right under Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, Brazil argued that Israel’s impunity threatens international law. The country now stands with Spain, Ireland, Mexico, Turkey, and others supporting South Africa’s case. Since the conflict began in October 2023, over 65,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) says it has no knowledge of any cash reward scheme for arresting leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliates, despite recent media reports claiming officers would receive Tk 5,000 per detainee.
Deputy Commissioner of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, said police officers are indeed rewarded for good performance, including financial incentives, but he was unaware of any such targeted program.
He added that DMP currently operates over 600 CCTV cameras across the capital, while private initiatives in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Niketan have installed around 1,200 additional cameras, significantly aiding crime prevention and public security.

Dhaka — BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has voiced support for delaying Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, citing concerns over economic readiness.

The statement came after a meeting between BNP leaders, including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and top business figures at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Discussions centered on LDC graduation and labor laws.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said while they were not calling for a full halt, businesses needed at least three more years for infrastructure readiness.

Bangladesh is set to graduate from LDC status on November 24, 2026, following UN assessments over the past eight years. The government must submit a progress report on preparations by October 31 this year.

BNP leader Zahiduddin Swapan has claimed that Sheikh Hasina has fled the country, and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia watched the development on television from her hospital bed.
Speaking at a political program, Swapan said, “Some parties are fueling conflict to prevent elections in February. If this government truly wants to hold a ballot-based election but any group stands in the way, we will expose them before the people. And if anyone dares to misuse the Holy Quran or mosques in this evil game, we believe the devout citizens will understand and resist.”