Rajbari Municipality, established over a century ago, has yet to develop modern infrastructure despite being a first-class municipality for over three decades. Most roads are broken, drainage covers are missing, and waste is scattered across the city. Mosquito control operations have been halted for 10 months, increasing dengue cases, with 60 patients admitted in August. Residents report foul smells and uninhabitable areas, while municipal authorities cite broken equipment and lack of mosquito-control medicine as major obstacles.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed deep concern over the violent attack and vandalism at the Jatiya Party’s central office, issuing strong condemnation in an official statement.

The statement warned that such attacks and arson, following the July mass uprising, could create confusion and frustration among the public, undermining hopes for democratic governance. “While differing opinions are natural in a democracy, using force to suppress freedom of expression reflects authoritarian tendencies,” the statement read. It emphasized that a true democracy requires a multi-party system, and that the survival of any political party depends on the will of the people, not on intimidation, violence, or threats.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) is preparing street-level programs nationwide to demand the implementation of the July Charter, citing delays in reforms, genocide trials, and new constitution drafting. Party leaders say the interim government and Election Commission have created uncertainty by announcing the election roadmap without resolving key issues. NCP warns that if table discussions fail, mass mobilization will follow. They emphasize legal backing for the charter, coordinated protests, and nationwide rallies to ensure the aspirations of the July Revolution are realized.

Over 16 years, 14 foreign airlines have ceased operations at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport due to mismanagement and corruption, leaving only four airlines on international routes. Passenger traffic continues to rise, reaching over 1.64 million in 2024, straining limited airport infrastructure. Outstanding dues from six defunct airlines total BDT 2,126 crore. Airport authorities report modernization plans and efforts to attract returning airlines like Flydubai, Saudi Airlines, and Qatar Airways, aiming to restore international service quality and expand capacity.

Dhaka – Chaos erupted once again at the central office of the National Party (Jatiya Party) in the capital, as a violent attack and arson left two young men, Rahul (22) and Monir (25), injured. Rahul has been admitted to Ward 102 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while Monir sought treatment elsewhere.

According to witnesses, shortly after 7 PM, a group of protesters stormed the party office, causing widespread destruction before setting fire to the premises. Police intervened around 7:30 PM, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Once the protesters retreated, authorities moved quickly to extinguish the flames.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar has commented on the current political landscape, saying, “Many traps have been set in politics. Some block all paths to force everyone into a single snare.”

He clarified the term “trap” (Anta) after a senior political leader recently used it, explaining it as a “fishing net” for opportunists. Majumdar noted that many are attempting to capitalize on disorder for personal gain, highlighting the complex and competitive nature of today’s political environment.

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund has sold shares in Caterpillar, citing the use of its bulldozers in demolishing Palestinian property in violation of international law. The Trump administration expressed strong concern, protested to Oslo, and threatened tariffs and visa bans against fund officials. Senator Lindsey Graham warned Norway of consequences for targeting Caterpillar. The divestment marks the first time the fund has acted against a non-Israeli firm over the conflict. The issue is also influencing Norway’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

Rising U.S. inflation, debt concerns, and uncertainty over Trump’s tariff policy are rattling global markets. Analysts warn that aggressive tariffs and political pressure on the Fed could destabilize growth while pushing up long-term bond yields. Yields on U.S., UK, France, and Japan bonds have surged, prompting investors to shift toward gold, which hit a record $3,578 per ounce. Experts caution that fiscal deficits, inflation, and weak investor confidence may deepen volatility, leading to further sell-offs in government bonds worldwide.

Ahead of Durga Puja, West Bengal’s fish markets are flooded with hilsa from Gujarat, with nearly 4,000 tons arriving in just six weeks. Traditionally, hilsa from Bangladesh’s Padma and Meghna rivers are prized for their unique aroma and sweetness, but supply remains uncertain. Experts and traders say Gujarat’s catch lacks that signature flavor. With Odisha’s catch limited and juveniles still being sold illegally in local markets, Bengalis are reluctantly turning to less flavorful alternatives.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mujibur Rahman has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, describing her rule as “the darkest chapter in Bangladesh’s history.”

Speaking at a recent program, he alleged that during Hasina’s 15 years in power, hundreds of people have been killed, abducted, and subjected to oppression, with no accountability. He further accused the government of tailoring laws to suit its own agenda, while repealing those that did not serve its interests.

Highlighting the need for honest leadership, Mujibur Rahman stated:

“The foundation of a modern and welfare-oriented state lies in establishing honest leadership. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the embodiment of such leadership. His noble ideals must be our guiding principle, and his governance model should serve as our roadmap.”

He emphasized that true national welfare can only be achieved by adhering to the statecraft of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whom he described as the architect of the most advanced system of governance for all times. According to him, the divine principles by which the Prophet governed remain the ultimate framework for just leadership and state management.

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has credited late finance minister Saifur Rahman with saving Bangladesh’s economy by introducing the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Speaking at a memorial marking Saifur Rahman’s 16th death anniversary, Moin said, “Today, no government can survive without VAT. Yet the Awami League, then in opposition, bitterly opposed it.”

He praised Saifur Rahman as a visionary economist and skilled manager who not only restructured Bangladesh’s economy but also laid the foundation for long-term financial sustainability.

The Gono Odhikar Parishad staged a solidarity rally demanding a ban on Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance, accusing them of propping up Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian rule.

At least 30 anti-fascist parties — including BNP, Jamaat, Islami Andolon, NCP, JSD, and Gonosonghoti Andolon — expressed support. Leaders denounced Jatiya Party as an “Indian proxy” conspiring to destabilize the country, and called for cancellation of its registration.

Speakers also demanded punishment for attacks on Nurul Haque Nur and other opposition activists, as well as the Home Adviser’s resignation. Leaders urged opposition groups to strengthen unity against fascism.

Hefazat-e-Islam has denounced the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education’s new recruitment policy that favors music teachers over religious instructors, branding it an “anti-Islamic agenda.”

In a statement, the group warned of street protests if the policy is not withdrawn. Hefazat argued that music is prohibited in Islam and should not be imposed in primary education without Muslim parents’ consent.

The statement further alleged that “NGO-backed conspirators” were exploiting the interim government’s weakness to push “de-Islamization projects,” including LGBT and music curricula, echoing similar agendas from the Awami League era.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher has announced plans to form a broad coalition of like-minded parties ahead of the next national election, united under the “July spirit.”

He claimed that Islamic parties and scholars across the country are rallying to the cause, predicting the alliance would become more visible as elections near. According to Taher, Jamaat’s popularity is growing while that of its rivals is declining.

“The people want free, fair, and festive elections — not manipulated, imposed ones,” he said, framing the polls as a decisive contest against corruption, foreign dominance, and authoritarianism.

The Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) has demanded the resignation of the Home Adviser, blaming him for failing to prevent the recent attack on party convener Nurul Haque Nur. GOP leaders warned of besieging the Secretariat if their demand is ignored.

Rashed Khan, a senior GOP leader, accused ruling party affiliates of orchestrating the attack and demanded stern action against perpetrators within state agencies. BNP’s Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel also declared Sheikh Hasina’s political chapter “closed,” insisting her allies, including Jatiya Party, must also face justice.

Jamaat leader Shafiqul Islam Masud questioned how authorities that failed to protect Nur could guarantee voters’ safety during upcoming elections.