The Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) has raised serious concerns over a case filed against journalist Sagar Chowdhury, who reported on corruption and irregularities in Bhola’s courts. DUJ leaders emphasized that such lawsuits hinder independent journalism and urged authorities to withdraw the case immediately. They noted that anyone dissatisfied with a news report can respond or file a complaint with the Press Council, but taking direct legal action against journalists is unacceptable and undermines press freedom.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed pledged that if his party comes to power, the first priority will be to end the culture of enforced disappearances. Highlighting that 1,850 people have disappeared since 2009, with 350 still missing, he said the party will work to ensure no family ever has to search for loved ones on the streets.

Salahuddin criticized the Awami League government for committing such acts to maintain lifelong power. He warned that attempts are underway to create divisions among political parties and undermine elections, urging unity to ensure accountability through fair elections.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that Khaleda Zia has not ruled out participating in elections, asserting, “She will win wherever she stands.” Fakhrul clarified that the election schedule is unrelated to Tarique Rahman’s return, though he expressed hope that Rahman would return soon, depending on his personal readiness.

He emphasized that political parties are proceeding with February elections despite heightened rhetoric. On alliances, he said no decisions have been finalized, adding, “We don’t engage in orchestrated politics; creating staged opposition is the Awami League’s work, not ours.” Regarding a potential coalition with NCP, Fakhrul said it depends on the political climate before the elections. He also noted BNP’s cautious diplomacy, stating that relations with India have never been deep, yet as neighbors, distance has never been an issue.

In Shariatpur’s Borkandi Union, BNP joint convener Khabir Sardar was fatally stabbed on Wednesday following a dispute over mosque loudspeaker use. His brother, Danesh Sardar, filed a case naming Almas Sardar as the main suspect.

Police recovered Almas Sardar’s body the following day after locals discovered a foul-smelling buried package. Authorities confirmed the body matched the suspect. The two consecutive killings have created widespread fear in the area. OC Mainul Islam assured that legal action will follow based on ongoing investigations.

Despite China’s new nationwide child subsidy of 3,600 yuan per year for children under three, rising costs of diapers, dairy, and clothing make the financial support feel insufficient. Families like Wang Yuan’s in Hangzhou report spending around 4,000 yuan monthly on a four-month-old baby. Introduced in July 2024, the scheme aims to assist nearly 20 million families, including retroactive support for children born 2022–2024. Experts warn that China’s declining birth rate and rapidly aging population remain major demographic challenges.

Over 100 leaders from district and upazila levels of the Gaon Adhikar Parishad in Naogaon resigned simultaneously on Friday.

Among the resigning leaders were Akhtarul Islam (Vice President, Naogaon District), Mehedi Hasan (Joint General Secretary), and Abu Rahat Chowdhury (Vice President), along with other organizational members.

They cited long-standing grievances, including neglect of grassroots leaders, the imposition of “pocket committees,” financial transactions in committee formation, and undemocratic behavior by central leaders. Approximately 80% of youth, student, and labor rights members from Naogaon district resigned in solidarity.

On International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, Adhikar urged the government to dissolve the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and implement a 10-point plan to address enforced disappearances. The demands include independent investigations, withdrawal of false cases, victim and witness protection, legal recognition for families of missing persons, and enhanced forensic and investigative capacity. The group criticized past state repression under Sheikh Hasina and called for reforms and the implementation of the “July Charter” to ensure justice and transparency.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that preparations are underway for the national parliamentary elections scheduled in February. “Everyone is eagerly awaiting the elections. Through this process, democracy will be reinstated in the country,” he said during the inauguration of the Small and Cottage Industry Fair in Barishal district.

He emphasized that voters will elect their representatives and government, hold them accountable, and voice fundamental concerns directly. Khasru added, “Previously, the economy was concentrated in the hands of a few. We must expand economic opportunities for ordinary citizens and create global markets for small and cottage industries, ensuring economic growth for Bangladesh.”

A U.S.-made F-16 fighter jet crashed during a military exercise in western Poland on August 28, killing the pilot. Footage shows the aircraft suddenly descending from the sky before hitting the ground and catching fire. No bystanders were harmed, and the cause of the crash remains unknown. Poland, a key NATO ally, has been operating F-16s purchased from the United States since 2003. The incident marks another fatal accident involving this aircraft model.

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Pettongtan Shinawatra from office following the leak of a phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. In the recording, Pettongtan criticized her own military and assured Hun Sen of her support, sparking public outrage and nationalist backlash. She had assumed office in August 2024 as Thailand’s youngest prime minister. Lawmakers may now form a new government or call fresh elections if consensus is not reached.

Under the Digital Connectivity (EDC) project, broadband internet has still not reached 85% of government and private institutions in Pirojpur and Jhalokathi. Dhaka-based contractor Access Telecom has been accused of embezzling millions while delivering only a few routers. In the 19 institutions that received connections, the lines frequently go offline. Even after extending the project deadline to September 30, 2025, questions remain about the pace and quality of work. Local ISPs have provided no assistance, and Tanzila Islam, Project Director (Joint Secretary) of the EDC project, said she cannot comment on whether irregularities or corruption occurred without reviewing the files.

Kabul has summoned the Pakistani ambassador after alleged attacks by Pakistani forces in Nangarhar and Khost provinces. The Taliban government reported at least three civilian deaths and seven injuries. Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of violating airspace and carrying out provocative bombings near the Durand Line. While Pakistan has yet to officially respond, tensions persist over cross-border terrorism, trade restrictions, and stalled diplomatic talks. Recent drone strikes in Shinwar district highlight fragile bilateral relations and regional instability.

Kader Siddiqui stated that the 2024 public movement is approaching the ideals of independence, but the population is increasingly frustrated with the behavior of the movement’s leaders.

During a press conference, he protested the arrests of several individuals, including Latif Siddiqui, by DRU authorities and demanded their release. He remarked, “I believed their victory would last a thousand years, but in just one year, it is on the verge of being destroyed—a situation we did not anticipate. The ruling powers are preventing people from speaking freely and expressing opinions. We demand a fair electoral environment and stronger security measures in Bangladesh.”

Pakistan’s Punjab province is experiencing its most severe flooding in nearly 40 years due to heavy seasonal rains and water releases from Indian rivers. Rivers including the Ravi and Chenab have reached dangerously high flows, prompting evacuations in Lahore, Multan, Jhang, and Sargodha. Embankments are being breached to protect cities, while thousands of residents have been relocated to relief camps. Authorities warn of further flooding, crop losses, and possible casualties in low-lying areas, with continuous monitoring and emergency response ongoing.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has resigned from four National Assembly standing committees, including Law and Justice, Human Rights, IT, and House Business Advisory, following founder Imran Khan’s directive. So far, at least 18 PTI lawmakers have quit committees, part of the party’s broader political strategy amid disqualifications linked to the May 9 riots. PTI will boycott upcoming by-elections, while the ruling PML-N and PPP plan to contest jointly nationwide, intensifying Pakistan’s shifting political landscape.