A BBC investigation reveals that India deported Rohingya refugees to Myanmar by flying them from Delhi to the Andamans, placing them on a naval ship, and abandoning them at sea with life jackets. Survivors swam ashore and now face an uncertain future under a resistance group in Myanmar. Refugees allege abuse, religious humiliation, and forced detention before deportation. The UN says credible evidence supports the claims, while India’s Supreme Court will soon rule on the Rohingya’s refugee status.

At the Bengal Delta Conference, NCP leader Tasnim Zara stated that the July uprising represented a rejection of the old political system, not merely a change in leadership. Oxford lecturer Dr. David Jackman noted that rampant use of money and muscle power in elections fosters extortion and power display in Bangladesh. Zara responded that the uprising proved public rejection of such politics.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi, currently a Supreme Court judge, will assume the role of Chief Justice of India in May 2031, serving until his retirement in October the same year. His elevation marks the return of a Bengali jurist to the top post nearly 18 years after Justice Altamas Kabir in 2013. Known for his balanced and impartial rulings, Bagchi’s appointment is seen as both symbolic and historic, restoring prestige to the Calcutta High Court and inspiring future generations.

On Friday evening, supporters of the Jatiya Party (JP) and Ganadhikar Parishad clashed in Kakrail, prompting heavy deployment of the army and law enforcement. JP members alleged that Ganadhikar supporters attacked them during a march. Ganadhikar Parishad leader Abu Hanif claimed their protest, demanding the banning of Awami League affiliates, was met with stone-throwing near the JP office, injuring 10–15 activists, many of whom were hospitalized.

Brazil is preparing countermeasures against the United States after President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian exports, including coffee. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has authorized a review to determine if the U.S. measures fall under Brazil’s new Economic Reciprocity Law. Potential actions include retaliatory tariffs and suspending trade benefits. Relations have soured since the tariffs took effect on August 6. Brazil has also appealed to the World Trade Organization while keeping diplomatic options open.

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said steps are being taken to bring different sections of the city’s tunnel under municipal control to ensure proper utilization and reduce losses. He highlighted that Anwara, traditionally a BNP stronghold, has been neglected over the past 16 years due to political disparities.

BNP leader Sarwar Jamal Nizam added that strengthening Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman’s influence while expelling opposing forces is essential for democratic consolidation and regional development.

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.