Workers at Genoa port have detained the Saudi vessel Bahri Yanbu, reportedly carrying weapons from the U.S. intended for Israel. The ship, previously docked in Maryland, was discovered to already have arms and ammunition. Around 40 port workers boarded the vessel to inspect and confirm the cargo. Saudi Arabia’s Bahri shipping company has denied all allegations, calling them baseless, and emphasized compliance with international maritime laws. European port workers are increasingly acting to prevent arms reaching Israel amid the ongoing Gaza crisis.

UK MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is facing trial in Bangladesh over allegations of illegally acquiring government land. The Anti-Corruption Commission claims she holds Bangladeshi citizenship and is registered as a voter, though Siddiq denies this. Her legal team calls the documents forged. The trial proceeds in her absence, raising political and legal debate. Siddiq resigned earlier from her UK Treasury post after reports of benefiting from assets linked to Hasina’s party.

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir recently issued a direct nuclear threat to India, warning of potential attacks on infrastructure and extreme retaliatory measures. The remarks sparked outrage in India, with actress and MP Kangana Ranaut mocking him on social media. Delhi’s diplomatic and defense circles are closely monitoring the situation. Experts suggest Pakistan’s economic and political pressures may drive such statements. Kangana’s comments have ignited a heated debate, highlighting the growing verbal tension between the two nations.

Amid rising tensions over trade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit the U.S. in late September to attend the UN General Assembly in New York. On the sidelines, a possible bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump could focus on import tariffs, the bilateral trade deal, and India’s oil purchases from Russia. Earlier tariff hikes and potential sanctions have strained relations, making this visit a crucial moment. Outcomes of any Trump-Putin discussions could further influence India’s diplomatic strategy.

India is reducing engagement with Turkey across tourism, education, and aviation as public anger grows over Ankara’s support for Pakistan and other disputes. Tourist arrivals from India fell 37% year-on-year, with mass cancellations hitting high-end travel segments. Several Indian universities have suspended exchange programs with Turkish institutions, citing national interest. Aviation authorities have revoked security clearance for Turkish-owned ground-handling firms. Analysts say India is leveraging its consumer and passenger base as a strategic tool against nations opposing its core interests.

Jatiya Party Co-Chairman Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa has declared Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Ruhul Amin Hawlader, and Mujibul Haque Chunnu “unwelcome” in Rangpur Division, accusing them of plotting to split the party. Calling for unity behind GM Quader, Mostafa expressed concern over deteriorating law and order and suggested deploying the army alongside police for a phased general election. He also alleged that a conspiracy is underway to ban the Jatiya Party, similar to the Awami League’s ban.

Dhaka — The Jatiya Gonotantrik Party (JAGPA) has sent a formal letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding the extradition of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to face trial over her alleged role in the July massacre.

The letter, submitted in both English and Bengali on Wednesday afternoon to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, was signed by Rashed Pradhan. As no High Commission official came forward to receive it, the letter was handed over through Additional Deputy Police Commissioner of the Diplomatic Security Division, Talat Mahmud.

In the letter, JAGPA accused Delhi of granting asylum to Hasina and condemned India’s “aggressive interference” in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. It also extended early greetings to the people of India on the eve of their 78th Independence Day before launching into sharp criticism:

“During the 1971 Liberation War, India looted resources from Bangladesh worth nearly USD 4 billion. From the beginning, India sought to treat Bangladesh as a tributary state, undermining our sovereignty and independence.”

The letter further accused India of exploiting Bangladesh while denying it its rightful shares of resources, contrasting this with Bangladesh’s generosity towards its neighbour. The party demanded that Sheikh Hasina be sent back to Bangladesh to face justice.

Jamaat-e-Islami staged demonstrations demanding legal status for the “July National Declaration” and “July National Charter” and holding the next national elections under their framework. Party leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher warned that if elections are orchestrated under foreign influence, the people will resist with their lives and blood. He accused certain groups of creating confusion over electoral reforms to sabotage the polls and insisted that elections must be arranged after formalizing the July documents.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has launched a website inviting public opinion and evaluations of its activities.

According to a statement, anyone can submit their feedback via the platform, as the group seeks to assess its role in developing honest, skilled, and patriotic citizens.

“We believe your expectations and suggestions will play a vital role in shaping our journey,” the statement read. The feedback form is accessible at: https://prospect.shibir.org.bd

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused the government of jeopardizing Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry through opaque and one-sided policies.

In a statement, Fakhrul said no new drug registrations have been issued in nearly two years, and medicine prices have not been adjusted for an extended period — putting the country at risk of losing its TRIPS waiver benefits when Bangladesh graduates to middle-income status on November 24, 2026.

He criticized the exclusion of Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries representatives from key drug regulation committees, calling it against the sector’s interests.

Fakhrul urged swift action to protect the industry, taking into account the post-LDC graduation scenario, and highlighted the BNP government’s past role in strengthening the sector.

Advisor Asif Nazrul announced that Malaysia has agreed in principle to introduce a Graduate Pass Visa for Bangladeshi students studying there.

Following a productive meeting with Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, Nazrul said both sides must complete certain formalities before the policy is implemented.

Currently, around 10,000 Bangladeshi students are enrolled in Malaysian universities but lack the post-study employment opportunities available to students from other countries. If enacted, the visa will open the Malaysian job market to them.

Professor Muhammad Yunus also urged Malaysian authorities to officially recognize Bangladeshi degrees. In a separate meeting, the Malaysian Education Minister expressed strong interest in Yunus’s “Three Zero” campaign — aiming for zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero carbon emissions.

Tangail’s joint forces have arrested 34 individuals, including Asgar Ali, president of the Sadar Upazila BNP, during a late-night raid at the so-called “Shatabdi Club” gambling den.

The operation, conducted early Tuesday night, recovered Tk 149,410 in cash, various gambling materials, and two empty liquor bottles.

Confirming the incident, Tangail Sadar Police Station OC Tanvir Ahmed said the detainees were handed over to police for legal action. A case is being prepared, and the accused will be presented before the court following formal charges.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has dismissed claims that party activists extorted money from a Chattogram-based doctor whose live-streamed complaint went viral. Speaking to reporters, Rizvi said the doctor faced legal action for constructing a building without approved plans, not due to extortion, and alleged the doctor staged his injuries to smear BNP members.
Rizvi accused a religion-based political group of orchestrating the propaganda to cover its own misdeeds. He also condemned the mob killings of two Hindu men in Rangpur, calling for laws to prevent vigilantism.
Additionally, Rizvi criticized the government for failing to recover over Tk 2,000 crore allegedly looted and deposited in Farmers Bank (now Padma Bank). He reiterated that Bangladesh is not yet ready for proportional representation voting. BNP will hold nationwide prayer gatherings on Friday to mark Khaleda Zia’s birthday and honor fallen martyrs.

BNP leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has warned that threats to block elections indicate an ominous return to authoritarianism. Speaking after paying tribute to former President Ziaur Rahman with newly elected Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) leaders, Zahid said, “Intimidation cannot suppress the journey towards elections. Those who threaten to prevent polls do not care about the people’s will.”
He reminded that the fall of the Awami League government came through a united student and public movement, not through the agitation of a single group.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir departed Dhaka on Wednesday morning for Bangkok to receive eye treatment, following his doctor’s advice. According to BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan, Fakhrul boarded a Thai Airways flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:15 AM, accompanied by his wife, Rahat Ara Begum.
Before leaving, Fakhrul visited party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at her Firoza residence on Tuesday night to inquire about her health.