The Adarshanagar Tourism Centre beside Dingapota Haor in Mohanganj, Netrokona, is reportedly largely empty despite being built at a cost of Tk 85 million. Constructed under the supervision of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, work began on December 23, 2019, and the facility was inaugurated on November 14, 2023.

The two-storey building, built on a three-storey foundation, has seven rooms including VIP accommodation and can host 14 overnight guests. It also includes a 40-seat multicuisine restaurant and car parking. However, poor road connectivity and insufficient promotion have been cited as major reasons for the lack of visitors.

Managing director Chowdhury Md Saifuddin said only five tourists visited in the previous week, while none came the week before. He said some weeks pass without a single visitor, requiring annual government subsidies to operate the centre. Local residents urged improved road links and stronger promotion, warning that the investment could face losses without prompt action.

Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin ur Rashid said martyred President Ziaur Rahman was the only president to declare independence and take part in the Liberation War with arms. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion meeting at Cumilla Shilpakala Academy, organized by Cumilla Metropolitan BNP to mark the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s founding anniversary.

The minister described Ziaur Rahman’s sense of responsibility toward the people, honesty and simple lifestyle as examples for political workers. He urged BNP leaders and activists to follow Ziaur Rahman’s ideals and work for the welfare of the country and its people. He also said that, in a democratic state, people hold the highest authority and are the true source of state power.

Amin ur Rashid said about 75 percent of the country’s people are directly or indirectly involved in agriculture. He said the government was prepared to take necessary steps for agricultural development and farmers’ welfare, including loan waivers and assistance. He said onion import dependence had declined and that the government planned to consider exports in the future.

A July fighter, Gias Uddin, has filed a case application in a Dhaka court against 14 officials and employees of the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation, alleging fraud, assault and an extortion demand. He submitted the application before Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mahbub Alam on Tuesday, September 1. The court recorded his statement and ordered the Criminal Investigation Department, or CID, to investigate the allegations and submit a report.

According to the case application, Gias Uddin went to collect a cheque from the foundation as a July fighter. After not receiving it, he informed the matter to Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, Tasnim Jara and Snigdha at the Banglamotor NCP office. They assured him that he would receive the cheque if he went to the July Foundation, the application says.

The application alleges that on May 3 last year, the accused demanded Tk150,000, or half of the Tk300,000 cheque amount, before allowing him to cash it. It says he was assaulted after refusing to pay and later received initial treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Gias Uddin said police did not register his case and advised him to file it in court.

Chhatra Dal activists conducted a cleanup drive at the gravesite compound of BNP founder, martyred president Ziaur Rahman, and former chairperson Khaleda Zia on Tuesday. The activity followed tribute ceremonies marking the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s 48th founding anniversary, which drew a large number of party leaders and activists and left waste in and around the area.

The drive was led by Chhatra Dal central vice-president Kazi Ziauddin Basit. Activists voluntarily collected garbage scattered across the gravesite compound, nearby roads and other surrounding locations. Basit said cleanliness is part of faith and said the initiative was launched in line with instructions he attributed to Tarique Rahman to keep surrounding areas clean.

Basit said greater public awareness could help maintain cleaner surroundings and, in turn, contribute to a cleaner country. Chhatra Dal activists said environmental cleanliness should not be limited to special days or programmes. They called on people to regularly keep their surroundings clean and urged every citizen to play a responsible role in ensuring a clean environment.

Dhaka-16 lawmaker Colonel (retd) Abdul Baten of Jamaat-e-Islami alleged that people linked to BNP, the party of a defeated candidate, are obstructing development work and carrying out violence in his constituency. Speaking at an emergency press conference at Foodvalley Restaurant in Mirpur on Tuesday afternoon, he cited an attack and disruption of construction of a washing facility for bodies at the Bihari Camp in Mirpur Section 11.

Baten said camp leaders had raised difficulties in washing bodies after deaths, prompting an initiative to clear a waste disposal area and build the facility with personal funding. He alleged that, on August 29, people from the ruling party instigated tensions and BNP supporters arrived on three motorcycles and fired blank shots. He said 25 to 30 residents were injured and the under-construction structure was damaged.

The MP alleged police took no action despite being present and that cases were not accepted from injured residents. He called for the release of Bihari leader Newaz Ahmed Khan, withdrawal of what he described as harassment cases against innocent people, action against armed offenders, and professional, neutral conduct by the administration.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said modern drone technology will make border management, security and surveillance more effective in remote and forested areas. He made the remarks on Tuesday after inaugurating the Border Guard Bangladesh’s School of Surveillance and Drone Warfare at the BGB Sylhet Sector headquarters, where he unveiled the plaque as chief guest.

The minister said drones equipped with night-vision and thermal technology will enable continuous digital surveillance in areas where deploying personnel on the ground is difficult. He said the technology could help monitor activity across the border at night and identify routes used for smuggling, narcotics and illegal weapons. He also said BGB personnel recently used drones in rescue operations and to deliver relief supplies to remote locations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The school currently trains BGB members in border surveillance and drone warfare, with plans to expand training to civilian personnel in the future. Ahmed said the institution aims to add the world’s most modern drone technologies within one to two years. The inauguration included a briefing, a visit to the school complex and display centre, and an operational drill and drone display.

A three-month closure of the Sundarbans has reduced human pressure and increased wildlife movement and fish stocks in rivers and canals, according to the Forest Department. Entry, fishing, crab collection, honey gathering and tourism were suspended from June 1 to August 31 to protect fish and wildlife breeding. These activities are set to resume on Tuesday, September 1.

During the closure, the Forest Department conducted 63 operations, filed 39 forest-crime cases and detained 37 people. Officials seized 12 trawlers, 50 boats, 55 fishing nets, liquid poison, 6,290 deer-hunting traps, poisoned fish, crabs, honey and other items. The department said forest crime declined compared with the same closure period last year.

Bagerhat Sundarbans East Divisional Forest Officer Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said reduced movement, tourism and noise pollution helped restore natural conditions in deeper forest areas. The department said it is using smart patrols, drones and special operations for surveillance. It will issue valid passes and strengthen monitoring of vessel movement and entry as fishers, wood collectors, honey collectors and tourists return.

National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A S M Amanullah held a courtesy meeting with Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh Nina P. Kainglet at the Philippine Embassy in Gulshan’s diplomatic area of Dhaka on Tuesday. They discussed ways to improve higher education quality, research and institutional cooperation between Bangladesh and the Philippines.

The discussion highlighted quality education, expansion of technical and technology-based learning, and developing skilled personnel for the healthcare sector. The sides also considered potential cooperation between National University and leading Philippine universities, particularly the University of the Philippines, in technical, healthcare and tourism education.

The ambassador assured cooperation on bilateral exchange programmes for National University teachers, researchers and students, and on expanding scholarship opportunities for talented students to pursue higher education in the Philippines. Both sides agreed to explore joint training and technical skills development programmes in healthcare, nursing assistance, ICT and tourism. The vice-chancellor briefed the ambassador on the university’s ongoing reforms and academic plans, while the ambassador praised its academic network and pledged Philippine government support for educational cooperation.

Bangladesh has granted major duty relief on imports of green chillies and tomatoes to maintain supply and provide relief to consumers. The import duty on both products has been reduced from 25 percent to 10 percent, while the 5 percent regulatory duty on imports has been fully withdrawn. The measure took immediate effect through a special government gazette notification published on Monday.

The notification was issued by Ahsan Habib, acting secretary of the Internal Resources Division and acting chairman of the National Board of Revenue, under the President’s order. Customs officials said the dual duty reduction would substantially lower import-stage costs and could play an effective role in controlling retail prices of the two products in local markets.

The cabinet approved a proposal for duty and tax exemptions on imports of green chillies and tomatoes at its 17th meeting at the Secretariat on August 17. The government cited seasonal output, natural disasters, adverse weather, supply disruptions and production shortfalls as factors that can raise prices abnormally. The gazette lists HS code 0709.60.19 for green chillies and 0702.00.19 for tomatoes.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen visited the historic Sri Sri Rukmini Kantaji Temple and Nayabad Mosque in Dinajpur’s Kaharol upazila on Tuesday afternoon. He first toured the Kantaji Temple in Kantanagar, where he viewed its ancient architectural style, terracotta ornamentation and historical relics. He later visited the historic Nayabad Mosque in the same upazila.

During the mosque visit, he was accompanied by Dinajpur-1 lawmaker Manjurul Islam, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Rafiqul Islam, Kaharol Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mokhleda Akhtar, Assistant Superintendent of Police Md. Moniruzzaman and Assistant Commissioner for Land Ishtiaq Ahmed, among others.

The ambassador was briefed on the history, architecture and heritage of both Kantaji Temple and Nayabad Mosque. Through the visits, he became acquainted with Dinajpur’s archaeological and cultural heritage, according to the report.

Residents of Paital Bari near Barmi Bazar in Sreepur upazila, Gazipur, held a human chain on Tuesday at 11am over alleged harassment, extortion and threats linked to compensation for land acquired for the Barmi Bridge and road. Hundreds of men and women joined the protest, organised by affected local residents.

Speakers demanded that genuine landowners receive their acquisition payments, that harassment and unethical monetary demands stop, and that authorities investigate allegations of extortion and threats. The banner named Mobarak, Hridoy, Mokbul, Kabir, Ibrahim and Abdur Razzak, calling for an end to alleged harassment of legitimate owners over the compensation.

Affected residents Sohel Mia, Faruk Mia, Manjurul and Liton Mia said compensation belongs to those whose land was acquired. They called for administrative intervention, a fair investigation and legal action if allegations against those involved in extortion or intimidation are found true. They also said genuine owners should not face pressure or complications while receiving their money.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir said Tuesday that Bangladesh and India are discussing a possible visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India, but no date has been finalised. Speaking to reporters at the foreign ministry, he said the prime minister would visit India, while adding that such a trip is not likely before the UN General Assembly session.

Kabir also said Bangladesh viewed positively the cancellation of a meeting of Awami League leaders in India on August 29 following police intervention. He said the relevant Indian authorities had taken steps that Bangladesh regarded positively.

Addressing fugitives and criminals who have fled between the two countries, Kabir said Bangladesh would not shelter any criminal who had fled from India. He expressed hope that India likewise would not shelter criminals who had fled from Bangladesh, stressing the need for mutual cooperation so that neither country becomes a safe haven for criminals. He also said any Boeing aircraft purchases from the United States would be based on Bangladesh’s own needs and demand, not pressure.

Bangladesh’s Islamic Foundation has formed a new Board of Governors, adding three Islamic scholars as governors. The Religious Affairs Ministry’s Agency-1 branch issued a notification on Tuesday, September 1, under Section 6(1) of the Islamic Foundation Act, 1983, by order of the President. The new appointees are Mufti Monir Hossain Qasemi, Mufti Azharul Islam and Mufti Sharif Ullah.

The Religious Affairs Minister will serve as board chair by virtue of office. The University Grants Commission chairman, Religious Affairs Ministry secretary, Islamic University vice-chancellor, Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board chairman and Islamic Foundation director general will also serve as ex officio governors. The director general will act as member-secretary. Two government-nominated lawmakers, State Minister for Religious Affairs and Gaibandha-4 MP Mohammad Shamim Qaiser, and Cox’s Bazar-4 MP Shahjahan Chowdhury, were included.

Five scholars were nominated from among prominent Muslim scholars and religious theorists, with three receiving new responsibilities. Existing members include Befaqul Madarisil Arabia Bangladesh secretary general Maulana Mahfuzul Haque and Maulana Syed Md Mosaddeq Billah Al Madani. Non-ex officio governors will serve for three years from the notification date, subject to government replacement or vacancy decisions.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the BNP not only restored multi-party democracy but also introduced parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat during a courtesy meeting with Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary Anda Philip, according to Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Swadhin.

Rahman said his government was working to protect every citizen’s constitutional rights and ensure essential public services. He said democracy had been re-established after a long struggle and claimed that many BNP leaders and activists had faced enforced disappearance, killings and false cases. He said the February 12 election had helped open a democratic path in the country.

Philip praised Rahman’s leadership and said his regular attendance at parliament sent a strong message of commitment to parliamentary democracy. He welcomed education and community-based initiatives in the BNP election manifesto and expressed interest in deeper IPU cooperation with Bangladesh’s parliament. Rahman said women’s empowerment was a government priority, citing plans for free education through honours level, stipends for female students and the Family Card project to strengthen women’s financial independence and household decision-making.

National Parliament Whip and Natore-2 lawmaker Advocate Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu said those who tried to destroy the Bangladesh Nationalist Party have themselves been destroyed. He made the remarks as chief guest at a rally marking BNP’s 48th founding anniversary at Natore town’s Upashahar field on Tuesday at about 11am.

Dulu alleged that BNP had faced conspiracies and attempts to split it into pieces. He accused the Awami League of preventing BNP from conducting organisational activities for 17 years, attacking its programmes and harassing leaders and activists with false cases. He also alleged that BNP workers had faced killings and disappearances.

He said people should remain alert about Awami League leaders and activists, alleging they could create unrest or carry out sabotage if given an opportunity. The event was chaired by Natore district BNP convener Rahim Newaz, while member secretary Asaduzzaman Asad spoke as the main speaker. A rally led by Dulu later toured Natore town. Dulu also said BNP is working under Tarique Rahman’s leadership to build a better Bangladesh.