In a major anti-drug operation in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area, the Bangladesh Army arrested notorious drug dealer Shis Nabi, 35, seizing a total of 345 yaba tablets. Acting on confidential information, a special army patrol from Kamrangirchar Army Camp conducted the operation on Wednesday, October 8, between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Initially, 200 yaba tablets were recovered from Nabi himself, followed by a search of his residence, which yielded another 145 tablets. Sources indicate that Nabi had long been involved in the supply and wholesale distribution of yaba, spreading drugs throughout Kamrangirchar and surrounding areas. After initial questioning by the army, he was handed over to Kamrangirchar Police Station. Police have filed a case against him under the Narcotics Control Act. Authorities say the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to curb drug distribution in Dhaka’s capital region.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met with the newly appointed German Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, on Thursday at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka. The meeting began at 10:30 a.m. and included senior BNP leaders such as Standing Committee member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan, Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, International Affairs Advisor Humayun Kabir, and Organizational Secretary Shama Obaid. The discussions reportedly focused on Bangladesh’s current political climate, the state of democratic processes, preparations for the upcoming national elections, and potential avenues for international cooperation. Sources indicate that the dialogue aimed at fostering mutual understanding between BNP leadership and the German diplomatic mission, highlighting the party’s interest in strengthening democratic institutions and international relations. No immediate statements were released, but the meeting is seen as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement by BNP.

Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, advisor to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, cited traffic mismanagement as the main reason for his extended delay on the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway on Wednesday, October 8. He was inspecting the progress of four- and six-lane construction when a severe traffic jam forced him to resort to riding a motorcycle to continue his journey. Khan clarified that the road’s condition was not the issue; rather, the lack of proper traffic discipline and management by the highway police caused the problem. He noted that if traffic rules had been enforced effectively, the delay might have been slightly longer, but the severe inconvenience could have been avoided. Khan emphasized that human behavior and the shortcomings in traffic control were the primary concerns. Brahmanbaria District Commissioner Muhammad Didarul Alam, Superintendent of Police Ehteshamul Haque, and others accompanied him during the inspection.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has shared positive developments in the country’s economy, highlighting a significant drop in inflation from 12.5% to 8.3%. Speaking at a high-level National Steering Committee meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, he emphasized ongoing banking sector reforms and gradual progress in restoring overall financial stability. The governor noted that rice prices have started to fall again, which could further reduce inflation in the coming months. Addressing non-performing loans, Dr. Mansur revealed that the current ratio stands at 24% and set a target to bring it down to 4–5%. Key measures include merging five Islamic banks, gradually closing nine non-banking financial institutions, and creating a BDT 9 billion venture capital fund to encourage entrepreneurship. A cashless transaction system is also being promoted to improve revenue collection.

The six-party coalition Democracy Platform, consisting of leftist and progressive parties including JSD, Revolutionary Workers Party, Nagorik Oikko, Ganashonghoti Andolon, Bhashani Janashakti Party, and Rashtra Songskar Andolon, has provisionally finalized a list of 108 candidates for the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections. The formal announcement will take place today at a press conference at the Reporters’ Unity in Dhaka. Top leaders from each party, including A. S. M. Abdur Rab, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Saiful Haque, Jonaid Saki, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu, and Hasnat Kaium, are featured on the list, with provisions for substitutions in case of health issues. After several rounds of internal meetings, the coalition plans to submit the finalized list to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, in line with ongoing seat-sharing discussions ahead of the elections.

Dr. Tofail Ahmed, a distinguished local government expert, researcher, and former member and chairman of the Local Government Reform Commission, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, at a private hospital in Dhaka. A retired professor of the Department of Public Administration at Chittagong University and a Syndicate member, Dr. Ahmed was widely recognized for his pioneering research on Bangladesh’s local government system. During the caretaker government of 2024, he served as the head of the Local Government Reform Commission, providing constructive and practical recommendations for improving local governance. He also contributed extensively to academic literature, authoring nearly 20 books in Bengali and English, along with numerous articles in national and international journals. Dr. Ahmed served as a Local Governance Advisor for the United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed profound sorrow, prayed for the departed soul, and extended heartfelt condolences to Dr. Ahmed’s family, colleagues, and well-wishers.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan is scheduled to testify today before the International Crimes Tribunal against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The testimony also includes allegations against eight others in connection with the killings of six people at Dhaka’s Chankharpul area during the July–August 2024 student protests. The trial is being conducted under the supervision of Justice Md. Golam Murtuza Mojumdar at International Crimes Tribunal-1. Four accused—former Shahbagh Police Station OC Md. Arshad Hossain, constable Md. Sujan Mia, Md. Imaj Hossain Imon, and Md. Nasirul Islam—are in custody, while four others, including former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, remain absconding. The tribunal had framed charges against all eight accused on July 14, 2024. During the protests on August 5, 2024, police fired on students, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, including six confirmed fatalities.

Bangladesh’s political parties have reached a broad agreement to implement the “July National Charter 2025” through a national referendum, but they remain divided over when it should be held. The BNP proposes holding the referendum alongside the upcoming parliamentary election, while Jamaat-e-Islami wants it in November, followed by a February election based on the charter. The Consensus Commission has concluded its talks with the parties without reaching any decision and will submit its recommendations to the government by tomorrow. The charter includes 84 reform proposals, requiring executive orders, presidential ordinances, and constitutional amendments. Political analyst Ali Riaz emphasized ensuring voters understand dissenting views before approving the charter. BNP seeks a quick resolution for legal legitimacy, while Jamaat warns that combining the election and referendum could undermine credibility. The final decision on timing now rests with the government.

In a major operation supervised by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court of Dhaka, narcotics valued at Tk 135 crore were destroyed on Tuesday, October 7. The destroyed items included 8 kilograms and 550 grams of cocaine, 144,500 yaba tablets, over 50 bottles of foreign liquor, and half a kilogram of cannabis. The destruction took place within the court premises under the supervision of Metropolitan Magistrate Saifuzzaman, following a special disposal procedure ordered by the court. Metropolitan Magistrate Minhajur Rahman, investigation officers from different police stations, and members of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Narcotics Control Division were present during the event. Court officials said the drugs had been confiscated from various parts of Dhaka over time. After the completion of legal proceedings in the related cases, the court issued the order to destroy the seized narcotics, marking a strong stand against illegal drug trade in the capital.

Former Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam said Islamic politics is aimed at justice and public welfare, not the pursuit of power. Speaking at a campaign rally organized by Kursha Union Jamaat at Dangar Bazar in Taraganj upazila on Tuesday, he urged voters to support him under the “scale” election symbol in the upcoming national polls. Azhar claimed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had falsely implicated him in crimes against humanity, but he was later cleared of the charges by divine grace. Calling himself an orphan and elderly, he appealed for public support, assuring that he would not betray their trust if elected. The event was chaired by upazila Jamaat Ameer SM Alamgir Hossain, with participation from local Jamaat leaders and activists.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal has expelled two of its senior leaders from Chattogram for alleged involvement in violence and actions deemed contrary to the organization’s principles. The expelled leaders are Mokammel Haque Talukder, Vice President of Chattogram South District Jubo Dal, and Rokon Uddin Member, Joint General Secretary of Chattogram North District Jubo Dal. A press release signed by Minhazul Islam Bhuiyan, Assistant Office Secretary of the central committee, confirmed the decision late Monday night. Rokon Uddin was named as the prime suspect in a case filed after an armed attack in Sitakunda’s Alinagar area, which left one person dead and 14 injured. Mokammel Haque was removed for allegedly engaging in activities damaging the party’s reputation. Central leaders Abdul Monayem Munna and Nurul Islam Noyon approved the expulsion, instructing members not to maintain any organizational connection with the dismissed leaders.

In a special late-night operation on October 7, the army arrested the notorious teenage gang leader known as “Don Sagor” from the Hazaribagh area of Dhaka. Acting on secret intelligence, a patrol team from the Kamrangirchar Army Camp conducted the raid and captured Sagor red-handed. Sagor, 20, had long controlled several teenage gangs across Hazaribagh, Jigatola, Gojmohol, and Beribadh, allegedly involved in extortion, mugging, drug trading, and violent assaults. Earlier that day, Sagor and his associates brutally attacked a youth named Nayan, leaving him seriously injured with 13 stitches. During the arrest, the army recovered two sharp Chinese machetes, two mobile phones, cash, and a wristwatch. Following interrogation, Sagor was handed over to Hazaribagh Police Station, where a case has been filed. Locals expressed relief, saying his capture ended years of fear and unrest in the community.

A fatal road accident in Raozan, Chattogram, claimed the life of Hefazat-e-Islam leader Maulana Sohel Chowdhury (50), sparking widespread protests and highway blockades. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a bus hit Sohel’s motorcycle from behind near Nabin Sen Government Primary School, causing fatal injuries. Locals rushed him to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Following the incident, Hefazat activists began protesting, alleging that the death was a planned assassination. From Wednesday morning, they blocked the Chattogram–Khagrachhari and Chattogram–Rangamati highways, halting traffic and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. Police officials, including Additional Superintendent Kazi Md. Tarek Aziz, confirmed that negotiations were ongoing to restore order. Hefazat’s central youth affairs secretary, Mufti Kamrul Islam, accused the ruling party of involvement and announced a day-long blockade in Chattogram North district to demand justice.

Despite a government ban on catching, selling, and storing Hilsa from October 4 to 25, large-scale fishing of mother Hilsa continues unabated in the Meghna River at Raipur, Lakshmipur. Over the past four days, hundreds of fishermen have been openly using illegal current nets at various ghats including Charbanshi, Hajimara, and Chandarkhal. The absence of senior and assistant fisheries officers for months, coupled with no Coast Guard patrol, has allowed the illegal activity to flourish. Local traders are also buying and selling the fish openly, citing financial pressure and loans owed to fishermen. Concerned citizens fear a severe depletion of Hilsa stocks if immediate action is not taken, which could lead to long-term food insecurity and unemployment in fishing communities. Fisheries officials admit manpower shortages and promise to bring unregistered fishermen under regulation soon.

Dhaka’s air quality has once again deteriorated to an “unhealthy” level, according to global air monitoring agency IQAir. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday (October 8), the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 145, ranking fourth among the world’s most polluted cities. Egypt’s Cairo topped the list with a score of 185, followed by Manama in Bahrain (183) and Kolkata in India (177). Although recent rainfall had temporarily improved air conditions in Dhaka, pollution levels have risen again due to ongoing urban and environmental factors. AQI scores between 151 and 200 are considered “unhealthy,” particularly affecting children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around seven million people die globally each year due to air pollution-related diseases, including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses.