A passenger bus lost control and fell into a roadside ditch in Rajoir, Madaripur, early Thursday, killing one woman and injuring at least 15 others. The accident occurred near the Rajoir bus stand on the Dhaka-Barishal highway. The deceased was identified as 30-year-old Yasmin Nila of Bakerganj, Barishal. Locals rushed the injured to Rajoir Upazila Health Complex and nearby clinics. Police confirmed that a Dhaka-bound Chandra Paribahan bus veered off the road, causing the fatal accident.

DUCSU Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem announced that October 7 will be observed as “Anti-Aggression Day,” honoring BUET student Abrar Fahad, who was killed in 2019 for opposing unequal Bangladesh-India deals and water aggression. Kayem said Abrar’s martyrdom sparked mass awakening against exploitation, domination, and fascist rule. He urged the interim government and universities to recognize the day officially. Kayem made the announcement after visiting Abrar’s grave in Kushtia, where he broke down in tears during prayers.

Law enforcement agencies have reported that a defeated political faction, with alleged foreign support, planned to create unrest in Dhaka by gathering 25,000 people at Dhanmondi-32. The conspirators aimed to destabilize the interim government, exploit religious sensitivities, and carry out quick rallies across the city. Police intelligence and cyber units have foiled multiple attempts, making arrests and monitoring suspicious insiders. Authorities continue to implement preventive measures, maintain vigilance, and coordinate intelligence to prevent October unrest and protect public order.

A deep low-pressure system over the sea is causing widespread rainfall across Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka, which has been cloudy with drizzling rain since early morning. The Meteorological Department forecasts intermittent light to moderate rain nationwide for the next 3 to 4 days, with possible thunderstorms and winds up to 60 km/h in nine districts: Dhaka, Faridpur, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Comilla, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar. Reduced traffic in Dhaka due to cloudy skies and the weekly holiday has caused inconvenience for residents.

Dhaka University Central Student Union Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayeem visited the grave of Martyr Abrar Fahad in Kushtia, breaking down in tears. Abrar, killed by Chhatra League activists over a Facebook post about the Assam Accord and water disputes, is hailed as a symbol of national unity. Kayeem prayed for his soul and emphasized that Abrar’s courage against oppression inspired the July movement. He urged the interim government to uphold the ideals for which martyrs sacrificed their lives.

In a statement on October 2, Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Joint Secretary General Maulana Muhammad Imtiaz Alam warned that without legal recognition of the July Charter, vested groups may brand the uprising as a conspiracy. He said attempts are underway to erase the July movement from history. Alam stressed that martyrs and injured freedom fighters must not be discredited as traitors and criticized the interim government’s failure to provide proper medical care and rehabilitation for the wounded.

Ahmad Rafique, noted poet, essayist, Rabindra researcher, and veteran of Bangladesh’s Language Movement, passed away at 96 in Dhaka’s BIRDEM Hospital on Thursday night. He had been suffering from kidney complications and several mild strokes in recent weeks, eventually placed on life support before his death. Born in Brahmanbaria in 1929, Rafique lived alone in Dhaka after losing his wife in 2006. Childless, he leaves behind a vast personal collection of books as his lasting legacy.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has directed the National Citizen Party (NCP) to select an alternative election symbol by October 7, as their preferred “lotus” symbol is not included in the official electoral guidelines. The NCP initially applied for registration with a list of three preferred symbols: lotus, pen, and mobile phone. However, under the 2008 electoral conduct rules, the lotus cannot be allotted since it is not on the approved list of 115 reserved symbols. In response, NCP leaders accused the Commission of unconstitutional and discriminatory practices, alleging favoritism and bias in symbol allocation. The Commission insists NCP must choose from the 50 available unallocated symbols, which include items like ostrich, cupboard, football, sewing machine, and helicopter. Out of 143 applications for registration, only two parties, including NCP, met preliminary conditions.

Cyclone Shakti has formed over the Bay of Bengal after intensifying from a deep depression. While not expected to cross Bangladesh directly, its impact is already being felt with heavy rains and strong winds in the south. The storm may make landfall in India’s Andhra Pradesh–Odisha coast tonight. Bangladesh, along with India’s West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya, could face heavy to very heavy rainfall until October 5. Flood warnings have been issued for seven low-lying districts in Bangladesh.

Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter said this season’s hilsa production has been lower than expected due to jatka catching, widespread use of current and Chinese nets, and blocked river routes. A 22-day fishing ban from October 4–25 will be strictly enforced with police, navy, air force, and drones to protect spawning hilsa. Last year, 52.5% of mother hilsa were safeguarded, and greater success is expected this year. Diplomats also joined cultural events at Kumudini Welfare Trust in Tangail.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh soon, with the exact date to be announced personally by him, according to his foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir. Speaking at a press briefing upon his return from the UN General Assembly session, Kabir accused Awami League of engaging in political terrorism by attacking opposition leaders abroad. He assured that the upcoming national elections will take place on time under the caretaker government, without fear of disruption. However, the briefing turned chaotic when NCP activists shouted slogans, leading to clashes with journalists. In protest of misbehavior by party activists, journalists boycotted statements from senior NCP leaders Akhtar Hossain and Tasnim Zara. The situation underscored growing political tensions as Bangladesh braces for elections.

Police have filed three cases over recent violent incidents in Khagrachhari’s Guimara and Sadar upazilas, accusing over a thousand unidentified individuals. Two cases were filed at Guimara Police Station and one at Sadar Police Station. The clashes broke out after Section 144 was defied, resulting in attacks on law enforcers, arson, vandalism, and the recovery of three bodies from a paddy field. In Guimara, over 350 unnamed individuals were accused across two cases, including murder and violence charges. In Sadar, up to 800 unnamed individuals were accused in connection with violent clashes. Police confirmed that cases were filed by law enforcement officials as no victims’ families came forward. The unrest began following protests over a rape allegation against a minor girl, which was later found unsubstantiated by a medical team.

A detailed investigation alleges a large-scale operation producing near-perfect counterfeit Bangladeshi notes abroad and smuggling them into the country via an organized chain linking dealers, retail vendors and fugitive political figures. Sources claim a neighbouring state’s intelligence service and foreign-made machinery and components supply counterfeit currency, with documentary-quality paper matching Bangladesh notes. Social media platforms and secret groups are used to advertise and sell fake notes, offering bulk discounts and deceptive guarantees to build trust. Law enforcement reacted after a viral exposé by a Qatar-based journalist, and Bangladesh Bank described the allegation—if true—as deeply alarming, urging stronger police action and public vigilance. Officials suggest insider knowledge from former mint designers and politically-aligned staff may have aided the operation. Authorities are investigating networks, tightening monitoring, and warning citizens against suspicious online offers and secret-group solicitations, even money-back guarantees to buyers regularly.

An explosive revelation claims Sheikh Hasina and exiled Awami League leaders, with the backing of a foreign intelligence agency, are plotting to cripple Bangladesh’s economy by smuggling nearly two lakh crore taka worth of counterfeit notes into the country. Investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer Khan exposed the plan, sparking nationwide concern. Reports indicate that advanced printing facilities abroad, even using paper identical to Bangladesh’s official notes, are producing these fakes, making detection nearly impossible. Former mint designers and Awami-linked technicians are suspected of aiding the scheme. Authorities fear this influx could trigger inflation, erode public trust in currency, and destabilize financial institutions. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are on high alert, cracking down on secret networks and online groups trading fake notes. Bangladesh Bank warns citizens to stay vigilant, as the stakes for economic security remain dangerously high.

A Bangladeshi national, Badar Ali (38), was detained by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday morning near the Jibannagar frontier in Chuadanga. Witnesses say he was caught and beaten near the zero line in Benipur Schoolpara field. Family members expressed deep concern, as his wife stated she has no information about his condition or safety. Locals confirmed that Ali had returned home Tuesday night but was seized the following morning while returning from the border area. Jibannagar police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have verified the incident. BGB has formally requested a flag meeting with BSF to resolve the matter, but no official response has yet been received from the Indian side. The incident has created anxiety in the local community amid ongoing border tensions.