Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep disappointment at the government’s decision to send over 100 delegates to the UN General Assembly, continuing what it termed an “embarrassing trend.”
Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “We had hoped the interim government, born out of a mass movement, would end this waste. Instead, they’ve sent an even larger delegation this time.”
Last year, Bangladesh sent 57 delegates, sparking optimism for change. TIB argued that only superpowers like the U.S., China, and Russia occasionally send large teams, but even they rarely cross 100 members. It added that this lavish trip, funded by taxpayers, directly contradicts earlier government pledges to cut overseas spending.

Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of BNP, unveiled 70 new committees and dissolved three others on Thursday. The announcements came in official statements signed by central president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.

A violent attack targeted students participating in the ongoing mass uprising in Uttara, leaving at least six injured. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. Thursday near the central playground in Sector 18.
Video footage shows a group of men armed with local weapons assaulting students. Victims alleged that Chhatra League activists had been issuing threats prior to the attack and held them responsible. The students demanded immediate arrests of the attackers.
Army personnel, accompanied by police, arrived at the scene around 4:30 a.m. and assured that the culprits would be identified and arrested swiftly.

To manage the surge of passengers during Durga Puja, the Ministry of Railways has decided to operate four pairs of special trains. Additionally, the weekly breaks for the Padma Express and Madhumati Express, which run on the Rajshahi-Dhaka-Rajshahi route, have been canceled.

This year, the festival coincides with four consecutive government holidays, from September 28 to October 8, when all public and private educational institutions will remain closed, leading to higher passenger demand. Intercity train schedules have been adjusted accordingly.

Considering passenger needs in the eastern region, from September 30, four additional pairs of Tourist Special trains will run on the Chattogram-Dhaka-Chattogram and Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar-Dhaka routes. Tickets for these trains will be sold exclusively online. To prevent passenger harassment, mobile courts will operate at Dhaka and airport railway stations during this period.

Advisor Asif Mahmud emphasized the importance of honesty and objectivity in presenting information. Responding to media reports labeling certain initiatives as “special projects,” he clarified that district-based rural infrastructure projects exist in 20 districts nationwide.

Over the past year, new projects were launched in Manikganj, Comilla, Patuakhali, and Satkhira, raising the total number of such district-level projects to 24. According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) policy, district-based projects will eventually cover all 64 districts.

Mahmud questioned the selective framing of only two projects as “special,” explaining that LGED evaluates projects based on the total length of paved and unpaved roads under the “Upazila Road” category. Highlighting only a single category, he said, is misleading. The remaining districts are also included under broader divisional or infrastructural development schemes. The addition of the four new districts last year is part of a phased rollout of individual projects for all districts.

In the recently concluded Central Student Union elections at Savar Gono University, Yasin Al Mridul Dewan has been elected as Vice President (VP), while Md. Raihan Khan secured the position of General Secretary (GS). Samiul Hasan Shovon emerged victorious for the Assistant General Secretary (AGS) post.

Voting took place from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM across 19 designated centers. Although the vote count was displayed live on LED screens, candidates raised concerns over transparency. A total of 63 candidates contested for 11 positions, with 4,761 registered voters participating in the election.

Jamaat leader Nurul Islam Bulbul criticized previous governments for violating minority rights, noting that they marginalized religious communities.

“Jamaat-e-Islami does not adhere to minority or majority-based politics. We believe every citizen is equal before the state,” he said. Bulbul stressed that Islamic governance protects every citizen’s rights, ensuring no one is deprived of their due.

He cited the post-August 5 assurances given by Jamaat leaders at the Dhakeshwari Temple, promising security for Hindu community leaders. Bulbul stated that no Jamaat member or madrasa teacher has looted or vandalized minority property, and that any such acts were carried out by individuals claiming to represent the Hindu community.

BNP leader Afroza Khanam Rita urged party workers to actively campaign for votes as the national election approaches.

“Jamaat-e-Islami is not staying idle; their women’s cadre is canvassing door-to-door for votes. We cannot underestimate them,” she said. Rita called on party members to avoid internal divisions and personally solicit votes for the Dhanner Sheesh symbol.

She warned against spreading misinformation within the party, urging members to remain united. “We must act in the people’s interest and never harm the party. Long-standing supporters must be respected. Remembering past misgovernance, we must unite to ensure Dhanner Sheesh’s victory,” Rita emphasized.

Advisor Farida Akhter emphasized that cooperation with China is essential for Bangladesh’s economic transformation. Strengthening competitiveness between the two nations will promote social and economic development.

Chief Adviser’s recent visit to China resulted in economic and technological agreements and memorandums of understanding, covering sectors including culture, media, sports, and health. Farida noted the significance of these agreements for the youth.

China has long been a reliable trade partner for Bangladesh, and this partnership continues to grow stronger. The cooperation is expected to enhance aquaculture technology, modernize production methods, IT-based livestock management, climate-resilient animal housing, disease control, antimicrobial resistance measures, fish landing and processing facilities, and value-added dried fish industries—boosting both food security and economic growth.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said the Dhaka-China Day event reflects the close ties between the two countries, fostering deep understanding and cultural connections among students and the wider population.

BNP leader Aman Ullah Aman confirmed that the upcoming parliamentary elections will not follow the proportional representation (PR) system. According to the Chief Adviser, elections are scheduled for the first half of February.

“The people of this country do not understand the PR system, and there will be no elections under it,” Aman said. He recalled the August 5 student movement, which ended authoritarian rule, and asserted that true democratic voting rights are yet to be fully restored. “Through the next national elections, the people’s voting rights will be reinstated, establishing democracy in the country.”

Aman urged voters to support the “Dhanner Sheesh” symbol. Barrister Irfan Ibne Aman will contest from the Dhaka-2 constituency, he added.

BNP leader Saeed Sohrab distributed leaflets at Mirzapur market to promote the party’s 31-point program, calling for public awareness of its key initiatives.

He assured, “BNP will serve as vigilant guardians to ensure the safety of every Puja Mandap in the country.” Sohrab added, “As a son of Mirzapur, I seek your support in the upcoming elections. If BNP nominates me, I will gift the Tangail-7 seat to the party with your collective backing.”

He also highlighted that BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had declared the 31-point program on July 13, 2023, emphasizing citizens’ rights, the rule of law, equality, and the restoration of democracy. Sohrab called on the public to vote for the “Dhanner Sheesh” symbol in the upcoming election.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized that no country can achieve youth empowerment alone. Speaking at the commemorative meeting, Yunus stated that without global cooperation, it is impossible to remove obstacles, ensure justice, or cultivate intergenerational leadership.

“I believe young people will make the right decisions—for themselves, the world, and the future,” Yunus said. Reflecting on Bangladesh, he added, “Last year, we witnessed the extraordinary strength of our youth. They courageously ended authoritarianism and guided the nation toward a new path, entrusting me with the responsibility of reform and democratic transformation.”

Yunus highlighted that while youth worldwide are a driving force for change, they remain the first to be affected by inequality, conflict, climate change, security issues, and digital divides. Unemployment among young people remains a critical challenge. Bangladesh has implemented the National Youth Entrepreneur Policy to provide financing, skill development, and market access, cultivating young people not just as job seekers but as job creators. Youth participation has been ensured in reform commissions, and national policy competitions have been launched.

Globally, Yunus affirmed support for initiatives including the Youth Action Plan, Pact for the Future, the UN Youth Strategy 2030, and the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda.

Jatiya Party Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud and Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader reaffirmed their faction’s legitimacy, dismissing claims over the party’s plough symbol.
Their statement followed CEC A M M Nasir Uddin’s remark that multiple groups are contesting ownership of the symbol.
They emphasized that the party’s last national council was conducted lawfully, where Mahmud and Hawlader were unanimously elected.
They accused rival groups of filing misleading applications, adding that the Election Commission can only allocate the symbol based on applications from the party’s constitutional leadership.

BNP leader Asadul Habib Dulu criticized the proposed proportional representation (PR) electoral system, claiming it will detach MPs from their constituencies.
“People may vote in Lalmonirhat but end up with an MP from Gazipur. This leaves MPs with no accountability,” he argued.
He accused ruling parties of misleading the public with new electoral models while ignoring demands for free and fair elections. Dulu further blamed past governments for the decline of sports in Bangladesh, saying the public was deprived of healthy entertainment.

Ganatantra Parishad and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) are working together in movements and hinting at possible unification, according to NCP’s northern organizer, Sarjis Alam.
“People want both parties to stay united,” he said. Discussions are already underway.
Ganatantra Parishad Secretary General Rashed Khan confirmed that formal talks will take place once its President Nurul Haque Nur and NCP leader Akhtar Hossain return from abroad.
Sarjis also asserted that the Awami League and Jatiya Party must be banned from future elections and held accountable for their past actions.