Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will leave for New York on September 21 to attend the 80th UN General Assembly. He will be accompanied by four political representatives: BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and NCP leader Akhtar Hossain.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that for the first time, the UN Secretary-General will chair a high-level meeting on the Rohingya crisis during the session.

Dr. Yunus is scheduled to deliver his address to the UNGA on September 26. On the sidelines, he will also hold meetings with the UN Secretary-General, the prime ministers of Pakistan and Finland, and heads of several international organizations.

New York police have made security preparations in case of protests during his visit.

BNP leader Rumin Farhana has warned that Jamaat-e-Islami poses a unique political threat in Bangladesh, saying:

“If Jamaat identifies someone as an enemy, the way they attack—no other party in Bangladesh does that.”

Speaking on Jamaat’s organizational strength, she described it as “highly disciplined, much like the military,” stressing that its supporters unquestioningly follow party commands without considering right or wrong.

She noted that politics now has two battlefields—the traditional ground and the digital space, where Jamaat unleashes particularly harsh rhetoric against perceived opponents.

Rumin recalled her past criticisms of Jamaat in Parliament, adding:
“Once they decide a group or individual poses a political threat, Jamaat will crush them without hesitation.”

Bangladesh and India have joined six countries in Zapad-2025, a large-scale military exercise hosted by Russia and Belarus.

India’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that it has deployed 65 soldiers to the five-day drill, which involves around 100,000 troops. The exercises showcased nuclear-capable bombers and warships, underscoring their strategic weight amid heightened NATO-Russia tensions following the downing of a Russian drone over Poland last week.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, donning military attire, announced: “Today we are conducting the final phase of the Zapad-2025 strategic exercise.”

Apart from Bangladesh and India, Iran, Burkina Faso, Congo, and Mali also sent military representatives. Analysts suggest Washington may risk losing India—its key Asian ally and long-standing counterbalance to China—to Moscow’s growing defense influence. Notably, India had also taken part in Russian military exercises prior to the Ukraine war.

China has extended an invitation to Bangladesh to participate in its Global Governance Initiative, aimed at building a fairer and more balanced international order.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen conveyed the invitation during a meeting with Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam. According to the Chinese Embassy, the talks covered Bangladesh-China relations, direct cooperation, the global governance initiative, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The initiative, launched by President Xi Jinping, seeks to provide a “Chinese solution” to the challenges facing global governance. Ambassador Yao highlighted the steady progress in bilateral ties, saying cooperation between the two countries continues seamlessly and their friendship has deepened.

Welcoming the proposal, Foreign Secretary Siam praised the initiative, describing it as a timely move by Xi Jinping to address pressing global challenges.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud has said that any political party seeking to claim ground democratically must contest elections and win the people’s mandate.
He criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for announcing programs instead of preparing for elections, suggesting that their reluctance stems from a lack of electoral confidence.
Khasru further argued that groups undermining the Consensus Commission talks are disrespecting democratic processes, adding: “The people will decide the future of those who attempt to destabilize the nation.”

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam has assured that this year’s Durga Puja celebrations will be even more festive than last year’s, with round-the-clock security at all mandaps.
During a visit to Dhaka’s Ramna Kali Temple, Jahangir said the interim government had taken all necessary measures to ensure peaceful and joyous festivities, stressing that law and order remain stable.
He warned against misinformation campaigns claiming mass migration of Hindus and temple demolitions, urging vigilance against communal incitement. Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Trust Secretary-General S.N. Tarun Dey also appealed to journalists to help counter false propaganda.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 13 development projects with a combined cost of Tk 8,333 crore, chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
Of the funding, Tk 4,437 crore will come from government resources, Tk 1,225 crore from project loans, and Tk 2,670 crore from agency funds.
Key projects include the third revision of the Information Apa women’s empowerment program, modernization of research labs and infrastructure at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), drilling initiatives under the Ministry of Power and Energy, and the construction of multi-story housing for government employees in Mirpur’s Paikpara.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has claimed that adopting a Proportional Representation (PR) system could allow parties allied with the ruling Awami League to manipulate votes and undermine Bangladesh’s independence.
He alleged that separatist groups in Bangladesh, some backed by India, might use the PR system to push for partition in Parliament. Ishraq warned: “Both pro-India separatists and international powers could exploit this system, threatening Bangladesh’s sovereignty.”
Declaring that the people will resist any such attempts, he added: “We will give our lives for this country, but we will not hand it over to collaborators—whether of 1971 or 2024.”

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has called on journalists covering the economy and business sectors to ask difficult and uncomfortable questions—stressing that doing so is not just a right but a responsibility.
He cautioned reporters not to be intimidated by economists with prestigious Western degrees, warning that selective use of statistics often leads to misleading claims about employment, poverty, and economic performance.
“To truly hold them accountable,” Alam wrote, “you must see the bigger picture—beyond exports, imports, inflation, reserves, or current account deficits. Look also at crime data, labor unrest, and cross-sector impacts. Only then can you expose hollow claims.”

Students protesting diploma grade reforms lifted their blockade at Tejgaon’s Satrasta intersection on Wednesday afternoon after nearly three hours. The protest, which began at 11:00 a.m., disrupted traffic until around 2:00 p.m.
Leaders announced a nationwide sit-in program at all polytechnic institutes and key points across the country on Thursday. Student representative Mashfiq Islam declared: “Diploma students will not accept any conspiracy over the 10th grade.”

Government Adviser Sakhawat Hossain has reiterated that Bangladesh will not host any additional Rohingya refugees and remains committed to repatriating those already sheltering in the country.
He expressed optimism that repatriation could begin next year but stressed the necessity of international support, noting that the government is pursuing diplomatic channels to make it possible.
Writer and thinker Farhad Mazhar added that the Rohingya issue is not only humanitarian but also political, military, and geopolitical, urging greater involvement from the international community.

Ali Riaz, Vice President of the Consensus Commission, said political parties are expected to reach a final decision on implementing the July Accord by September 21, before the Chief Adviser departs for New York.
He warned that failure to meet this deadline could delay progress until after October 2. Riaz expressed hope that parties would overcome differences on issues such as referendums and constitutional orders by relying on expert guidance.
Experts have advised four possible methods for implementation: ordinance, executive order, referendum, or special constitutional order.

A BNP leader in Mirpur, Dhaka, has been suspended from his post for three months following allegations of intimidation and extortion against members of the Hindu community.
The party acted against Abu Sayeed Dipu after a written complaint was filed by the management committee of the Shree Shree Shyama Kali Temple in DNCC’s Ward-9. The complaint accused Dipu and his son—allegedly a local gang leader—of demanding money under threat of false legal cases. Witnesses claim they warned Hindus, saying: “What’s your place in this country? Go back to your ancestors’ land.”
Dipu dismissed the accusations as a conspiracy, stating: “I have never demanded extortion money. I live a solvent life.”

The distribution of nomination papers for the long-awaited Chittagong University Central Student Union (CHUCSU) election concluded on Tuesday. A total of 474 candidates collected forms for the central student union, while 589 collected for hall unions.
Nomination submission remains open until Wednesday, with the preliminary candidate list set for release on Sunday. Candidates may withdraw until September 23, after which objections will be reviewed before the final list is published on September 25.
Although the official deadline for distribution was 3:30 p.m., overwhelming student demand pushed the process until 7:00 p.m. The election—returning after 36 years—will see 27,637 registered voters cast their ballots on October 12.

Bangladesh has started exporting hilsa to India ahead of Durga Puja, with the first consignment of 37.46 metric tons entering through Benapole land port. Five Indian firms imported the fish, while five Bangladeshi exporters, including Lucky Trading and Swarnali Enterprise, supplied the shipment. In total, Bangladesh has permitted 1,200 metric tons of hilsa to be exported by October 5 at $12.5 per kg. Officials say the move will boost the economy and create opportunities for fish farmers.