Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen held a courtesy meeting with Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami. The meeting was attended by Zhang Jing, Director of the Political Section of the Chinese Embassy, as well as Jamaat leaders Mia Golam Parwar, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, and Mahmudul Hasan.

During the discussion, both sides engaged in candid talks on issues of mutual interest. They expressed optimism that in the coming days, the economic, political, commercial, diplomatic, and friendly relations between the two countries would be further strengthened, along with continued progress in bilateral development.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has praised Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for his leadership in steering Bangladesh’s economic reforms. During a videoconference, she commended Bangladesh’s adoption of a market-based exchange rate and efforts to restore foreign reserves, describing them as “bold steps that have given new momentum to the economy.”

Yunus thanked Georgieva for IMF’s support during challenging times and reassured her that credible elections will be held on schedule in February—before the holy month of Ramadan. “Once the elections are complete, I will return to my previous work,” Yunus stated.

Georgieva stressed the importance of banking sector reforms and boosting domestic revenue. Yunus also highlighted Bangladesh’s youth initiatives and referenced Nepal’s youth movements and the nation’s aspiration to join ASEAN.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Tracy Ann Jacobson has visited the ongoing joint military exercise ‘Operation Pacific Angel 25-3’, involving the Bangladesh Air Force and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces.

She inspected the drill at Chattogram’s BAF Zahurul Haque Base on Tuesday and exchanged greetings with air force personnel from both nations, according to ISPR.

The seven-day exercise, running until September 18, includes Bangladesh’s C-130J transport aircraft, an MI-17 helicopter, two C-130J transport aircraft from the U.S., 150 Bangladeshi personnel, and 92 U.S. participants.

Religious Affairs Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain has assured that the ministry will work closely with Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAB) and others to reduce airfare for the upcoming Hajj season. He added that support from the Chief Adviser will be sought if required.

“If elections are held in February, I will return to my old position, but before that, I want to establish a good management framework for the next government,” he said.

The adviser also stated that if Saudi authorities permit, Bangladesh is interested in developing residential facilities for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Md. Mezboul Haque, former Spokesperson and Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, resigned citing personal reasons after coming under pressure following the fall of the Awami League government. He faces allegations of involvement in reserve theft and irregularities in Nagad. Mezboul was promoted to Executive Director in December 2022, the same day he was assigned the role of spokesperson. He is also known to be a close associate of Sajeeb Wazed Joy and, through this connection, was involved in various digital transaction initiatives during the Awami League government. After the popular uprising, Mezboul was transferred from the headquarters to the Rajshahi office of Bangladesh Bank.

Bangladesh is purchasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S.-based company Excelerate Energy to meet the country’s energy demands, Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated. He emphasized that the decision is based on national requirements, not personal connections, despite former ambassador Peter Haas’s association with the company. Dr. Ahmed also clarified that importing wheat from the U.S. at higher prices to reduce the trade deficit will not affect consumers, and allegations of corruption in urea imports are under ministry investigation.

The Student Rights Council has filed a case naming Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader as the prime accused in connection with an attack on a rally organized by Gan Adhikar Parishad.

The case, lodged at Ramna Model Police Station by Akhtaruzzaman Samrat Majhi, also names Jatiya Party Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, leader Haji Saifuddin Ahmed Milan, and 16 others. Over 100 unidentified activists have also been accused.

The incident stems from violent clashes on August 29 between Jatiya Party supporters and members of Gan Adhikar Parishad.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain confirmed that Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly remains valid and clarified that the country is not competing against Palestine.

“Four years ago, we announced our candidacy, when Cyprus was the expected contender. Palestine joined much later. This does not place us in direct confrontation,” he explained.

Touhid Hossain condemned Israel’s actions against peace negotiators, calling it “heinous,” and expressed solidarity with Qatar after attending an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged Bangladesh to take precautionary measures to address risks and challenges following its graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category.

He warned that the economy and people’s livelihoods may come under strain, with the garment sector particularly vulnerable. Post-graduation, Bangladesh will lose access to WTO trade benefits and subsidies, likely driving up the price of essential medicines.

“To remain competitive, the country must boost productivity, strengthen trade logistics, and invest in modern infrastructure,” he wrote, emphasizing urgent action to protect businesses amid shrinking reserves and rising debt.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has announced that any individuals proven to be falsely listed as July Fighters or Martyrs will be removed from official records, with legal action to follow.

The ministry noted recent media reports alleging inclusion of fake names. It confirmed that names already verified as false have been deleted and fresh gazettes issued. The July Uprising Directorate is now re-verifying all names exposed in the media.

“If proven fake, those names will be struck off the list, new gazettes will be issued, and legal measures will be taken,” the ministry said.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu has cautioned that delaying the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election would throw the country’s future into uncertainty, endangering democracy, independence, and sovereignty.

He accused the ruling Awami League of subjecting BNP leaders and activists to repression for the past 16 years and continuing to “conspire” against the opposition. Calling for unity against domestic and international plots, Dudu urged party activists to ensure BNP’s victory in the next polls.
“There is no alternative—BNP must win, the ‘paddy sheaf’ must triumph, and Tarique Rahman must become Prime Minister,” he declared.

The High Court has issued a rule questioning why the government’s gazette, which removed Algi and Hamirdi unions from Faridpur-4 and added them to Faridpur-2, should not be declared illegal.

The order came after two nomination hopefuls filed a writ petition. Lawyer Humayun Kabir Pallab, representing the petitioners, said the respondents must reply within 10 days.

The court also asked why Article 125(a) of the Constitution and Section 7 of the Election Act should not be declared contradictory, and why the gazette itself should not be struck down. Earlier, the Election Commission was served a legal notice seeking cancellation of the gazette.

Policy adviser Asif Mahmud confirmed that Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum has long been battling cancer and is undergoing treatment in Singapore.

He stressed that such medical issues should be approached from a humanitarian perspective:

“One cannot simply change hospitals after assuming office. Continuity of treatment is crucial, especially for cancer patients.”

Asif called on policymakers to strengthen the domestic healthcare system so that Bangladeshis no longer have to travel abroad for treatment of critical diseases. Nurjahan Begum flew to Singapore on a midnight flight yesterday.

BNP leader Ruhul Kuddus Talukdar Dulu has said that students, equipped with books and pens, will play a leading role in creating a terror-free Bangladesh. Referring to Tarique Rahman’s 31-point agenda, Dulu noted that the future of the country’s education system is clearly outlined within it—aiming to produce a skilled and self-reliant generation that can raise Bangladesh’s profile globally.

He also celebrated the achievement of Natore’s student activist Rifad Mahmud, who was elected Vice President of the Commonwealth Students Association for the next three years, defeating candidates from India, Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. “This is a matter of unique pride for the nation,” he said.

Bangladesh Bank has decided to appoint administrators in five banks undergoing a merger process. The administrators will work in coordination with the existing management, central bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan announced after a special board meeting chaired by Governor Ahsan H. Mansur.

As per the decision, First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, and EXIM Bank will be merged to form a new state-owned entity, tentatively named United Islami Bank. The central bank is expected to issue its license soon.