In Cox’s Bazar, an eviction drive along the Bankkhali River sparked protests yesterday when encroachers and their supporters blocked roads, burned tires, and vandalized an excavator. Hundreds demanded a halt to the operation, citing their homes and land. The district administration and BWTA were forced to pause the drive. Authorities say over 400 illegal structures have been removed and around 60 acres of riverbank recovered, following a High Court directive to clear encroachments and control pollution.

Panchagarh NCP leader Sarjis Alam has accused BNP-backed chairman Faridul Islam of publicly threatening him and his father at their home. Sarjis stated that irregularities, corruption, and intimidation persist in Bangladesh’s political culture, leading to a loss of public trust.

He added that BNP-affiliated student groups are forming committees at the school level and attempting to influence educational institutions. Sarjis emphasized that his party will recognize good work from any political faction but will resist any wrongdoing.

AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad launched a scathing critique of the ruling Awami League, claiming the party is “not a liberation war party, but a gang of opportunists, profiteers, and criminals.”

Fuad highlighted that former President Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for anti-hegemony politics in India and called for building a patriotic political movement free from external influence. “The Awami League betrayed Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and in doing so, sidelined other heroes of the liberation war,” he said.

He further asserted that the BNP has a larger number of freedom fighters, including decorated veterans, compared to the Awami League, which, despite not participating in the liberation war, claims full ownership of it. Fuad warned that unless people remain vigilant, the ruling party could monopolize the legacy of the 1924 (assumed 24) movement, aligning it with Delhi’s interests. He also cautioned that attempts are underway to stage a “new 1/11 scenario,” manipulating narratives and targeting political adversaries.

Rajbari Municipality, established over a century ago, has yet to develop modern infrastructure despite being a first-class municipality for over three decades. Most roads are broken, drainage covers are missing, and waste is scattered across the city. Mosquito control operations have been halted for 10 months, increasing dengue cases, with 60 patients admitted in August. Residents report foul smells and uninhabitable areas, while municipal authorities cite broken equipment and lack of mosquito-control medicine as major obstacles.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed deep concern over the violent attack and vandalism at the Jatiya Party’s central office, issuing strong condemnation in an official statement.

The statement warned that such attacks and arson, following the July mass uprising, could create confusion and frustration among the public, undermining hopes for democratic governance. “While differing opinions are natural in a democracy, using force to suppress freedom of expression reflects authoritarian tendencies,” the statement read. It emphasized that a true democracy requires a multi-party system, and that the survival of any political party depends on the will of the people, not on intimidation, violence, or threats.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) is preparing street-level programs nationwide to demand the implementation of the July Charter, citing delays in reforms, genocide trials, and new constitution drafting. Party leaders say the interim government and Election Commission have created uncertainty by announcing the election roadmap without resolving key issues. NCP warns that if table discussions fail, mass mobilization will follow. They emphasize legal backing for the charter, coordinated protests, and nationwide rallies to ensure the aspirations of the July Revolution are realized.

Over 16 years, 14 foreign airlines have ceased operations at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport due to mismanagement and corruption, leaving only four airlines on international routes. Passenger traffic continues to rise, reaching over 1.64 million in 2024, straining limited airport infrastructure. Outstanding dues from six defunct airlines total BDT 2,126 crore. Airport authorities report modernization plans and efforts to attract returning airlines like Flydubai, Saudi Airlines, and Qatar Airways, aiming to restore international service quality and expand capacity.

Dhaka – Chaos erupted once again at the central office of the National Party (Jatiya Party) in the capital, as a violent attack and arson left two young men, Rahul (22) and Monir (25), injured. Rahul has been admitted to Ward 102 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while Monir sought treatment elsewhere.

According to witnesses, shortly after 7 PM, a group of protesters stormed the party office, causing widespread destruction before setting fire to the premises. Police intervened around 7:30 PM, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Once the protesters retreated, authorities moved quickly to extinguish the flames.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar has commented on the current political landscape, saying, “Many traps have been set in politics. Some block all paths to force everyone into a single snare.”

He clarified the term “trap” (Anta) after a senior political leader recently used it, explaining it as a “fishing net” for opportunists. Majumdar noted that many are attempting to capitalize on disorder for personal gain, highlighting the complex and competitive nature of today’s political environment.

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund has sold shares in Caterpillar, citing the use of its bulldozers in demolishing Palestinian property in violation of international law. The Trump administration expressed strong concern, protested to Oslo, and threatened tariffs and visa bans against fund officials. Senator Lindsey Graham warned Norway of consequences for targeting Caterpillar. The divestment marks the first time the fund has acted against a non-Israeli firm over the conflict. The issue is also influencing Norway’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

The Jatiya Chhatra Students’ Union (JAKSU) is grappling with a major shortage of candidates at the hall-level parliamentary elections, with the Election Commission unable to find nominees for 63 positions. Over 100 posts are expected to be filled without any competition.

Most of the unfilled positions are in women’s halls, with candidates citing fears of cyberbullying as a key reason for low participation. Amid concerns over voter enthusiasm, the Election Commission’s Secretary has stated that overall turnout will not necessarily be impacted by the shortage of candidates.

Approximately 12,000 students are eligible to vote in the JAKSU elections. Of the 315 posts across 21 halls, 165 will see no contest. Among female students, five vice-presidential positions in 10 residential halls remain uncontested, while at least six posts across 11 male halls lack multiple candidates. Allegations have also emerged of violations of election codes, including distribution of gifts to voters. AGS candidate Sohagi Samia has reportedly been a victim of cyberbullying.

The University of Chittagong will resume all academic activities, including classes and exams, from Sunday, following a weeklong suspension due to violent clashes between students and locals. The acting registrar confirmed that teaching will continue in person, rejecting rumors of online classes. The unrest erupted last Saturday night after allegations of an assault on a female student, leaving at least 500 injured, including senior university officials. Authorities have urged all departments to take necessary preparations for normal operations.

Bangladesh now has the highest rate of default loans in Asia, according to the latest report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The report reveals that in 2024, a staggering 20.2% of all disbursed loans in Bangladesh turned into defaults, amounting to $20.27 billion—an alarming 28% increase compared to the previous year. The ADB has labeled Bangladesh as having the “weakest banking system in Asia.”

Within just one year, the country’s default loan ratio jumped by 11.2 percentage points, while neighboring countries like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka managed to reduce their bad loan proportions. Nepal saw only a slight increase of 0.9%.

Highlighting India’s case, the report notes that large-scale banking reforms helped bring its non-performing loans down from 3.4% to 2.5%.

The ADB advised Bangladesh to urgently adopt strict legislation, strengthen financial markets, implement swift policy actions, modernize the judicial system, and ensure transparency and investor confidence. Only then, it warned, can the mounting loan default crisis be brought under control.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mujibur Rahman has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, describing her rule as “the darkest chapter in Bangladesh’s history.”

Speaking at a recent program, he alleged that during Hasina’s 15 years in power, hundreds of people have been killed, abducted, and subjected to oppression, with no accountability. He further accused the government of tailoring laws to suit its own agenda, while repealing those that did not serve its interests.

Highlighting the need for honest leadership, Mujibur Rahman stated:

“The foundation of a modern and welfare-oriented state lies in establishing honest leadership. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the embodiment of such leadership. His noble ideals must be our guiding principle, and his governance model should serve as our roadmap.”

He emphasized that true national welfare can only be achieved by adhering to the statecraft of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whom he described as the architect of the most advanced system of governance for all times. According to him, the divine principles by which the Prophet governed remain the ultimate framework for just leadership and state management.

Hilsa harvest has fallen sharply this year, with a 38–48% decline compared to 2023, according to Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. She cited river pollution, climate change, and harmful fishing practices by non-fishermen as key reasons. Speaking at the International Conference on Sustainable Fisheries at Sylhet Agricultural University, she stressed integrated development of fisheries, agriculture, and livestock. Over 600 experts from home and abroad attended the event, which highlighted innovative solutions for resilient fisheries and aquaculture.