World-renowned fintech expert Brett King said Bangladesh could transition to a cashless economy within 10–12 years through mobile-based digital financial services and digital identity infrastructure. The shift would enhance financial inclusion, reduce government expenditure, and curb counterfeit currency. The first-ever “Bankers Meet 2025,” organized by UAE-based Filips Limited with support from City Bank, Prime Bank, and AB Bank, discussed technology-driven banking solutions. Experts emphasized improving internet and mobile networks, affordable smartphones, and investing in digital infrastructure for sustainable growth.

Malaysian authorities stopped 98 Bangladeshi nationals from entering the country at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The individuals, who arrived on a flight from Dhaka early Friday morning, failed to produce valid entry documents during a sweep conducted between 1 AM and 7:30 AM. They were issued “No to Land” notices.

Officials suspect the group intended to misuse tourist visas to live and work illegally in Malaysia.

South Korean President Yoon Jae-myung has pledged to respect North Korea’s political system and work toward building military trust, following Pyongyang’s statement that it has no interest in improving ties. Since his election in June, Yoon has promised unconditional dialogue with the nuclear-armed North, marking a shift from his predecessor’s rigid approach. Speaking on National Liberation Day, he emphasized reducing tensions, restoring trust, and pursuing peaceful engagement, while dismissing reports of North Korea removing propaganda loudspeakers along the border.

Detectives have arrested six individuals, including Mahmudul Hasan Jewel, personal secretary to former Manikganj-2 MP Momtaz Begum.

The detainees—aged between 32 and 70—were picked up as part of ongoing investigations into multiple political cases across the district, confirmed DB Inspector Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, in a message marking Janmashtami, emphasized Bangladesh’s longstanding tradition of religious harmony.

He extended warm wishes to Hindu communities, highlighting that festivals like Janmashtami unite people beyond communal divides and reinforce brotherhood. “Religious tolerance has always been an integral part of Bangladeshi culture,” Rahman said, adding that the BNP remains committed to safeguarding this spirit.

BNP leader Altaf Hossain Chowdhury has declared that his party is now the only strong political force in the country, predicting a decisive victory in the upcoming national elections.

“Awami League has fled the field. The only party left with real strength on the ground is BNP,” Chowdhury said, adding that Jamaat and other smaller parties cannot match the party’s influence.

He claimed that senior BNP leaders, including Tarique Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, have strengthened the party even from abroad, making it capable of fielding 1,800 qualified candidates for the 300 parliamentary seats. Chowdhury added that Tarique Rahman is expected to return to Bangladesh this October.

Chowdhury further criticized the Awami League leadership, claiming that it has fled due to public dissatisfaction, noting that even top MPs, ministers, and the parliamentary speaker have abandoned the party after alleged injustices toward citizens. He cautioned that these events should serve as a significant lesson for BNP going forward.

In a departure from his usual practice of open remarks at the start of meetings with world leaders, Donald Trump opted for silence during his recent summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

The two leaders exchanged smiles and a handshake but declined to answer media questions. Reporters were quickly ushered out of the room. Analysts suggest Trump’s silence may signal a calculated strategy toward Putin, though it gave no clear indication of the meeting’s outcome.

Two separate cocktail bomb blasts shook Dhaka on Friday night.

The first explosion occurred around 12:45 AM near the NCP office in Banglamotor. Witnesses reported several individuals on motorcycles throwing explosives before fleeing. Police confirmed no casualties but launched an investigation.

Earlier, at 10 PM, another cocktail blast went off near bus counters at Russell Square, close to Dhanmondi 32. Officers collected evidence from the site. Kolabagan Police OC Md. Fazle Ashish said no arrests had yet been made.

A newborn tragically died in Shariatpur after an ambulance transporting the infant was stopped by a local driver syndicate demanding extortion fees.

According to police sources, Noor Hossain Sardar’s wife, Ruma Begum, had just given birth to a son at a local clinic. Doctors advised transferring the newborn to a Dhaka hospital for advanced medical care due to cold-related complications. At around 9 PM, when the family set out for Dhaka, local ambulance drivers, businessmen, and the driver of the Shariatpur Civil Surgeon, Abu Taher Dewan, along with his son Subuj Dewan, blocked the vehicle.

The syndicate reportedly refuses to let any outside ambulance operate without paying regular extortion fees. They allegedly seized the ambulance keys and demanded money. As a result, the critically ill newborn passed away before reaching Dhaka.

Shariatpur Civil Surgeon Dr. Rehan Uddin stated that he had no prior knowledge of the incident. The tragic event has sparked outrage over the monopolistic control of patient transport in the region.

Maruf Kamal Khan quoted Enayetullah Khan on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, describing him as a skilled actor who deceived the people while claiming the title of Father of the Nation. Enayetullah said Mujib’s three-year misrule devastated the nation, exploited resources, suppressed culture, and sold off sovereignty, leaving the economy in ruins. He compared Mujib to a tragic Greek character—charismatic yet weak, ambitious yet betraying those who trusted him.

A three-day Hajj and Umrah fair is underway to simplify registration and reduce middleman harassment for 2026 pilgrims. Hosted at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center by HAB, the fair runs until Saturday evening and is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Religious Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain noted that the event seeks to streamline pilgrim access to government-registered agencies, ensuring a fraud-free Hajj experience.

Former MP and former Central Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat’s Women’s Wing, Begum Rokeya Ansari, was laid to rest in Banani Cemetery following a Janaza at Baitul Mukarram. Ansari passed away at a private hospital on Thursday. Jamaat leaders, including the Amir and Secretary General, expressed deep condolences.

Jamaat leader Abdul Halim alleged that Awami League-Bakshal plotted to eliminate Jamaat and create a leadership vacuum by executing Allama Saidi under the guise of war crimes trials. Halim described Saidi as a globally renowned Quranic scholar and orator, victimized by false charges.

He called for a high-powered investigative committee, emphasizing that dedication to faith, not titles, motivates their commitment to sacrifice.

AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad suggested that Dr. Yunus could resign if Jamaat and NCP do not participate in elections. He warned that the upcoming elections risk becoming one-sided, similar to previous 1973 and 2018 elections conducted by the ruling Awami League.

Fuad emphasized that BNP faces internal challenges with rebel candidates in 130–135 constituencies and that unity and sacrifice are needed to lead the party toward fair participation.

NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud hailed Begum Khaleda Zia’s unwavering leadership. “If she had compromised, such a massive mass uprising and Sheikh Hasina’s downfall would not have happened,” he said, urging immediate government action to prevent river erosion in Hatia.

Masud called for unified efforts by BNP, Jamaat, NCP, and other parties to transform Hatia into a model sub-district. He claimed that the success of the uprising allowed him to speak openly today, whereas otherwise, he might have been silenced.