The U.S. State Department’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons report has placed Bangladesh in Tier 2, acknowledging the country’s substantial and sustainable progress in combating human trafficking. While Bangladesh does not yet fully meet the minimum standards, the report highlights significant government efforts, including enhanced victim protection, expanded frontline officer training, and formal adoption of a National Referral Mechanism. In 2025, authorities identified 1,462 trafficking victims, providing healthcare, legal aid, and shelter through government centers. Bangladesh has strengthened coordination among agencies like CID, PBI, and CTTC, and continues international cooperation with Interpol and neighboring countries. Initiatives also include pre-departure training for migrant workers, specialized courses for female domestic workers, and bilateral labor agreements with major destination countries. These reforms, awareness campaigns, and policy measures reflect the government’s growing commitment to uphold the rule of law, protect migrant workers, and ensure justice for trafficking victims.

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered Israel to immediately stop airstrikes in Gaza after Hamas partially agreed to conditions in the U.S. plan to end the ongoing conflict. Trump had set a Sunday evening deadline for Hamas to accept his proposal, warning of severe consequences otherwise. Hamas announced it is willing to release all hostages, both alive and deceased, but requested further discussions on several key conditions. The White House had unveiled a 20-point plan last Monday, approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for an immediate ceasefire, return of 20 living hostages within 72 hours, and handover of deceased hostages’ remains, in exchange for releasing hundreds of Gaza residents held by Israel. Trump emphasized that talks continue on unresolved issues, highlighting that the plan aims not only to stop the violence in Gaza but also to advance long-awaited peace in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump has said that his administration’s newly imposed import tariffs could generate more than one trillion dollars in annual revenue for the United States. In an interview with One America News, Trump stated that revenue collection from tariffs has already begun and is projected to reach the trillion-dollar mark in the coming years. According to him, these tariffs are not only a revenue measure but also a protective step to safeguard the American economy against unfair trade practices. He emphasized that the US is open to trading with all nations, provided fairness and equal rights are ensured in such partnerships. Trump reiterated the same stance during his speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly last month, highlighting that equitable trade is the foundation of his policy. The president believes that the tariffs placed on most countries around the world serve as a necessary shield to protect American industries and jobs.

The United States government has entered its first shutdown in seven years after Congress failed to agree on a spending plan. The White House warned that over 700,000 federal employees could be furloughed within days, with “essential” staff forced to work without pay. Republicans and Democrats continue to trade blame over healthcare funding and budget priorities, while uncertainty grows over whether furloughed workers will receive back pay. Analysts say the crisis may hit harder than the 2018 shutdown.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order guaranteeing Qatar’s security after last month’s unprecedented Israeli attack on Doha. The order pledges that any future assault on Qatari territory will be treated as an attack on the United States itself. The September 9 Israeli strike sparked outrage across the Middle East and beyond, raising doubts about Washington’s stance on Qatar’s security. Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a rare apology to Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during a joint call with Trump. Qatar has been playing a crucial role in mediating between Israel and Hamas alongside the US and Egypt. However, Doha had warned it would withdraw from mediation efforts if Israel did not apologize for the attack that killed Qatari civilians.

A recent poll by The New York Times and Siena University reveals a historic shift in American attitudes toward Israel. Nearly two years into Israel’s Gaza offensive, support among US voters has dropped dramatically, with many opposing additional American financial and military aid. While 47% backed Israel after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, new data shows only 34% still support Israel, compared to 35% siding with Palestinians, and 31% choosing neutrality. Six in ten Americans now want Israel to stop the war even without freeing all hostages or defeating Hamas. Almost 40% believe Israel is deliberately killing civilians in Gaza—double last year’s number. The survey, conducted in English and Spanish with 1,313 respondents nationwide, highlights a record-breaking anti-Israel sentiment not seen since polling began in 1998, with sympathy increasingly tilting toward Palestinians.

YouTube has agreed to a $24.5 million settlement to resolve former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit over the suspension of his account following the January 6 Capitol riot. Court filings show $22 million will be donated to the National Mall Trust for a White House ballroom project, while $2.5 million will go to other plaintiffs, including the American Conservative Union and author Naomi Wolf. YouTube, owned by Alphabet, admitted no wrongdoing, saying the deal was meant to avoid further litigation costs. The move follows multimillion-dollar settlements between Trump and Meta, X, ABC News, and Paramount Global. Experts warn such settlements undermine consistent content moderation standards, raising concerns over tech platforms’ political alignment and influence. The case highlights ongoing clashes between Trump and media companies over alleged censorship since the 2020 election and January 6 events.

The Trump administration’s steep increase in H-1B visa fees has shattered the aspirations of countless young Indians hoping to build careers in the US. Once costing around $2,000, visa expenses now reach up to $100,000, forcing employers to spend nearly $160,000 per hire. As a result, many US companies are turning to local workers, shrinking opportunities for Indian talent. Experts warn that IT, software, healthcare, and project management sectors will face major setbacks. Students and professionals feel targeted and unwelcome, while Indian government officials encourage skilled workers to return home. However, many may choose alternatives like Canada, Australia, or Europe. Analysts stress that this policy could harm not only Indian professionals but also America’s own economic growth and innovation ecosystem, with long-term consequences for the global tech industry.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has tabled a 20-point plan to end hostilities in Gaza, receiving immediate approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump warned that if Hamas rejects the terms, the U.S. will fully back Israel’s military actions. Key provisions include:

Immediate ceasefire upon mutual agreement.

Israeli troops to pull back to designated lines for prisoner exchanges.

Suspension of all military operations, including airstrikes and artillery fire.

Hamas must release all hostages—alive or dead—within 72 hours.

In exchange, Israel to release 250 prisoners serving life terms and 1,700 detainees held since October 7, 2023.

Amnesty for Hamas members who surrender arms and accept coexistence, while safe passage will be arranged for those wishing to leave Gaza.

Massive humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza once the deal is signed.
The plan also proposes a temporary transitional administration led by a non-political Palestinian technocratic committee, overseen by a new international body, the Board of Peace. Trump would serve as chairman, joined by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and other leaders.

The United States has announced a 100% tariff on all branded and patented pharmaceutical imports from October 1, 2025, unless companies establish production facilities in the country. President Trump stated this move aims to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce the budget deficit. India, whose pharmaceutical exports to the U.S. reached $8.7 billion in 2023–24, could face significant costs and negative impacts on its drug exports. Analysts warn the policy may severely strain India’s pharmaceutical industry.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he will not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank, stressing that such a move is unacceptable. Speaking ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s UN address, Trump noted that a deal on Gaza is “very close.” Global pressure is mounting on Israel to end the Gaza war and halt West Bank annexation, with the UK, Germany, and the UN warning of severe consequences. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged support for the French peace plan.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Israel would not be permitted to annex the Palestinian West Bank, while suggesting that a settlement over Gaza could be reached soon.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday, ahead of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled UN address, Trump said: “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank… it simply won’t happen.”
His remarks come as several Western nations formally recognize Palestine as an independent state. The UN Secretary-General warned that annexation would be “morally, legally, and politically unacceptable.” Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed willingness to work with world leaders on France’s proposed peace plan.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s motorcade was halted in New York after police blocked several roads for U.S. President Donald Trump’s convoy, according to The Guardian.

Caught in the security lockdown, Macron reportedly phoned Trump directly to resolve the situation. The blockade was lifted shortly afterward.

However, Macron was forced to abandon his vehicle and proceed the rest of the way on foot.

France has officially recognized Palestine as a state, joining a growing list of Western nations.

The announcement came at a high-level meeting in New York, where Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco also declared recognition. The UK had made its recognition just a day earlier.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated:

“We are here today because the time has come. It is our responsibility to do everything possible to uphold a two-state solution. Today I announce that France recognizes the State of Palestine.”

Spain, Norway, and Ireland extended recognition last year. Spain has also imposed sanctions on Israel over the war in Gaza. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said:

“When a people are subjected to genocide, a two-state solution becomes impossible. For the sake of reason, law, and human dignity, this massacre must end.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the Assembly via video message.

The main session of the UN’s 80th General Assembly begins today, with the world leaders’ debate running until Saturday.

Tradition dictates that Brazil will be the first to speak, followed by the United States and others. This year’s Assembly is chaired by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and will see participation from leaders of 140 nations.

Palestinian statehood recognition is expected to dominate discussions, alongside the Russia-Ukraine war, sustainable development, the global energy crisis, and climate change. The session concludes on September 30.