Popular content creator Ashraful Alom, widely known as Hero Alom, was attacked by unidentified assailants on Monday night in Dhaka’s Aftabnagar area. Witnesses said several youths on motorcycles launched the assault, leaving Alom with visible injuries. Locals rescued him and took him to a hospital. His wife, Ria Moni, confirmed the incident to the media.

Mufti Amir Hamza, Jamaat’s candidate for Kushtia-3, has said he will exercise greater caution in his speeches following criticism over past controversial remarks at Islamic gatherings. Speaking at a Seeratunnabi event, he emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami’s politics is guided by the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). “When I speak for long, sometimes a slip of the tongue occurs. I will now be more careful,” Hamza said.

The Government of Bangladesh and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed an agreement worth $58.6 million in grants and $28.1 million in concessional loans to strengthen infrastructure and emergency services for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar. ADB Country Director Edimon Ginting said the new funding builds on earlier assistance provided since 2018, aimed at enhancing water, sanitation, healthcare, roads, drainage, food security, electricity, and disaster resilience. The project will also install solar-powered streetlights in Cox’s Bazar, restore sanitation systems in Bhasan Char, boost biogas production, and construct cyclone shelters in Hatiya. Additionally, food distribution centers will be developed with better facilities for women, children, and persons with disabilities.

BNP leader Mahbub Uddin Khokon has stated that elections under a proportional representation (PR) system are not feasible without constitutional amendments and a majority in Parliament. He said, “For 22 years, Jamaat carried out movements under BNP’s shadow. Now that Awami League has fled, they want PR-based elections. But without amending the Constitution, such elections will be deemed questionable.” Khokon urged BNP members to remain united, campaign door-to-door, and ensure a massive mandate to form the next government under acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has slammed Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher’s controversial statement that “if India invades Bangladesh, 5 million youths will wage a war of independence.” Calling the remark “dangerous and against the nation’s sovereignty,” Rizvi questioned its intent: “Why is the narrative of India invading or a war breaking out suddenly being floated? Is this part of a staged plan?” He warned that Jamaat’s rhetoric could be tied to a larger “blueprint” designed to destabilize Bangladesh. “We once witnessed the fall of fascism. But now people are questioning whether a new form of fascism is resurfacing from underground. Such comments weaken sovereignty and endanger the nation.”

A fresh controversy has erupted after former Awami League MP and star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan came under fire for wishing deposed leader Sheikh Hasina on her birthday. Responding to criticism, party adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan wrote on social media, “Brother, I was forced to take the nomination. I only contested the election but was never involved in Awami League’s party politics.” He sharply criticized Shakib’s stance, saying, “How can someone with blood-stained hands from killing students and citizens be allowed to carry Bangladesh’s flag? Why should financial fraudsters, market manipulators, and money launderers be rehabilitated just because they are good cricketers? The law is equal for all—face it.”

BNP leader Zainul Abedin Farooq has alleged that several parties, including Jamaat, are conspiring to sabotage Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s proposed electoral roadmap under the pretext of introducing a proportional representation (PR) system. He said, “After 16 years, when Hasina has fled, some are now plotting to bring back fascism. Sheikh Hasina executed Jamaat leaders, yet today, under India’s agenda and her patronage, they are marching in Dhaka.” Farooq urged political allies to participate in the elections instead of derailing them. “The people of this country don’t care about PR. They will proudly cast their votes in the election declared by Dr. Yunus, not for any PR-appointed leader. They will vote for the Sheaf of Paddy and the Scales.” He further said, “If Dr. Yunus cannot contest the elections, only Allah knows what Bangladesh’s future will hold. Let us unite and build this country—we have achieved nothing in the past 55 years.”

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has said that his party envisions a Bangladesh where religious harmony, mutual respect, and fraternity form the core values of society. Speaking after visiting several Durga temples in Tentulia, he said, “While everyone follows their own religious traditions, it is essential to show respect to other faiths. The stronger our mutual bonds, the safer and stronger our country will become.” Sarjis added that the NCP is committed to building a society free from discrimination where no one is deprived of their rights, and no one receives undue privileges. He also provided financial assistance to local temples during his visit.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has accused a rival political party of attempting to divide the nation on the basis of religion while also trying to delay participatory elections by spreading confusion. During a visit to the Dhakeshwari National Temple, he said, “The election date has not yet been declared, but ever since the electoral timeline was announced, certain quarters have been trying to obstruct the process. Those who engage in such activities will face political rejection from the people.” He stressed that no one has succeeded in destroying Bangladesh’s religious harmony and no one ever will. Reaffirming BNP’s position, Salahuddin said, “We have never wanted politics to be divided along religious lines. The Constitution itself does not identify citizens by religion. Every citizen has the right to practice and promote their faith safely. Our policy is clear: religion is personal, the state belongs to all. Religion is individual, but security is everyone’s right.”

From November, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will expand its subsidized sales program by adding five new essential products — tea, salt, detergent, and two types of soap. Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin announced that the government spends nearly Tk 5,000 crore annually to sustain TCB operations, and the new additions aim to provide relief for low-income families while curbing inflation. He urged quick progress in finalizing beneficiary lists and card activations nationwide. TCB currently has over 6 million active cards, with an additional 339,000 pending activation.

Jamaat-e-Islami has quietly removed its newly unveiled logo just a day after it sparked widespread debate on social media. The redesigned emblem, featuring a rising red sun, book, and pen against a green backdrop, was displayed during Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman’s meeting with Spain’s ambassador. However, by the following day, when Rahman hosted Bhutan’s envoy, the logo was gone from his Bashundhara office. The previous logo included a dome with the word “Allah,” the party’s scales symbol, and the phrase Aqimud Deen (Establish the Faith).

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma assured that ongoing visa complications will be resolved soon once conditions improve. However, medical visas remain available. Speaking after visiting the historic Randa Prasad Saha Durga Temple in Mirzapur, Verma highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between Bangladesh and India, saying cultural and religious exchanges will further strengthen ties. Earlier, he was welcomed by Kumudini Homes officials, who briefed him on the temple’s history and renovation work.

Bangladesh exports pharmaceuticals to over 100 countries, but exports to the U.S. remain modest — just $20 million out of $210 million in FY2023. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of a 100% tariff on drug imports now casts uncertainty over expansion into this key market. Industry experts suggest Bangladesh may face both challenges and opportunities: while competitors like India and China could be hit harder, new openings may emerge for Bangladeshi producers. CPD Research Director Dr. Khandaker Golam Moazzem warned that higher tariffs would increase consumer costs and create new competition in alternative markets.

The 27 BGB Marishya Zone organized a dialogue with local dignitaries in Baghaichhari, Rangamati, focusing on law and order. Commander Lt. Col. Zahidul Islam Zahid emphasized the collective responsibility of both hill residents and Bengalis in maintaining communal harmony. He urged citizens not to be swayed by rumors, warning that any attempts to disrupt peace would be dealt with firmly. Community leaders present pledged to uphold law and order in their respective areas.

Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has warned that several Bangladeshi companies are manipulating income and expenditure figures, with some showing “remarkable skill” in siphoning money abroad. While acknowledging that not everything in the interim government is flawless, he noted that Bangladesh’s international image has improved. Speaking at an ERF event, he also urged stronger institutional efforts to improve journalistic standards, later inaugurating the ERF Institute’s new nameplate.