Nearly nine months after taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump has approved the first arms sale to Ukraine. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Undersecretary has already signed off on the shipment. Two consignments, each worth $500 million in weapons and ammunition, are set to be delivered soon. However, the arms will be purchased by Kyiv’s European allies from the U.S. and then sent to Ukraine, with Europe covering the logistics costs. American officials revealed that under a new deal, codenamed “PEARL,” Washington has agreed to supply Ukraine with $10 billion worth of arms. The upcoming delivery marks the first shipment under this arrangement. Notably, during his January 20 inauguration, Trump had pledged to prioritize ending the Russia-Ukraine war and vowed not to authorize further military aid to Ukraine.

Import-export activities through the Akhaura land port in Brahmanbaria came to a halt on Wednesday morning in observance of Vishwakarma Puja. Despite the suspension of trade, cross-border passenger movement through the international immigration checkpoint and customs operations continued as usual. Mohammad Rajib Bhuiyan, a C&F trader at Akhaura, confirmed that Indian counterparts from Agartala port in Tripura had earlier informed them of the closure. Trade is expected to resume on Thursday morning with the export of fish to Tripura.

Russian President Vladimir Putin inspected military exercises wearing full combat uniform, according to footage released by Moscow. Anadolu reported that Putin visited the drill site alongside Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and senior military commanders. At the command center, Putin issued operational instructions and personally reviewed modern weaponry used in the exercise. The drills are part of a seven-day joint military exercise under the CSTO alliance, launched in late August in Belarus. Forces from Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are participating across 41 locations, with over 100,000 troops involved. The CSTO, formed in the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union, has become a key defense platform for the region.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Britain on Tuesday night for what is being described as an unprecedented second state visit. The trip is expected to see the signing of multiple investment agreements between Washington and London. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would use Trump’s visit to highlight the strengthening of the “special relationship” between the two nations. Ahead of the visit, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves jointly announced the creation of a “Transatlantic Taskforce.” King Charles will formally welcome Trump on Wednesday, while Starmer is set to host him at the prime minister’s countryside residence, Chequers, on Thursday. Starmer is also arranging meetings with leading business groups to promote Britain as an attractive destination for U.S. investment.

Shahjahan Mia, the Jamaat-e-Islami nominated candidate for Chandpur-3 constituency, has called on voters to cast their ballots for the “Scale” symbol, which he described as a representation of justice and fairness. He said the step was essential to realizing the dreams of the martyrs of the July Revolution. While campaigning in Baburhat Bazar, Shahjahan Mia interacted with local shopkeepers and traders, exchanging greetings and seeking their support ahead of the upcoming election. “The ‘Scale’ is the emblem of justice and equity. I humbly seek your prayers and cooperation,” he told locals, urging them to rally behind his candidacy.

The Congress has accused the Modi government of handing 1,050 acres of land in Bihar’s Bhagalpur to the Adani Group on a 33-year lease for just ₹1 annually. The site, with nearly one million trees, will host a 2,400 MW thermal power plant. Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged Adani would use free land, coal, and water but sell power at ₹6.75 per unit, calling it “double loot.” He also claimed farmers lost land without fair compensation. No government response yet.

Dhaka: Youth Shakti Convener Tariqul Islam has called for the inclusion of voting rights as a fundamental right in the Constitution of Bangladesh. He criticized the current Constitution, arguing that it fails to recognize people’s basic needs as fundamental rights—a shortcoming that even led two key members of the original Constituent Assembly to withhold their signatures. Tariqul noted that only a Constituent Assembly directly elected by the people has the legitimacy to draft a Constitution. However, the 1972 Constitution was framed by representatives who had been elected under Pakistan’s authority in 1969, not by representatives chosen in independent Bangladesh. “As a result, the Constitution has failed to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people. A Constitution that does not speak to the basic needs and expectations of citizens is not the Constitution we want,” he said. He further asserted that a new Constitution is necessary to prevent the Awami League’s return to power, pointing out that in 54 years, the word ‘Liberation War’ has not been properly enshrined in the nation’s supreme law. Youth Shakti Member Secretary Dr. Zahedul Islam echoed these concerns, saying: “The Constitution has been mutilated over the years, leaving it distorted and disfigured. It must be thrown into the dustbin, and a new Constitution must be written for the people.”

In a chilling incident, the wife of a BNP leader was brutally hacked to death in Tangail on Tuesday night after attackers failed to locate him. The murder occurred around 8:30 p.m. at the West Leon Bakery in the Quizzbari Bazar area. The intended target, BNP union general secretary SM Anisur Rahman (alias Uttam), was not present at the time. His wife, Lili Akhter, fell victim instead. Tangail Sadar Police Station OC Tanvir Ahmed confirmed that her body has been sent to Tangail General Hospital morgue for autopsy. He added that investigators are working to determine the motive: “The reason behind the killing is not yet clear. Details will emerge once the investigation is complete.”

Ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka hosted a reception in honor of Bangladesh’s women cricketers. High Commissioner Pranay Verma, joined by his spouse Manu Verma, welcomed the team at India House. Speaking at the event, he highlighted the deep ties between India and Bangladesh: “Our geography, history, language, and culture unite us — and cricket has further strengthened this bond.” Praising the Bangladesh women’s team, he said they had shown remarkable progress in recent years and described them as a “symbol of women’s empowerment and youthful spirit.” “We stand proudly beside them,” Verma added. The event was also attended by Nazmul Abedin, Chairman of the Bangladesh National Women’s Cricket Wing.

Jatiya Party Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud has strongly criticized calls from some political groups to ban his party, describing such demands as “undemocratic and dangerous” for Bangladesh’s political culture. He noted with irony: “In the past, Jatiya Party firmly opposed the banning of Jamaat-e-Islami. Yet today, it is Jamaat itself that is demanding a ban on Jatiya Party. This is both shocking and disappointing for the nation.” Anisul stressed that the Jatiya Party has never engaged in political crimes nor created conditions that would justify its prohibition. “Such demands are not only baseless,” he said, “but also an insult to the country’s history, traditions, and the will of the people.”

As part of a nationwide anti-drug campaign, the Directorate of Prisons has declared September as the “Month of Anti-Drug Activities.” In an official statement, the Directorate said drug abuse has become a global crisis, with alarming growth in Bangladesh as well. In response, special security checks are being carried out on prison visitors, inmates, and staff. Additionally, drug tests have been introduced for inmates and employees suspected of substance abuse. Authorities confirmed that those identified will be placed under strict monitoring and administrative measures. The Directorate also emphasized its ongoing mission under the motto “Keep them safe, show them the path of light.” Rehabilitation programs, awareness campaigns, and modern training initiatives are being implemented to help inmates return to society as skilled, productive citizens.

BNP leader Sarwar Alamgir has accused the ruling Awami League of a history steeped in “injustice, oppression, and land-grabbing.” Speaking at a gathering, he said, “Awami League has done nothing but seize people’s assets, grab land from the Hindu community, and torture political opponents. That is why today they cannot face the public without shame.” Highlighting what he described as the stark difference in treatment between political groups, Sarwar added: “Many Awami League leaders and activists were able to flee to India; the borders were open for them. But for BNP, there is no India. For us, only the Bay of Bengal remains, where we will drown.” He also issued a stern warning to his own party members: “If anyone exploits BNP’s name to extort or commit wrongdoing, it will not be tolerated. Inform me, and I will personally file the case as the complainant.” Sarwar urged party activists to remain steadfast in honesty, justice, and public trust: “If we weaken from within, we cannot gather the strength needed to fight against the Awami League’s injustice and authoritarianism.”

Rezaul Karim, Amir of Islami Andolan, has criticized the government’s recent recruitment guidelines for primary schools, which introduced a post for assistant teachers in music, and called for the appointment of religious instructors instead. Karim stated, “Due to the declining quality of education, primary schools across the country are experiencing a drop in student enrollment. Children are facing both intellectual and moral deficits. Instead of addressing these issues, the government is hiring teachers for music.” He added, “Parents want their children to learn Islam from an early age, and love for Islam is eternal. We demand that qualified and morally upright teachers be appointed in all primary schools immediately. If this is not done, the people may be forced to take to the streets.” Referring to opportunities created after August 5, Karim warned, “If we fail to take advantage of this moment, future generations will condemn us. The Ulama must be made aware of their responsibilities.” He further stated, “The time has come to take a stand. Those who claim to uphold Islamic values but threaten to turn the country into a haven for extremism, or declare themselves against Islamic Sharia, cannot be supported by the Ulama without compromising their dignity.”

Dhaka University’s Syndicate has temporarily canceled the M.Phil admission of Golam Rabbani, former general secretary of the banned student organization Chhatra League, due to irregularities in his 2019 admission process. Consequently, Rabbani’s candidacy in the 2019 DUCSU election was invalid, and a university investigation committee has recommended declaring his election as General Secretary (GS) void. The investigation report also highlighted widespread electoral irregularities, including ballot tampering, voter intimidation, artificial queue creation, unauthorized voting, and participation by non-eligible students. The report suggested further inquiry before final action.

Golam Rabbani, former general secretary of the banned student organization Chhatra League, is facing the cancellation of his M.Phil admission due to irregularities prior to the 2019 DUCSU election. The university syndicate has temporarily revoked his enrollment, and a probe committee has recommended declaring his election as Graduate Student (GS) representative invalid. The investigation revealed that Rabbani’s admission did not follow proper procedures, rendering him ineligible to contest the 2019 DUCSU elections. The report further notes multiple irregularities during the election process, including: Voting by proxies on behalf of candidates or panels Preventing non-resident students from entering polling centers Ballot tampering and artificial line creation to manipulate voting Occupation of polling centers Illegal stamping on ballot papers Intimidation of voters Participation in elections through illegitimate enrollment The committee emphasized that further investigation is required to make definitive decisions regarding these violations.