Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur on Saturday for the first time since ethnic clashes erupted two years ago, leaving nearly 250 people dead. His arrival was met with protests, with crowds chanting “Go Back Modi.” Tensions flared within hours of his visit, as police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse demonstrators, injuring several. Modi is on a three-day tour that also covers Assam and Bihar. Violence in Manipur broke out in May 2023 between the largely Hindu Meitei community and the predominantly Christian Kuki population, displacing thousands, many of whom still live in government-run camps. Addressing the state, Modi said, “The Government of India is making every effort to restore normal life in Manipur. I am here with you today—the people of Manipur are not alone.” He urged all sides to pursue peace.

The government has initiated steps to amend the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) Act of 2018. If approved, the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) will take over printing of textbooks for primary students starting in the 2027 academic year. Education adviser C.R. Abrar confirmed that the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has proposed the amendment, which is currently under review. DPE officials argue that since their ministry already receives budget allocations for printing, handling the process directly would cut costs and ensure timely book delivery. They also raised concerns about delays and paper quality under the current system. However, education experts caution that NCTB’s decades of experience and technical capacity must be weighed carefully before transferring responsibilities.

At least 53 Palestinians have been killed in a series of Israeli strikes across Gaza, where relentless bombardments are driving thousands from their homes. On Sunday, three people were killed and several wounded in Khan Younis following an IDF strike. In Sheikh Radwan, an attack on a civilian vehicle claimed one life. Another strike on a shelter in Tel al-Hawa killed seven Palestinians, where Israeli hostages were reportedly also present. The IDF also targeted Al-Shifa Hospital and several other sites. Reports say schools, mosques, hospitals, health centers, residential towers, tents, and even humanitarian offices are being struck. The ongoing bombardment has triggered mass displacement of civilians seeking safety.

In a bid to stabilize the foreign exchange market, Bangladesh Bank has purchased approximately $1.13 billion over the past six weeks. Officials say the move is aimed at balancing export earnings and remittance inflows, not manipulating prices. Banking sector insiders view the initiative positively, warning that if the dollar’s price drops in official channels, remittances may shift to informal routes. For over a year, the dollar market has remained stable at Tk 121–122 per dollar. Strong export growth and high remittance inflows have boosted supply, alongside foreign loans, strengthening reserves. During the first two months of this fiscal year, Bangladesh received more than $13.5 billion, while imports and debt repayments consumed just over $10.5 billion, leaving a sizable surplus. To absorb the excess, Bangladesh Bank stepped in as a major buyer through dollar tenders.

Tragedy struck at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) as one of six premature babies born on Sunday passed away in intensive care. The mother, 23-year-old Moksedha Akter Priya, gave birth to the sextuplets around 9 a.m. Three of the newborns were admitted to DMCH’s NICU, while the other three were taken to a private hospital’s NICU. Dr. Abida Sultana, an assistant professor at DMCH, explained that Priya delivered at 27 weeks and described the birth as an “inevitable abortion” rather than a viable full-term delivery. Three of the infants weighed about 900 grams each, while the others weighed around 800 grams. Doctors remain cautious, stating that survival will depend largely on medical intervention and luck.

The death toll from violent protests in Nepal has climbed to 72, according to the Ministry of Health. Bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of government buildings, residences, and other destroyed sites. Angry demonstrators set fire to the Supreme Court, Parliament, and several homes of political leaders during the unrest. Once the clashes subsided, authorities began retrieving victims’ bodies from the debris. Earlier, officials had confirmed 52 deaths, but the number surged as recovery operations continued. More than 2,000 people have been injured in the violence.

Venezuela has launched large-scale military training programs for civilians as tensions with the United States intensify. President Nicolás Maduro has ordered all members of the Bolivarian militia to join the nationwide exercise, named Operation Independence 200. Training sessions have already begun across hundreds of military bases, with civilians enlisting at army barracks. One participant remarked, “It feels incredible. Military training is essential for us as Venezuelan citizens—we need this experience.” Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López personally inspected the drills, stressing that such large-scale exercises will now be held regularly. The move comes shortly after U.S. forces deployed in the Caribbean, further straining relations between the two nations.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Allama Ahmadullah, the head of Chattogram’s Al Jamia Al-Islamia Patiya Madrasa. In a condolence message, Tarique described Ahmadullah as a revered scholar whose teachings in Qur’an and Hadith inspired countless students to lead righteous lives. “His humility, wisdom, and courtesy made him beloved by all. With his death, the nation has lost a dedicated alim whose absence will not be easily filled,” he said. Tarique prayed for the scholar’s departed soul and extended sympathy to the bereaved family and followers.

The Bangladesh Air Force and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces have commenced a week-long joint exercise, Operation Pacific Angel 25-3, to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Air Vice Marshal Haider Abdullah inaugurated the exercise on Sunday. Activities include medical evacuation coordination, aircraft maintenance, aerial operations, parachute rigging, and helicopter hoist missions. The drills involve one C-130J transport aircraft and one Mi-17 helicopter from Bangladesh, alongside two C-130Js from the U.S. Around 150 Bangladeshi and 92 U.S. air force personnel are participating, joined by members of the Bangladesh Army and Navy. Officials said the exercise would further deepen bilateral military ties.

New York Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani declared on Saturday that, if elected, he would order the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival in the city. Calling it a pledge he intends to fulfill, Mamdani said, “This city will stand with international law. Despite the U.S. not recognizing the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction, we will honor the arrest warrant.” The ICC issued a warrant against Netanyahu last year for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. In February 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump had retaliated against ICC judges following the warrant.

Independent candidate Arafat Chowdhury has lodged formal complaints alleging widespread fraud in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) 2025 elections. On Sunday, he submitted a written petition to the Chief Returning Officer, citing vote rigging, proxy ballots, pre-filled ballot papers, inflated turnout, bias, and code of conduct violations. Chowdhury demanded a recount, publication of a full voter list, and release of CCTV footage from all polling centers.

Nearly 300 Bangladeshi expatriates gathered in Tokyo on Saturday evening for the National Committee of Protest (NCP)’s remembrance event titled “Remembering Our July Heroes.” The program featured a documentary on the martyrs and wounded of the July Movement, followed by speeches from leaders Sarjis Alam, Nasiruddin Patwari, and Mahbub Alam. They emphasized constitutional reforms, warning that without them, “fascists like Sheikh Hasina will continue their reign.” Several individuals were honored for their contributions to the July uprising. NCP delegates are expected to return to Bangladesh on September 17.

Police in Bhanga, Faridpur, have filed a case naming 90 individuals and accusing another 100–150 unidentified persons in connection with recent blockades on highways and railways. The case names Algi Union Parishad Chairman and convener of the All-Party Struggle Council, M.M. Siddiq Mia, as the prime accused. Police allege Siddiq and his associates felled trees, set tires ablaze, and blocked the Dhaka-Khulna Highway during protests over constituency redistricting. When police attempted to clear the blockade, protesters reportedly resisted but eventually fled after a chase, restoring order. Siddiq Mia was arrested Saturday night in Nagarkanda.

A dialogue was held in Kuala Lumpur focusing on ensuring voting rights for Bangladeshi expatriates and distributing smart cards. Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar told participants, “Expatriates are a driving force in our economy. It is our duty to secure their voting rights. For the first time, they will be able to cast ballots in the national election.” He announced the introduction of “IT-assisted postal voting” for expatriates, allowing online registration and applications. Ballot papers will be mailed to registered addresses abroad, with completed ballots returned in sealed envelopes directly to returning officers. A ballot-tracking system will also be in place. Expatriates welcomed the move enthusiastically, with one worker remarking, “We were long deprived of our right to vote. Now we are thrilled to finally participate.”

LDP Secretary General Dr. Redwan Ahmed downplayed fears that Islami Chhatra Shibir’s victory in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) polls signals a larger national trend. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Shibir did not win with its own votes alone. Students from diverse political leanings backed them, largely as a protest against the ruling party. But national elections are different—people vote for parties and their symbols.” Redwan added that BNP, backed by allied parties in the ongoing joint movement, is poised to contest and win the upcoming general elections. He accused India of undermining Bangladesh’s democracy to keep Sheikh Hasina in power, insisting, “The people never voted to keep her there.”