Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged the World Trade Organization (WTO) to provide full support to ensure Bangladesh’s transition from an LDC to a developing country faces no obstacles. In a meeting with WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Yunus called for meaningful outcomes in the upcoming ministerial conference. In response, Okonjo-Iweala pledged full cooperation and sought Bangladesh’s leadership role in WTO reforms. Highlighting global economic concerns, she noted that 75% of trade still operates under WTO rules despite growing protectionism. Yunus agreed reforms are essential, stressing the need for the WTO to become more active in today’s rapidly changing trade environment.

After the attack on NCP leader Akhtar Hossain at JFK Airport, party leader Tasnim Jara responded defiantly: “They thought throwing eggs and hurling insults would humiliate us. But insults can never bury the truth.” In a statement, she called for a politics of dignity, where citizens receive respect without bribery, patients are treated without VIP status, women move safely, students protest without facing bullets, and people criticize leaders without fear. “Our dignity politics means no one in Bangladesh will be silenced through fear, bribery, or humiliation,” Jara asserted.

Jatiya Party Secretary General Shamim Haider Patwary alleged that Awami League’s current activities suggest it is preparing to block voting in the upcoming election. “They know they are being sidelined, so this is expected,” he said. Rejecting the notion that JP would automatically gain votes if AL is excluded, Patwary warned that in any one-sided election, AL would sabotage the process rather than allow votes to be cast freely. He admitted JP is not yet strong enough and must focus on organizational reforms, strengthening its base, and increasing voter support.

BNP leader Begum Selima Rahman said the PR system would disenfranchise the people and undermine their right to vote. “If I cannot understand it, how can the people?” she asked. She emphasized that despite the fall of what she called a fascist regime, BNP continues to lead movements to safeguard democracy and protect the constitution. Selima accused the “defeated forces of 1971” of plotting to derail the announced election roadmap and denounced secret overseas attacks on opposition leaders as shameful acts that tarnish Bangladesh’s image.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) staged a protest march demanding justice for the attack on its Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain during the Chief Adviser’s visit to New York. The party held both the interim government and the Awami League responsible for the assault, which also targeted senior leader Tasnim Jara. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was reportedly subjected to verbal abuse during the same trip. NCP leaders condemned what they called the actions of “rowdy Awami League supporters abroad.”

After being harassed by Awami League activists in the U.S., NCP Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain took to the streets of New York with counter-slogans that turned the city’s roads into a protest zone. Following the airport incident, clashes of slogans erupted again outside his Manhattan hotel. Joined by Tasnim Jara and other leaders, Hossain chanted: “Down with Mujibism! Long live revolution! Justice for Sheikh Hasina’s crimes! Fascism no more!”

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has strongly condemned the assault on its ally, Akhtar Hossain, in New York, expressing outrage at the lack of security. The party accused the Chief Adviser of endangering political leaders by neglecting proper arrangements during his UN trip. Party spokesperson Ataur Rahman warned that such negligence raises fears about political leaders’ safety during the upcoming national elections. He alleged that the Chief Adviser used state resources to promote three political parties abroad, undermining a level playing field. The party demanded that U.S. authorities act against the attackers and that an inquiry be launched to hold those responsible for the security lapse accountable.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir and Charmonai Pir, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, declared that any party failing to understand the proportional representation (PR) system lacks the capacity to lead the country. Rezaul accused BNP of opposing the system because, in his words, they do not even command 20% of the national vote. He further alleged that India does not want Bangladesh to pursue state reforms or visible justice, as that would weaken India’s grip on its neighbor. Criticizing the interim government for announcing election dates before addressing the July uprising, he said, “The victims who were killed, maimed, or blinded have yet to see justice. Instead, the election has been prioritized.” He reaffirmed his party’s long-standing demand, raised first in 2008, for PR-based elections as the only path to true democracy.

Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport has become the first airport in Bangladesh to receive jet fuel directly through a dedicated pipeline. The 6-kilometer Jet A-1 pipeline, constructed by Padma Oil Company Limited, was officially inaugurated this week. Energy Secretary Saiful Islam said, “This is the first airport in Bangladesh where jet fuel will be supplied via pipeline. The project ensures modern, eco-friendly, and efficient fuel delivery, reducing accident risks, lowering transport costs, and boosting operational efficiency.” The Tk 1.7 billion project, titled “Jet A-1 Pipeline from Main Installation to Shah Amanat International Airport”, was launched on December 19, 2023, but completed at a reduced cost of Tk 1.55 billion.

NCP Joint Convener Taznuva Jabin has strongly condemned the attack on party leaders in New York, alleging blatant negligence by the interim government. In a statement, Jabin wrote: “Since entering politics, women like us have endured every imaginable slur and cyberbullying. Vulgar insults have become routine. But what happened in New York – the vile abuse hurled at Zara and the attack on Akhtar – is beyond disgraceful, especially as they were traveling as official companions of the Bangladesh government.” She demanded accountability from the interim government: “Why were political representatives not given protection? Why was the only female political delegate left exposed? Shame! The interim government owes Zara and the people of Bangladesh an apology. They talk endlessly about women’s rights, yet abandoned her to face the attack alone.” Holding the government responsible, Jabin added: “Akhtar is not just an NCP leader – he is a living symbol of resistance against fascism. To fail in protecting him is a betrayal. The NCP will not let this go unanswered.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has strongly condemned the harassment of Akhtar Hossain and other political leaders in New York. He accused former ruling elites of attempting to create fresh chaos: “Those who imposed autocracy for 15 years are again conspiring to destabilize politics. We must remain vigilant against backdoor deals with dictators,” Rizvi said. He further alleged that new propaganda campaigns against BNP began after August 5, aimed at reviving “minus-one” style politics. “Just as Khaleda Zia could not be forced into exile, BNP too cannot be eliminated. We will resist such conspiracies,” Rizvi declared. He also instructed party activists to act as guardians during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations to ensure peaceful festivities.

The interim government has expressed regret after several political leaders, including NCP Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain, were harassed in New York. In a statement, the government alleged that supporters of Sheikh Hasina were behind the incident, which echoed the violent political culture of her regime. Officials said the delegation initially entered the airport through the VVIP gate but later faced unexpected visa complications and inadequate security arrangements. Authorities confirmed that one person has already been arrested, with a formal investigation underway. Security around Chief Adviser Yunus and his delegation has since been tightened, with assurances of legal and diplomatic measures in response.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has joined the opening session of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. According to the Press Wing, Yunus was accompanied by Energy Adviser Faozul Kabir Khan, Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, and Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul. Earlier, Yunus met with Uruguay’s Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. He is also scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump following the UN session.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has rejected a headline published by Kolkata-based daily Ei Samay, which quoted him as questioning why India places BNP and Jamaat “in the same bracket.” Fakhrul said he never made that statement, though the interview did highlight his criticism of India for adopting the Awami League’s narrative. “BNP is a secular, centrist democratic party. Jamaat and BNP’s politics are not the same. We fought against anti-liberation forces, and our leftist allies remain with us,” Fakhrul clarified. Meanwhile, Jamaat has condemned as “false and vindictive” another claim in the report—that the party pressured BNP for more seats in past elections.

The Chittagong University Election Commission has announced that the CUCSU elections will be delayed by three days, with voting now scheduled for October 15 instead of October 12. The rescheduling followed requests from several candidates. On Monday, the commission had published a preliminary candidate list, rejecting 19 nominations, including two for VP and one for GS positions. A total of 1,162 nomination forms were collected, of which 931 were submitted. The VP race has 25 candidates, while both GS and AGS posts saw 22 submissions each.