BNP leader Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has claimed that some political forces are distressed by the prospect of voters choosing BNP’s election symbol, the paddy sheaf.

Speaking to party workers, he warned that attempts might be made to disrupt Durga Puja festivities to create political unrest. “For the sake of the election, BNP has remained silent. Those who opposed the creation of Bangladesh now want to sabotage the polls,” he said.

He added that BNP will consider formally entering the election field after the Puja celebrations, stressing that only free and fair polls can prevent fascism from gaining ground.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has dismissed Transparency International Bangladesh’s (TIB) recent claims about the Chief Adviser’s UN delegation as “misinformation based on unchecked sources.”

He clarified that this year’s delegation includes 62 members, not over 100 as alleged, and is smaller and more focused than those during the Hasina administration. About one-third are security officials, necessary due to open threats from Awami League supporters.

Over the past five days, Bangladesh’s delegation has held at least a dozen high-level meetings, including bilateral talks with more than six heads of state and government.

The press secretary noted that some delegates will also represent Bangladesh at the upcoming Rohingya Conference on September 30.

Dr. Yunus has acknowledged that upon taking charge, the interim government discovered the alarming extent of corruption and plundering of public resources, which left Bangladesh’s economy fragile.

In his UN speech, he said, “We are determined to end this. Development must never again be used as an excuse to loot public wealth.”

Yunus highlighted key reforms, particularly in revenue collection, where a new law separates policymaking from implementation. This, he said, will ensure transparency, accountability, and stronger revenue generation.

“Bangladeshis expect not just development, but accountable, democratic, and inclusive development,” Yunus stressed.

Jamaat leader Golam Parwar stated that if his party is given the opportunity to serve the country, it will tackle unemployment and work to build a prosperous, humanitarian Bangladesh.

Speaking in Dumuria-Fultala, he highlighted chronic waterlogging issues caused by Bil Dakatiya and promised a comprehensive development plan, including transforming Dumuria into a business hub. He also outlined initiatives to reform educational and religious institutions, ensuring students find jobs immediately after graduation or receive unemployment benefits.

Parwar emphasized the role of youth and students in shaping the country’s future, calling on them to lead a “vote revolution” in the upcoming election to create a new, equitable, and humane Bangladesh.

A violent clash erupted between residents of two villages in Baniachong, Habiganj, leaving at least 30 people injured, including men and women.

The conflict occurred between the villagers of Tarasoi and Jatrapasha. According to locals, the incident began on Friday when a resident of Tarasoi, Kudrat Mia’s son, went to cut reeds from a nearby bush for his paddy. A verbal dispute with Hasan Mia of Jatrapasha escalated into a physical fight. Soon, both sides armed themselves with traditional weapons, turning the area into a battleground.

Police and a team from the army were dispatched to the scene to restore order. Authorities are investigating the incident further.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called for the immediate implementation of a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestine.

In his UN address, he warned that extreme nationalism, harmful geopolitics, and indifference to human suffering are destroying decades of hard-won progress.

“The most tragic image of this is Gaza, where children are dying of hunger, civilians are being indiscriminately killed, and entire communities with hospitals and schools are being wiped out,” Yunus said.

He aligned with the UN’s Independent Commission of Inquiry, saying, “What we are witnessing is an indiscriminate genocide.” He urged the global community to act decisively, warning that history and future generations will not forgive inaction.

Yunus also cautioned against the spread of disinformation, deepfakes, and politically motivated fake news in Bangladesh following last year’s student uprising, stressing the need for global unity to counter such challenges.

The BNP-aligned teachers’ group Sada Dal has expressed serious concerns over allegations of fraud and irregularities in the Dhaka University Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections.

In a statement, the group referenced a recent investigative report revealing widespread electoral malpractice, describing the findings as “deeply damaging to Dhaka University’s democratic values and reputation.”

Teacher leaders demanded immediate, transparent explanations from the university administration and called for an independent investigation, potentially involving members from outside the university. They emphasized that proven misconduct should result in exemplary punishment for the individuals involved. Furthermore, if the allegations are confirmed, they insist that election results should be suspended and a free, fair, and impartial re-election conducted promptly.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has voiced deep concern over the prolonged Rohingya crisis in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

Speaking at the UN General Assembly, he said: “Even after eight years, Rohingyas continue to face persecution and denial of rights in Rakhine, creating a dangerous situation for the entire region.”

He called for an immediate end to Myanmar’s discriminatory, identity-based policies and stressed that a lasting solution lies in a political settlement ensuring citizenship and equal rights for Rohingyas, alongside inclusion of all ethnic groups in Myanmar.

Highlighting the funding crisis, Yunus cited WFP warnings that without emergency aid, monthly food rations for Rohingyas may be slashed to just $6 per person. “This will worsen hunger and malnutrition and could force desperate actions,” he cautioned.

Cybercrime in the country has risen by nearly 12% over the past year, according to a recent survey conducted by the organization Cyber Crime Awareness. Over the last five years, approximately 200,000 victims have reported incidents on various platforms.

The survey reveals that 80% of the victims are between 18 and 30 years old, and 60% are women. It also highlights the misuse of social media for political and religious agendas, contributing to cybercrime. Alarmingly, only 12% of victims have formally filed complaints.

Experts point to emerging technologies like AI and deepfakes as key drivers behind the increase in cybercrime. They stress that cyber security is an integral part of national security. To raise public awareness, Cyber Crime Awareness announced a month-long campaign aimed at promoting safe online practices.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has highlighted tourism as one of Bangladesh’s most promising sectors in South Asia, calling on the younger generation to drive its growth.

“Tourism can play a pivotal role in tackling unemployment and poverty while also helping to prevent environmental degradation,” Dr. Yunus said. “In building a new Bangladesh, I expect everyone to contribute responsibly from their respective positions.”

He noted that tourism not only accelerates development in travel hubs but also fosters awareness about preserving local traditions, culture, and the environment.

“Our rich history and heritage, natural beauty, architectural landmarks, diverse ethnic lifestyles, traditional cuisine, and genuine hospitality can attract visitors from all over the world,” Yunus emphasized.

The interim government, he added, is working to harness this potential for sustainable development by implementing measures to protect biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage, and promote economic growth in tourism-rich areas.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs Sohel Taj was stopped from traveling abroad at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka while en route to the United States.

His sister, Mahjabin Ahmed Mimi, confirmed the incident, saying authorities prevented his departure on Wednesday. She declined to explain further, suggesting reporters “ask them directly” why he was stopped.

Airport security authorities confirmed that Taj was under a “travel restriction,” which barred him from leaving the country.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has assured the world that Bangladesh will never again revert to autocratic rule. Addressing the UN General Assembly, he said that democracy and reforms in Bangladesh will move forward sustainably through consensus across political lines.

“No force can now obstruct the reconstruction of a just state structure, earned through the people’s sacrifices,” he stated.

Yunus also revealed that preparations are underway to hold national elections in February next year. Alongside this, the interim government will continue reforms to strengthen transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. He affirmed that whichever party secures public support in the election, there will be no uncertainty in implementing reforms.

“Democracy in Bangladesh will never again be at risk,” Yunus emphasized.

Political tensions in Bihar are heating up ahead of the upcoming state election, with immigration becoming a flashpoint. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently accused Congress and the RJD of sheltering illegal migrants, warning that such infiltration posed a “demographic crisis” and threatened women’s safety.

In a sharp rebuttal, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi dismissed Modi’s claims, declaring:
“Modiji says there are Bangladeshis in Bihar. I say there are none in Bihar or in the border regions. But you do have a Bangladeshi sister in Delhi—send her back, and we’ll ensure the borders are secure.”

Owaisi’s pointed remark was a direct reference to fugitive former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is believed to be in India.

Meanwhile, the controversy has intensified over the revision of Bihar’s voter rolls. The Election Commission admitted to detecting some Nepali, Bangladeshi, and Myanmar nationals registered as voters. Opposition parties, however, argue this is a ploy to disenfranchise legitimate voters.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav slammed the ruling BJP, saying:
“Even if we assume there are infiltrators, what have you done all these years? You’ve been in power at the Center for 11 years and have ruled Bihar for two decades. Why raise the alarm now?”

BNP leader Barkatullah Bulu has warned that if religious fundamentalists come to power in Bangladesh, the country could descend into a state similar to Afghanistan or Syria, leaving its future deeply uncertain.

Speaking at an event in Begumganj Upazila and Chaumuhani Municipality, where financial aid and food were distributed to 26 Durga Puja pavilions, Bulu urged citizens to safeguard the spirit of secularism and honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters.

“The upcoming national election is a crucial moment,” he said. “To protect our future and build a non-communal Bangladesh, people must cast their votes wisely.”

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has extended greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja and called on authorities to ensure adequate security. He highlighted Bangladesh’s reputation as a global model for communal harmony, recalling international recognition, including praise from the Australian High Commissioner. “Durga Puja should further strengthen our bonds of tolerance and harmony,” he said, wishing peace and prosperity for all communities.