A strong earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck Pakistan on Friday morning, with its epicenter in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush mountains. Tremors were felt across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Swat, Charsadda, Buner, Lower Dir, and Mardan, causing residents to rush outdoors in fear. Several aftershocks were reported in Khyber District’s Landikotal. Experts warned that the Hindu Kush region is earthquake-prone, and residents of mountainous areas expressed concern over potential further tremors. No immediate casualties have been reported.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has strongly criticized the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election process, calling it “neither fair nor legitimate.” He alleged widespread irregularities, including ballot papers being printed in Nilkhet, and accused the administration of ignoring complaints. Rizvi said the election was orchestrated to serve vested interests, warning that if such manipulation continues, the upcoming national polls will also be at risk. Selima Rahman added that although Sheikh Hasina was ousted, conspiracies are still ongoing.

Turkey and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on September 25 to enhance cooperation in the nuclear fuel sector. The agreement, part of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s White House visit, aims to deepen the longstanding multifaceted relationship between the two nations. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar emphasized that the strategic civilian nuclear cooperation will bring mutual benefits in the future. Top leaders from both countries attended the signing ceremony, highlighting the importance of this partnership.

US tech giant Microsoft has disabled certain cloud and AI services for an Israeli Ministry of Defense unit following claims of mass surveillance on Palestinians. The decision, based on internal reviews of records and communications, aims to prevent the use of Microsoft technology for monitoring civilians. Microsoft stressed it never accessed customer content, consulted IMOD before acting, and said the move won’t affect its cybersecurity work in Israel or regional cooperation under the Abraham Accords. Further details are expected soon.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he will not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank, stressing that such a move is unacceptable. Speaking ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s UN address, Trump noted that a deal on Gaza is “very close.” Global pressure is mounting on Israel to end the Gaza war and halt West Bank annexation, with the UK, Germany, and the UN warning of severe consequences. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged support for the French peace plan.

China has imposed sanctions on six American companies, accusing them of undermining its national security through military cooperation with Taiwan. Three firms—Sarinc Technologies, Aerocom, and Oceaneering International—were added to Beijing’s “unreliable entities list,” barring them from trade with China. Separately, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Planet Management Group, and Global Dimensions were placed on the export control list, preventing them from receiving dual-use goods. The move comes as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping prepare for a high-level meeting.

National Citizens’ Party (NCP) South Region Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah responded to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin’s statement on the Shapla symbol with a cryptic Facebook post, saying there was “no permission from above” and “no signal from the north.” The CEC earlier clarified that the Election Commission would not explain why parties were denied the Shapla symbol, stressing the decision was final and independent. He emphasized the EC works neutrally and not under external influence.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed that the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held in the first half of February, as declared by the Chief Adviser. His comments came amid controversy after the NCP was denied its lotus symbol. While some NCP leaders threatened to escalate political protests, Alam dismissed concerns: “What statements political leaders make is not our issue. The fact is—elections will take place in early February, and no conspiracy can prevent them.”

GOP leader Rashed Khan praised Dr. Muhammad Yunus for his rare simplicity, suggesting it could earn him a second Nobel Prize. He said Yunus openly shows affection for leaders he admires rather than hiding it, unlike others. Khan recalled how advisers sometimes remind Yunus to balance his affections, but Yunus responds with childlike sincerity. “His simplicity is unique in the world. If he wins another Nobel, it will be for this very quality,” Khan said.

BNP leader Rumeen Farhana has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of repeatedly making historic mistakes, recalling its participation alongside Sheikh Hasina in the controversial 1986 election that legitimized military dictatorship. She noted that until 1996, Jamaat also joined hands with Awami League in anti-BNP movements. Farhana further alleged that Jamaat activists, while banned from campuses, had successfully merged into Chhatra League to pursue politics, reaping benefits in Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University student elections.

Education Adviser Professor Dr. C.R. Abrar has said Bangladesh is advancing towards a biotechnology-driven future to ensure sustainable solutions in health, agriculture, and the environment. Speaking at a conference, he highlighted biotechnology’s potential in tackling climate change, food security, and healthcare challenges. Successes such as high-yield rice varieties, local COVID-19 test kits, and microbial waste management were cited. Dr. Abrar also proposed establishing a National Biotech Innovation Institute and a National Biotech Data Bank to accelerate progress.

NCP leader Sargis Alam has alleged that Sheikh Hasina personally called and thanked the man who threw eggs at Akhtar Hossain in the U.S. Writing on social media, he questioned: “How small-minded must someone be to act this way? What happens to a nation when such a person remains Prime Minister for 16 years?” He expressed gratitude that Bangladesh had been freed from what he described as Hasina’s vindictive and narrow-minded leadership.

Ganosamhati Andolon leader Zonayed Saki has stressed the urgent need for justice, reforms, and elections to safeguard democracy. Speaking on Friday, he warned that any obstruction in these areas would allow fascist forces to gain ground again. He accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of plundering the country and committing killings for 15 years, adding that justice must be ensured. He also called on the government to introduce a clear policy on the recruitment of drivers.

This year, 259 mandaps in Dhaka and 33,355 mandaps across Bangladesh will host Durga Puja celebrations, according to the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad (Central Puja Committee).

Committee President Jayanta Kumar Dey noted that the number of mandaps has grown significantly compared to last year’s 31,461. “This year, nearly 2,000 more mandaps will celebrate Durga Puja,” he said.

He, however, raised concerns over recent attacks on idols and temples in 13 districts during festival preparations. “Law enforcement responded swiftly, and most of the culprits have been arrested. Security forces remain on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents,” Dey added.

The Puja rituals will officially commence tomorrow, Saturday, September 27, with Bodhon, and conclude on October 2 with Bijoya Dashami. On the final day, starting from 3 PM, colorful processions will take place in Dhaka and across the country, marking the grand conclusion of the biggest festival for the Hindu community in Bangladesh.

Election Commissioner Anowarul Islam has assured that the ongoing movement demanding a proportional representation (PR) system by Jamaat-e-Islami and the dispute over the NCP’s electoral symbol will not hinder the upcoming parliamentary elections.

He emphasized that those involved in past electoral irregularities will not be entrusted with election duties this time. “The Election Commission is fully prepared to conduct the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. All preparations are underway strictly in line with existing laws,” he stated.

Highlighting the commission’s preventive measures, Anowarul said mobile teams, mobile courts, electoral inquiry and monitoring teams, along with a dedicated mobile app, will be deployed to ensure transparency. He also reassured that journalists will face no obstacles in carrying out their professional duties on election day.