Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher revealed that visa complications prevented him and other political leaders from joining the Chief Adviser’s motorcade during a recent trip.
Speaking in an interview with journalist Khaled Muhiuddin on Thikana, Taher explained: “The Chief Adviser’s team held G-1 visas, while ours were regular tourist visas requiring fingerprint clearance. This communication gap forced us to walk to immigration, even as the Chief Adviser waited over 10 minutes.”
Taher also addressed the airport egg-throwing incident, saying he was nearby but unaware until later. He noted tensions among supporters during the event, which led to some embarrassing moments.

Maulana Mamunur Rashid, known as the “July Fighter,” has been missing for over three days, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said in a statement.
“The family is in deep anxiety. His whereabouts must be identified and he should be returned home without delay,” Rahman urged, adding that although the family contacted authorities, the response from law enforcement has been unclear.

The Indian government has introduced new regulations to control rice exports to Bangladesh. From now on, non-basmati rice exports will only be allowed upon registering export contracts with India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The directive applies to all new letters of credit (LCs), excluding those already backed by tenders.
Bangladeshi rice importer Dinesh Poddar noted that the new policy may slow down import procedures and increase costs, which could lead to higher retail rice prices in Bangladesh.

Police have alleged that Mozammel Haque, president of the Bangabandhu Foundation, financed the egg attack on NCP leader Akhtar Hossain.

On Thursday, investigators sought a 10-day remand for former MP Kabirul Haque Mukti and Mozammel Haque in connection with a Gulshan anti-terror case.

According to IO Abdus Salam, Mozammel transferred money via bKash to fund the New York attack. “They are engaged in activities to destabilize the country and disrupt law and order,” he said.

Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk added: “The accused operated WhatsApp and Messenger groups to coordinate anti-government activities. Mukti played a behind-the-scenes role. Police have been monitoring them and arrested them after identification.”

Jamaat leader Shafiqul Islam Masud has warned that no political party can shield the Awami League from public outrage.

“The people will not allow the Awami League to create chaos after looting for 15 years and fleeing abroad. If law enforcement fails, the public will rise up, and the consequences for Awami League will be dire,” Masud said.

He urged the government to complete national elections in February under a PR-based system, with July’s accord providing legal grounds for justice.

Masud also blamed Awami affiliates at Bangladesh’s New York mission for enabling attacks on opposition leaders abroad. He demanded a ban on the Awami League and its 14-party allies, calling them “a threat to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.”

Battery-powered rickshaw drivers, owners, and workers staged demonstrations in Sylhet on Thursday demanding permits to operate legally.

Gathering at Chowhatta Alia Madrasa grounds, protesters marched toward the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Along the way, some agitated workers vandalized vehicles, including a city corporation car, and threw bricks at Nagar Bhaban, escalating tensions.

Chanting slogans like “Give us permits” and “Don’t starve the poor,” they later submitted a memorandum demanding approval for their livelihoods.

Police, however, continue crackdowns on unauthorized vehicles, with more than 100 seized in the last three days. Drivers allege they are being left destitute without permits, urging authorities to reconsider.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said India’s dissatisfaction with last year’s student-led uprising has strained bilateral ties.

Speaking to U.S. South and Central Asia envoy Sergio Gore, Yunus claimed Indian media spread “false propaganda” portraying the mass protests as an Islamist movement. “Many fake reports came from India, worsening the situation,” he added.

Yunus also noted: “India gave shelter to Sheikh Hasina, who is creating problems. This has further fueled tensions between the two countries. Because of India, SAARC remains stalled.”

He expressed interest in Bangladesh joining ASEAN as an alternative regional bloc.

Ahead of Durga Puja, GOP leader Rashed Khan has called for installing CCTV cameras in temples to ensure security.

He warned that “defeated forces and hidden fascist elements” may attempt attacks or idol vandalism. “The government must provide adequate protection, while political parties and citizens must remain vigilant,” he said.

Khan further cautioned against conspiracies aiming to incite communal tensions. “Bangladesh must never fall into the trap of religious conflict. We must uphold harmony and move forward together,” he stressed.

The government is borrowing $1.06 billion under stringent repayment terms to fund seven major projects.

At a recent ERD meeting chaired by the finance adviser, ministries presented 36 foreign loan-dependent projects, including those tied to Chinese funding. Of these, seven received preliminary approval despite being classified as “hard-term loans” with higher, market-based interest rates and shorter grace periods.

Officials noted such loans are often unavoidable, particularly for vital imports and energy infrastructure, where concessional loans are unavailable. With easy credit from institutions like the World Bank and ADB declining, Bangladesh is increasingly turning to costlier borrowing options.

After officials, teachers at Rajshahi University have also withdrawn their ongoing shutdown program.

The decision came Thursday afternoon following verbal assurances from the vice-chancellor. Teachers stated they want to restore academic activities and prepare for a proper RUCSU election. However, they demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in recent incidents of harassment.

A day earlier, RU Officers’ Association also suspended their strike for seven working days based on administrative assurances, warning of stricter programs if demands remain unmet.

The Ministry of Tourism has announced that Saint Martin’s Island will reopen for visitors starting November 1.

Secretary Nasreen Jahan said a daily quota of 2,000 tourists will be allowed. However, for the first two months, visitors will only be permitted day trips. Overnight stays will be allowed in January and February.

Tourism and Aviation Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin added that a new tourism policy is underway to ensure sustainable growth. On Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal, he said: “The government has invested Tk 21,000 crore. We are working relentlessly to launch it as soon as possible.”

Political leader Fazlur Rahman has strongly rejected the idea of holding elections under Muhammad Yunus, insisting instead on a three-month caretaker government to oversee fair polls.

“I don’t believe—at least 90 percent sure—that elections will take place in February, though my party still believes so,” Rahman told supporters. He accused Yunus of building a “political dice” favoring Jamaat-e-Islami, claiming Yunus uses his inner circle to dictate leadership decisions.

“His press secretary has already declared who will be the next prime minister. This is unacceptable,” Fazlu said, alleging “night-time relations” between Jamaat and Yunus’ camp.

Rahman concluded: “We want elections only under a legally formed caretaker government. With its advisers, it should deliver a fair election within 120 days.”

The Rangpur Metropolitan branch of Bagchas has suspended the organizational membership of its convener, Imtiaz Ahmed Imti, after allegations surfaced that he assaulted students.

According to Mahfuzur Rahman, the joint office secretary, the suspension was enforced under the organization’s constitution. A three-member probe committee has been formed to investigate the matter and instructed to submit a neutral and comprehensive report within 72 hours to central leaders Abu Bakar Mojumdar and Zahid Ahsan.

Imti is accused of storming into a classroom at Harati High School on September 4 and beating more than 50 students. He also serves as the president of the school’s ad-hoc committee. A guardian later filed a general diary with police, but the incident only came to light on Tuesday after victims failed to receive legal remedies.

In his defense, Imti admitted to scolding students, claiming it was for their betterment. “I have been working hard for six months to ensure the children achieve good results. Ninety-five percent of students have no complaints. The matter has been exaggerated and already resolved,” he said, urging others to view it with forgiveness.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmad warned that conducting elections under a proportional representation (PR) system could produce another authoritarian or weak government like Sheikh Hasina’s, leaving the country permanently unstable. He argued that one motive for pushing PR is to win more seats, and another is to create disunity and instability so no single majority party can govern. Salahuddin said PR benefits less-popular parties and stressed that the constitution clearly prescribes direct election of representatives. He urged Jamaat to consult the constitution before advocating changes, and said unconstitutional or unlawful demands from any party cannot be accepted. He cautioned that public opinion surveys are being misinterpreted — noting that while many people may not understand PR, claims that 70 percent favor it are misleading.

Chief Election Commissioner A. M. M. Nasir Uddin said the Shapla (water lily) symbol was first requested by Nagorik Oikyot but was not allotted to them; later the NCP sought the Shapla, but the symbol has not been granted to anyone. The CEC dismissed claims that he viewed a statement by NCP leader Sarjis Alam as a threat, saying politicians often make many remarks and the election administration will continue its duties. He pledged to use maximum effort to ensure a level playing field for elections and reiterated that preparations for a February poll are well underway. According to the constitution and RPO, proportional representation (PR) voting is not currently permitted; adopting PR would require constitutional and RPO changes. The CEC said a decision on registration of new political parties will be made within days as verification continues.