U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone for 90 minutes, agreeing to meet in South Korea next month. Trump described the talk as constructive and praised Xi’s cooperation. He said he would visit China next year, followed by Xi’s U.S. trip. The leaders are expected to discuss TikTok ownership and trade. Recently, Washington and Beijing reached a preliminary deal allowing U.S. investors to hold at least 80% of TikTok shares, ensuring its operations in America.

BNP leader Ahmed Azam Khan has accused those agitating over proportional representation (PR) and attempting to disrupt the upcoming February 2026 general election of being “dark forces working against the country’s democratic interests.”

“These groups are dragging the nation back toward fascism,” Azam said, urging citizens to remain vigilant. He questioned why political parties are even debating whether the election will be held in February 2026, emphasizing that holding elections on time is crucial for democracy.

Azam pointed out that when discussions were held in the consensus commission, PR was not raised as a priority issue for the national parliamentary elections—only a handful of parties in the Upper House had made the demand. “The BNP’s position is clear: the nation is not prepared for PR at this stage. It requires time.”

He warned that without elections, Bangladesh cannot progress on its democratic path. “We call on all parties to come to the electoral field, refrain from disruptive politics, and prove their patriotism,” he said.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General Redwan Ahmed sharply accused Jamaat-e-Islami of consistently working against Bangladesh’s peace, order and sovereignty. Speaking at a party event, Redwan said historical evidence shows Jamaat’s opposition to nationhood: “During the partition of India, Maulana Maududi opposed the creation of Pakistan. During our Liberation War, Ghulam Azam opposed the creation of Bangladesh.”

He accused Jamaat of now raising “unrealistic” demands for proportional representation (PR) to obstruct the upcoming national election, and suggested the party has never sought the country’s welfare. “They once took up arms on the side of Pakistani invaders against freedom fighters,” Redwan said.

Redwan also claimed external influence is undermining Bangladesh’s democracy. “With India’s support, Sheikh Hasina has been able to suppress democracy here,” he said, while stressing that historical friendship with India — born from solidarity during the independence movement — should not come at the cost of Bangladesh’s sovereignty. “We want friendship, but not by surrendering our independence and sovereignty.”

A cyberattack on Collins Aerospace, a provider of check-in and boarding systems, disrupted operations at major European airports including London’s Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin on September 20. Automated systems went offline, causing flight delays and cancellations. Airports implemented manual check-in and boarding procedures while the provider works to resolve the issue. Frankfurt and Zurich airports were reportedly unaffected. Passengers are advised to confirm flight status with airlines before traveling.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, has slammed recent statements suggesting that elections would not be allowed unless proportional representation (PR) is implemented, calling them “echoes of Sheikh Hasina-style authoritarian rhetoric.”

He argued that before the next election, people expect to see visible reforms in the justice system, yet the interim government has shown little progress beyond lofty promises. “The July Charter remains trapped in table discussions,” he said.

Terming the February national election a crucial milestone for Bangladesh’s democratic transition, Saiful warned that pushing narrow party agendas could derail necessary reforms. If the election is obstructed, he cautioned, the country’s fragile state could deteriorate further, with social unrest spiraling into political chaos.

“Political competition must not be dragged onto the streets,” he added.

Bangladesh has launched the Dredging and Dredged Material Management Policy, 2025, mandating that all river, canal, haor, and waterbody excavation use government-approved dredgers. The policy aims to protect river flows, wetlands, agricultural land, and biodiversity while supporting fisheries, irrigation, and navigation. Environmental impact assessments and a “Dredging Master Plan” are required before operations. Unauthorized dredging is prohibited, particularly in environmentally sensitive or erosion-prone areas, and coordination among relevant authorities is emphasized to restore river channels and manage dredged materials sustainably.

Foreign Secretary Dr. Mohammad Nazrul Islam has stressed that resolving the Rohingya crisis is a national responsibility and an integral part of Bangladesh’s foreign policy. He noted that blaming only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the lack of resolution would be “unfair.”

Speaking on the issue, Dr. Islam highlighted that the prolonged crisis is discouraging foreign investment in areas such as Cox’s Bazar and Maheshkhali. He underscored the importance of the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting, where Bangladesh will continue to press for a peaceful, non-confrontational solution.

Other speakers at the discussion emphasized that geopolitical willpower remains the most critical factor in resolving the crisis. They noted that not only Bangladesh but also other regional and global players must take active roles in addressing the issue.

Abidul Islam Khan, joint secretary of the Dhaka University unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), has said that allegations surrounding the recent Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election must be addressed by the administration and Election Commission.

“If they fail to ensure proper accountability, there is every possibility of a fresh election—and we will fight for it,” Abid declared.

He pointed out that unlike in past years, JCD refrained from violent protests after the results, choosing instead to remain patient. “We have tried to introduce a new political culture in Bangladesh’s student politics,” he said, though he criticized what he called a “web of manipulation” during the voting process.

Abid concluded that the outcome should not be seen as a defeat, but as a sign that an “invisible political force” is asserting dominance across universities.

The Bank of England has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 4 percent, ending a series of five consecutive cuts since August last year. The central bank highlighted that inflationary pressures have eased, supported by tight monetary policy, though wage growth remains a key factor. The UK economy is growing slowly, with some labor market slack and spare capacity. Future monetary policy adjustments will depend on the underlying trend of inflation to achieve the 2 percent medium-term target.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has asserted that his party’s journey has been built on struggle, not privilege. Speaking at a triennial conference in Kishoreganj, he said, “BNP has faced conspiracies and false propaganda, but it has always given its best for Bangladesh.”

Fakhrul assured party activists there was no reason to fear: “BNP never bowed its head. Tarique Rahman will continue the vision of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia to rebuild Bangladesh.”

He added, “Even those who were newborns during independence, or opposed it, now criticize us. Like the phoenix, BNP has risen again and again despite attempts to destroy it. Those who tried to break us with killings and disappearances have fled the country.”

The UK, France, and other Western states plan to formally recognize Palestine, potentially at the upcoming UN General Assembly. Nearly 75% of UN members already do so, but the move remains largely symbolic since Palestine lacks defined borders and full sovereignty. Israel and the U.S. strongly oppose the initiative, calling it a reward for terrorism. Supporters argue it could revive the two-state solution and pressure Israel amid the Gaza humanitarian crisis and growing global outrage.

A U.S. federal judge has dismissed Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, publisher Penguin, and two reporters, calling it overly long, insulting, and procedurally flawed. The complaint, stretching 85 pages with just two defamation claims, was deemed inappropriate. Trump alleged the defendants acted as Democratic mouthpieces and published false claims about his business, education, and family wealth. The judge allowed him 28 days to refile. The Times dismissed the suit as intimidation of the press.

At least 78 people were killed and 20 others injured when a drone strike hit a mosque in Sudan’s El-Fasher city, escalating the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The RSF, which has been locked in a brutal power struggle with the army for over two years, has recently intensified efforts to seize El-Fasher. Reports also emerged of attacks on nearby displacement camps, much of which are now under RSF control.

The UN has warned that the conflict is increasingly taking on ethnic dimensions, with the RSF accused of targeting non-Arab communities in areas under its control—allegations the group has consistently denied.

BNP leader Nilufar Chowdhury Moni has claimed that the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, not the ruling party’s student front, was behind the brutal killing of BUET student Abrar Fahad.

Speaking at a discussion, she alleged that “Shibir members disguised as the so-called ‘Helmet Brigade’” carried out the attack. “People used to call them Chhatra League, but they were actually Shibir, hiding their identity,” she said.

Nilufar argued that the involvement of lawyer Shishir Monir—defending the accused—proves who orchestrated the crime. “Abrar was beaten to death by the Helmet Brigade, by Shibir operatives,” she concluded, accusing the government of being surrounded by Jamaat influence.

The Trump administration has approved a $6.4 billion arms package for Israel, including 30 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and 3,250 infantry assault vehicles.

According to U.S. officials, the helicopters are valued at $3.8 billion, while the vehicles are priced at $1.9 billion. An additional $700 million has been allocated for spare parts and ammunition.

The deal comes as Israeli forces, under Prime Minister Netanyahu’s orders, intensify their ground operations to seize full control of Gaza. Analysts believe the new weaponry will be used in the ongoing offensive.

Meanwhile, France and Saudi Arabia have called for an international conference in New York on September 22 to push for recognition of Palestine as an independent state.