Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen held a courtesy meeting with Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami. The meeting was attended by Zhang Jing, Director of the Political Section of the Chinese Embassy, as well as Jamaat leaders Mia Golam Parwar, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, and Mahmudul Hasan.

During the discussion, both sides engaged in candid talks on issues of mutual interest. They expressed optimism that in the coming days, the economic, political, commercial, diplomatic, and friendly relations between the two countries would be further strengthened, along with continued progress in bilateral development.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has praised Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for his leadership in steering Bangladesh’s economic reforms. During a videoconference, she commended Bangladesh’s adoption of a market-based exchange rate and efforts to restore foreign reserves, describing them as “bold steps that have given new momentum to the economy.”

Yunus thanked Georgieva for IMF’s support during challenging times and reassured her that credible elections will be held on schedule in February—before the holy month of Ramadan. “Once the elections are complete, I will return to my previous work,” Yunus stated.

Georgieva stressed the importance of banking sector reforms and boosting domestic revenue. Yunus also highlighted Bangladesh’s youth initiatives and referenced Nepal’s youth movements and the nation’s aspiration to join ASEAN.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Tracy Ann Jacobson has visited the ongoing joint military exercise ‘Operation Pacific Angel 25-3’, involving the Bangladesh Air Force and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces.

She inspected the drill at Chattogram’s BAF Zahurul Haque Base on Tuesday and exchanged greetings with air force personnel from both nations, according to ISPR.

The seven-day exercise, running until September 18, includes Bangladesh’s C-130J transport aircraft, an MI-17 helicopter, two C-130J transport aircraft from the U.S., 150 Bangladeshi personnel, and 92 U.S. participants.

Religious Affairs Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain has assured that the ministry will work closely with Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAB) and others to reduce airfare for the upcoming Hajj season. He added that support from the Chief Adviser will be sought if required.

“If elections are held in February, I will return to my old position, but before that, I want to establish a good management framework for the next government,” he said.

The adviser also stated that if Saudi authorities permit, Bangladesh is interested in developing residential facilities for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Md. Mezboul Haque, former Spokesperson and Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, resigned citing personal reasons after coming under pressure following the fall of the Awami League government. He faces allegations of involvement in reserve theft and irregularities in Nagad. Mezboul was promoted to Executive Director in December 2022, the same day he was assigned the role of spokesperson. He is also known to be a close associate of Sajeeb Wazed Joy and, through this connection, was involved in various digital transaction initiatives during the Awami League government. After the popular uprising, Mezboul was transferred from the headquarters to the Rajshahi office of Bangladesh Bank.

Bangladesh is purchasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S.-based company Excelerate Energy to meet the country’s energy demands, Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated. He emphasized that the decision is based on national requirements, not personal connections, despite former ambassador Peter Haas’s association with the company. Dr. Ahmed also clarified that importing wheat from the U.S. at higher prices to reduce the trade deficit will not affect consumers, and allegations of corruption in urea imports are under ministry investigation.

A CNN report reveals that most U.S. military personnel lack the necessary skills to operate drones effectively in combat. While the U.S. excels in advanced military equipment, it remains unprepared for modern drone-based warfare. Russia and China have far greater drone production capabilities. In response, former President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed faster development, testing, and deployment of drones, alongside strengthening counter-drone defense systems, to maintain a competitive edge in modern warfare technology.

Russia has displayed its advanced Iskander missile system during a joint military exercise with Belarus in the Kaliningrad region near the Baltic Sea. The drill included an electronic launch test of the missile, which can carry nuclear and conventional warheads with a range of up to 500 kilometers. First deployed in Belarus in December 2022, the Iskander has been used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, raising security concerns for Ukraine and Eastern European nations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking at the Arab-Islamic summit in Doha, condemned Israel’s attack on Hamas negotiators in Qatar, calling it an escalation of “banditry.” He accused Netanyahu’s government of pursuing genocide and regional destabilization, urged tougher sanctions, and called for using international law to hold Israeli officials accountable. Erdoğan reaffirmed support for Qatar, promised to share defense capabilities with allies, and pledged Turkey’s continued struggle for a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Hamas leaders would not escape Israeli retaliation, regardless of location, following an airstrike in Qatar that killed six but missed senior Hamas figures. Speaking in Jerusalem alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu defended Israel’s right to act beyond its borders. The attack drew global criticism, including from President Donald Trump, who assured Qatar no further strikes would occur. Netanyahu confirmed Israel acted alone, while Rubio stressed Washington’s strong Gulf ties.

The Student Rights Council has filed a case naming Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader as the prime accused in connection with an attack on a rally organized by Gan Adhikar Parishad.

The case, lodged at Ramna Model Police Station by Akhtaruzzaman Samrat Majhi, also names Jatiya Party Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, leader Haji Saifuddin Ahmed Milan, and 16 others. Over 100 unidentified activists have also been accused.

The incident stems from violent clashes on August 29 between Jatiya Party supporters and members of Gan Adhikar Parishad.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has, for the first time, acknowledged that Israel is becoming internationally isolated due to the Gaza war and his government’s far-right stance. Speaking at a Finance Ministry conference, he said the country must adapt to a self-reliant economy and reduce dependence on foreign arms. The UK, Spain, and Canada have already halted weapons exports, while several nations plan to recognize Palestine. Opposition leader Yair Lapid blamed Netanyahu’s failed policies for deepening Israel’s isolation.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain confirmed that Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly remains valid and clarified that the country is not competing against Palestine.

“Four years ago, we announced our candidacy, when Cyprus was the expected contender. Palestine joined much later. This does not place us in direct confrontation,” he explained.

Touhid Hossain condemned Israel’s actions against peace negotiators, calling it “heinous,” and expressed solidarity with Qatar after attending an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged Bangladesh to take precautionary measures to address risks and challenges following its graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category.

He warned that the economy and people’s livelihoods may come under strain, with the garment sector particularly vulnerable. Post-graduation, Bangladesh will lose access to WTO trade benefits and subsidies, likely driving up the price of essential medicines.

“To remain competitive, the country must boost productivity, strengthen trade logistics, and invest in modern infrastructure,” he wrote, emphasizing urgent action to protect businesses amid shrinking reserves and rising debt.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has announced that any individuals proven to be falsely listed as July Fighters or Martyrs will be removed from official records, with legal action to follow.

The ministry noted recent media reports alleging inclusion of fake names. It confirmed that names already verified as false have been deleted and fresh gazettes issued. The July Uprising Directorate is now re-verifying all names exposed in the media.

“If proven fake, those names will be struck off the list, new gazettes will be issued, and legal measures will be taken,” the ministry said.