Environmental activist and adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called for political unity to combat illegal stone extraction. Speaking on Friday, she said, “No matter which government is in power, with people’s support, encroachment and looting can be stopped.”

She clarified that while stone extraction does not fall directly under her ministry, she has taken responsibility because of its environmental impact. Rizwana also revealed that dredging will be carried out on 17 kilometers of the Turag River.

The United States is reportedly considering a military operation targeting drug trafficking networks inside Venezuela, with President Donald Trump deploying F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico. Reports suggest at least 10 jets have been stationed at a Puerto Rican airbase. The potential strike could escalate tensions between Washington and Caracas. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro strongly condemned the plan, urging respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty and peace, but also emphasized that the country remains open to dialogue and diplomatic solutions.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the UN General Assembly starting September 23 in New York. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will deliver India’s address on his behalf. Analysts cite domestic priorities, election preparations, and growing confidence in India’s multilateral and bilateral diplomacy as reasons. While critics warn that Pakistan may exploit Modi’s absence on Kashmir issues, supporters see it as a sign of India’s strategic focus on regional and global alliances beyond the UN platform.

BJP has campaigned on the promise of “crime-free politics,” yet 136 of its 336 ministers face criminal charges, including serious offenses like murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault. Even allies have leaders with pending cases. At the state level, most ministers in Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, and Puducherry face charges. While opposition parties also have accused ministers, BJP’s majority in power draws the most public scrutiny, raising doubts about the sincerity of its crime-free politics pledge.

US President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that India and Russia have moved toward China after a summit hosted by President Xi Jinping in Tianjin. Trump shared a photo of Xi, Vladimir Putin, and Narendra Modi, expressing frustration over New Delhi and Moscow aligning with Beijing. India and China declined to comment, while the Kremlin was unreachable. Trump, who has criticized India’s trade practices and expressed disappointment with Putin, said he plans to speak with the Russian leader soon.

Abdullah Ibn Hanif Arian, contesting for the Science and Technology Secretary post in the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election, announced Saturday he is withdrawing his candidacy.

Citing poor health, academic pressure, and personal commitments, Abdullah said he could not continue campaigning. He pledged moral support to his friend and fellow candidate, Ahad Bin Islam Shoaib. Abdullah, recently elected president of Dhaka University’s IT Society, said he considers student-led clubs more impactful than partisan politics.

A religious procession in Chattogram marking Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) turned tragic Saturday when two participants died in a stampede. The deceased were identified as Saiful Islam (13) and Ayub Ali (60).

Police said both victims collapsed due to heat and were trampled in the crowd. The rally, organized by Anjuman-e-Rahmania Ahmadia Sunnia Trust, was led by Pakistani religious leader Pir Allama Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah. The procession began in the morning and was scheduled to conclude with prayers at Jameya Ahmadia Sunnia Alia Madrasa field.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has announced plans to restrict state medical aid (AME) for undocumented migrants, a move that could severely affect thousands of Bangladeshis living in France. The proposal includes excluding certain treatments, extending wait times for non-urgent care, and stricter financial checks. Humanitarian groups and doctors warn this may delay treatment, spread infectious diseases, and harm public health. Around 466,000 people currently rely on AME, costing about €1.2 billion annually—just 0.5% of France’s health budget.

Tension is mounting at Chittagong University (CU) after remarks by Jamaat leader and MP candidate for Chattogram-5, Sirajul Islam. Speaking Thursday evening in Jobra village, he claimed, “Chittagong University was built on our ancestral property. We are the landowners, and no one has the right to interfere with us. This university stands on our chest, and if it does not show us respect, we will mobilize the people to take necessary action.”

His comments enraged students, who view the remarks as provocative. Adding fuel to the debate, CU Shibir office secretary Habibullah Khaled said the recent clashes between students and locals stemmed from “misunderstandings,” and blamed “outsiders” for violence.

However, the CU branch of Islami Chhatra Shibir rejected both Sirajul’s comments and Khaled’s explanation, accusing local BNP student leaders of being directly involved in the clashes.

Pakistan’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, paid a courtesy call on BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

The meeting took place on Saturday morning at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing mutual cooperation between the two nations.

BNP leaders Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Shama Obaid were also present during the meeting.

Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan has said that while Bangladesh achieved freedom after 36 days of struggle in July, many aspirations of the people remain unfulfilled.

“Justice and reforms are still works in progress,” he said. “The process of ensuring accountability is underway and becoming increasingly visible. Reforms are advancing too. Meanwhile, the announcement of elections marks the third vital step. The interim government is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities.”

Adilur added that the July Museum at Ganabhaban in Dhaka will preserve memories of the struggle, the horrific experiences, and the marks of injustices faced. He noted that nationwide initiatives have been taken to preserve the graves of martyrs and ensure medical care for the injured, while memorials across the country stand as part of this effort.

Rising rice prices in Bangladesh are putting pressure on both food and overall inflation, with medium and coarse rice accounting for more than half of food inflation in July. Prices of potatoes, onions, and some vegetables have helped moderate inflation. However, farmers are facing losses due to not receiving fair prices. The government is trying to stabilize the market through reduced duties and low-tax rice imports. Although production exceeds demand by 4 million tons, market imbalances have kept potato prices below production costs, raising concerns for future cultivation.

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit concluded in Tianjin, China, with leaders including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China’s Xi Jinping, and Russia’s Vladimir Putin emphasizing regional peace, security, and economic cooperation for the Global South. The summit highlighted resolving border disputes, boosting trade, investment, and independent monetary systems to reduce reliance on foreign powers. Leaders stressed unity among developing nations to counter Western influence, strengthen multipolarity, and build a cooperative framework for sustainable growth and global stability.

The banned Awami League has been holding sudden rallies across Dhaka, including Tejgaon and Dhanmondi, with participation of over a thousand activists, sparking public concern over intelligence monitoring. Thirteen people, including former MP Saddam Hossain Pavel, were arrested for organizing rallies and providing financial support. Authorities have intensified surveillance, checkpoints, and directives to prevent future rallies, while ensuring involved individuals face legal action.

An international seminar in Delhi today reportedly aims to tarnish Bangladesh’s image and increase pressure on the caretaker government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Organized by a Delhi think tank, the event includes senior Indian military officials and four Bangladeshi participants known for pro-Awami League and anti-Bangladesh stances. Discussions will cover minority persecution, fundamentalism, secularism, and regional stability. Analysts warn India seeks to use this platform to influence Bangladesh’s politics and stress unity among July uprising supporters is crucial to counter these efforts.