Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session. Instead, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India and deliver the country’s address on September 27 in New York.

Earlier schedules had indicated that Modi would speak on September 26. Modi last visited the United States in February this year, where he held bilateral talks with then-President Donald Trump. However, ties between the two leaders soured soon after, with Trump imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods following India’s purchase of Russian energy.

This year’s UNGA session is expected to witness a landmark moment as several Western countries—including France, Canada, and Belgium—prepare to formally recognize Palestine as an independent state. In response, the United States has reportedly canceled Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s visa to block his participation.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a fiery attack on the ruling BJP from the state assembly floor, branding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the BJP as “thieves.”

Her remarks came in response to the central government’s recent notification allowing minorities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who entered India before December 31, 2024, to stay without valid documents. BJP has framed the decision as a humanitarian step, but Mamata questioned its legitimacy.

“Was this law discussed in Parliament? Did it go through a standing committee? How can such a major decision be taken unilaterally? This is nothing but BJP’s attempt to manipulate voter lists before elections,” she said, adding, “But BJP will not win. Others will remain in this seat. BJP will cease to exist here.”

As Mamata spoke, BJP legislators disrupted proceedings by throwing papers, prompting the Speaker to suspend four of them. The Chief Minister accused BJP of being “anti-Bengali,” while BJP members retaliated with slogans branding Mamata a thief—sparking her direct counterattack naming Modi and Amit Shah.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas visited Ganadhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Saturday afternoon around noon.

Nur’s health condition has reportedly deteriorated, prompting Ganadhikar Parishad leaders to call for his immediate transfer abroad for advanced treatment. Party General Secretary Md. Rashed Khan and other central leaders were also present at the hospital.

Applications for refugee and political asylum from Bangladeshis are rising sharply worldwide. In 2024, tens of thousands applied in Europe, North America, and Asia, with the UK, Italy, and Canada receiving the highest numbers. Drivers include political instability, economic uncertainty, climate impacts, and personal safety concerns. Many enter countries illegally, while skilled professionals also migrate for work. Experts warn the trend harms Bangladesh’s international image, with authorities considering stricter legal measures to curb illegal migration and asylum-seeking.

Police in Goaland, Rajbari have filed a sweeping case accusing between 3,000 and 3,500 unidentified individuals of attacking law enforcement, obstructing government duties, and vandalizing government property.

According to police sources, the incident erupted after Friday prayers when protesters under the banner of the “Iman Aqeedah Protection Committee” gathered at Ansar Club as pre-announced. After speeches, the crowd attempted to march toward a local shrine, but police and administration officials intervened.

The enraged demonstrators reportedly vandalized government vehicles, including those of the UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer), the Additional Superintendent of Police, and the Officer-in-Charge. At least five police officers and two members of the administration were injured by stone-pelting and physical assault.

The mob then stormed the home of Nurul Pagol and the shrine premises, vandalizing and setting fire. Shockingly, they even exhumed Nurul Pagol’s body and set it ablaze.

Goaland Police OC confirmed that those involved will be identified and arrested.

Fishermen in Kuakata are unable to go to sea due to an ice shortage, crucial for preserving their catch after deep-sea fishing. The price of ice has surged from 150 to 200–250 taka per can. Rough weather has forced over a thousand trawlers to seek shelter, increasing local demand. Limited production, power outages, and insufficient local supply have worsened the crisis, prompting traders to bring ice from nearby regions at higher costs, affecting the hilsa fishing season.

A grand Jashn-e-Julush was organized in Dhaka on Saturday to celebrate the holy occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH). The event was arranged by Anjuman-e-Rahmania Mainia Maizbhandaria, drawing thousands of devout Muslims from across the country to the Suhrawardy Udyan.

The gathering was graced by the presence of Hazrat Shahsufi Shahzada Syed Saifuddin Ahmad Al-Hasani, Chairman of Anjuman-e-Rahmania Mainia Maizbhandaria and custodian of Maizbhandar Darbar Sharif.

Following the assembly, the colorful procession moved through Doel Chattar, Shikkha Bhaban, and Kadam Foara, before returning to Suhrawardy Udyan, where it concluded with a Peace Assembly.

Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher emphasized the need for higher healthcare budget allocation and the expansion of public-private partnerships in Bangladesh. He urged private healthcare providers to focus on quality service rather than profit and explore ways to reduce treatment costs. Highlighting corruption and inefficiency in both public and private sectors, he called for digitized promotion systems for doctors, government-backed policy support, and dedicated research cells to identify gaps and improve healthcare delivery nationwide.

Muslims across the globe are commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with colorful processions, Qur’an recitations, and the soulful rendering of Hamd and Naat.

In Yemen’s capital Sana’a, massive crowds flooded the streets, turning the city into a sea of people. The occasion was marked with processions, collective recitations of Darood, and devotional songs. One participant remarked: “The Prophet (PBUH) always stood by the oppressed. Yemen’s people too are suffering, and this love is our tribute to him.”

The Prophet was born on the 12th of Rabiul Awal, 570 CE, a day Muslims believe he was sent as a mercy for all mankind. In Tunisia, celebrations featured traditional music accompanying processions of Naat recitals. Similar festivities also took place in Iraq, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and many other Muslim-majority countries.

Around 700,000 Bangladeshis travel abroad each year for medical treatment, spending $3.5 billion, highlighting gaps in the country’s healthcare system. The private sector plays a major role, as only 10% seek government services, while 68.5% of healthcare costs are out-of-pocket. Experts emphasize expanding primary healthcare, leveraging public-private partnerships, and strengthening government oversight. Investment in local pharmaceuticals, community-based services, and cross-sector collaboration is crucial to achieve universal health coverage, reduce poverty from medical expenses, and ensure equitable, cost-effective care.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused vested quarters of creating divisions in the name of religion through various fatwas. Speaking on Saturday, he said:

“Demolishing shrines and burning bodies is not part of the Prophet’s teachings. What we are witnessing is sheer anarchy. There seems to be an international conspiracy behind the unrest targeting the Tauhidi masses. Just as Sheikh Hasina conspired to tarnish the nation’s image during BNP’s rule, the interim government must investigate whether similar conspiracies are being hatched again.”

Rizvi further alleged that plots were being orchestrated from within the country itself. “Even during Pakistan’s rule, we never heard of attacks on shrines or cremation of bodies. Why has such chaos suddenly escalated in Bangladesh?” he questioned.

In Bandarban, goods-carrying vehicles and boats face tolls at 20 approved points, but some leaseholders charge several times the official rate. Three unauthorized toll points also operate, forcing traders to raise prices, burdening consumers. Local authorities report unpaid auction revenues and misallocation of funds meant for District, Upazila, and Union Parishads. Traders say Kaichtali toll point collects far more than regulated amounts. Officials promise to deposit due funds and shut unauthorized points, aiming to control rising product costs.

In Khulna, coastal farmers are earning extra income by cultivating watermelons along fish pond banks year-round. Traditionally a summer fruit, off-season watermelon cultivation now covers 966 hectares, with an estimated production of 30,900 tons. Trellis farming reduces irrigation needs and pest attacks, while high demand ensures good prices, 1,200–1,900 Taka per mon. With proper seeds, pest control, and government support, this practice could significantly strengthen the region’s agricultural economy, turning previously idle land into profitable farmland.

Residents and business owners in Malibagh staged a human chain and protest march from Mouchak to Malibagh Railgate to demand the arrest of the main perpetrators behind an attack on Sohag Transport’s counter and the owners’ homes.

Speakers condemned the violent incident as shocking and noted that, despite media evidence, authorities have yet to take action. The protestors called for immediate arrest and exemplary punishment for the attackers, warning that failure to act could trigger further public demonstrations. Reports suggest BNP-affiliated activists were involved, with one individual expelled from the party.

In Cox’s Bazar, an eviction drive along the Bankkhali River sparked protests yesterday when encroachers and their supporters blocked roads, burned tires, and vandalized an excavator. Hundreds demanded a halt to the operation, citing their homes and land. The district administration and BWTA were forced to pause the drive. Authorities say over 400 illegal structures have been removed and around 60 acres of riverbank recovered, following a High Court directive to clear encroachments and control pollution.