Rising U.S. inflation, debt concerns, and uncertainty over Trump’s tariff policy are rattling global markets. Analysts warn that aggressive tariffs and political pressure on the Fed could destabilize growth while pushing up long-term bond yields. Yields on U.S., UK, France, and Japan bonds have surged, prompting investors to shift toward gold, which hit a record $3,578 per ounce. Experts caution that fiscal deficits, inflation, and weak investor confidence may deepen volatility, leading to further sell-offs in government bonds worldwide.

The Jatiya Chhatra Students’ Union (JAKSU) is grappling with a major shortage of candidates at the hall-level parliamentary elections, with the Election Commission unable to find nominees for 63 positions. Over 100 posts are expected to be filled without any competition.

Most of the unfilled positions are in women’s halls, with candidates citing fears of cyberbullying as a key reason for low participation. Amid concerns over voter enthusiasm, the Election Commission’s Secretary has stated that overall turnout will not necessarily be impacted by the shortage of candidates.

Approximately 12,000 students are eligible to vote in the JAKSU elections. Of the 315 posts across 21 halls, 165 will see no contest. Among female students, five vice-presidential positions in 10 residential halls remain uncontested, while at least six posts across 11 male halls lack multiple candidates. Allegations have also emerged of violations of election codes, including distribution of gifts to voters. AGS candidate Sohagi Samia has reportedly been a victim of cyberbullying.

The University of Chittagong will resume all academic activities, including classes and exams, from Sunday, following a weeklong suspension due to violent clashes between students and locals. The acting registrar confirmed that teaching will continue in person, rejecting rumors of online classes. The unrest erupted last Saturday night after allegations of an assault on a female student, leaving at least 500 injured, including senior university officials. Authorities have urged all departments to take necessary preparations for normal operations.

Bangladesh now has the highest rate of default loans in Asia, according to the latest report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The report reveals that in 2024, a staggering 20.2% of all disbursed loans in Bangladesh turned into defaults, amounting to $20.27 billion—an alarming 28% increase compared to the previous year. The ADB has labeled Bangladesh as having the “weakest banking system in Asia.”

Within just one year, the country’s default loan ratio jumped by 11.2 percentage points, while neighboring countries like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka managed to reduce their bad loan proportions. Nepal saw only a slight increase of 0.9%.

Highlighting India’s case, the report notes that large-scale banking reforms helped bring its non-performing loans down from 3.4% to 2.5%.

The ADB advised Bangladesh to urgently adopt strict legislation, strengthen financial markets, implement swift policy actions, modernize the judicial system, and ensure transparency and investor confidence. Only then, it warned, can the mounting loan default crisis be brought under control.

Ahead of Durga Puja, West Bengal’s fish markets are flooded with hilsa from Gujarat, with nearly 4,000 tons arriving in just six weeks. Traditionally, hilsa from Bangladesh’s Padma and Meghna rivers are prized for their unique aroma and sweetness, but supply remains uncertain. Experts and traders say Gujarat’s catch lacks that signature flavor. With Odisha’s catch limited and juveniles still being sold illegally in local markets, Bengalis are reluctantly turning to less flavorful alternatives.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mujibur Rahman has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, describing her rule as “the darkest chapter in Bangladesh’s history.”

Speaking at a recent program, he alleged that during Hasina’s 15 years in power, hundreds of people have been killed, abducted, and subjected to oppression, with no accountability. He further accused the government of tailoring laws to suit its own agenda, while repealing those that did not serve its interests.

Highlighting the need for honest leadership, Mujibur Rahman stated:

“The foundation of a modern and welfare-oriented state lies in establishing honest leadership. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the embodiment of such leadership. His noble ideals must be our guiding principle, and his governance model should serve as our roadmap.”

He emphasized that true national welfare can only be achieved by adhering to the statecraft of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whom he described as the architect of the most advanced system of governance for all times. According to him, the divine principles by which the Prophet governed remain the ultimate framework for just leadership and state management.

Hilsa harvest has fallen sharply this year, with a 38–48% decline compared to 2023, according to Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. She cited river pollution, climate change, and harmful fishing practices by non-fishermen as key reasons. Speaking at the International Conference on Sustainable Fisheries at Sylhet Agricultural University, she stressed integrated development of fisheries, agriculture, and livestock. Over 600 experts from home and abroad attended the event, which highlighted innovative solutions for resilient fisheries and aquaculture.

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has credited late finance minister Saifur Rahman with saving Bangladesh’s economy by introducing the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Speaking at a memorial marking Saifur Rahman’s 16th death anniversary, Moin said, “Today, no government can survive without VAT. Yet the Awami League, then in opposition, bitterly opposed it.”

He praised Saifur Rahman as a visionary economist and skilled manager who not only restructured Bangladesh’s economy but also laid the foundation for long-term financial sustainability.

The Gono Odhikar Parishad staged a solidarity rally demanding a ban on Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance, accusing them of propping up Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian rule.

At least 30 anti-fascist parties — including BNP, Jamaat, Islami Andolon, NCP, JSD, and Gonosonghoti Andolon — expressed support. Leaders denounced Jatiya Party as an “Indian proxy” conspiring to destabilize the country, and called for cancellation of its registration.

Speakers also demanded punishment for attacks on Nurul Haque Nur and other opposition activists, as well as the Home Adviser’s resignation. Leaders urged opposition groups to strengthen unity against fascism.

Hefazat-e-Islam has denounced the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education’s new recruitment policy that favors music teachers over religious instructors, branding it an “anti-Islamic agenda.”

In a statement, the group warned of street protests if the policy is not withdrawn. Hefazat argued that music is prohibited in Islam and should not be imposed in primary education without Muslim parents’ consent.

The statement further alleged that “NGO-backed conspirators” were exploiting the interim government’s weakness to push “de-Islamization projects,” including LGBT and music curricula, echoing similar agendas from the Awami League era.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher has announced plans to form a broad coalition of like-minded parties ahead of the next national election, united under the “July spirit.”

He claimed that Islamic parties and scholars across the country are rallying to the cause, predicting the alliance would become more visible as elections near. According to Taher, Jamaat’s popularity is growing while that of its rivals is declining.

“The people want free, fair, and festive elections — not manipulated, imposed ones,” he said, framing the polls as a decisive contest against corruption, foreign dominance, and authoritarianism.

The Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) has demanded the resignation of the Home Adviser, blaming him for failing to prevent the recent attack on party convener Nurul Haque Nur. GOP leaders warned of besieging the Secretariat if their demand is ignored.

Rashed Khan, a senior GOP leader, accused ruling party affiliates of orchestrating the attack and demanded stern action against perpetrators within state agencies. BNP’s Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel also declared Sheikh Hasina’s political chapter “closed,” insisting her allies, including Jatiya Party, must also face justice.

Jamaat leader Shafiqul Islam Masud questioned how authorities that failed to protect Nur could guarantee voters’ safety during upcoming elections.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has hailed Tarique Rahman as the chief architect of the July-August mass movement that, he said, played a pivotal role in ending Sheikh Hasina’s “bloodthirsty fascist rule.”

Speaking to reporters, Rizvi argued that the Awami League had aligned itself with “India-centric politics,” while BNP stood firmly for “Bangladesh’s interests.” He accused pro-government groups of running smear campaigns, tagging and cyberbullying BNP supporters, but vowed that no conspiracy could defeat the people’s will.

Political commentator and adviser Asif Nazrul has written an emotional account recalling his experiences with former RAB magistrate-turned-bureaucrat Sarwar Alam.

Nazrul described how Sarwar, once celebrated for his bold anti-corruption drives, was sidelined by powerful vested interests and later transferred to a low-profile post. Despite his professionalism, he too faced smear campaigns online.

“Baseless rumors are spread about me every day. But even Sarwar, a man far removed from politics, was not spared such malicious attempts. I couldn’t shield him from that completely, and it pains me still,” Nazrul wrote.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum on Friday visited students of Chattogram University who were critically injured in recent clashes with local villagers. At Parkview Hospital, she met the patients, spoke with doctors about their treatment progress, and wished them a speedy recovery.

Hospital Managing Director Rezaul Karim confirmed her visit, noting that the adviser reassured families of government support and urged continued quality care for the victims.