U.S. President Donald Trump said the responsibility for reaching a ceasefire deal now lies with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump revealed plans for a three-way summit with Zelensky and Putin. While no agreement was reached, Trump described the talks as successful, noting consensus on territorial compromises and U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine. He praised Putin as “strong” yet tough, stressing that Ukraine must agree. His advice to Zelensky: “You must make a deal.”

Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony and peaceful coexistence among all communities in Bangladesh. Speaking during the inauguration of the Janmashtami procession at Palashi Mor, he extended his greetings to followers of the Sanatan Dharma.

General Waker said, “In Bangladesh, whether Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, or members of hill and Bengali communities, we live together in harmony. On this day, we pledge to continue fostering this spirit of cordiality and ensure that we coexist peacefully in our country.”

He assured that law enforcement agencies are deployed across the nation and pledged the military’s support for public safety. “Together, we will share the joy of this festival,” he added. He also hoped that Lord Krishna’s ideals would inspire everyone on Janmashtami. The ceremony concluded with the three service chiefs lighting ceremonial lamps, officially marking the start of the celebrations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he will meet Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., on Monday to hold in-depth talks on ending the war and bloodshed.

Zelensky expressed gratitude for Trump’s invitation, stating, “Ukraine is prepared to make every possible effort to establish peace — and we reaffirmed that commitment.”

Earlier, Zelensky held a “long and important discussion” with Trump, followed by a briefing with European leaders at the Alaska summit. However, he noted that he was not included in Trump’s recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“President Trump has informed us of the key issues he discussed with President Putin. It is vital that U.S. influence continues to shape progress in this situation,” Zelensky added.

Government adviser Faozul Kabir Khan has stressed the need for faster implementation of development projects to curb waste and corruption, while also reducing reliance on foreign contractors.

Speaking at the inauguration of the fuel pipeline from Patenga to Dhaka, he said, “With our limited resources, we must minimize waste. Road construction costs in Bangladesh are already higher than in many South Asian countries. Delays in implementation drive costs further up due to currency fluctuations and rising material prices.”

He noted that three state-owned oil companies will now use the new pipeline to transport fuel from Chattogram to Godnail in Narayanganj and Fatullah in Dhaka via Cumilla’s Borura. The system is expected to save billions of taka, prevent theft, and reduce spillage.

Two veterinarians and a wildlife worker have been critically injured while treating an elephant wounded in a landmine explosion along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. They were flown to Dhaka by a Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) helicopter for advanced medical care.

The injured have been identified as Dr. Hatem Sajjat Md. Julkarnaine, veterinary surgeon Dr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman, and Md. Atikur Rahman, member-secretary of Save the Nature of Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar branch.

According to BGB, the team had gone to the hill area of Baluchhara Dakshin in Rajarkul Thoaiyngkata, Ramu upazila, on Friday afternoon to treat the elephant injured by a landmine blast. During the treatment, the distressed elephant suddenly turned aggressive and attacked the team, leaving all three severely injured. BGB personnel swiftly rescued them and arranged immediate evacuation to Dhaka.

Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan has said Bangladesh has the opportunity to take a leadership role in South Asia’s maritime technology through its growing shipbuilding sector.

“Private shipyards are making significant progress, producing vessels of international standard and exporting them abroad,” he noted.

He added that after the ready-made garment industry, shipbuilding has the potential to become the country’s next major export earner.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that another controversial election would push the nation into uncertainty.

“Those making excuses to delay elections are not defenders of democracy,” he said. “Under Begum Khaleda Zia’s guidance, BNP is pursuing the democratic path. To build a true democracy, anti-fascist forces must unite nationally.”

He called on citizens to resist attempts to derail the electoral process, stressing that “those obstructing democracy with excuses are not on the side of democratic power.”

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has alleged that the 2008 election was “pre-planned and not free.”

Speaking at a party event, he said, “Awami League has systematically destroyed the country, including the education system.” He claimed nearly 5 million BNP activists faced politically motivated cases during Sheikh Hasina’s rule.

He added that the interim government has mentioned February for the next polls, saying, “We expect the Election Commission to announce a schedule soon.”

Political analyst Badiul Alam Majumdar has said a free and fair election cannot take place unless the government allows it.

“By February, an election is essential for the sake of the country,” he stated. “If a level playing field is not ensured, the polls will be biased. Another controversial election would push the country toward an uncertain future.”

Majumdar added that reforms are necessary, since repeating past methods will only reproduce disputed results. He stressed that political parties, field administration, and law enforcement must play their roles properly, as the Election Commission alone cannot guarantee fairness.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has criticized what he described as a “replacement of one dogma with another.”

Speaking about extortion allegations against those who led the recent movement, he asked: “Why are such accusations being raised? Is this a repeat of Sheikh Hasina’s tactics?”

Referring to the July uprising, Rizvi said, “Like the Ababil birds, children took to the streets, and democracy was freed.” However, he expressed concern over emerging religiously motivated influences, warning that “Hasina’s spirit seems to be haunting the country again.”

Bangladesh, along with 30 other nations, has strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent remarks about his so-called “Greater Israel Vision.”

In a joint statement, Arab and Islamic foreign ministers—along with the heads of the Arab League, OIC, and GCC—branded the comments a “gross violation of international law” and a “direct threat to Arab national security and regional peace.”

The statement also denounced extremist Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich’s approval of settlement expansion near the West Bank and his racist comments against a Palestinian state. Arab leaders reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and unhindered humanitarian aid, urging the UN Security Council—especially the United States—to force Israel to halt its ongoing aggression.

Adviser Asif Nazrul has claimed that Bangladesh has the capacity to provide quality healthcare, reducing the need for people to seek treatment in India or Thailand.

He criticized unethical medical practices, saying, “Patients are forced to buy specific companies’ medicines. In which country do pharmaceutical reps get doctors’ time? Are you doctors or drug company agents? Please stop this exploitation—the people of Bangladesh are poor.”

Nazrul recounted how his own household help was prescribed 14 unnecessary tests at a private hospital, which he later avoided by seeking treatment outside Dhaka. He also highlighted poor nurse wages: “If a nurse earns only Tk 12,000, how can she stay motivated to provide good care?” He urged hospital owners to reduce profit margins for the sake of fair healthcare.

The army has seized a large stockpile of weapons and explosive-making materials during a raid at a coaching center named Doctor’s English in Rajshahi city.

The operation led to the arrest of the center’s director, Muntasirul Alam Anindya (35), along with two others. Anindya is the son of former Rajshahi BNP vice-president Shofiul Alam Lattu and a cousin of former mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton. He had previously been arrested in connection with the Holey Artisan attack investigation and the murder of Professor Rezaul Karim Siddique.

Recovered items include two foreign air rifles, a revolver, six locally made weapons, explosives, GPS equipment, walkie-talkies, binoculars, passports, NIDs, six monitors, three computers, three scanners, and 35 bottles of alcohol.

BNP leader Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has accused “communal forces and a defeated Awami League” of plotting to derail the upcoming election. Speaking at a discussion in Shahjahanpur Railway Alia Hafizia Madrasa, he urged all to remain vigilant.

“Neither the government nor the Election Commission can ensure a free and fair election on their own,” he said. “It requires the genuine goodwill of all contesting parties.”

He cast doubt on whether the election would even conclude properly, saying, “Until results are declared, we cannot be sure an election has truly taken place.” Goyeshwar also alleged years of repression against the people, including “inhumane treatment” of Khaleda Zia, vowing that a BNP government would put Awami League-era killings and crimes on trial.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has reaffirmed that the national election will take place on the date announced by the Chief Adviser. “We have nothing to add beyond Sir’s words. The election will be held on the declared date,” he told reporters.

Acknowledging rising extortion complaints in Mohammadpur and Mirpur, the adviser warned, “No extortionist, regardless of their identity, will be spared.” When asked about allegations of extortion involving another adviser, he declined to comment.

Chowdhury further stressed, “The power belongs to the people. If citizens are determined to vote, no force can prevent the election.”