Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has said extortion has sharply increased in Bangladesh since August 5 of last year, stressing that without political commitment and an elected government, it cannot be controlled. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, he explained that where extortion once demanded one unit, it now demands one and a half or even two. He noted that both new and old groups are involved, and many extortionists are also members of business organizations. This illegal practice has been pushing up commodity prices, he warned, though he emphasized that controlling it is not his ministry’s job, nor is the interim government inclined to pursue arrests. However, he expressed hope that inflation would decline to 7 percent by June next year despite these challenges.

A recent survey by Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics reveals that prolonged reserve duty in the Gaza war has deeply strained family life. Nearly half of soldiers’ wives reported marital crises, and over one-third considered separation or divorce. The longer the duty, the greater the strain—up to 57% among those serving 200–350 days. Children have also been severely affected, with 52% of families citing mental health deterioration, rising to 63% for long-duty households. Around 61% of spouses sought some form of help—emotional, financial, or professional mental health care. Most families depended on relatives or friends, with varying reliance across religious groups. Government aid was uneven; 30% received support from the IDF and 23% from local authorities. While 87% accessed financial aid from the National Insurance Institute, single or divorced mothers were disproportionately excluded.

In an interview with GTO during the UN General Assembly, interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus revealed that many people urge him to remain in power not for five or ten years, but even for fifty years—questioning the need for elections. Responding to why Bangladesh requires 18 months for elections instead of the usual six, he highlighted both public sentiment and political complexities. He clarified that the ruling Awami League has not been banned, only its political activities suspended temporarily, with the possibility of reinstatement anytime. Dr. Yunus also spoke about the Rohingya crisis and the legitimacy of delaying polls. After Sheikh Hasina was ousted in 2024 following mass uprisings, Yunus reluctantly accepted his role as interim head, describing it as a duty rather than ambition.

The United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York hosts a high-level international conference today focusing on the plight of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. Representatives from at least 75 countries and organizations, including heads of state and government, are participating. The meeting aims to strengthen political support, maintain global attention, review the crisis, and adopt measures to address root causes and human rights concerns. A key priority is ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will deliver the opening speech. Turkey will represent the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, while Kuwait will represent the Gulf Cooperation Council. Ahead of the event, UN officials held talks with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser on funding, repatriation roadmap, refugee education, and addressing the conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

In Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election, the dominance of family legacy in BNP politics is once again visible. Children of senior BNP leaders are actively seeking party nominations in multiple constituencies across the country. Among them are Shama Obaid, daughter of late KM Obaidur Rahman; Anindya Islam Amit, son of Tariqul Islam; Barrister Naushad Zamil, son of Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar; Nipun Roy Chowdhury, linked to Nitai Roy and Goyeshwar Roy; and Ishraq Hossain, son of Sadeque Hossain Khoka. In Chattogram, seven heirs of six senior leaders are competing for nominations, including Mir Helal, Hummam Quader Chowdhury, and Saeed Al Noman. Similar trends appear in Cumilla, Manikganj, Natore, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Dhaka. While some heirs built political credibility through activism, others largely rely on their family background, reflecting both continuity and controversy in BNP’s leadership.

A Dhaka court has granted a two-day remand for Saiful Islam Rabbi, former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, along with three others—Abu Sufian, Abdur Rahman alias Manik, and Habibur Rahman Forhad—in connection with an extortion case. Another accused, Shahin Hossain, has been allowed to be interrogated at the jail gate if necessary. The case originated after the group allegedly demanded Tk 3 lakh from a private clinic in Mohammadpur, threatening vandalism and abduction when their demands were not met. According to the case statement, the accused already collected part of the money and continued issuing threats over the phone. The accused were arrested by the army and later handed over to police. Their lawyers sought bail, but the court rejected it, granting remand for interrogation.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued an urgent directive ensuring that import-export operations will continue during the upcoming Durga Puja holidays. According to a notification issued on September 30, customs houses and stations will remain partially operational on October 1 and 2, despite being official holidays. This measure is intended to keep trade uninterrupted and facilitate smooth handling of imports and exports. The NBR instructed all concerned authorities to take necessary steps for maintaining limited services during the holidays. Previously, similar arrangements were made during Eid holidays. This year, October 1 is a government-declared special holiday, and October 2 is a general holiday for Durga Puja. Combined with the weekend on October 3 and 4, government employees will enjoy a continuous four-day holiday.

A devastating suicide car bomb attack struck outside the Frontier Corps regional headquarters in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, killing at least 10 people and injuring over 30 others. The blast occurred Tuesday on Zarghoon Road and was followed by intense gunfire. Victims included two security personnel and several civilians, according to provincial health minister Bakhit Muhammad Kakar. CCTV footage showed a vehicle exploding as it approached the FC headquarters. Authorities confirmed it was a suicide attack, with multiple assailants killed in the operation. President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the assault, alleging that militants, misguided by foreign influence, acted on India’s direction. India has yet to respond to the accusation, and no group has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack.

Police in Mymensingh’s Tarakanda arrested a man named Majnu Mia on Tuesday for allegedly cutting the dreadlocks and beard of an elderly man, Halim Uddin, against his will. The incident occurred on June 5, when several individuals restrained Halim and forcibly cut his hair and beard. A video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread condemnation from different organizations and reports in national media outlets. Following the incident, Halim’s son, Shahid Akand, filed a case against 12 individuals, including seven identified suspects and five unnamed ones. Police have so far arrested only one accused, Majnu Mia, from Mymensingh Sadar. Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in this act of humiliation, which has drawn significant public outrage across the region.

YouTube has agreed to a $24.5 million settlement to resolve former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit over the suspension of his account following the January 6 Capitol riot. Court filings show $22 million will be donated to the National Mall Trust for a White House ballroom project, while $2.5 million will go to other plaintiffs, including the American Conservative Union and author Naomi Wolf. YouTube, owned by Alphabet, admitted no wrongdoing, saying the deal was meant to avoid further litigation costs. The move follows multimillion-dollar settlements between Trump and Meta, X, ABC News, and Paramount Global. Experts warn such settlements undermine consistent content moderation standards, raising concerns over tech platforms’ political alignment and influence. The case highlights ongoing clashes between Trump and media companies over alleged censorship since the 2020 election and January 6 events.

BNP central leader Shama Obaid has warned party activists against extortion, tender manipulation, and unethical activities, declaring no place for such practices in the party. She urged that even if her own supporters engage in wrongdoing, they must be handed over to the police. While visiting Durga Puja mandaps in Faridpur’s Saltha, she emphasized that real development requires ending corruption, police brokerage, and land office lobbying. Shama Obaid pledged to prevent immoral activities in her constituency as long as she is alive. She also assured equal treatment of Hindus and Muslims, calling for vigilance against attempts to disrupt communal harmony during the festival. BNP activists will guard temples day and night to prevent any mischief. She reaffirmed her lifelong support for the Hindu community, continuing her father’s legacy of unity and cooperation.

The Trump administration’s steep increase in H-1B visa fees has shattered the aspirations of countless young Indians hoping to build careers in the US. Once costing around $2,000, visa expenses now reach up to $100,000, forcing employers to spend nearly $160,000 per hire. As a result, many US companies are turning to local workers, shrinking opportunities for Indian talent. Experts warn that IT, software, healthcare, and project management sectors will face major setbacks. Students and professionals feel targeted and unwelcome, while Indian government officials encourage skilled workers to return home. However, many may choose alternatives like Canada, Australia, or Europe. Analysts stress that this policy could harm not only Indian professionals but also America’s own economic growth and innovation ecosystem, with long-term consequences for the global tech industry.

A leaked phone recording published Sept 30, 2025 captures a July 24 conversation between former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-state minister Nasrul Hamid Bipu. During the call, the recording alleges Hasina instructed Bipu to pin arson at government buildings during the July–August uprising on BNP and Jamaat, to ‘manage’ journalists by giving them ‘hadia’, and to intimidate channels by threatening to cut lines or electricity if they did not comply. The clip has circulated across media and social platforms, prompting debate and demands for investigation into the authenticity and political implications of the leak.

A Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate court has rejected model and leadership trainer Meghna Alam’s request for the return of her passport, seized in a fraud and extortion case filed at Dhanmondi police station. Meghna, who often travels abroad for professional commitments, applied for its return, but the court denied it after Tuesday’s hearing. Her mobile and laptop are still under investigation for potential anti-state content. Previously detained under the Special Powers Act, Meghna was released on bail in April. The next case hearing is scheduled for November 11.

BNP leader GK Gaus has said that the party remains committed to ensuring peaceful coexistence for people of all religions in Bangladesh. He expressed concern that those who fled the country after the recent mass uprising may use their illicit wealth to destabilize Bangladesh. As a precaution, BNP is maintaining heightened vigilance during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations. “Religion is personal, but the country belongs to all. BNP believes in communal harmony, where every faith enjoys equal dignity and rights,” Gaus stated. He praised BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman for mobilizing party activists nationwide last year to ensure Durga Puja was celebrated peacefully despite political turmoil. “Even in the toughest times, we stood together with people of all religions. If we remain vigilant, no evil force will be able to disrupt harmony,” he added.