From November, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will expand its subsidized sales program by adding five new essential products — tea, salt, detergent, and two types of soap. Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin announced that the government spends nearly Tk 5,000 crore annually to sustain TCB operations, and the new additions aim to provide relief for low-income families while curbing inflation. He urged quick progress in finalizing beneficiary lists and card activations nationwide. TCB currently has over 6 million active cards, with an additional 339,000 pending activation.

Jamaat-e-Islami has quietly removed its newly unveiled logo just a day after it sparked widespread debate on social media. The redesigned emblem, featuring a rising red sun, book, and pen against a green backdrop, was displayed during Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman’s meeting with Spain’s ambassador. However, by the following day, when Rahman hosted Bhutan’s envoy, the logo was gone from his Bashundhara office. The previous logo included a dome with the word “Allah,” the party’s scales symbol, and the phrase Aqimud Deen (Establish the Faith).

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma assured that ongoing visa complications will be resolved soon once conditions improve. However, medical visas remain available. Speaking after visiting the historic Randa Prasad Saha Durga Temple in Mirzapur, Verma highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between Bangladesh and India, saying cultural and religious exchanges will further strengthen ties. Earlier, he was welcomed by Kumudini Homes officials, who briefed him on the temple’s history and renovation work.

Bangladesh exports pharmaceuticals to over 100 countries, but exports to the U.S. remain modest — just $20 million out of $210 million in FY2023. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of a 100% tariff on drug imports now casts uncertainty over expansion into this key market. Industry experts suggest Bangladesh may face both challenges and opportunities: while competitors like India and China could be hit harder, new openings may emerge for Bangladeshi producers. CPD Research Director Dr. Khandaker Golam Moazzem warned that higher tariffs would increase consumer costs and create new competition in alternative markets.

The 27 BGB Marishya Zone organized a dialogue with local dignitaries in Baghaichhari, Rangamati, focusing on law and order. Commander Lt. Col. Zahidul Islam Zahid emphasized the collective responsibility of both hill residents and Bengalis in maintaining communal harmony. He urged citizens not to be swayed by rumors, warning that any attempts to disrupt peace would be dealt with firmly. Community leaders present pledged to uphold law and order in their respective areas.

Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has warned that several Bangladeshi companies are manipulating income and expenditure figures, with some showing “remarkable skill” in siphoning money abroad. While acknowledging that not everything in the interim government is flawless, he noted that Bangladesh’s international image has improved. Speaking at an ERF event, he also urged stronger institutional efforts to improve journalistic standards, later inaugurating the ERF Institute’s new nameplate.

British High Commissioner Sarah Cook assured full UK support in training polling agents and ensuring impartiality in Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections. Speaking after a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, Cook described the discussion as “productive” and reaffirmed Britain’s support for the February election declaration by the Chief Adviser. Meanwhile, an EU pre-election expert delegation met Election Commission officials, expressing plans to send 150 observers for the 13th National Election. A memorandum of understanding between the EU and EC is expected to follow.

Imran Khan, Bangladeshi-origin U.S. investor and former Chief Strategy Officer of Snapchat, met Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus and expressed strong interest in investing in Bangladesh. Currently the Chairman of Aleph Holding, Khan praised Yunus’s lifelong mission of poverty alleviation and called Bangladesh a “frontier market” with vast opportunities in fintech, healthcare, and social business. Yunus invited Khan to visit Bangladesh soon, to which Khan responded he is planning a trip in the coming months. Yunus also proposed that global investors dedicate 1% of their portfolios to social business or create a collective social impact fund — a proposal Khan welcomed.

The Private University Students’ Alliance of Bangladesh (PUSAB) has held a high-level meeting with Education Adviser CR Abrar to address the pressing need for reforms in the private university sector. Student leaders presented a 25-point reform charter titled “Private University Liberation Declaration,” highlighting issues such as teacher-student welfare, quality assurance in higher education, and the formation of a dedicated reform commission. PUSAB leaders stressed that with proper government support, private universities could become more student-friendly and capable of delivering world-class education.

In a shocking revelation, nearly 1,000 call records — including ownership details of four phone numbers used by Sheikh Hasina — were deleted from the NTMC server on August 5, 2024, the very day she fled to India. Tribunal’s Special Investigation Officer Tanvir Zoha confirmed that former NTMC Director General Ziaul Ahsan oversaw the deletion. Records linked to former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun and a former planning minister were also erased. Investigators are now working to recover the data, which reportedly contains crucial instructions issued by Hasina during the July uprising.

NCP leader Hasanat Abdullah has vowed that no religious festival in Bangladesh will ever again fall victim to political manipulation. In a statement marking the start of Durga Puja, he recalled how the previous regime had allowed extremist groups to attack temples and spread fear among Hindu communities as part of divisive politics. “That era of fear and communal division is gone with the people’s uprising,” Hasanat wrote. He urged the government and administration to ensure maximum security during the festivities and called on all citizens to foster harmony and cooperation. “Let us prove that the new Bangladesh stands for safety, dignity, and respect for all religions. Inquilab Zindabad!” he declared.

The interim government has decided to restrict the use of messaging apps Telegram and Botim to prevent banned Awami League leaders from holding virtual meetings with party chief Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India during the mass uprising. The decision was discussed at a recent high-level security committee meeting. Officials said the ban would take effect after the election schedule is announced. According to intelligence reports, over 150 of the 244 activists arrested during flash protests on September 24 were found using the apps to communicate with exiled leaders, including Hasina.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has inquired about the health of Gano Adhikar Parishad president Nurul Haque Nur, who is currently receiving treatment in Singapore. Tarique phoned the former DUCSU vice-president around 6:45 pm Bangladesh time on Monday, wishing him a full recovery. GOP General Secretary Rashed Khan confirmed the call, saying Tarique expressed concern for Nur’s well-being and his ongoing treatment.

Detective Branch (DB) police have arrested former MP and Awami League leader Faizur Rahman Badal, as well as Jatiya Party (Rowshan faction) Secretary General Kazi Mamunur Rashid, on charges of anti-state conspiracy. Badal, also the president of Awami League’s Nabinagar Upazila unit, was arrested late Sunday night in Dhaka, while Rashid was detained near the Westin Hotel early Monday. DB sources said Badal faces two cases filed after the August 5 uprising, while Rashid has a history of conspiracy and multiple murder charges related to recent political unrest. He was previously arrested in November 2024 in a rape case but was released on bail.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has demanded an immediate investigation into the violent clashes in Guimara, Khagrachhari, where at least three people were killed and 15 law enforcement personnel, including a major, were injured. In a written statement, Rahman questioned the sudden escalation of unrest in the hills and urged authorities to identify both the perpetrators and any hidden actors behind the violence. He stressed that Khagrachhari is an inseparable part of Bangladesh and that ensuring the security of citizens and law enforcement is the government’s undeniable duty.