The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has deployed 281 patrol teams across Bangladesh, including 94 in Dhaka, to ensure security during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations.

RAB reports that 31,526 puja mandaps are being set up nationwide. Enhanced surveillance, intelligence monitoring, and continuous patrols have been launched to prevent violence, sabotage, or disruption during the festivities.

Deployment began on September 25 and will continue until October 3. Battalions are coordinating with local puja committees, elected representatives, and other law enforcement agencies.

RAB also urged citizens to immediately contact local control rooms or assigned district officers in case of any security concerns.

Travelers have been left stranded in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Natore after bus owners abruptly suspended Dhaka-bound services, escalating tensions following recent worker strikes.

On Thursday night, owners announced the sudden shutdown from ticket counters, citing disputes over increased wages for transport workers. This comes just days after transport unions held strikes demanding pay raises.

A tripartite meeting on September 23 in Dhaka agreed to implement wage increases from September 25. However, owners halted operations without notice.

Rafiqul Islam Pakhi, acting general secretary of the District Motor Workers’ Union, said:
“Workers had reached a negotiated settlement with owners. Yet, without warning, owners have stopped buses, causing immense suffering for passengers.”

An elderly man in Mymensingh’s Tarakanda upazila was forcibly shaved in public, sparking outrage and condemnation. The victim, Halim Uddin Akand (70)—popularly known as Halim Fakir in his village of Kodalia—was attacked by a group of men who cut his decades-old matted hair and beard against his will.

Eyewitness video shows three men, dressed in traditional attire, restraining the fakir in a crowded marketplace and forcibly cutting his hair. Despite his desperate attempts to break free, he was overpowered.

“They dragged me out, pinned me down, and eight to ten of them shaved my hair with a machine. I fainted,” Halim recounted in tears. “I am not insane. I am a fakir. I practice herbal healing. My hair was nearly 30 years old, untouched since visiting the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal in Sylhet.”

Deeply humiliated, Halim said he has been unable to work since the assault. “They thought I was mad, but I am not. I leave their punishment to Allah.”

Local police chief Tipu Sultan confirmed that authorities have spoken with Halim’s family. “If a complaint is filed, those responsible will be arrested,” he assured.

A tragic road accident in Shantiganj, Sunamganj, claimed three lives when a truck collided head-on with a CNG auto-rickshaw.
The victims were identified as Abadit Keshba Priyo, her daughter Prothoma Chowdhury, a 7th-grade student, and driver Sojal Gopal.
Police said two victims died instantly at the scene, while Prothoma was rushed to Shantiganj Health Complex but declared dead on arrival. The truck driver has since been arrested.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is set to deliver a speech today at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Scheduled as the 10th speaker of the day, Yunus is expected to highlight the interim government’s reform initiatives, the aspirations of the July 2024 mass uprising, the commitment to free and fair elections in February 2026, justice for the July killings, and the Rohingya crisis.
Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed that Yunus will also present progress on Bangladesh’s economic recovery and reforms over the past 14 months, emphasizing efforts to ensure a smooth democratic transition.

Albania has expressed interest in recruiting both skilled and unskilled workers from Bangladesh to meet its growing labor demand.
In a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus on Thursday, Albanian President Bajram Begaj said several companies have already applied to hire Bangladeshi workers. He added that cooperation could also expand in sectors like tourism.
Dr. Yunus welcomed the proposal, stressing Bangladesh’s potential to contribute with its young, energetic workforce. He urged Albania to simplify visa procedures, noting that Bangladeshis currently need to apply via New Delhi.
President Begaj assured that Albania is considering introducing an e-visa system for Bangladesh. He also stated that Albanian universities are ready to welcome Bangladeshi students under existing international admission programs.

Islami Andolan’s Deputy Amir, Mufti Syed Fazlul Karim, launched a sharp attack on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of creating divisions within the government.
“He is a Nobel Peace Prize winner, highly educated, but in state governance, he has scored zero,” Fazlul Karim said. He further alleged that Yunus favored certain groups while ignoring others and failed to maintain neutrality.
He also criticized local polling agencies, calling them “corrupt brokers” for publishing biased survey reports against Islami Andolan.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has sought Dutch assistance to establish cold storage facilities in rural Bangladesh. During a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, he highlighted that such facilities would reduce post-harvest losses and enable better marketing of agricultural produce.
“Every year, thousands of tons of fruits and vegetables are wasted due to lack of storage, causing huge losses for farmers,” Yunus said, urging for Dutch technology and expertise in agriculture.
PM Schoof responded positively, saying the proposals would be reviewed, while also expressing interest in cooperation in the textile sector. The two leaders also discussed elections, past authoritarian rule, and bilateral issues.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep disappointment at the government’s decision to send over 100 delegates to the UN General Assembly, continuing what it termed an “embarrassing trend.”
Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “We had hoped the interim government, born out of a mass movement, would end this waste. Instead, they’ve sent an even larger delegation this time.”
Last year, Bangladesh sent 57 delegates, sparking optimism for change. TIB argued that only superpowers like the U.S., China, and Russia occasionally send large teams, but even they rarely cross 100 members. It added that this lavish trip, funded by taxpayers, directly contradicts earlier government pledges to cut overseas spending.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Israel would not be permitted to annex the Palestinian West Bank, while suggesting that a settlement over Gaza could be reached soon.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday, ahead of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled UN address, Trump said: “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank… it simply won’t happen.”
His remarks come as several Western nations formally recognize Palestine as an independent state. The UN Secretary-General warned that annexation would be “morally, legally, and politically unacceptable.” Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed willingness to work with world leaders on France’s proposed peace plan.

Israel launched massive airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, killing at least eight people and injuring 142 others. According to the Israeli military, dozens of warplanes took part, targeting Houthi command centers and other sites.
Houthi officials, however, claimed that residential areas were hit, destroying multiple buildings. Rescue operations are underway amid the rubble.
The strikes followed a drone attack by the Houthis on Israel’s Eilat city on Wednesday, which left several Israelis injured.

Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has revealed that it collected strategic and sensitive documents, photos, and videos related to Israeli nuclear sites and scientists through a covert operation in June. The materials identify 189 Israeli experts and include data on joint projects with the U.S. and Europe. Iranian authorities carefully examined the documents before release. Footage broadcasted on national TV also highlighted Israeli nuclear facilities, military personnel, and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, while claiming internal collaboration from some Israelis during a 12-day conflict.

Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of BNP, unveiled 70 new committees and dissolved three others on Thursday. The announcements came in official statements signed by central president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.

Thousands of students joined Gen Z-led protests in Leh, Ladakh, supporting climate activist and social worker Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike for constitutional protection and full statehood. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations turned violent, with clashes against police, arson at the BJP office, and a CRPF vehicle set on fire. Five people were killed and around 70 injured. Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew as protesters vowed to continue their struggle until demands were met, asserting the movement is independent of any political party.

Ladakh is witnessing violent protests over the long-standing demand to restore its statehood. Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 15-day hunger strike and hospitalization of other protesters intensified tensions, leading to clashes, tear gas, and vehicles set ablaze in Leh. Locals blame the BJP for breaking its promises and insist the movement will continue until statehood is restored. Delhi is monitoring the situation closely, with high-level talks scheduled, but public anger remains high, leaving the BJP politically cornered.