Shock and anger spread through Damurhuda’s Chitla village when a grieving family was forced to pay alleged interest money before burying their dead relative.

Local sources said mason Harun died recently, but his neighbor, Marzina Khatun, blocked the funeral rites, demanding BDT 15,000 she claimed as outstanding interest. The family, desperate and humiliated, paid after a tense standoff lasting an hour.

Marzina later fled the village amid public outrage. Relatives alleged Harun had borrowed BDT 8,000 but was coerced into paying nearly three times that amount in interest.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that a Palestinian state will “never be established,” branding international recognition efforts as a reward for terrorism.

In a speech, he said: “Those attempting to impose a terrorist state on us will get their answer when I return from the United States.” Netanyahu boasted that Jewish settlements in the West Bank have doubled under his leadership.

His remarks come after the UK, Canada, and Australia recognized Palestine following Israel’s October 7 atrocities.

Transport workers in Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi, and Natore have suspended bus services indefinitely to Dhaka, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar, demanding fair wages and benefits.

Workers said their wages—BDT 1,350 for drivers, 570 for supervisors, and 530 for helpers—have remained stagnant for 15 years. Despite multiple meetings, no agreement was reached with bus owners, prompting the strike. Only Ekota Paribahan buses are currently operating.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus departed Dhaka on Sunday night to attend the 80th UN General Assembly in New York. He is scheduled to address the session on September 26, highlighting the interim government’s reforms, the July 2024 Uprising, and commitments to free, fair, and participatory elections in February 2026.

Dr. Tasnim Zara, traveling as part of the delegation, stated: “As representatives, we will present Bangladesh’s democratic transformation and inclusive participation as a positive example on the world stage. I humbly seek prayers from everyone.”

Candidates awaiting results from the 18th Teachers’ Registration Exam have ended their hunger strike following assurances from Education Secretary Rehana Parveen.

The protest began on September 17 against alleged discrimination in the final selection process, where nearly 20,600 candidates were dropped despite passing written exams. Protesters argued that, under NTRCA rules, candidates scoring at least 40% in both written and oral exams should qualify. They accused authorities of unfair exclusion that deepens the country’s teacher shortage.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju has cautioned that the much-debated July Accord—and the February 2026 national elections—may be jeopardized due to “rigid stances and missteps” by some political groups.

He emphasized that the July Uprising demanded national unity, but political infighting and mudslinging are undermining that spirit. “The Chief Adviser’s steps remain unclear. Any miscalculation must not derail the February polls,” Monju warned.

BNP leader Monir Khan has warned of emerging conspiracies surrounding the upcoming elections, urging unity across all opposition forces to defeat them.

He stressed that implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point reform plan would build a prosperous Bangladesh and called for BNP activists to set aside internal divisions. “Whoever receives the paddy-sheaf nomination must get our full support,” he said, referring to the party’s election symbol.

BNP leader and newly elected BCCI councilor Ishraq Hossain has warned of strong resistance, including a possible siege of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), if the government interferes in the upcoming October 6 elections.

He alleged that powerful figures—including the BCB president, the Prime Minister’s sports adviser, and senior officials of the National Sports Council—are trying to influence councilor nominations at district and divisional levels. Ballots will be uploaded online on October 1, and votes must be submitted by October 6.

The Nationalist Teachers’ Forum at Rajshahi University has declared an indefinite boycott of all classes and examinations until those responsible for assaulting the Pro-Vice Chancellor and several other teachers are punished.

Teachers held protests, including human chains and rallies, demanding justice. They vowed to continue their boycott until the perpetrators are identified and disciplinary action is taken.

Qatar has formally requested Israel to apologize for airstrikes in Doha before restarting negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani raised the demand with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussions later involved Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. envoy Steve Whitcuff, and Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. Qatar may accept an apology limited to the death of a Qatari security official, compensation to his family, and assurances of respecting Qatar’s sovereignty.

After recent attacks in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, and Qatar, Turkey is increasingly wary of Israel’s regional ambitions. Analysts warn that Turkey could be Israel’s next target, with NATO membership offering no guaranteed protection. Tensions are fueled by Netanyahu’s “Greater Israel” vision and Israel’s aggressive moves across the Middle East. Turkey has suspended economic ties with Israel and is bolstering its maritime and regional strategies, preparing to counter what it views as unilateral Israeli dominance in the region.

Police in Dubai recovered the hanging body of a Bangladeshi youth, identified as Monir Hossain (28), from his residence on Sunday.

Monir, who worked at a carton company in Dubai, lived in a shared room in Jebel Ali with two others. His brother Anwar Hossain told reporters that Monir had returned from work around 10 p.m. on Saturday and briefly spoke with his family over the phone. “He said he was about to cook and would call back after dinner. But when he didn’t, I tried calling, and he never answered,” Anwar recounted.

Later, Monir’s younger brother, who also worked at the same company, asked acquaintances to check on him. They discovered Monir’s lifeless body hanging inside the room. Following the incident, his Pakistani and Indian roommates were reportedly missing from the residence.

Two more students injured in the tragic Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crash at Milestone School and College have been discharged from the hospital, officials confirmed.

Dr. Shawon, Resident Surgeon at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, identified the discharged students as Niloy (13), a sixth-grader, and Rupi Barua (10), a fifth-grader.

“Both Niloy and Rupi sustained serious flame burns—25% and 20% of their bodies, respectively,” Dr. Shawon said. “They have now recovered enough to return home. Currently, eight students remain admitted, while 28 have been discharged so far.”

The devastating accident has already claimed 20 lives among those hospitalized, he added.

Police in Chattogram have arrested 11 leaders and activists of the banned factions of Chhatra League and Awami League from a sudden flash procession. Authorities confirmed that a case has been filed against them at Double Mooring Police Station.

According to police sources, around 80–85 activists, including leaders from Chhatra League, Sramik League, and other affiliated bodies of the Awami League, brought out a sudden procession in Agrabad Beparipara on Saturday night. Acting swiftly, police dispersed the rally and detained 11 participants, while several others managed to flee.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Babul Azad said that charges have been brought against 64 individuals under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and they have been sent to court.

Ali Ahsan Junayed, convener of UP Bangladesh, has begun testifying in a high-profile crimes against humanity case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and one other accused.

Junayed is appearing as the 48th witness in the tribunal, providing detailed testimony that spans from the 2013 anti-quota movement to the July 2024 mass uprising, which ultimately led to Hasina’s fall from power.

Earlier, state-appointed defense counsel Md Amir Hossain, representing Hasina and Kamal, completed a second round of cross-examination of Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party. Nahid had delivered his testimony in two sessions, including one on September 17, when he spoke for over an hour before the tribunal.

On the same day, Amir Hossain also resumed questioning Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the now-defunct daily Amar Desh.

With Junayed’s appearance, the tribunal has now heard testimony from 48 witnesses over the course of 19 hearing days, marking a significant progression in one of the most politically sensitive trials in Bangladesh’s recent history.