Over 16 years, 14 foreign airlines have ceased operations at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport due to mismanagement and corruption, leaving only four airlines on international routes. Passenger traffic continues to rise, reaching over 1.64 million in 2024, straining limited airport infrastructure. Outstanding dues from six defunct airlines total BDT 2,126 crore. Airport authorities report modernization plans and efforts to attract returning airlines like Flydubai, Saudi Airlines, and Qatar Airways, aiming to restore international service quality and expand capacity.

Former President Donald Trump has stated that he is in deep discussions with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages. “I would tell Hamas to release the hostages. It will lead to positive outcomes,” Trump said, warning that failure to act could worsen the situation.

Trump highlighted the challenge posed by the small number of hostages still in Hamas’ hands, emphasizing that efforts to retrieve them must be swift and decisive. Meanwhile, protests in Israel continue, demanding both a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Dhaka – Chaos erupted once again at the central office of the National Party (Jatiya Party) in the capital, as a violent attack and arson left two young men, Rahul (22) and Monir (25), injured. Rahul has been admitted to Ward 102 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while Monir sought treatment elsewhere.

According to witnesses, shortly after 7 PM, a group of protesters stormed the party office, causing widespread destruction before setting fire to the premises. Police intervened around 7:30 PM, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Once the protesters retreated, authorities moved quickly to extinguish the flames.

Xiaomi is recalling nearly 147,000 units of its 33W power bank (model PB2030M1) due to safety concerns. The 20,000mAh devices, sold mainly between August and September last year, contain defective 126280 battery cells that may damage smartphone batteries under prolonged use or simultaneous charging. Although no accidents have been reported, Xiaomi is offering a full refund of 159 yuan (about USD 22) for returned units. The recall follows growing safety concerns in Asia after similar incidents with other brands.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar has commented on the current political landscape, saying, “Many traps have been set in politics. Some block all paths to force everyone into a single snare.”

He clarified the term “trap” (Anta) after a senior political leader recently used it, explaining it as a “fishing net” for opportunists. Majumdar noted that many are attempting to capitalize on disorder for personal gain, highlighting the complex and competitive nature of today’s political environment.

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund has sold shares in Caterpillar, citing the use of its bulldozers in demolishing Palestinian property in violation of international law. The Trump administration expressed strong concern, protested to Oslo, and threatened tariffs and visa bans against fund officials. Senator Lindsey Graham warned Norway of consequences for targeting Caterpillar. The divestment marks the first time the fund has acted against a non-Israeli firm over the conflict. The issue is also influencing Norway’s upcoming parliamentary elections.

Egypt and Qatar have strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent comments regarding the potential displacement of Palestinians. Netanyahu had claimed that “various plans exist for Gaza’s reconstruction” and suggested that “half the population may want to leave,” though he denied advocating mass eviction.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry called Netanyahu’s statements an “ongoing attempt to prolong regional tensions and normalize Israeli violations in Gaza,” and stated that forced displacement would constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law and potentially war crimes. Qatar similarly condemned Israel’s policy, emphasizing that collective punishment will not succeed in depriving Palestinians of their land or rights.

White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett has described President Donald Trump and his trade team as “frustrated” over India’s crude oil imports from Russia, while expressing hope for a positive resolution soon.

When questioned about Trump’s recent social media posts concerning India, Russia, and China, Hassett said, “We certainly want this to improve.” Earlier, Trump commented that the U.S. seems to have “lost India and Russia to the deepest hand of China,” wishing them a prosperous future.

The U.S. has criticized India for profiting from Russian oil, while Indian officials argue that singling out India is unfair since the EU continues to import Russian gas. China remains the largest importer of Russian crude. The U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on certain Russian imports starting September 27.

Rising U.S. inflation, debt concerns, and uncertainty over Trump’s tariff policy are rattling global markets. Analysts warn that aggressive tariffs and political pressure on the Fed could destabilize growth while pushing up long-term bond yields. Yields on U.S., UK, France, and Japan bonds have surged, prompting investors to shift toward gold, which hit a record $3,578 per ounce. Experts caution that fiscal deficits, inflation, and weak investor confidence may deepen volatility, leading to further sell-offs in government bonds worldwide.

The Jatiya Chhatra Students’ Union (JAKSU) is grappling with a major shortage of candidates at the hall-level parliamentary elections, with the Election Commission unable to find nominees for 63 positions. Over 100 posts are expected to be filled without any competition.

Most of the unfilled positions are in women’s halls, with candidates citing fears of cyberbullying as a key reason for low participation. Amid concerns over voter enthusiasm, the Election Commission’s Secretary has stated that overall turnout will not necessarily be impacted by the shortage of candidates.

Approximately 12,000 students are eligible to vote in the JAKSU elections. Of the 315 posts across 21 halls, 165 will see no contest. Among female students, five vice-presidential positions in 10 residential halls remain uncontested, while at least six posts across 11 male halls lack multiple candidates. Allegations have also emerged of violations of election codes, including distribution of gifts to voters. AGS candidate Sohagi Samia has reportedly been a victim of cyberbullying.

The University of Chittagong will resume all academic activities, including classes and exams, from Sunday, following a weeklong suspension due to violent clashes between students and locals. The acting registrar confirmed that teaching will continue in person, rejecting rumors of online classes. The unrest erupted last Saturday night after allegations of an assault on a female student, leaving at least 500 injured, including senior university officials. Authorities have urged all departments to take necessary preparations for normal operations.

Bangladesh now has the highest rate of default loans in Asia, according to the latest report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The report reveals that in 2024, a staggering 20.2% of all disbursed loans in Bangladesh turned into defaults, amounting to $20.27 billion—an alarming 28% increase compared to the previous year. The ADB has labeled Bangladesh as having the “weakest banking system in Asia.”

Within just one year, the country’s default loan ratio jumped by 11.2 percentage points, while neighboring countries like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka managed to reduce their bad loan proportions. Nepal saw only a slight increase of 0.9%.

Highlighting India’s case, the report notes that large-scale banking reforms helped bring its non-performing loans down from 3.4% to 2.5%.

The ADB advised Bangladesh to urgently adopt strict legislation, strengthen financial markets, implement swift policy actions, modernize the judicial system, and ensure transparency and investor confidence. Only then, it warned, can the mounting loan default crisis be brought under control.

Ahead of Durga Puja, West Bengal’s fish markets are flooded with hilsa from Gujarat, with nearly 4,000 tons arriving in just six weeks. Traditionally, hilsa from Bangladesh’s Padma and Meghna rivers are prized for their unique aroma and sweetness, but supply remains uncertain. Experts and traders say Gujarat’s catch lacks that signature flavor. With Odisha’s catch limited and juveniles still being sold illegally in local markets, Bengalis are reluctantly turning to less flavorful alternatives.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mujibur Rahman has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, describing her rule as “the darkest chapter in Bangladesh’s history.”

Speaking at a recent program, he alleged that during Hasina’s 15 years in power, hundreds of people have been killed, abducted, and subjected to oppression, with no accountability. He further accused the government of tailoring laws to suit its own agenda, while repealing those that did not serve its interests.

Highlighting the need for honest leadership, Mujibur Rahman stated:

“The foundation of a modern and welfare-oriented state lies in establishing honest leadership. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the embodiment of such leadership. His noble ideals must be our guiding principle, and his governance model should serve as our roadmap.”

He emphasized that true national welfare can only be achieved by adhering to the statecraft of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whom he described as the architect of the most advanced system of governance for all times. According to him, the divine principles by which the Prophet governed remain the ultimate framework for just leadership and state management.

Hilsa harvest has fallen sharply this year, with a 38–48% decline compared to 2023, according to Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. She cited river pollution, climate change, and harmful fishing practices by non-fishermen as key reasons. Speaking at the International Conference on Sustainable Fisheries at Sylhet Agricultural University, she stressed integrated development of fisheries, agriculture, and livestock. Over 600 experts from home and abroad attended the event, which highlighted innovative solutions for resilient fisheries and aquaculture.