National Committee of the NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has raised sharp concerns over the state of journalism in Bangladesh, pointing to systemic issues and intelligence overreach.

In a statement, Hasnat wrote that the absence of dedicated broadcasting laws allows the government to arbitrarily shut down TV channels. Journalists often face extreme financial insecurity—with many Dhaka-based reporters earning as little as Tk 8,000–10,000 a month, while regional journalists frequently work unpaid, sometimes even paying out of pocket for press IDs.

He emphasized that most newspapers still follow the outdated 2013 Wage Board, which is non-mandatory and largely ignored by owners. Salary backlogs of 4–5 months are common, and job security is virtually nonexistent.

“Above all, political and intelligence agency interference—especially from DGFI—is the greatest barrier to independent journalism,” Hasnat claimed. “Failure to follow their directives can result in ad boycotts, business blockades for media owners, and harassment. Journalists are even forced into political lobbying. This is compounded by corporate influence.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary Professor Mia Gholam Parwar has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Daily Naya Diganta’s former editor, Alamgir Mohiuddin.
In a condolence message, he described Mohiuddin as an “undisputed senior journalist” whose contribution to objective journalism was “invaluable.” He added, “Throughout his life, he fought for democracy, freedom of speech, and human rights. With his demise, the nation has lost a distinguished journalist.”
Alamgir Mohiuddin passed away on Saturday at 1:30 pm at Anwar Khan Modern Medical College Hospital, at the age of 83. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.

Advisor Md. Mahfuz Alam has expressed profound sorrow over the death of senior journalist Alamgir Mohiuddin.

In his condolence message, Alam prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family. He said, “Alamgir Mohiuddin practiced fearless, objective journalism. He was a role model for many in the profession. His passing is an irreparable loss to Bangladesh’s media.”

Mohiuddin, former editor of Daily Naya Diganta, breathed his last on Saturday afternoon while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The autopsy of veteran journalist Bibhuranjan Sarkar, whose body was recovered from the Meghna River, has been completed.
Dr. Sheikh Md. Ehsan, who conducted the post-mortem, confirmed: “There were no signs of injury, either internal or external.”

Following the procedure, Sarkar’s body was handed over to his younger brother, Chiranjan Sarkar. The family departed with the body around 1:15 p.m. in a freezer van bound for their Dhaka residence.

Chiranjan said, “We will wait for the final autopsy report. The body will first be taken to his Siddheshwari home before the last rites are performed at the Boro Deshwari Kali Mandir in Sabujbagh. We have yet to decide on legal action and will take a collective decision as a family.”

Police have stated that any further legal steps will be determined in consultation with the family.

Chattogram police have withdrawn Sub-Inspector Kamal Hossain—recently awarded as the district’s “Best Drug Recovering Officer”—after allegations surfaced of his involvement in drug trafficking. He has now been attached to the police lines pending investigation.

The controversy arose after locals in Lohagara’s Chunati area detained three police informants last Thursday night with 48 bottles of Phensedyl. The suspects claimed SI Kamal had supplied them the contraband and instructed them to transport it to Aziznagar. They further alleged that Kamal was trailing them in another car loaded with yaba pills, but fled when the first vehicle was intercepted.

Notably, SI Kamal had been honored on April 22 this year by the Chattogram Superintendent of Police for his anti-narcotics success. Authorities confirmed an internal probe is underway, assuring that appropriate measures will follow if evidence of wrongdoing is found.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum has announced that a 560-bed hospital for heart disease, kidney ailments, and cancer treatment has been approved for Rangpur.

Although her government may not be able to start construction, she said the next administration will implement the project.

Speaking on healthcare planning, Nurjahan criticized previous authorities for failing to ensure adequate manpower for hospitals, even when procuring medical equipment. “Hospitals need both equipment and staff. Without proper planning, we cannot suddenly make these facilities operational,” she said.

She also confirmed that decisions regarding the location of a new hospital with Chinese support would be finalized after further site inspections.

“The July revolution brought sacrifices, but those responsible for syndicates have not changed,” she remarked, stressing the need for systematic, step-by-step reform in the healthcare sector.

A BNP delegation led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is scheduled to meet Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday evening at the Pakistan Embassy in Dhaka.

The meeting, set for 6 pm, will focus on bilateral ties, regional dynamics, and the current political situation.

Dar arrived in Dhaka earlier in the afternoon on a special flight and was welcomed by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam. His visit marks the first by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in nearly 13 years.

NCP leader Akhtar Hossain has expressed doubts over BNP’s willingness to pursue genuine constitutional reform, noting the party’s objections to both the July Charter and the idea of drafting a new constitution.

“True reform requires writing a fresh constitution through a Constituent Assembly election. Some are opposing this, creating confusion,” he said.

He warned that holding elections under the “fascist constitution” would only embolden authoritarianism. “Without implementing the July Charter and ensuring decentralization, democracy will not take root,” Akhtar added.

He questioned whether BNP is heading toward deception, pointing out that if reform proposals are enshrined in a new constitution, they cannot be challenged in court.

Akhtar also criticized the trend of leaving crucial issues—such as parliamentary structure, upper house provisions, presidential powers, and women’s leadership—unclear for the next ruling party, warning that such ambiguity risks making reforms unsustainable.

Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has stressed that protecting rivers requires more than lip service, as people often support conservation in words but not in practice.

“Although initiatives have been taken to free Dhaka’s four rivers and 63 others outside the capital from encroachment and pollution, waste continues to be dumped into them,” she said.

She warned that banning old vehicles in the capital invites transport strikes, while polythene bags remain in widespread use despite public support for a ban.

“Changing a few individuals won’t change the country—there must be a collective shift in mindset,” Rizwana emphasized.

South Indian superstar Thalapathy Vijay has openly labeled India’s ruling BJP as “fascist,” declaring that the battle against the party is no longer just political, but ideological.

Speaking at his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s conference in Madurai, Vijay said: “The BJP is using religion as a tool for division while weakening democracy. They are my biggest ideological enemy.”

He clarified that while his competition with DMK is political, the conflict with BJP lies on fundamental ideological grounds. His party’s principles—equality, free thought, secularism, and social justice—stand in stark contrast to BJP’s philosophy.

“We cannot remain silent spectators. We must rise against the fascist BJP now,” he proclaimed to thunderous applause.

Founded in 2024, Vijay’s party has rapidly gained millions of supporters, becoming one of the fastest-growing political movements in Tamil Nadu.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Dhaka on Saturday for a three-day official visit.

He was received at the airport by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Nazrul Islam. Later in the evening, Dar is scheduled to attend a reception hosted by the Pakistan High Commission, where academics, journalists, and professionals will participate.

On Sunday morning, he will meet with business leaders over a breakfast session before holding a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser at 10 am. The meeting is expected to result in the signing of six to seven agreements and MoUs, covering trade and cooperation.

Dar is also scheduled to meet the Chief Adviser at 4 pm, where bilateral, regional, and international issues will be discussed. Additionally, he may call on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence, and also meet with Jamaat-e-Islami leaders.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that both Bangladesh and the United States have benefitted from recent negotiations over tariff-related issues.

“Bangladesh has successfully retained its trade privileges. Our export market is expanding and will continue to grow,” he noted while speaking at a seminar.

He added that some groups attempted to exploit the tariff issue but failed. “We want to expand bilateral trade with the United States, and purchase orders are already on the rise.”

Co-speakers at the seminar stressed the importance of strengthening trade ties with Japan, Korea, and Europe, while also urging continued efforts to further reduce U.S. tariff rates.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has warned that extremism is being spread in the country in a “very strategic” way at a time when society should be moving toward progress and reducing inequality.

“Fragmented and patchwork solutions cannot bring real change,” he said, adding that widespread corruption in teacher recruitment and deep-rooted irregularities cannot be eradicated overnight.

He urged for clear objectives and planning for real reform, stating: “When we want a progressive society, when we want to reduce inequality, efforts are made to push us in the opposite direction. Extremism is spreading with great caution.”

Fakhrul further emphasized that democracy requires debate and disagreements, but unity beyond corruption could bring about change in Bangladesh, as it has in other countries.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan has described the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Daksu) election as “challenging under any circumstance.”

Speaking at a discussion marking “Black Day,” he said, “So far, the behavior of student organizations has been encouraging. But if anyone tries to obstruct the election, we will make it clear who did what.”

The VC noted that the entire nation has its eyes on this election and that preparations are being carried out under the commission’s directives. Discussions have also been held with all stakeholders to ensure a fair environment for voting.

“Dhaka University, as a national institution, has always stood against injustice. We must learn from history and continue resisting wrongdoing in any situation,” he said, calling on the army and all other stakeholders to work together for a successful election.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam has assured that all necessary preparations for the upcoming national elections in February have been completed, in line with the Chief Adviser’s announcement.

He emphasized that no conspiracy will succeed if the public remains focused on the election process. The adviser also noted that the interim government is actively working to recover looted arms while law enforcement agencies are striving to prevent illegal weapons from entering the country.

“The borders are now far more secure than before,” he stated. Jahangir Alam further highlighted the increasing freedom of expression, saying, “Previously people had no scope to speak freely, but now they can express their views even on social media platforms like Facebook.”

On rising vegetable prices, he attributed the surge to recent heavy rainfall, adding that the government will purchase potatoes directly from farmers at a fixed rate to ensure fair prices.