The Bangladesh government has appointed 184 candidates to the Bangladesh Civil Service health cadre based on the results of the 48th Special BCS Examination 2025. A notification issued Tuesday by the Ministry of Public Administration’s New Appointment Branch said the recruits include 19 assistant dental surgeons and 165 assistant surgeons. They will be paid under the National Pay Scale 2015, with a salary range of Tk22,000 to Tk53,060.

The appointments were made following recommendations from the Public Service Commission. Appointees must complete foundation training at the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre or another government-designated institution, along with specialised training at job-related institutions. They will serve a two-year probationary period, which the government may extend by up to two further years if needed.

The notification states that unsatisfactory performance during probation can lead to removal from service. Recruits must submit an undertaking on a Tk300 non-judicial stamp when joining and provide required documents, including an asset declaration under the Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1979. They must join workplaces designated by the Health Services Division by September 7, or their appointments will be treated as cancelled.

Residents of Bhola, under the banner of Amra Bholabashi, renewed their movement demanding construction of a Bhola-Barishal bridge. At a press conference at Bhola Press Club on Tuesday, August 25, they called on the government to reconsider its decision to connect Bhola by road through Barishal, Rahmatpur, Hizla and Mehendiganj.

In a written statement, the organisation’s member secretary Mir Mosharraf Ami said people in Bhola were disappointed because preparations for the bridge, including feasibility assessment, had been completed over many years. He said the bridge project was expected to move to its inauguration stage after earlier promises and support for the demand.

The group opposed a plan involving 21 kilometres of highway construction, reconstruction of 36 kilometres of roads and three bridges. It said the proposed route could cause delays and involve risks. While saying it did not oppose development in Hizla and Mehendiganj, the group requested a renewed review of the decision and an assessment of the road-route proposal by experienced engineers.

Health experts at a policy dialogue in Dhaka called for a balanced medicine policy that keeps essential drugs affordable for patients while allowing manufacturers to sustain quality production and supply. The discussion, organised by the Public Integrity Network for Evidence and Transparency at CIRDAP auditorium on Tuesday, focused on transparent, predictable pricing, regular price reviews, uninterrupted availability and financial protection for patients.

Dhaka University health economist Syed Abdul Hamid said the pricing formula for 117 medicines has remained based on 1982 conditions since 1994, despite rising production, energy, transport and research costs. He said the essential medicines list expanded from 117 to 285 in 2016 and to 295 in 2026, but newly included medicines were not brought under the earlier pricing system. Participants also cited dependence on imported active pharmaceutical ingredients and high out-of-pocket health spending.

Speakers urged regular updates to the essential medicines list, stronger medicine regulation, rational use and action against unethical marketing. Proposals included free medicines for low-income people, subsidies for middle-income patients, stronger public supply systems, more research investment and greater domestic API production.

The Iman Aqidah Preservation Committee presented seven demands to the government at a National Ulama-Mashayekh Convention on Tuesday at the Diploma Engineers Institution auditorium in the capital. Its demands included declaring the Qadiani community non-Muslim, banning Hizb ut-Tawhid, repealing transgender-related wording in the labour law, and adopting a two-gender policy. The committee also called for legislation imposing the maximum punishment for insulting Allah, the Prophet, the Quran and Islam.

Other demands included avoiding laws deemed inconsistent with the Quran and Sunnah, making Islamic studies compulsory for Muslim students from primary through higher secondary level, and adding accounts of prophets and companions to religious education books. The group also sought a separate Shariah bench at the High Court for Muslim family and personal matters.

Speakers called for public awareness campaigns to preserve Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat beliefs and counter what they described as anti-Islamic or misleading ideologies. A statement attributed to Hefazat-e-Islam chief Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari was read in his absence. Hefazat secretary general Allama Sajidur Rahman urged an investigation and legal action against Hizb ut-Tawhid, while committee president Maulana Abdul Awal called for state action to protect moral, social and family values.

Bong Sena held a march from the busy Sealdah area of Kolkata, West Bengal, calling for the division of Bangladesh and the creation of a proposed “Bongobhumi.” Marchers chanted slogans demanding that Bangladesh be divided and describing the Padma, Meghna and Jamuna region as their address. Women also joined the procession, carrying posters and banners, while bystanders watched from both sides of the road.

The organisation’s materials named Partha Samanta as president of the proposed Bongobhumi movement, Narayan Das as commander and Subhash Majumdar as chief spokesperson. Majumdar said Samanta was in hiding and did not want to appear publicly. Majumdar alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and demanded six former districts—Faridpur, Jessore, Khulna, Patuakhali, Kushtia and Barisal—for an initial Bongobhumi.

Majumdar later said the group sought 21 districts and intended to include Rangpur, claiming one-third of Bangladesh’s land. He said the organisation had written to the United Nations. Narayan Das said Bong Sena’s headquarters was in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district and claimed presence in Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Both leaders said they had contacts with some Hindu organisations in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Coast Guard and Navy personnel rescued 28 fishermen alive from two fishing trawlers drifting in the Bay of Bengal after their engines failed. The vessels, FB Mayer Doa and FB Al-Amin, were taken with the fishermen to the Coast Guard station at Dublar Char in the Sharankhola Range of the eastern Sundarbans, where they received initial medical care.

On Monday around 8pm, the Coast Guard rescued FB Mayer Doa and its 12 fishermen from deep sea about 12 nautical miles south of Dublar Char. The Navy vessel BNS Kopotakkho rescued FB Al-Amin with 16 fishermen at the same time and handed it over to the Coast Guard.

According to the Coast Guard, FB Mayer Doa began drifting after its engine failed while fishing on Sunday night. The crew contacted the owner after entering network coverage, and owner Kalam Khan sought help through the Coast Guard emergency number 16111. The rescued fishermen were also given food, and procedures are under way to hand them over to their mahajans.

A Dhaka metropolitan magistrate’s court on Tuesday, August 25, ordered five days of remand for Mohammad Abul Kashem Patwary, known as “Hatkata Kashem,” in a case over an alleged attack and attempted murder targeting former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s motorcade. Kashem is president of the Tejgaon police station unit of the Jatiya Sramik League. Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam issued the order, confirmed prosecution sub-inspector Arif Reza.

Police arrested Kashem from the capital’s Karwan Bazar area on August 17. A court rejected his bail application the following day and sent him to jail. The investigating officer sought seven days of remand on August 20, and the court set Tuesday for a hearing in Kashem’s presence.

The prosecution said Khaleda Zia’s motorcade was attacked in Karwan Bazar on April 20, 2015, while she campaigned for Dhaka North City Corporation mayoral candidate Tabith Awal. Defence lawyers sought cancellation of remand and bail, arguing there were no specific allegations and citing Kashem’s physical disabilities. After hearing both sides, the court granted five days of remand.

Three agreements signed during the Awami League period allowing India to use Bangladesh’s ports, waterways and land routes remain in force, according to the report. The agreements are the use of Chattogram and Mongla ports for goods movement to and from India, the Coastal Shipping Agreement, and the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade. Critics cited in the report describe the arrangements as contrary to Bangladesh’s national interests.

The Coastal Shipping Agreement created scope for India to use Chattogram, Mongla, Payra and Pangaon as coastal ports. Under the port-use agreement, India can transport goods between its states through Bangladesh by paying what the report describes as nominal fees. The water transit protocol assigns Bangladesh responsibility for maintaining navigability on designated routes used by Indian vessels and provides for automatic renewal every five years.

A memorandum on use of Chattogram and Mongla ports was signed on June 6, 2015, while the port-use agreement was signed on October 25, 2018. An implementation procedure was signed in 2019, followed by a trial container shipment in 2020. Political analyst Dilara Chowdhury called for a public reassessment and parliamentary discussion of the agreements.

A government gazette has been issued for the proposed Santoshpur Ecopark in Fulbaria, Mymensingh, prompting optimism among residents about biodiversity protection, recreation and local development. Local people believe the project could reshape the upazila’s socio-economic conditions and transport links while creating a healthier recreational space for residents and visitors.

The report says roads in poor condition could be repaired and paved to ease tourist travel, improving connectivity across the upazila. It also says park-related hotels, restaurants, transport, guiding and handicrafts could create direct and indirect jobs for hundreds of unemployed young people. Greater visitor numbers are expected to increase income for local businesses.

MP Principal Kamrul Hasan Milon said the ecopark could strengthen infrastructure and communications, while protecting forests and endangered wildlife. BNP leaders and other local figures welcomed the announcement and said they were committed to advancing the government programme. The report further says the project could protect Forest Department land from illegal occupiers and safeguard the area’s natural environment and wildlife.

Bangladeshi diploma engineers in civil, electrical and architecture fields are set to receive employment opportunities in Japan under a signed memorandum of understanding, officials said at a Tuesday meeting at the Secretariat. The initiative, led by Town Life Company Limited, has begun Japanese-language instruction for students of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, with the Japanese company expected to cover costs from language and technical training through entry into Japan.

Prime Minister’s education and primary education adviser Mahdi Amin said Japan’s labour market is highly important for Bangladesh in the current circumstances. He said the government is pursuing multiple initiatives with Japan, prioritising Japanese-language education and working to assist Japanese teachers with visa applications and housing arrangements. The government is also taking steps to expand overseas labour markets and improve Technical Training Centre capacity.

Officials said the first batch’s Japanese-language course is nearly complete and a second batch is under way. Candidates who pass Japanese-language examinations will be sent to Japan in phases. First-batch jobs have been confirmed, with placements due to begin by October 2026; other selected candidates are expected to enter Japan by January 2027. Town Life will also support laboratory development and training equipment at Dhaka Polytechnic Institute.

Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Juris van Bommel paid a courtesy call on Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday morning at the opposition leader’s official residence at 29 Minto Road in the capital. The meeting was also attended by embassy First Secretary for Political Affairs Jawad Azaoui and Senior Political Adviser Lubain Chowdhury Masum.

According to a Jamaat press release, the participants held open discussions on Bangladesh’s current political situation, democracy, human rights, bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Netherlands, and trade and economic cooperation. Dr Shafiqur praised Dutch government initiatives supporting Bangladesh’s economic development, climate-related challenges and Rohingya refugees.

The Dutch ambassador praised the opposition’s constructive and positive role in parliament. He stressed the importance of political stability and regular dialogue between the government and opposition to ensure Bangladesh’s development and investment. Both sides expressed hope that the existing friendly relationship between Bangladesh and the Netherlands would be strengthened further. After the meeting, the opposition leader showed the ambassador graffiti related to the July movement at the residence.

UNDP has expressed willingness to provide full cooperation for Bangladesh’s overall reform process, including legal and judicial reforms and constitutional amendments, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said after a courtesy meeting with UNDP Resident Representative Stephen Rodrick at the Home Ministry in the Secretariat on Tuesday.

According to a ministry release, the meeting discussed constitutional reform, assistance for Rohingya refugees, strengthening police capacity, institutional and technological support against rumours and misinformation, the proposed National Human Rights Commission Act, and a law on preventing and remedying enforced disappearances. Rodrick said UNDP wanted to support the government’s goals, priorities and work plan, including assistance for the constitutional amendment process.

The minister praised UNDP’s continuing support for Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development and called for expanded cooperation. He said the government seeks appropriate upgrading and modernization of existing Rohingya camp infrastructure but does not want new construction there. He also said draft laws on the National Human Rights Commission 2026 and Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearance 2026 had received cabinet approvals at different stages.

Nearly 10 months after the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union, or RAKSU, election, elected representatives say they have carried out programmes including seminars, training, sports and cultural events. Their work has drawn campus discussion and criticism over how far election promises have been fulfilled, what activities were completed, and the allocation and spending of funds.

According to the RAKSU treasurer’s accounts, Tk 17 million was allocated for one year of activities at the first session. In 10 months, Tk 9,155,939 was allocated following applications from the vice-president, general secretary, assistant general secretary and secretaries, while leaders spent Tk 6,389,759. Activities included sports screenings and tournaments, debate and literature seminars and publications, cultural observances, Wi-Fi at the RAKSU building, webinars, courses, media workshops, technology programmes, health awareness events and campus welfare initiatives.

Records say some work remains ongoing and vouchers for certain allocations have not yet been submitted. The vice-president’s overall allocation of Tk 990,324 was fully withdrawn, with vouchers submitted for half and work continuing for the rest. Other divisions also reported pending vouchers, ongoing programmes, or returns of surplus funds after completed work.

French companies are increasingly viewing Saudi Arabia as more than a domestic market, positioning it as a base for expansion across the Middle East and wider region. The kingdom is seeking to establish itself as a hub for manufacturing, technology, exports and regional management under Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil.

By the end of 2025, Saudi Arabia had 12,946 factories. During that year, it issued 1,660 new industrial licences with potential investments of about €17.1 billion, while 1,201 factories began production. The country has 36 industrial cities and more than 700 ready-built factories. Eligible investors in four special economic zones can receive a 5% tax rate for up to 20 years, while the Saudi Industrial Development Fund may finance up to 75% of eligible project costs.

French firms including Schneider Electric, Vallourec and Tarkett are expanding industrial operations in Saudi Arabia, with Tarkett establishing a manufacturing joint venture in Jeddah. Non-oil exports and re-exports reached €83.4 billion in 2025 across more than 180 countries. Riyadh hosts more than 750 regional headquarters, including 39 French companies, while French direct investment reached about €16.3 billion in 2024.

Upazila authorities recovered 72 sacks of fertilizer from the home of former union parishad chairman Shaheen Sarkar in Sadullapur, Gaibandha, and fined him. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Jasim Uddin conducted the raid on Tuesday morning at Sarkar’s residence in North Mondwar area. Sarkar, 60, is a former chairman of Bongram Union Parishad.

The administration said the fertilizer had been stored illegally. The recovered stock included 13 sacks of urea, 28 sacks of gypsum, 16 sacks of DAP, 13 sacks of TSP and two sacks of potash fertilizer. Authorities put the market value of the seized fertilizer at about Tk56,700.

Shaheen Sarkar said his family were marginal farmers and that the fertilizer was neither intended for sale nor illegally stockpiled. He said it had been kept for use on transplanted Aman paddy land. Jasim Uddin said strict legal action would be taken against anyone who illegally hoards fertilizer allocated for farmers or attempts to sell it at higher prices.