Economic adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has cautioned investors against treating the stock market as a regular source of income. “Believing that profits are guaranteed from the capital market is a mistake,” he said, stressing that investments should target genuinely profitable sectors. He recommended making Sukuk bonds privately issued to encourage productive investment. Reflecting on past infrastructure planning, he noted that even during Barrister Nazmul Huda’s tenure as communications minister, he had opposed taking World Bank loans for mega projects like the Padma Bridge. “Funds for such projects could be raised from the share market,” he added.

Detective Branch (DB) police have arrested Abdul Wadud Pintu, president of the Noakhali municipal Awami League. Sudharam Police Station OC Mohammad Kamrul Islam confirmed that Pintu was arrested in Dhaka, where he had been hiding since the Awami League government’s ouster on August 5. He faces charges in an explosives case filed in Sudharam. DB officials said he was apprehended from his second wife’s rented apartment in Dhanmondi. Pintu hails from Krishna Rampur in Ward-4 of Noakhali municipality.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that competent officials are being sidelined in the administration over accusations of ties with the BNP’s student wing, Chhatra Dal, while key posts such as deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) are being awarded to ruling party loyalists. He warned of possible “sabotage and untoward incidents” under ongoing domestic and international conspiracies. Rizvi also claimed a smear campaign against BNP has intensified since August 5, comparing the government’s actions to the era of “1/11.” He accused authorities of trying to eliminate BNP from politics by branding it with various labels. Rizvi urged party members to remain vigilant and continue guarding puja mandaps across the country.

Abidul Islam Khan, a defeated vice-president candidate in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, has accused the administration of deliberately delaying responses to written complaints of irregularities. He alleged that ballot papers lacked serial numbers, and the number of used and unused ballots was never disclosed. Khan also claimed that polling officers misinformed journalists, student leaders were repeatedly harassed by mobs, and outsiders entered the campus with the help of BNCC, Rover Scouts, and Girl Guides. “Students are questioning whether individuals cast multiple votes,” he added. Despite the alleged irregularities, Khan emphasized that his panel refrained from protests, hoping the university would ensure transparency and accountability through proper investigation.

Portugal has officially recognized Palestine as an independent state, joining the UK, Canada, and Australia in a wave of international support. The announcement came from the Portuguese Foreign Minister in New York. Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed recognition via a video message, citing London’s commitment to reviving the two-state solution. Australia also issued a joint statement declaring its recognition, while Canada had been the first G7 nation to extend formal acknowledgment. This latest move raises the total number of countries recognizing Palestine to 151. French authorities are also expected to issue a formal declaration today.

For the first time since 1967, Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara has arrived in Washington to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Syrian state TV confirmed he is accompanied by four ministers, with expectations that the visit could open dialogue on restoring diplomatic ties with the United States, including reopening Syria’s embassy in Washington. Al-Shara is scheduled to address the Assembly on September 24. A meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is also being planned on the sidelines. Reuters noted that the U.S. once placed a $10 million bounty on al-Shara’s head due to his alleged links with al-Qaeda. However, his meeting with Trump in Riyadh earlier this year was hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough, leading Washington to lift most sanctions on Syria and pledge support for a “unified and stable” Damascus.

Non-stop heavy rainfall since last night has left large parts of Dhaka waterlogged, disrupting daily life. Areas including Mirpur, Green Road, Mohammadpur, and the airport vicinity were severely flooded. By 7 AM Monday, the city had seen continuous downpour accompanied by thunder and lightning. Stranded commuters, including school and office-goers, faced immense hardship. Vehicles broke down in submerged streets, while rickshaw and CNG drivers were accused of charging inflated fares. The Met Office forecast cloudy skies with intermittent rain and thunderstorms throughout the day.

A joint operation by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in the remote hills of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, has uncovered a human trafficking and abduction hub. At least 80 people—including women, men, and children—were rescued. Authorities said they had been abducted or gathered for trafficking via sea routes to Malaysia. The traffickers resisted the raid, opening fire and hurling stones at the forces. Lt. Col. Ashiqur Rahman confirmed the recovery of two locally made shotguns, one foreign pistol, and three rounds of ammunition. He added that human trafficking, kidnapping, and ransom extortion are on the rise in Teknaf, but law enforcement agencies remain vigilant.

Bangladesh has warmly welcomed the recent recognition of Palestine by influential Western countries including Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Portugal. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid described the move as a “step toward eventual independence” for the Palestinian people, while cautioning that “the road ahead remains long.” He also noted that France is expected to extend recognition soon, which would mean Palestine gains recognition from four of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. For over 75 years, Palestinians have endured displacement, Israeli aggression, and daily human rights violations. The ongoing conflict in Gaza is expected to be a major point of debate in the upcoming UN General Assembly session.

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.