BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie stated that the party will ensure the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ election symbol remains prominent in the upcoming elections under Tarique Rahman’s leadership. Annie stressed the need to strengthen Tarique Rahman’s leadership through unity and to support party chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. “We must focus on the next elections. A strong leadership will emerge from the upcoming conference, which will help us reach every household,” he said. He added, “Following Tarique Rahman’s guidance, we will mobilize our team to reach the younger generation and honor the sacrifices of mothers and sisters who participated in past movements. At the local level, councilors, delegates, and ward leaders will unite to strengthen the party. Today, we stand together with no divisions, as we successfully built a bond of unity in Ramganj.”

A scuffle broke out between students and faculty at Rajshahi University on Saturday afternoon over the “pet quota” issue, leaving several injured including former coordinator Salahuddin Ammar and Al Shahriar Shuvo, general secretary of the Student Rights Council (RU branch). Students reportedly besieged the residences of the university’s two pro-vice-chancellors, locking the gates. Unable to enter one residence at midday, pro-vice-chancellor Prof. Main Uddin and proctor Mahbubur Rahman returned. As they moved toward Zuberi Hall, students followed, chanting slogans. A faculty member and a printing-press official tried to restrain the students on the Zuberi Hall verandah, and a physical confrontation began. Pro-vice-chancellor Main was later confined on the second-floor verandah of Zuberi Hall by students. University officials said around 10 staff members — including the pro-vice-chancellor, the registrar, the proctor and the public relations administrator — were temporarily surrounded. Several students and activists sustained injuries in the clashes.

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has accused the government of undermining Bangladesh’s economy over the past 15 years, describing its rule as “authoritarian” and detrimental to the nation’s growth. Moin highlighted that $234 billion of the hard-earned money of ordinary Bangladeshis has been illegally transferred abroad—a sum that, he noted, could have funded the construction of 100 Padma Bridges. He further claimed that the government misappropriated much of the funds allocated for the Padma Bridge project, diverting them through corrupt channels. On a different note, Moin defended the legacy of the late President Ziaur Rahman, asserting that despite various false allegations against him, no one has ever been able to prove him corrupt or dishonest. He emphasized that eradicating corruption from society is essential for Bangladesh’s development and for ensuring politics remain relevant to improving people’s lives.

The United Arab Emirates has not officially announced any suspension of work or tourist visas for Bangladeshi nationals, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the UAE, Tarek Ahmed, said in response to viral reports. He noted that the website which circulated the story is not an official UAE government site. News first appeared on a website called “UAE Visa Online” on 17 September and, after coverage in several Bangladeshi outlets on Saturday, went viral on social media. The Bangladesh embassy said it will contact UAE authorities after the weekly holiday and asked people not to pay attention to visa-related rumours until an official statement is issued.

Acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tareq Rahman, urged party activists to reject personal profiteering and to accept party decisions unconditionally. Addressing the Kishoreganj district BNP triennial conference, he warned that an “invisible force” is becoming visible and stressed that activists cannot afford to remain idle if they want to secure citizens’ rights and advance development. “Everyone must ensure that no one uses our name to create confusion among the people,” he said, calling for unity among all supporters of the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol who still strive to establish democracy. “We must remain united at any cost — there is no alternative.”

A fire at the Power Grid’s T-3 transformer in Binerpota, Satkhira, caused a two-hour nationwide blackout in the district on Saturday after 11 a.m. Sanat Kumar Ghosh, General Manager of Satkhira Rural Electricity Cooperative, reported that the fire was contained within 20 minutes by the fire service. Power supply has now been restored. Swab Hossain, Executive Engineer of Satkhira OJOPADIC, confirmed that the cause of the fire remains unknown. “The entire district experienced a two-hour power disruption. Any remaining minor outages will be restored shortly,” he said.

Chinese tech giant Huawei aims to build the world’s most powerful AI computing cluster within two years, relying on lower-power domestic semiconductors due to U.S. export restrictions. At its Shanghai conference, Huawei revealed timelines for Atlas 950 and Atlas 960 SuperPods, set for 2026 and 2027, which will combine into SuperClusters capable of running advanced AI models. Analysts see this as a major push for self-reliance, with Huawei’s roadmap including Ascend 950, 960, and potential 970 chips to strengthen its computing architecture.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah clarified that his party visited Cox’s Bazar on August 5, but media reports claiming a meeting with former U.S. Ambassador Peter Haas were misleading. Hasnat Abdullah expressed concern over media bias, stating that despite all parties having recommended advisors in the caretaker government, NCP was unfairly held responsible for its failures. “If the media continues its double standards, the invisible forces conspiring against the nation will gain strength,” he said. He further emphasized the party’s stance against media and military elements working against Bangladesh, noting that NCP fought largely on its own. “We speak truth to the media and call out falsehoods. Yet, media trials have tarnished the reputations of NCP leaders,” he added. While the party is not against media, Hasnat Abdullah stressed the need for objective and factual reporting.

Financial advisor Salehuddin Ahmed stressed that children should grow up with proper education and strong ethical values. Highlighting the growing influence of billionaires, he expressed concern over Brahmanbaria’s underdevelopment and the reluctance of doctors to work outside Dhaka. He called on local leaders to prioritize collective progress, urged district associations to focus on community interests over personal gains, and encouraged awareness to prevent conflicts among locals, emphasizing that holistic education and honesty are essential for future generations.

Mexico is positioning its southern rail corridor across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec as a faster alternative for shipping goods from Asia to the U.S. amid Panama Canal water shortages. South Korea’s Hyundai has already used the route, with major U.S. automakers expressing interest. The government is investing $540 million to expand ports and rail lines, aiming to establish a full freight corridor. The route cuts transit time to the U.S. by several days compared to Panama or Canadian routes, boosting southern Mexico’s logistics potential.

Canada and Mexico have agreed to boost cooperation as trade uncertainty grows under Trump’s tariff policies. Following talks in Mexico City, both nations pledged unity in negotiations with Washington ahead of the 2026 USMCA review. Tariffs of up to 50% on Canadian steel and aluminum and sector-specific duties on Mexico have disrupted supply chains, raising costs. Analysts warn stalled talks could strain North America’s competitiveness, while compliance with USMCA rules and alternative sourcing are seen as key strategies.

Ahead of the Sharadiya Durga Puja, cash gifts were distributed at 131 puja mandaps in Comilla city on behalf of BNP leader Tarique Rahman. The event’s chief guest, BNP leader Aminur Rashid Yasin, highlighted the party’s commitment to supporting citizens of all faiths. “BNP believes in ‘Religion for everyone, festival for all’ and has consistently worked to maintain communal harmony,” he said. Yasin emphasized that Sharadiya Durga Puja is an integral part of Bengali culture. He added, “Tarique Rahman respects people of all religions and backgrounds. Today’s gift distribution is a reflection of his sincere affection. To build a healthy and prosperous Bangladesh, communal harmony must be preserved.”

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone for 90 minutes, agreeing to meet in South Korea next month. Trump described the talk as constructive and praised Xi’s cooperation. He said he would visit China next year, followed by Xi’s U.S. trip. The leaders are expected to discuss TikTok ownership and trade. Recently, Washington and Beijing reached a preliminary deal allowing U.S. investors to hold at least 80% of TikTok shares, ensuring its operations in America.

BNP leader Ahmed Azam Khan has accused those agitating over proportional representation (PR) and attempting to disrupt the upcoming February 2026 general election of being “dark forces working against the country’s democratic interests.” “These groups are dragging the nation back toward fascism,” Azam said, urging citizens to remain vigilant. He questioned why political parties are even debating whether the election will be held in February 2026, emphasizing that holding elections on time is crucial for democracy. Azam pointed out that when discussions were held in the consensus commission, PR was not raised as a priority issue for the national parliamentary elections—only a handful of parties in the Upper House had made the demand. “The BNP’s position is clear: the nation is not prepared for PR at this stage. It requires time.” He warned that without elections, Bangladesh cannot progress on its democratic path. “We call on all parties to come to the electoral field, refrain from disruptive politics, and prove their patriotism,” he said.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General Redwan Ahmed sharply accused Jamaat-e-Islami of consistently working against Bangladesh’s peace, order and sovereignty. Speaking at a party event, Redwan said historical evidence shows Jamaat’s opposition to nationhood: “During the partition of India, Maulana Maududi opposed the creation of Pakistan. During our Liberation War, Ghulam Azam opposed the creation of Bangladesh.” He accused Jamaat of now raising “unrealistic” demands for proportional representation (PR) to obstruct the upcoming national election, and suggested the party has never sought the country’s welfare. “They once took up arms on the side of Pakistani invaders against freedom fighters,” Redwan said. Redwan also claimed external influence is undermining Bangladesh’s democracy. “With India’s support, Sheikh Hasina has been able to suppress democracy here,” he said, while stressing that historical friendship with India — born from solidarity during the independence movement — should not come at the cost of Bangladesh’s sovereignty. “We want friendship, but not by surrendering our independence and sovereignty.”