The Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) has raised serious concerns over a case filed against journalist Sagar Chowdhury, who reported on corruption and irregularities in Bhola’s courts. DUJ leaders emphasized that such lawsuits hinder independent journalism and urged authorities to withdraw the case immediately. They noted that anyone dissatisfied with a news report can respond or file a complaint with the Press Council, but taking direct legal action against journalists is unacceptable and undermines press freedom.

Lisa Cook, a governor of the U.S. Federal Reserve, has filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, challenging his attempt to remove her from office. In her legal petition, Cook has requested the court to declare Trump’s dismissal order “illegal and null.” The lawsuit also names Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell as a co-defendant. Trump has accused Cook of providing false information regarding her mortgage records and claims that the Constitution gives him the authority to remove her from her position. Cook has previously stated that there is no “legitimate legal basis” for her dismissal under U.S. law. According to reports from the BBC, the move by Trump comes amid his dissatisfaction with the Federal Reserve’s reluctance to lower interest rates. As a member of the board responsible for setting U.S. interest rates, Cook’s role places her at the center of this high-stakes confrontation.

In Shariatpur’s Borkandi Union, BNP joint convener Khabir Sardar was fatally stabbed on Wednesday following a dispute over mosque loudspeaker use. His brother, Danesh Sardar, filed a case naming Almas Sardar as the main suspect. Police recovered Almas Sardar’s body the following day after locals discovered a foul-smelling buried package. Authorities confirmed the body matched the suspect. The two consecutive killings have created widespread fear in the area. OC Mainul Islam assured that legal action will follow based on ongoing investigations.

Despite China’s new nationwide child subsidy of 3,600 yuan per year for children under three, rising costs of diapers, dairy, and clothing make the financial support feel insufficient. Families like Wang Yuan’s in Hangzhou report spending around 4,000 yuan monthly on a four-month-old baby. Introduced in July 2024, the scheme aims to assist nearly 20 million families, including retroactive support for children born 2022–2024. Experts warn that China’s declining birth rate and rapidly aging population remain major demographic challenges.

Over 100 leaders from district and upazila levels of the Gaon Adhikar Parishad in Naogaon resigned simultaneously on Friday. Among the resigning leaders were Akhtarul Islam (Vice President, Naogaon District), Mehedi Hasan (Joint General Secretary), and Abu Rahat Chowdhury (Vice President), along with other organizational members. They cited long-standing grievances, including neglect of grassroots leaders, the imposition of “pocket committees,” financial transactions in committee formation, and undemocratic behavior by central leaders. Approximately 80% of youth, student, and labor rights members from Naogaon district resigned in solidarity.

Amid rising U.S. tariff pressures, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Tokyo to attend the two-day annual summit beginning Friday. The visit is expected to strengthen strategic relations between Japan and India, with discussions focusing on rare mineral partnerships and Japanese investment in high-value sectors in India. Meanwhile, both countries plan to discuss enhanced cooperation under the regional security alliance framework. Modi’s visit is also seen as a key step in strengthening the Quad alliance in the Indo-Pacific region.

A Tk 35.5 crore project in Bhangaura Municipality, Pabna, aimed at providing arsenic-free drinking water, remains non-functional more than a decade after its launch. Substandard materials and widespread corruption prevented its operation, yet six employees continue to receive salaries, costing the municipality nearly Tk 20 lakh annually. Investigations confirmed irregularities, but no actions were taken. Residents remain deprived of clean water, while authorities cite lack of funds to repair pump houses and continue other municipal duties.

On International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, Adhikar urged the government to dissolve the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and implement a 10-point plan to address enforced disappearances. The demands include independent investigations, withdrawal of false cases, victim and witness protection, legal recognition for families of missing persons, and enhanced forensic and investigative capacity. The group criticized past state repression under Sheikh Hasina and called for reforms and the implementation of the “July Charter” to ensure justice and transparency.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that preparations are underway for the national parliamentary elections scheduled in February. “Everyone is eagerly awaiting the elections. Through this process, democracy will be reinstated in the country,” he said during the inauguration of the Small and Cottage Industry Fair in Barishal district. He emphasized that voters will elect their representatives and government, hold them accountable, and voice fundamental concerns directly. Khasru added, “Previously, the economy was concentrated in the hands of a few. We must expand economic opportunities for ordinary citizens and create global markets for small and cottage industries, ensuring economic growth for Bangladesh.”

A U.S.-made F-16 fighter jet crashed during a military exercise in western Poland on August 28, killing the pilot. Footage shows the aircraft suddenly descending from the sky before hitting the ground and catching fire. No bystanders were harmed, and the cause of the crash remains unknown. Poland, a key NATO ally, has been operating F-16s purchased from the United States since 2003. The incident marks another fatal accident involving this aircraft model.

The United Kingdom has repatriated 15 Bangladeshi nationals accused of violating immigration laws. The returnees were sent on a special charter flight from London’s Stansted Airport via Islamabad, arriving in Dhaka on Friday. The passengers included both men and women, some with valid passports and others with expired ones, hailing from districts such as Sylhet, Comilla, and Dhaka. The UK authorities, coordinating with Bangladesh, are taking strict measures against illegal immigrants, with repatriation forming part of their enforcement efforts.

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Pettongtan Shinawatra from office following the leak of a phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. In the recording, Pettongtan criticized her own military and assured Hun Sen of her support, sparking public outrage and nationalist backlash. She had assumed office in August 2024 as Thailand’s youngest prime minister. Lawmakers may now form a new government or call fresh elections if consensus is not reached.

The Directorate of Madrasa Education has issued an urgent directive requiring full cooperation in the recruitment, joining, and MPO inclusion process of NTRCA-recommended teachers at private madrasas. Letters have been sent to principals, acting heads, and other officials of MPO-registered institutions. Complaints have emerged about delays due to absent committees or heads. Institutions must follow proper procedures through acting principals, ad hoc committees, or local administration. Non-compliance may result in suspension of MPO benefits and legal action under relevant regulations.

Under the Digital Connectivity (EDC) project, broadband internet has still not reached 85% of government and private institutions in Pirojpur and Jhalokathi. Dhaka-based contractor Access Telecom has been accused of embezzling millions while delivering only a few routers. In the 19 institutions that received connections, the lines frequently go offline. Even after extending the project deadline to September 30, 2025, questions remain about the pace and quality of work. Local ISPs have provided no assistance, and Tanzila Islam, Project Director (Joint Secretary) of the EDC project, said she cannot comment on whether irregularities or corruption occurred without reviewing the files.

Kabul has summoned the Pakistani ambassador after alleged attacks by Pakistani forces in Nangarhar and Khost provinces. The Taliban government reported at least three civilian deaths and seven injuries. Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of violating airspace and carrying out provocative bombings near the Durand Line. While Pakistan has yet to officially respond, tensions persist over cross-border terrorism, trade restrictions, and stalled diplomatic talks. Recent drone strikes in Shinwar district highlight fragile bilateral relations and regional instability.