YouTube has agreed to a $24.5 million settlement to resolve former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit over the suspension of his account following the January 6 Capitol riot. Court filings show $22 million will be donated to the National Mall Trust for a White House ballroom project, while $2.5 million will go to other plaintiffs, including the American Conservative Union and author Naomi Wolf. YouTube, owned by Alphabet, admitted no wrongdoing, saying the deal was meant to avoid further litigation costs. The move follows multimillion-dollar settlements between Trump and Meta, X, ABC News, and Paramount Global. Experts warn such settlements undermine consistent content moderation standards, raising concerns over tech platforms’ political alignment and influence. The case highlights ongoing clashes between Trump and media companies over alleged censorship since the 2020 election and January 6 events.

BNP central leader Shama Obaid has warned party activists against extortion, tender manipulation, and unethical activities, declaring no place for such practices in the party. She urged that even if her own supporters engage in wrongdoing, they must be handed over to the police. While visiting Durga Puja mandaps in Faridpur’s Saltha, she emphasized that real development requires ending corruption, police brokerage, and land office lobbying. Shama Obaid pledged to prevent immoral activities in her constituency as long as she is alive. She also assured equal treatment of Hindus and Muslims, calling for vigilance against attempts to disrupt communal harmony during the festival. BNP activists will guard temples day and night to prevent any mischief. She reaffirmed her lifelong support for the Hindu community, continuing her father’s legacy of unity and cooperation.

The Trump administration’s steep increase in H-1B visa fees has shattered the aspirations of countless young Indians hoping to build careers in the US. Once costing around $2,000, visa expenses now reach up to $100,000, forcing employers to spend nearly $160,000 per hire. As a result, many US companies are turning to local workers, shrinking opportunities for Indian talent. Experts warn that IT, software, healthcare, and project management sectors will face major setbacks. Students and professionals feel targeted and unwelcome, while Indian government officials encourage skilled workers to return home. However, many may choose alternatives like Canada, Australia, or Europe. Analysts stress that this policy could harm not only Indian professionals but also America’s own economic growth and innovation ecosystem, with long-term consequences for the global tech industry.

A leaked phone recording published Sept 30, 2025 captures a July 24 conversation between former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-state minister Nasrul Hamid Bipu. During the call, the recording alleges Hasina instructed Bipu to pin arson at government buildings during the July–August uprising on BNP and Jamaat, to ‘manage’ journalists by giving them ‘hadia’, and to intimidate channels by threatening to cut lines or electricity if they did not comply. The clip has circulated across media and social platforms, prompting debate and demands for investigation into the authenticity and political implications of the leak.

A Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate court has rejected model and leadership trainer Meghna Alam’s request for the return of her passport, seized in a fraud and extortion case filed at Dhanmondi police station. Meghna, who often travels abroad for professional commitments, applied for its return, but the court denied it after Tuesday’s hearing. Her mobile and laptop are still under investigation for potential anti-state content. Previously detained under the Special Powers Act, Meghna was released on bail in April. The next case hearing is scheduled for November 11.

BNP leader GK Gaus has said that the party remains committed to ensuring peaceful coexistence for people of all religions in Bangladesh. He expressed concern that those who fled the country after the recent mass uprising may use their illicit wealth to destabilize Bangladesh. As a precaution, BNP is maintaining heightened vigilance during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations. “Religion is personal, but the country belongs to all. BNP believes in communal harmony, where every faith enjoys equal dignity and rights,” Gaus stated. He praised BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman for mobilizing party activists nationwide last year to ensure Durga Puja was celebrated peacefully despite political turmoil. “Even in the toughest times, we stood together with people of all religions. If we remain vigilant, no evil force will be able to disrupt harmony,” he added.

The Khagrachhari district administration has formed a five-member committee to investigate the recent violence in Guimara. Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandaker made the announcement while visiting the affected areas on Tuesday. He assured that the administration will stand by the victims, covering treatment costs and initiating rehabilitation programs. Discussions have also been held with protesters—seven of their eight demands have reportedly been addressed. The DC urged that the matter be resolved through dialogue, promising that if the blockade is lifted, the administration would also withdraw Section 144.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has launched a 12-day second-phase protest programme, pressing five demands including elections under a proportional representation (PR) system, ensuring legal recognition of the July Sanad, and guaranteeing a level playing field. The programme, announced by Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar, includes public outreach from October 1–9, rallies in Dhaka and divisional cities on October 10, and submission of memoranda to district administrators on October 12. Jamaat warned of continued street protests if demands are ignored.

BNP leader Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim has criticized proposals for Proportional Representation (PR)-based elections, calling the idea absurd and dangerous for democracy. “Under PR, you could vote in Sandwip, but your MP would come from the Maldives—such thinking is absurd and unfit for Bangladesh’s political culture,” he remarked. He argued that while reforms are necessary, many changes require constitutional amendments that must go through Parliament. Asim accused the ruling Awami League of ignoring the constitution while trying to restore authoritarian rule. He further alleged that all major infrastructure progress took place under Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, while the current government has only plundered national wealth and repressed citizens over the past 15 years.

Bangladesh continues to face significant barriers to foreign investment despite efforts to improve electricity reliability. A U.S. State Department report highlights unfair taxes on foreign firms, corruption, red tape, and weak infrastructure as key challenges. The interim government has taken early steps but lacks effective action on labor rights and intellectual property enforcement. Foreign reserves dropped from USD 48 billion in 2021 to under USD 20 billion in 2024, worsened by banking scandals and loan defaults. Reforms are underway to stabilize the sector.

BNP Organizing Secretary Shama Obaid has declared that extortionists and those engaged in unethical practices have no place in the party. Speaking during a constituency visit in Saltha, she said, “If anyone in BNP, even from my own team, is involved in wrongdoing, hand them over to the police. We will not protect them.” She emphasized the need to root out corruption, extortion, and political exploitation to ensure genuine development. During visits to 20 Durga Puja mandaps, Shama stressed BNP’s commitment to equal treatment of all religious communities. She warned that fascist elements might try to disrupt the festivities but assured that BNP activists would guard temples around the clock to maintain peace.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has alleged that both local and international conspiracies are actively working against the Zia family and nationalist forces in Bangladesh. Speaking at a party event, Rizvi warned that efforts are underway to destabilize communal harmony and create unrest across the country. He urged all pro-democracy parties and citizens to remain vigilant. Criticizing the ruling establishment, he claimed that authorities are deliberately delaying elections and attempting to derail democracy. Rizvi further warned that Bangladesh’s youth, long deprived of their voting rights, would not forgive any attempt to manipulate elections. He also called on BUET students and intellectuals to contribute their knowledge and ideas to BNP’s vision for national reconstruction.

The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is set to begin trial operations this December, confirmed Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. He noted that Bangladesh had earlier requested Russia to launch the project in November, but Moscow indicated a December start. The plant has already received its fuel, and a team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has provided recommendations, which are currently being implemented. Final approval from the IAEA is pending. Electricity pricing per unit has not yet been finalized. Once operational, the two Russian-built VVER-1200 reactors will add 2,400 MW of power to Bangladesh’s national grid, marking a milestone in the country’s energy sector.

Three new Hajj packages under private management for the upcoming year have been announced, with notable price hikes across all categories. According to Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Secretary General Farid Ahmed Mazumder, the Special Hajj Package has been raised by Tk 51,000 to Tk 7.5 lakh. The General Package now costs Tk 5.5 lakh, an increase of Tk 27,000, while the Economy Package stands at Tk 5.1 lakh. Unlike government-managed Hajj programs where meal expenses remain separate, all private packages include costs for food and Qurbani, promising improved services for pilgrims.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. In a statement, Modi said Trump’s proposal offers a “viable path toward long-term peace, security, and development” for both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the broader West Asian region. He expressed hope that all stakeholders would unite behind Trump’s initiative to end the conflict and ensure lasting peace.