Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the BNP not only restored multi-party democracy but also introduced parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat during a courtesy meeting with Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary Anda Philip, according to Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Swadhin.

Rahman said his government was working to protect every citizen’s constitutional rights and ensure essential public services. He said democracy had been re-established after a long struggle and claimed that many BNP leaders and activists had faced enforced disappearance, killings and false cases. He said the February 12 election had helped open a democratic path in the country.

Philip praised Rahman’s leadership and said his regular attendance at parliament sent a strong message of commitment to parliamentary democracy. He welcomed education and community-based initiatives in the BNP election manifesto and expressed interest in deeper IPU cooperation with Bangladesh’s parliament. Rahman said women’s empowerment was a government priority, citing plans for free education through honours level, stipends for female students and the Family Card project to strengthen women’s financial independence and household decision-making.

National Parliament Whip and Natore-2 lawmaker Advocate Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu said those who tried to destroy the Bangladesh Nationalist Party have themselves been destroyed. He made the remarks as chief guest at a rally marking BNP’s 48th founding anniversary at Natore town’s Upashahar field on Tuesday at about 11am.

Dulu alleged that BNP had faced conspiracies and attempts to split it into pieces. He accused the Awami League of preventing BNP from conducting organisational activities for 17 years, attacking its programmes and harassing leaders and activists with false cases. He also alleged that BNP workers had faced killings and disappearances.

He said people should remain alert about Awami League leaders and activists, alleging they could create unrest or carry out sabotage if given an opportunity. The event was chaired by Natore district BNP convener Rahim Newaz, while member secretary Asaduzzaman Asad spoke as the main speaker. A rally led by Dulu later toured Natore town. Dulu also said BNP is working under Tarique Rahman’s leadership to build a better Bangladesh.

Lake Assal, a highly saline lake in central-western Djibouti, lies 155 metres below sea level and is described as Africa’s lowest land point. The source places it in one of Africa’s hottest and driest regions, west of Djibouti City. Its water is said to be about 10 times saltier than seawater, containing more than 350 grams of salt per litre.

The lake formed in its current shape roughly one to four million years ago through volcanic activity and changes in the Earth’s surface, according to the source. It says the lake had been at sea level during an earlier geological era, while faulting and volcanic activity continue nearby. Lake Assal is surrounded by volcanoes and black lava fields, with bright white salt deposits that resemble dunes.

Geothermal wells have been drilled around the lake to supply electricity. The source says a thermal power plant produces 50 megawatts, using underground heated water and hot springs reaching up to 360 degrees Celsius. Salt is also produced as water evaporates in the heat; the source states that six million tonnes are exported annually after meeting Djibouti’s domestic demand.

An analysis published by South Asia Monitor on August 28, 2026 examines why Iran had long avoided fully closing the Strait of Hormuz despite repeated threats, and why calculations changed after the 2026 Iran-US conflict. Retired Brigadier Sanjay Agarwal described a complete closure as Iran’s “last weapon,” because the narrow waterway carries much of the Persian Gulf’s oil and gas to global markets while also serving Iran’s own trade and oil exports.

The analysis says a full blockade would reduce Iran’s oil exports and foreign-exchange income, disrupt imports of food and essential goods, intensify international pressure, and increase the risk of military action by the United States and its allies. Instead, Iran has sought leverage through ship controls, warnings, inspections, patrols and restrictions on particular vessels. In May 2026, the Revolutionary Guard said passage through Hormuz was occurring with its permission and coordination.

The source says US efforts to protect navigation and Iranian efforts to maintain control have made Hormuz a direct military flashpoint. It cites US strikes on Iranian missile-launch sites on Larak Island on August 31 and subsequent Iranian retaliation. Prolonged instability could encourage alternative export routes, while raising energy-price risks for Asian importers, including Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Internal Resources Division under the Finance Ministry has issued a notification exempting gross receipts of up to Tk2 crore from turnover tax for most sectors. The notification, issued by acting IRD secretary and acting NBR chairman Ahsan Habib by order of the President, was published as a gazette on Monday.

The revised rates exclude manufacturers of cigarettes, bidis, chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco, gul and other tobacco products, as well as carbonated beverage and sweetened drink producers, mobile phone operators and NTTN. For other sectors, gross receipts above Tk2 crore and up to Tk4 crore will face a minimum turnover tax rate of 0.5 percent.

Businesses with gross receipts above Tk4 crore will pay turnover tax at 1 percent. The Finance Act, 2026 had previously set the turnover tax rate at 1 percent, raising concerns of a substantial tax burden. The government has therefore moved away from its earlier position. Turnover tax is charged on a business’s total annual sales or transactions and must be paid even when there is no profit.

A commentary attributed to Turkish journalist, researcher and academic Ardan Zenturk examines the “Mecca Pact,” described as a joint defence agreement signed in Mecca on 7 August by Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It says the alliance remains open to additional members and portrays Bangladesh as among the Muslim-majority countries that responded positively soon after its announcement. The article argues that Bangladesh may view joining the pact as a starting point for redefining its geopolitical position.

The article says Turkey has supported Egypt’s potential accession and that trilateral discussions have taken place, while noting Egypt’s economic ties with the United Arab Emirates could delay such a move. It presents Saudi Arabia as important to Bangladesh for manpower, the economy, energy security and religious reasons. Turkey is described as a potential supplier of modern defence equipment, while Pakistan-Bangladesh trade, diplomatic and military contacts are said to have expanded after August 2024.

The commentary contends that closer Bangladesh ties with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey would concern India, Israel and a US-centred strategic axis. It also notes China’s deep involvement in Bangladesh’s defence and infrastructure sectors. The author cautions that not all expectations may be realised, but argues membership in the pact could place Bangladesh in a substantially different geopolitical position.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India wants to expand and diversify trade with Iran during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The meeting came seven days after the United States launched an economic campaign targeting Iran, increasing pressure on its military activities, energy and petrochemical trade and creating sanctions risks for foreign businesses dealing with Tehran.

In a post on X, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing friendship with Iran across sectors. He also said India would support all efforts aimed at securing lasting peace. The leaders discussed the regional situation in their first in-person meeting since the US-Iran conflict began six months earlier.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said New Delhi was exploring feasible new trade opportunities within existing constraints, including financing, insurance, transport and logistics. Bilateral trade fell from $17.03 billion in 2018-19 to $1.63 billion in 2025-26. India is also consulting stakeholders on a sustainable path for Chabahar port after its US sanctions exemption expired on April 26.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Jahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday that buying J-10 fighter jets from China is part of the government’s specific plan to acquire modern multirole aircraft. Speaking at a Secretariat press briefing on progress in government activities, he said options from the United States, Europe and China had been considered, with the Chinese option appearing comparatively advantageous for Bangladesh.

He said aircraft with similar capabilities could be bought at much lower cost, potentially less than half and close to one-third of the cost of alternatives from the United States and Europe. He also said the Bangladesh Air Force has only a small number of MiG-29 aircraft, which are not fully operational, while its F-7 fighters are very old.

Rahman said the purchase of modern multirole fighters is included in the Forces Goal and was not a sudden decision. He said the government would remain alert to corruption allegations, citing past allegations and cases surrounding MiG-29 purchases. On a question about a reported new Boeing agreement with the United States, he said the government had not announced anything and would disclose any such agreement.

Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam said eviction drives against businesses occupying sidewalks will continue, with legal action and possible arrests for those who return after removal. He made the remarks on Tuesday, September 1, during an operation from Bakshibazar to Chankharpul in the capital.

The operation was part of DSCC activities on cleanliness, revenue collection and mosquito control. Salam said most people would initially receive warnings and time to comply. If they fail to clean their premises or do not remain in accordance with legal requirements within that period, the corporation will be compelled to take legal measures.

Authorities will instruct relevant people to keep roads and sidewalks clean along the Bakshibazar-Chankharpul route and ask sidewalk businesses to leave those spaces. Businesses without trade licences will be requested to obtain them, while those with unrenewed licences will be asked to renew them. Salam said the corporation does not want to take action if people voluntarily follow the law, and sought residents’ cooperation as mosquito control, health and sanitation staff work in the area.

The Islamabad High Court has ordered Adiala Jail authorities not to keep former Pakistani prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in solitary confinement. In its Monday ruling, Justice Khadim Hussain Somro declared petitions alleging their isolation maintainable and directed prison officials to arrange meetings between the couple under jail rules.

The court also ordered that Imran’s family members be allowed to meet him according to regulations and that he be enabled to speak by phone with his two sons. It said the phone permission should be withdrawn if recordings of those conversations are used for political purposes. Imran must receive newspapers and books daily, while medical care must be ensured under applicable prison rules.

The jail superintendent was specifically directed to ensure Bushra is not held in solitary confinement and to submit an implementation report within 15 days. The petitions were filed by Imran’s sister Aleema Khan and Bushra’s daughter Mushabbara Khawar Maneka. Authorities had denied solitary confinement, citing security risks, while PTI rejected the information ministry’s assertions that Imran has adequate prison facilities.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a courtesy meeting with Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary Anda Philip on Tuesday afternoon at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat in the capital. Philip praised Rahman’s leadership and said his regular attendance at National Parliament sessions conveyed a strong commitment to parliamentary democracy.

Rahman said the country had restored democracy after a long struggle and that the February 12 election had helped facilitate a democratic path. He said the government was committed to protecting every citizen’s constitutional rights and ensuring essential public services. He also described women’s empowerment as a government priority.

Philip said he had read the BNP election manifesto and praised its education initiatives and community-based programmes. He expressed interest in stronger experience-sharing and cooperation between the IPU and Bangladesh’s National Parliament. Philip hoped the Speaker’s participation in the IPU’s 153rd Assembly in Tanzania would deepen ties. Rahman said the government planned free education for women through honours level, stipends for female students, and a Family Card project aimed at women’s financial independence and greater household decision-making participation.

QatarEnergy will be unable to supply liquefied natural gas to Bangladesh beyond September because shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. The company has extended force majeure relief from its contractual obligations for Bangladesh, citing circumstances beyond its control, according to Doha News reports based on Bloomberg and Reuters. Pakistan has also been informed that LNG cargoes will be cancelled through October, while several European buyers received similar notices.

Italy’s energy company Edison said on Friday that QatarEnergy had notified it of the suspension of five additional LNG cargoes. Those shipments had been scheduled to arrive at Italy’s Adriatic LNG terminal between late September and early November. QatarEnergy suspended LNG operations and declared force majeure on March 4 after war began between the United States and Iran.

The suspension has been repeatedly extended as navigation conditions in the Strait of Hormuz have not improved. A missile strike damaged infrastructure at QatarEnergy’s Ras Laffan facility in March, cutting Qatar’s LNG export capacity by 17%, according to Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi. ICC data cited by Euronews showed Qatar exported 18 LNG cargoes during the war’s first six months, compared with 509 a year earlier.

The European Union is discussing a proposed new military and civilian mission for southern Lebanon as the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, approaches its end on December 31, 2026. The European External Action Service has proposed a three-year mission to advise and train the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces, including on border and maritime security. EU officials say the plan is intended to strengthen Lebanese state institutions and security structures, not directly replace UNIFIL.

The discussion comes amid near-daily Israeli attacks in Lebanon, with about one-fifth of the country’s territory under occupation and around 335,000 people still displaced, according to the source. EU defence and foreign ministers meeting in Ireland this week may discuss Lebanon. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in May that Europeans were ready to form a mission to support Lebanon’s armed forces, while expressing doubt about sending one to take over all of UNIFIL’s responsibilities.

Analysts warn that UNIFIL’s departure could create a serious temporary security vacuum. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres presented three post-UNIFIL options in June, involving 900 to 3,000 troops, compared with about 7,000 in UNIFIL then. Observers say any new mission’s effectiveness will depend on a broader political agreement acceptable to both sides.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has called for urgent international action on climate change after devastating flooding in the Himalayan region last week. Shah said the flooding of the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa was not an ordinary flood, but a major natural disaster linked to the collapse of massive snow and ice layers in the Himalayas.

A glacier collapse near the China-Nepal border sent a huge flow of icy water and debris downstream, killing at least 939 people and leaving about 4,500 missing. Kathmandu said reconstruction following the disaster could cost several billion dollars. The precise cause of the glacier collapse remains unclear, though scientists say glaciers are melting faster as global temperatures rise.

Shah said Nepal should raise its climate-related concerns more forcefully internationally, noting that the country contributes little to global warming but faces significant harm from its effects. UN climate chief Simon Stiell described the disaster as a stark reminder of the fragility of mountain environments. Nepal’s limited resources have already placed its economy under pressure as it responds to the disaster.

An analysis published by South Asia Monitor on August 28, 2026 describes Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor as a potential new frontier for China’s trade and strategic expansion. The long, narrow mountainous territory in northeastern Afghanistan covers about 5,175 square kilometres, bordered by Tajikistan to the north, Pakistan to the south and China at its eastern end. It was created as a buffer zone amid 19th-century British-Russian imperial rivalry.

Before modern borders divided the area, Wakhi, Kyrgyz and Tajik communities maintained trade, pastoral, seasonal migration and cultural links across Central Asia. The article says the imposed boundaries disrupted these routes, particularly Kyrgyz access to seasonal grazing lands, while narrowing Wakhi agricultural and commercial connections. It refers to these historically marginalized groups as “ghost communities.”

China’s Belt and Road Initiative has renewed attention on the corridor, according to the analysis. A possible route through Wakhan could offer China land access via Afghanistan and Pakistan toward the Arabian Sea, strengthen its economic influence in Central Asia and connect isolated communities to new infrastructure and trade systems. The article cautions that these remain potential geopolitical trends, not confirmed outcomes.