The Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecast that rainy conditions may persist across the country for the next five days, beginning from 6pm Friday. Rain or thundershowers, accompanied temporarily by gusty winds, are expected in many areas of several divisions and in some areas of the remaining divisions. Rainfall may intensify on Saturday and Sunday, with moderate heavy to very heavy rain possible in isolated locations.

From Friday evening, many places in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Khulna, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions may receive light to moderate rain or thundershowers. Similar conditions are forecast for some places in Rajshahi, Dhaka and Barishal divisions. Day temperatures may rise slightly on Friday while night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged.

The department said the monsoon trough extends through parts of India, central Bangladesh and Assam. The monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and moderate over the northern Bay of Bengal. Temperatures may decline slightly nationwide on Sunday and Monday, while they may remain nearly unchanged on Saturday and Tuesday. The extended five-day outlook says the tendency for rainfall may continue.

Japan spent a record 15.3993 trillion yen, or about $96 billion, intervening in foreign-exchange markets between July 30 and August 26 to curb the yen’s rapid depreciation, government data released Friday showed. The spending exceeded the previous monthly record of $73.4 billion used in three intervention rounds in April and May.

The intervention followed the dollar’s rise to 163.99 yen on July 23, its highest level against the Japanese currency in nearly four decades. Japanese authorities began market action on July 30, followed by coordinated intervention with the United States during New York trading on July 31, the first joint action by the two countries in 15 years.

The coordinated move briefly pushed the dollar below 155 yen, but it later strengthened again and was trading at around 159 yen. Persistent selling pressure on the yen has been linked to concerns over Japan’s fiscal condition, the government’s expansionary spending policy without a detailed financing plan, and increased demand for the dollar as a safe investment amid uncertainty surrounding the Iran war. A weaker yen has raised import costs for energy, food and raw materials.

A Turkish professor and security analysts have outlined potential benefits and risks for Bangladesh if it joins the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, initially involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. The agreement, signed by the countries’ top leaders in Mecca, has drawn global attention because of its military dimension. Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry has said it views the agreement positively, but no decision has been made on joining.

Murat Aslam, a professor at Hasan Kalyonkcu University, described the arrangement as defensive rather than offensive. He said it has no specific enemy and aims to prevent conflict among members while improving their defense capabilities. Security analyst Hasib Aziz said Bangladesh could gain opportunities for joint military capacity-building, technological cooperation, AI partnerships and intelligence sharing.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman said in parliament that Bangladesh would positively consider an invitation from existing members. Bangladesh already imports Bayraktar drones and Otokar Cobra vehicles from Turkey, and this cooperation could expand. However, analysts cited South Asian geopolitics as a concern, particularly how the alliance might affect Bangladesh during any future India-Pakistan conflict.

Border Guard Bangladesh’s Sarail Battalion (25 BGB) seized a truck carrying 24 tonnes of undocumented fertiliser during an operation in Islamapur area of Bijaynagar upazila in Brahmanbaria. The operation was conducted around 1pm on Friday, August 28, following intelligence information. BGB said the site was about five kilometres inside Bangladesh from border pillar 2001/MP.

A special patrol team stopped and searched a suspicious truck, then examined documents for the fertiliser. Officials found no valid paperwork and seized 9,500 kilograms of TSP fertiliser and 14,500 kilograms of DAP fertiliser, along with the vehicle. BGB put the estimated seizure value of the truck and fertiliser at Tk55.61 lakh.

BGB initially believes the fertiliser was being transported for illegal stockpiling without valid documents. The source and people involved will be determined through investigation by the relevant authorities. Sarail Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Jabbar Ahmed said intelligence and operational activities would continue to strengthen border security and prevent smuggling in Bijaynagar, Akhaura and Madhabpur border areas.

Fatikchhari উপজেলা administration in Chattogram organized a large anti-drug rally and brief gathering on Friday, August 28, under the message “Drug-free Fatikchhari is our commitment.” The rally began at Jhankar Mor in Nazirhat Municipality, travelled eight kilometres, and ended at Bibirhat bus station, where the gathering was held.

The event was chaired by Fatikchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sayed Mohammad Ibrahim. Sarwar Alamgir, member of parliament for the Chattogram-2 Fatikchhari constituency, attended as chief guest. He said the public must unite to build social resistance to protect young people from drugs and stated there would be no compromise with forces obstructing a drug-free Fatikchhari.

Alamgir also called for resistance against terrorism and drugs, saying one drug user can destroy a family and society, while public awareness is needed to protect youth. Participants chanted slogans urging people to reject drugs and build a healthy life. Administrative officials, political activists, teachers, students, social and religious organizations, and members of the public joined the rally.

Sramik Majlish central president Muhammad Abdul Karim called for an end to the privatization of state-owned industrial factories at a workers’ rally in Dhaka on Friday after Jumu’ah prayers. The gathering was held at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, followed by a procession through various roads.

Karim also demanded reliable gas and electricity supplies, the cancellation of capacity charges, and the introduction of worker cards. The workers’ rally and procession were organized by Sramik Majlish Dhaka Metropolitan.

Mawlana Kobi Khaled Sanwar, president of the organization’s Dhaka Metropolitan South unit, chaired the event. Secretary General H M Ershad and Khelafat Majlish Dhaka Metropolitan North president Principal Mawlana Saif Uddin Ahmad Khandakar spoke as special guests. Several central and city-level leaders and members were also present, while Muhammad Sirajul Islam, general secretary of the Dhaka Metropolitan North unit, conducted the programme.

Jagannath University joined a colourful procession on Friday, 28 August, for “Dhaka Day 2026—Hridoye Dhaka,” marking the capital’s 416 years. Organised by Dhaka South City Corporation, the event began at the university campus and featured symbolic displays of Old Dhaka’s history, heritage, culture, food traditions and folk life.

Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam led the procession, while Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Ruis Uddin led the university delegation. Teachers, students, staff, police personnel and representatives of various groups participated. Large replicas of steamers, bakarkhani, jalebi, kites and reels drew attention, alongside models of Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Central Shaheed Minar and other landmarks.

The route passed Bahadur Shah Park, the court area, Ray Saheb Bazar and Gulistan Zero Point before ending at the city corporation’s Nagar Bhaban. Cultural performances by university music and drama students accompanied the event. Abdus Salam said the month-long “Hridoye Dhaka 416” festival was launched to foster residents’ love, affection and sense of responsibility toward Dhaka and present its heritage to wider audiences.

The Trump administration has sent a proposed civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to the US Congress for review, according to reports cited by Middle East Monitor. Washington has said the agreement will not take effect unless Riyadh normalizes relations with Israel and joins the Abraham Accords.

A US administration source said President Donald Trump’s position has not changed: Saudi Arabia must join the Abraham Accords before the nuclear cooperation deal can be implemented. The condition links the proposed civilian nuclear arrangement to a broader diplomatic normalization process involving Israel.

A Saudi source told Israel’s Channel 12 that Riyadh’s policy on diplomatic relations with Israel remains unchanged and firm. The source said Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic ties until an independent Palestinian state is created along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The source also described the civilian nuclear program as part of the long-term strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States, saying it should not be tied to normalization with Israel.

Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anny said the government should be given time and supported in efforts to develop the country, adding that there is no need for protests or marches at present. He made the remarks on Friday evening at an awareness programme in Lakshmipur Town Hall auditorium.

The event was organised by the social and volunteer organisation Abhedyo and focused on inclusive education, skills development, social employment and awareness of hearing impairment. Speaking as chief guest, Anny said his side had pledged to remain with the public and work for them, and that work had already begun.

He said implementation would require some time and called for both time and opportunity. Anny also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was working on national development and various humanitarian and social activities, urging cooperation with the government under his leadership for the country’s development. The programme was chaired by Abhedyo President Tanzimuzzaman Tishan and attended by local officials, educators, student leaders and people from different professions.

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee said her party would return to government soon, four months after losing the West Bengal assembly election. Speaking on Friday at the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad foundation anniversary programme on Cathedral Road, she urged supporters not to worry and said BJP members themselves would answer for what she described as the party’s injustices.

The event also highlighted divisions between two Trinamool camps. Banerjee’s faction held its gathering on Cathedral Road, while the camp of opposition leader Ritabrata Banerjee organised a programme on Rani Rashmoni Road. Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee’s Kalighat camp drew comparatively more people, according to the report. Leaders from Ritabrata’s side said they complied with a court-set attendance limit and described their event as successful.

Banerjee accused police of politically motivated actions and said she would travel to districts and hold programmes with public permission if police approval was denied. Abhishek Banerjee also criticised police over the removal of billboards from his Camac Street office. Trinamool leaders called Ritabrata’s camp and 20 MPs who joined NCPI in Delhi disloyal, while Banerjee said legal action was under way.

US President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Canada days after bilateral trade negotiations collapsed, saying it was time to “teach” Canada a lesson and that Washington could choose another path. In a Wednesday interview with Glenn Beck, Trump said a deal had been reached but Canada did not join the arrangement. He said the United States did not need goods that could not be sourced elsewhere.

Last Saturday, the United States imposed new 50 percent tariffs on about $20 billion in Canadian goods. Canada responded on Tuesday by announcing reciprocal 50 percent tariffs on roughly $20 billion in US imports, due to take effect on September 8. Ottawa also adopted measures to support affected businesses and workers.

Trump had previously announced 50 percent tariffs on Canadian vehicles and auto parts, scheduled to begin on January 1. Canada said US reluctance to expand tariff exemptions for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles was a key reason no agreement was reached. White House adviser Peter Navarro said Canada could ultimately receive a less favorable deal than the proposal it rejected. Canada's embassy in Washington did not immediately comment on Trump’s remarks.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment said Friday that Malaysia’s labour market for Bangladeshi workers is set to reopen soon through what it described as a transparent process. The ministry said ministerial meetings between the two countries, as well as discussions during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first foreign visit with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, helped create the prospect of reopening the market.

Malaysia has agreed in principle, at Bangladesh’s request, to take 10,000 workers free of all migration costs under a “zero cost” arrangement. The first group will be sent by a special chartered flight through the state agency Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited, or BOESL. Malaysia has directly selected 25 Bangladeshi recruiting agencies and will allow another 312 agencies to work as associate recruitment agencies, alongside BOESL.

The ministry said the worker-sending process remains under preparation and details will be announced later. It urged people not to make payments, undergo medical tests or submit passports before an official notice. Operations will initially use 16 medical centres, while a Malaysian delegation will later review centres under a new policy.

Islami Andolon Ameer and Charmonai Pir Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim said people shaped by Islamic principles could raise Islam’s flag at the state level. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon as chief guest at a student rally in Shahbagh’s Historic Shaheed Osman Hadi Square in the capital, marking the 35th founding anniversary of Islami Chhatra Andolon Bangladesh.

Karim said student life is the best time for self-development and urged activists to gain knowledge, character, skills and leadership qualities. He described Islami Chhatra Andolon Bangladesh as an ideology-based student organisation, contrasting it with the disorder, violence, occupation and other wrongdoing he said had resulted from activities of many other student groups.

The rally was chaired by the organisation’s central president, Muntachir Ahmad, and moderated by Secretary General Sultan Mahmud. Islami Andolon Secretary General Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman urged the government to establish the practice of referendums and fulfil commitments related to the July Charter. Speakers also called on students to oppose drugs, terrorism, corruption and moral decline while pursuing education, research, skills and public welfare.

Deputy Speaker and Netrokona-1 lawmaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal called for those involved in uprooting and cutting planted saplings to be identified and brought under the law. Speaking on Friday afternoon at a tree-planting programme near Babni Bridge in Kalmakanda Sadar Union, Netrokona, he urged local authorities to take necessary action.

Kamal said saplings planted along both sides of the Thakurakona-Kalmakanda road on August 1 had been damaged by unidentified people at night two days earlier. The planting, involving more than 1,200 forest, fruit and medicinal saplings, was organised by Kalmakanda উপজেলা BNP and its affiliated organisations as part of the prime minister’s announced national tree-planting programme.

He said tree planting is necessary to address adverse climate impacts, maintain environmental balance and ensure a safe, livable environment for future generations. He also stressed that planting alone is insufficient and that saplings must be cared for and protected. More than 100 forest, fruit and medicinal saplings were planted beside the Babni Bridge road during Friday’s programme, attended by local political leaders and administration officials.

A devastating landslide and flood struck Nepal on Wednesday when a powerful flow of water, rocks and mud rushed through a Himalayan river valley, sweeping away homes, bridges, roads and people. Scientists are still determining the precise cause, but preliminary assessments suggest part of a glacier and an adjoining steep mountainside collapsed thousands of feet above the ground. The debris volume was estimated at roughly 70 Great Pyramids of Giza.

Experts say the event could not have been predicted in advance, but rapid glacier failures are becoming more common in a warming world. Kathmandu University glacier specialist Mohan Bahadur Chand said all glacier regions face risks as warming and melting accelerate. Hazards can range from sudden floods to megatsunamis, depending on where a collapse occurs. A 2019 study identified 210 Himalayan glacial lakes as potential threats to settlements through sudden flooding.

Specialists say monitoring, hazard mapping, community preparation and clear communication can reduce deaths. In Blatten, Switzerland, residents and livestock were evacuated nine days before a 2025 collapse buried much of the village, leaving no residents dead. Experts are working with Nepalese authorities to identify potential collapse sites, map risks and develop local preparedness plans, though Himalayan monitoring remains difficult and costly.