The United States is reportedly considering a military operation targeting drug trafficking networks inside Venezuela, with President Donald Trump deploying F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico. Reports suggest at least 10 jets have been stationed at a Puerto Rican airbase. The potential strike could escalate tensions between Washington and Caracas. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro strongly condemned the plan, urging respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty and peace, but also emphasized that the country remains open to dialogue and diplomatic solutions.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the UN General Assembly starting September 23 in New York. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will deliver India’s address on his behalf. Analysts cite domestic priorities, election preparations, and growing confidence in India’s multilateral and bilateral diplomacy as reasons. While critics warn that Pakistan may exploit Modi’s absence on Kashmir issues, supporters see it as a sign of India’s strategic focus on regional and global alliances beyond the UN platform.

BJP has campaigned on the promise of “crime-free politics,” yet 136 of its 336 ministers face criminal charges, including serious offenses like murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault. Even allies have leaders with pending cases. At the state level, most ministers in Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Delhi, and Puducherry face charges. While opposition parties also have accused ministers, BJP’s majority in power draws the most public scrutiny, raising doubts about the sincerity of its crime-free politics pledge.

US President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that India and Russia have moved toward China after a summit hosted by President Xi Jinping in Tianjin. Trump shared a photo of Xi, Vladimir Putin, and Narendra Modi, expressing frustration over New Delhi and Moscow aligning with Beijing. India and China declined to comment, while the Kremlin was unreachable. Trump, who has criticized India’s trade practices and expressed disappointment with Putin, said he plans to speak with the Russian leader soon.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has announced plans to restrict state medical aid (AME) for undocumented migrants, a move that could severely affect thousands of Bangladeshis living in France. The proposal includes excluding certain treatments, extending wait times for non-urgent care, and stricter financial checks. Humanitarian groups and doctors warn this may delay treatment, spread infectious diseases, and harm public health. Around 466,000 people currently rely on AME, costing about €1.2 billion annually—just 0.5% of France’s health budget.

Pakistan’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, paid a courtesy call on BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. The meeting took place on Saturday morning at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing mutual cooperation between the two nations. BNP leaders Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Shama Obaid were also present during the meeting.

Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan has said that while Bangladesh achieved freedom after 36 days of struggle in July, many aspirations of the people remain unfulfilled. “Justice and reforms are still works in progress,” he said. “The process of ensuring accountability is underway and becoming increasingly visible. Reforms are advancing too. Meanwhile, the announcement of elections marks the third vital step. The interim government is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities.” Adilur added that the July Museum at Ganabhaban in Dhaka will preserve memories of the struggle, the horrific experiences, and the marks of injustices faced. He noted that nationwide initiatives have been taken to preserve the graves of martyrs and ensure medical care for the injured, while memorials across the country stand as part of this effort.

Rising rice prices in Bangladesh are putting pressure on both food and overall inflation, with medium and coarse rice accounting for more than half of food inflation in July. Prices of potatoes, onions, and some vegetables have helped moderate inflation. However, farmers are facing losses due to not receiving fair prices. The government is trying to stabilize the market through reduced duties and low-tax rice imports. Although production exceeds demand by 4 million tons, market imbalances have kept potato prices below production costs, raising concerns for future cultivation.

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit concluded in Tianjin, China, with leaders including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China’s Xi Jinping, and Russia’s Vladimir Putin emphasizing regional peace, security, and economic cooperation for the Global South. The summit highlighted resolving border disputes, boosting trade, investment, and independent monetary systems to reduce reliance on foreign powers. Leaders stressed unity among developing nations to counter Western influence, strengthen multipolarity, and build a cooperative framework for sustainable growth and global stability.

The banned Awami League has been holding sudden rallies across Dhaka, including Tejgaon and Dhanmondi, with participation of over a thousand activists, sparking public concern over intelligence monitoring. Thirteen people, including former MP Saddam Hossain Pavel, were arrested for organizing rallies and providing financial support. Authorities have intensified surveillance, checkpoints, and directives to prevent future rallies, while ensuring involved individuals face legal action.

An international seminar in Delhi today reportedly aims to tarnish Bangladesh’s image and increase pressure on the caretaker government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Organized by a Delhi think tank, the event includes senior Indian military officials and four Bangladeshi participants known for pro-Awami League and anti-Bangladesh stances. Discussions will cover minority persecution, fundamentalism, secularism, and regional stability. Analysts warn India seeks to use this platform to influence Bangladesh’s politics and stress unity among July uprising supporters is crucial to counter these efforts.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session. Instead, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India and deliver the country’s address on September 27 in New York. Earlier schedules had indicated that Modi would speak on September 26. Modi last visited the United States in February this year, where he held bilateral talks with then-President Donald Trump. However, ties between the two leaders soured soon after, with Trump imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods following India’s purchase of Russian energy. This year’s UNGA session is expected to witness a landmark moment as several Western countries—including France, Canada, and Belgium—prepare to formally recognize Palestine as an independent state. In response, the United States has reportedly canceled Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s visa to block his participation.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a fiery attack on the ruling BJP from the state assembly floor, branding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the BJP as “thieves.” Her remarks came in response to the central government’s recent notification allowing minorities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who entered India before December 31, 2024, to stay without valid documents. BJP has framed the decision as a humanitarian step, but Mamata questioned its legitimacy. “Was this law discussed in Parliament? Did it go through a standing committee? How can such a major decision be taken unilaterally? This is nothing but BJP’s attempt to manipulate voter lists before elections,” she said, adding, “But BJP will not win. Others will remain in this seat. BJP will cease to exist here.” As Mamata spoke, BJP legislators disrupted proceedings by throwing papers, prompting the Speaker to suspend four of them. The Chief Minister accused BJP of being “anti-Bengali,” while BJP members retaliated with slogans branding Mamata a thief—sparking her direct counterattack naming Modi and Amit Shah.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas visited Ganadhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Saturday afternoon around noon. Nur’s health condition has reportedly deteriorated, prompting Ganadhikar Parishad leaders to call for his immediate transfer abroad for advanced treatment. Party General Secretary Md. Rashed Khan and other central leaders were also present at the hospital.

Applications for refugee and political asylum from Bangladeshis are rising sharply worldwide. In 2024, tens of thousands applied in Europe, North America, and Asia, with the UK, Italy, and Canada receiving the highest numbers. Drivers include political instability, economic uncertainty, climate impacts, and personal safety concerns. Many enter countries illegally, while skilled professionals also migrate for work. Experts warn the trend harms Bangladesh’s international image, with authorities considering stricter legal measures to curb illegal migration and asylum-seeking.