Ali Ahsan Junayed, convener of UP Bangladesh, has begun testifying in a high-profile crimes against humanity case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and one other accused. Junayed is appearing as the 48th witness in the tribunal, providing detailed testimony that spans from the 2013 anti-quota movement to the July 2024 mass uprising, which ultimately led to Hasina’s fall from power. Earlier, state-appointed defense counsel Md Amir Hossain, representing Hasina and Kamal, completed a second round of cross-examination of Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party. Nahid had delivered his testimony in two sessions, including one on September 17, when he spoke for over an hour before the tribunal. On the same day, Amir Hossain also resumed questioning Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the now-defunct daily Amar Desh. With Junayed’s appearance, the tribunal has now heard testimony from 48 witnesses over the course of 19 hearing days, marking a significant progression in one of the most politically sensitive trials in Bangladesh’s recent history.

The United States has set its sights on a Bangladeshi port as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, according to a report by The Economic Times. The initiative falls under the Quad’s “Ports for the Future” program, aimed at balancing China’s growing presence in the Bay of Bengal. Washington has already held preliminary talks in Dhaka with local stakeholders. The report also noted that the US military is active in strategically vital Chattogram. Notably, India has no role yet in Washington’s plan, although New Delhi is considering a public-private partnership to develop a Bangladeshi port. Meanwhile, Japan is building a deep-sea port at Matarbari, and India previously secured operational rights for a Mongla port terminal in 2024 under Sheikh Hasina’s government.

State-appointed defense counsel Md Amir Hossain argued before Tribunal-1 that Sheikh Hasina did not resign when she fled to India on August 5 amid mass uprising. Rejecting witness Nahid Islam’s deposition, Hossain claimed the “one-point movement” launched on August 3, 2024, was a long-planned agenda backed by foreign and domestic forces. He alleged that Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus was proposed as interim head of government under their influence. Prosecution lawyers objected to these claims, insisting the trial focus strictly on case facts. Hossain further argued that Hasina never ordered the use of helicopters or lethal weapons against protesters, and that no crimes against humanity occurred in July–August 2024. Witness Nahid Islam refuted the defense, stating he learned of nationwide killings and torture on August 5 through coordination leaders Hasnat-Sarjis.

The government has appointed two senior officials of the Bangladesh Army as ambassadors. They are Major General Kabir Ahmed and Major General Sheikh Md Sarwar Hossain, chairman of the Bangladesh Tea Board. According to a government notification, both officers have been deputed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ambassadorial assignments. However, their respective postings have not yet been disclosed.

Leaders of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) have demanded an unconditional apology from BNP leader Fazlur Rahman for his derogatory comments about Dhaka University students. In a protest note signed by DUCSU General Secretary SM Farhad, the leaders condemned remarks labeling DU students as “sold-out minds,” “trend followers,” “servants,” and “backward.” Rahman also reportedly compared the university to Hathazari Madrasa. DUCSU stated such remarks are an affront to the dignity of students and tarnish the university’s reputation as a century-old hub of liberal thought, inclusivity, and democratic struggle. They described the statements as politically motivated, hateful, and racially charged.

In a historic move, three influential nations—United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia—simultaneously recognized Palestine as an independent state on Sunday. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision in a video message, describing it as part of London’s effort to revive a two-state solution. Australia confirmed its recognition through a joint statement signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Canada became the first G7 nation to formally extend recognition. With this development, the number of countries recognizing Palestine has now reached 150.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called for urgent measures to halt the ongoing massacre in Gaza. Writing in The Guardian, she emphasized that increased international recognition of Palestine and an immediate halt to military cooperation are crucial. Ardern stressed delivering humanitarian aid, medical support for the injured, malnourished, pregnant women, and new mothers. Addressing global leaders ahead of the UN General Assembly, she urged prioritizing Gaza amid global crises, warning against dehumanizing people by treating them as mere numbers.

The caretaker government’s Advisory Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the purchase of vaccines for the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) through UNICEF from Gavi under the direct purchase method. The decision, made during the 30th ACAE meeting chaired by Economic Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, covers a three-month supply for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Officials said future procurements may follow competitive bidding, ensuring timely and efficient vaccine availability to strengthen the national immunization program.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged India to decide whether it wants to remain an enemy or be a good neighbor, emphasizing that both countries must coexist. Speaking to expatriate Pakistanis in London, he highlighted the cost of past wars and called for investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure instead. He stressed resolving the Kashmir issue, condemned the Gaza crisis, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness for dialogue on equal terms. Recent national achievements, economic progress, and strengthened global standing were also highlighted.

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Afghanistan’s Taliban government return the Bagram airbase, warning of “terrible consequences” if they refuse. In posts on Truth Social and remarks at the White House, Trump insisted the airbase must be handed back immediately, hinting at undisclosed action if demands are ignored. He earlier revealed during a UK trip that talks are underway to regain Bagram. Trump has long criticized its loss, citing its strategic importance and alleging growing Chinese influence in Afghanistan.

Brazil has formally joined South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocidal acts in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Exercising its right under Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, Brazil argued that Israel’s impunity threatens international law. The country now stands with Spain, Ireland, Mexico, Turkey, and others supporting South Africa’s case. Since the conflict began in October 2023, over 65,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza.

Farmers in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, are celebrating a bumper harvest of Aman paddy in salt fields, an area once unsuitable for rice cultivation. With support from the Department of Agricultural Extension, 300 hectares of salt fields were cultivated with BRRI dhan-75 and BINA dhan-17 varieties, yielding excellent results. Farmers can now grow both salt and rice on the same land, boosting income and food supply. Authorities plan to expand this practice to other abandoned salt fields across the region.

Rajshahi University (RU) has formed an investigation committee after allegations surfaced that Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Main Uddin Khan was assaulted during a dispute over the “pet quota” admission system. The university’s syndicate meeting has meanwhile suspended institutional privileges for pet quota admissions, pending a final decision. The long-delayed RUCSU election will proceed as scheduled on September 25. However, a section of RU teachers, officers, and employees rejected the syndicate’s suspension of the quota system, announcing a complete campus shutdown and tougher programs starting tomorrow. Earlier, staff staged a work stoppage outside the Senate building in protest of the alleged assault.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) says it has no knowledge of any cash reward scheme for arresting leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliates, despite recent media reports claiming officers would receive Tk 5,000 per detainee. Deputy Commissioner of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, said police officers are indeed rewarded for good performance, including financial incentives, but he was unaware of any such targeted program. He added that DMP currently operates over 600 CCTV cameras across the capital, while private initiatives in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Niketan have installed around 1,200 additional cameras, significantly aiding crime prevention and public security.

Dhaka — BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has voiced support for delaying Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, citing concerns over economic readiness. The statement came after a meeting between BNP leaders, including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and top business figures at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. Discussions centered on LDC graduation and labor laws. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said while they were not calling for a full halt, businesses needed at least three more years for infrastructure readiness. Bangladesh is set to graduate from LDC status on November 24, 2026, following UN assessments over the past eight years. The government must submit a progress report on preparations by October 31 this year.