North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he has “pleasant memories” of former U.S. President Donald Trump and is ready for dialogue if Washington abandons its demand for nuclear disarmament. Kim previously met Trump three times during his first term, but talks broke down in 2019 over North Korea’s nuclear concessions. The Korean leader emphasized that peaceful coexistence is possible if the U.S. acknowledges reality. His comments come as Seoul’s new government urges renewed engagement with Trump.

Several Western nations, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and Portugal, formally recognized the State of Palestine on September 21, marking a historic shift in foreign policy. Israel condemned the move, while the U.S. criticized it as mere “showmanship,” emphasizing priorities like hostage release, Israeli security, and regional peace. Palestinians in Gaza welcomed it as a victory. Netanyahu reaffirmed that no Palestinian state will be established west of the Jordan River. Other countries may announce recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly.

Israel has introduced a new weapon in Gaza, dubbed “booby-trap robots” by locals—old armored vehicles filled with explosives and detonated remotely in residential areas. Eyewitnesses say each blast can destroy up to 500 square meters, wiping out entire buildings and families. Since August 13, over 1,100 people have been killed and 6,000 injured amid combined airstrikes and robot explosions. Analysts say Israel uses them to avoid troop losses, while health officials warn of mass displacement and looming genocide.

In Mymensingh’s Gafargaon upazila, more than 50 BNP leaders and activists have officially defected to Jamaat-e-Islami. The group joined Jamaat on Sunday evening at Charshankhchura village under Paikbagh union. Local Jamaat leaders welcomed them with flowers at a reception ceremony. Upazila Jamaat Ameer, Maulana Ismail Hossain Sohel Master, said the new members were inspired by Jamaat’s ideology and joined to work against drugs, terrorism, bribery, and corruption while striving for an Islamic governance system.

BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu has stressed that Bangladesh must hold elections without delay, warning that delays would worsen the country’s situation. Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with imams and muezzins, Pintu said: “People support the traditional election system. They neither know nor accept any other process. Voters must be able to choose their candidates freely.” He added that despite possible conspiracies, the public would resist all plots, and elections would be held by February next year.

A group of former officials and staff of Biman Bangladesh Airlines who were dismissed from service have staged a sit-in protest in front of Balaka Bhaban at Kurmitola, demanding reinstatement. The protesters claimed that despite a government circular in August last year promising to resolve all reinstatement petitions within 15 days, most cases remain unsettled even after a year. While a few employees were reinstated under the same order, the majority still await a decision. They warned that unless their single-point demand for reinstatement is met, they would continue with escalated, ongoing protests.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie has accused the Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), led by the Charmonai Pir, of strengthening Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s grip on power through repeated electoral cooperation, calling it a betrayal of the people. Speaking on the formation of a consensus government, Annie said: “Through implementing Tarique Rahman’s 31-point agenda, we can bring about a national unity government. In such a setup, elected representatives would form the lower house, while unelected leaders from different political groups could join the upper house to ensure inclusive governance.” He alleged that for 17 years, Islami Andolan played a key role in propping up Hasina’s rule: “In the elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024, Islami Andolan extended support to Hasina, thus strengthening her permanence in power. For this, Charmonai Pir and his party have been marked as traitors by the people of Bangladesh.” Criticizing their current stance, he added: “Today they parade on the streets against elections, but where were they during our 17 years of struggle? Back then, we didn’t see their so-called movement. Now they threaten, march, and disrupt the electoral atmosphere. To overcome this situation, unity is our only strength.” Annie also recalled Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in frustrating opposition unity in earlier decades: “In 1986 and 1996, Jamaat did not just obstruct us, they obstructed the entire nation.”

BNP leader Abdul Moin Khan has said that the party’s liberal democratic vision is crucial for ensuring a peaceful and stable socio-economic environment in Bangladesh. He made the remarks during a meeting with Danish Ambassador H.E. Christian Brix Møller. The two discussed Bangladesh’s political climate, participation of different parties in upcoming elections, and Denmark’s investment interest. The ambassador highlighted Denmark’s plan to invest nearly $2 billion in coastal infrastructure and renewable energy projects, particularly in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. Both sides expressed optimism that stronger democratic stability in Bangladesh would enhance bilateral cooperation.

Uyghur-American activist Kuzzat Altay says China’s economic influence silences Muslim countries on Uyghur persecution. In a video message, he explained that trade and investment ties with Beijing prevent these nations from speaking out. Altay claimed China spends billions to pressure governments and media, while controlling information about repression in Xinjiang. He urged global support, warning that Muslim citizens would demand action if properly informed. Rights groups allege mass detentions, forced indoctrination, and abuses in China’s “re-education” camps, which Beijing denies.

Responding to allegations by cricketer and BCB presidential candidate Tamim Iqbal, Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud has insisted that the government is not interfering in the Bangladesh Cricket Board election. Tamim earlier accused the government of favoring incumbent president Aminul Islam Bulbul. In reply, Asif Mahmud said: “The government is only performing routine duties. If it oversteps its jurisdiction, then it can be called unlawful interference. If that happens, Tamim can seek legal action or even approach the ICC.” Tamim had previously stated that he only wanted a transparent election, regardless of whether he won or lost.

Student organizations at Rajshahi University have demanded postponement of the long-awaited RUCSU election following campus unrest over a teacher’s humiliation. With the campus under a “complete shutdown” and most students leaving dormitories and messes, candidates supported by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal argued that voter participation would be severely compromised. VP candidate Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir said, “Elections without full student participation cannot be fair. We want the polls to be held after Durga Puja, if necessary.” Other student panels and independent candidates echoed the call, stressing that unresolved issues like the controversial “dependent quota” must be addressed to ensure inclusive participation. Candidate Tasin warned that with major religious holidays and shutdowns disrupting campaigns, the election — being held after 35 years — risks losing legitimacy.

Syria’s interim government has set October 5 for the People’s Assembly election, the first since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster last year. Of 210 seats, one-third will be appointed by President Ahmed al-Shara, while the rest will be elected under the electoral commission. The vote aims to rebuild state institutions and gain legitimacy, though critics warn of limited representation. Security concerns persist in Suwayda, Hasakah, and Raqqa, while al-Shara pushes regional diplomacy, including potential security talks with Israel.

Law enforcement agencies have arrested six Awami League leaders and activists in separate drives across Dhaka. The arrests, made on Sunday, were disclosed on Monday. Deputy Commissioner of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, stated that the detainees were involved in organizing flash processions and financing party activities in the capital. He added that further details would be shared later.

Marking the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent 500 kilograms of premium aromatic Chinigura rice as a gift to India. On Monday afternoon, a pickup truck carrying the rice crossed into Agartala, Tripura, through the Akhaura land port. The rice, branded as Chashi, will be distributed from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi to distinguished recipients. Rajib Bhuiya, owner of Suyeib Trade International, which handled the customs clearance, confirmed that the rice would be presented as gifts to notable figures in India.

A low-pressure system has developed over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, triggering heavy cloud formation. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has warned that squally winds may sweep across the North Bay, coastal regions, and nearby sea ports. On Monday, the BMD advised the ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3. Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay have been instructed to remain close to shore and proceed with utmost caution until further notice.