Bangladesh has pledged to purchase additional Boeing aircraft from the United States, according to Sergio Gor, US special envoy for South and Central Asia and ambassador to India. In an X post on Sunday night, August 30, Gor welcomed what he described as a new agreement reached this week between US President Donald Trump and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Gor called the agreement an “extraordinary deal” and said Bangladesh would spend billions of dollars on more Boeing aircraft, significantly increasing its initial order. He linked the announcement to Trump’s efforts to create high-paying jobs, attract investment and revive the US economy. However, he did not disclose the number of aircraft, their models, or the total value of the new agreement.

No immediate comment from the Bangladesh government was available regarding Gor’s statement. Under an earlier tariff agreement with the United States, Bangladesh had pledged to buy 25 aircraft from Boeing. Biman Bangladesh Airlines signed a final agreement on May 1 to buy 14 aircraft from the US manufacturer, at a stated cost of $3.7 billion, or Tk45,408 crore at the cited exchange rate.

A man identified as Jahidul Islam, 35, also known as “Pichchi Jahed,” was hacked to death after assailants stopped his motorcycle in Satkania, Chattogram. The attack occurred on a road in the southern part of Puranghar Union on Sunday night. স্থানীয় residents tried to take him to hospital after the assault, but he died on the way.

According to local sources and police, a group of attackers blocked Jahidul’s path while he was travelling by motorcycle. They surrounded him and struck him with sharp weapons on his head and other parts of his body. Additional Superintendent of Police for Satkania Circle Ariful Islam Siddiqui visited the scene after receiving information about the killing.

Police said they are working to identify and arrest those involved and expect to bring them under the law quickly. Officers collected various evidence from the scene, while arrangements were underway to send the body to the Chattogram Medical College Hospital morgue for an autopsy. Investigators are examining the motive and identities of those involved. The killing has caused alarm and concern in the Puranghar area.

Iran has warned that it will respond forcefully to any future military aggression against the country, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. Tehran also said the United States and parties supporting its military actions would bear full responsibility for any new escalation. No date was provided for the statement.

The ministry said Iranian armed forces struck US military bases in Jordan in response to what it described as a US attack on Larak Island. It claimed the US facilities in Jordan had been used to carry out and support the attack on the island, where Iranian armed forces members and civilians were killed and injured.

Tehran said its strikes on US military installations in Jordan were retaliatory and warned that it would respond even more strongly to similar attacks in the future. The statement said tensions between Iran and the United States had increased after the reported attack on Larak Island, while Iran's claimed retaliatory action in Jordan had further complicated the situation.

The United States plans to impose sanctions on another Iranian bank this week as it seeks to increase economic pressure on Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent did not identify the bank that would be targeted. He told Reuters that further measures against banks conducting transactions with Iran could be introduced weekly.

Bessent said institutions could be completely cut off from the dollar-based international financial system if necessary. Last week, Washington imposed sanctions on about 60 individuals and entities, accusing them of supporting Iranian oil sales, weapons procurement and cyber activities.

Iran rejected the sanctions, saying they would have no effect. The planned financial measures come as conflict resumed on Sunday amid stalled ceasefire talks. After the United States attacked Iran's Larak Island, Iran launched missile attacks at two US bases in Jordan, according to the source.

The article argues that the United States’ long-standing dominance in the Middle East has been severely damaged by the recent US-Israel war against Iran and the Gaza war. It says Washington failed to remove Iran’s government, protect Gulf allies or keep the Strait of Hormuz open, undermining the security arrangements established after 1991.

According to the analysis, US policy for 35 years focused on Israel’s security and containing Iran and Iraq, while military bases and security guarantees supported authoritarian regional governments. It contends that wars, sanctions, failed peace efforts and unconditional support for Israel deepened violence, poverty and public resentment across the region.

The article says Gulf states may increasingly make independent choices, including engaging Iran or expanding ties with China and Russia. It argues that Washington could pursue a different approach through diplomacy, shared defense, human rights and pressure on allies to halt abuses, rather than military intervention and support for authoritarian rulers.

Cargo vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz fell to only five ships a day over the weekend, according to shipping data published Monday. Operators remain cautious about using the strategically important route amid continuing fears of attacks. Reuters data showed that only five cargo ships crossed the strait on August 25.

The figure marked a sharp decline from an average of 15 ships per day during the preceding 10 days. The situation has worsened amid US-Iran tensions and threats of attacks on commercial vessels. Shipping companies have adopted a more cautious stance to reduce risks as recent attacks and tensions continue.

The actual number of transits may be higher because some vessels have switched off their Automatic Identification System, or AIS, to avoid attacks, leaving their movements absent from public shipping data. Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy transport route, could significantly affect oil and gas supplies and increase fuel prices and market volatility worldwide.

China’s three major state-owned airlines—Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines—reported combined net losses of about 8.2 billion yuan, or $1.2 billion, in the first six months of the year. The losses were linked to higher fuel prices caused by the Iran war and disruptions to international routes, which also damaged airline revenue.

According to a Reuters report, this was the seventh consecutive year in which the three leading Chinese carriers recorded first-half losses. Last month, the companies said their combined losses for the period could reach as much as 9 billion yuan, but the final figure was about 8.2 billion yuan.

Fuel costs at all three airlines rose between 35% and 38% during the first half, significantly increasing operating expenses. China Eastern said prolonged high jet-fuel prices and war-related international route disruptions had seriously harmed its profit environment. The report also identified limited fuel hedging by Chinese airlines as a major risk, leaving their costs quickly exposed when international oil prices rise.

Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, threatened a harsh response to a reported US attack on Larak Island. In two posts on social media platform X, Azizi warned Washington that Iran’s retaliation would be “devastating” and “more painful.”

One of Azizi’s posts was published in Persian and the other in English. In the Persian-language message, he said no level of crime would go unanswered and described the anticipated response as devastating, more painful and instructive.

Azizi also said the response would complete what he called a chain of US failures. He told Washington to wait with fear and anxiety. The source identifies Geo News as the source of the report.

Police said they arrested Sheikh Farid, described as the alleged leader of a snatching group, following the theft of a woman’s mobile phone and bag near a shopping mall in Kazir Dewri, Kotwali, Chattogram. He was arrested in Bakalia on Sunday after an operation, according to the report.

South DC Habibur Rahman said police arrested Farid during the operation and were trying to recover the stolen bag. The reported incident occurred at night in front of the Kazir Dewri shopping mall area.

The victim, Saida Tania Tuli, said in a social media post that her phone and bag were snatched at 9pm. She said she suffered severe pain in her hand during the incident. Because important applications were logged into the phone, she urged people not to conduct any transactions afterward.

Former Bangladesh captain Khaled Mashud Pilot has called for the release of Pakistan’s former cricket captain Imran Khan and for him to receive proper medical care in prison. In a social media message, Pilot described the World Cup-winning captain as his childhood hero and expressed support for him. The source does not specify the date or location of Pilot’s statement.

Pilot said Imran Khan has been a genuine inspiration as a former cricketer and captain. He praised Khan’s courage, leadership and achievements, saying they have inspired generations of cricketers across borders. He also said cricketers from Pakistan and around the world, both current and former, have been calling for Khan’s release and appropriate treatment.

The former Bangladesh captain said a cricket legend who has given so much to the sport deserves the highest standard of medical care, dignity and support. He urged the cricket world to stand beside Khan, whom he said has inspired millions of people. Pilot concluded by wishing Khan strength, good health and the care he deserves.

Animal slaughter operations have formally begun at the Hazaribagh modern slaughterhouse under Dhaka South City Corporation. DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam inaugurated the facility at a ceremony on Monday morning. He described the slaughterhouse as an important milestone in the city corporation’s ongoing efforts to protect public health.

According to the administrator, livestock specialists or veterinary surgeons will inspect animals’ health before slaughter. Animals will then be slaughtered and meat processed through automated, sterile and hygienic methods without direct hand contact. The facility also has chilling and cold-storage services, while an effluent treatment plant will process blood and contaminated water to reduce odour and environmental pollution.

The slaughterhouse will operate daily from 4am to 6am. A subcommittee led by the city corporation’s property officer will temporarily collect revenue under the DSCC tax schedule and the 2025 Hat and Market rules. Fees are set at Tk25 for each goat or sheep and Tk100 for each cow or buffalo. Officials and representatives of the Bangladesh Meat Traders Association attended the opening.

US President Donald Trump claimed in a one-line social media post on Sunday that Iran’s strategically important Kharg Island was “being destroyed,” sharing a video of an explosion. He offered no further details, and no immediate evidence was available to support an attack on the island. Reuters verified that the video clip was likely generated using artificial intelligence.

Before the war, about 90% of Iran’s oil exports passed through Kharg Island, meaning an attack could severely affect the country’s oil trade and economy. Trump’s post described the island as being crushed but did not identify who was responsible for any alleged strike or provide evidence for the claim.

Earlier, the United States struck two Revolutionary Guard rocket launchers on Iran’s Larak Island. US Central Command called it a limited, targeted operation intended to prevent mine-laying in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran then fired ballistic missiles at two US bases in Jordan, where authorities said eight missiles entering their airspace were intercepted. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has declined significantly amid tensions.

Claims have emerged that Bangladeshi religious and political leader Syed Saifuddin Ahmed Maizbhandari appeared on stage at a New York event featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat. Photos and videos circulating on social media are cited as showing him at Madison Square Garden during the August 29 “Celebration of Universal Unity” programme. The event was organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue Forum.

Organisers said more than 5,000 people attended and that 180 religious leaders from 30 countries announced a five-point action plan for the future world. Bhagwat was among the main speakers, while the programme promoted human unity, mutual respect and interfaith dialogue. The event also drew protests in New York, with critics challenging the RSS’s ideology; the RSS denied the allegations and describes itself as a cultural and social organisation.

Maizbhandari’s role at the event remains unclear. There has been no detailed statement from him on whether he was formally invited, spoke, or met Bhagwat. Bangladesh Supreme Party joint secretary general and office secretary Md Ibrahim Mia said Maizbhandari did not attend any RSS chief’s event and was abroad. Chattogram police superintendent Masud Alam said police were looking into the matter.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami expressed deep condolences over the death of Norway’s King Harald V. On Monday, the party’s Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar visited the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka and signed the condolence book. He also handed over a condolence message, sent on behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader in Bangladesh’s parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman, to Norwegian Ambassador Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen for Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.

In the condolence book, Parwar paid tribute to King Harald V and conveyed sympathy to Norway’s royal family, government and people. Dr Shafiqur Rahman’s message extended condolences from the people of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to Norway’s prime minister, government, people and royal family.

The message recalled the king’s long state service, dedication to the Norwegian people and support during national crises. It said his leadership, humility and commitment to people would be remembered, as would his contribution to unity, tolerance and human dignity. King Harald V died on August 28 at age 89 after serving as Norway’s king since 1991.

The Teesta issue has emerged as a major test of India-Bangladesh diplomacy, linking Bangladesh’s development needs with India’s security concerns around the narrow Siliguri Corridor, known as the “Chicken’s Neck.” The corridor, only 20 to 22 kilometres wide at its narrowest point, is India’s sole land connection to its northeastern states. The article argues that Teesta can no longer be treated solely as a water-sharing dispute.

Bangladesh has a sovereign right to pursue river restoration, flood control, irrigation and regional development in the Teesta basin, where erosion, irregular rainfall, sedimentation, floods and water shortages have intensified. The article says Chinese-funded infrastructure should not automatically be viewed as a strategic conspiracy, although India’s security agencies consider potential risks where projects overlap with sensitive geography.

The proposed Teesta water-sharing agreement has remained stalled for more than a decade amid domestic political concerns, particularly in West Bengal. The article calls for institutional cooperation beyond annual water talks, including joint basin management, flood forecasting, environmental restoration, climate resilience, cross-border connectivity and strategic transparency.