BANGLADESH

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has begun a four-day Japan visit focused on expanding trade, attracting investment, advancing infrastructure cooperation and strengthening the Bangladesh-Japan strategic partnership.

A fire broke out at Supreme Garments' carton manufacturing and storage section in Kashimpur, Gazipur, prompting a response from up to nine firefighting units. No casualties were reported.

Unidentified attackers fired at singer Asif Akbar's parked car in Moghbazar early Saturday. No one was injured, while police are collecting CCTV footage and investigating the motive.

Local Government Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan was admitted to Evercare Hospital after acute chest pain and breathing difficulty. Doctors said his condition had stabilised but remained under close observation.

Two Bangladeshi citizens were executed in Saudi Arabia over an alleged indecent act inside a Mecca mosque. Dhaka is seeking details of the proceedings and repatriation of their remains.

Dhaka has ranked fifth among the world's most polluted cities with an AQI of about 173, as post-monsoon dust, vehicle emissions and industrial smoke worsen air quality.

Seven more people have died and 1,373 were hospitalised with dengue in Bangladesh, taking the annual death toll to 364 as persistent transmission strains hospitals beyond the usual peak season.

The presidency formally accepted Ishraque Hossain's resignation after a viral video of him carrying a firearm during an anti-drug operation triggered criticism and political concern.

Employment in Bangladesh's Islamic banks fell 6% to 44,782 in August 2026, as automation, restructuring and management problems reduced routine jobs across the sector.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman used visits to Durga Puja venues to emphasise equal citizenship, minority safety and national unity, while observers called for consistent policy beyond festival-season assurances.

Bangladesh's women's handball team defeated the Maldives 33-20 to reach the Begum Khaleda Zia IHF Nations Trophy final, where they will face India on Thursday.

Bangladesh must beat Afghanistan by a commanding margin in their decisive UAE ODI tri-series fixture to stay in contention for the final after Litton Das was ruled out.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Durga Puja mandaps in Rangpur, Rajshahi and Chattogram on Maha Navami, meeting devotees amid heightened security and unity messaging.

Bangladesh and Japan are discussing financial and technical support to develop Matarbari into a deep-sea port and industrial hub, despite major infrastructure, environmental and land-related challenges.

Bangladesh has summoned Saudi Arabia's ambassador in Dhaka to seek a full account of the execution of two citizens, including details about consular access, legal proceedings and family notification.

Ishraque Hossain is expected to announce his resignation as state minister at a 2pm briefing, days after an armed anti-narcotics operation sparked criticism and cabinet-level controversy.

Bangladesh has started recruiting 10,000 workers for Malaysia under an agreed-in-principle zero-cost arrangement aimed at reducing migration debts, curbing hidden fees and creating a more regulated employment channel.

Bangladesh's political leaders have urged restraint, mutual respect and vigilance during Durga Puja, as authorities increase security and monitor conditions amid concerns over communal tensions.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman has urged Bangladesh's government and opposition to jointly protect Hindu citizens during Durga Puja, amid concerns over safety and equal treatment.

Former Bangladesh women's captain Jahanara Alam has approached the cricket board about ending her break, but must pass fitness tests and perform in domestic competitions before a possible return.

Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana will travel to Perth for a specialist medical assessment after back pain and lingering weakness raised fresh concerns about his return to international cricket.

England are strengthening their spin resources ahead of next February's Bangladesh Tests, with contracted young bowlers set to receive opportunities while Jack Leach appears unlikely to return.

Bangladesh's government and opposition remain divided over how to implement July National Charter reforms, with both sides defending competing interpretations of the February referendum mandate.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has summoned the fourth session of Bangladesh's 13th Parliament for 9 November 2026, marking his first such constitutional action as president.

Bangladesh will target a stronger performance in the final ODI against Australia after losing the series, with Sobhana Mostary's record century providing encouragement during their historic tour.

The National Citizen Party is preparing to restructure its central leadership, abolishing three senior posts and expanding joint convenor roles ahead of local government elections and its first national council.

Thousands of Bangladeshi travellers have been stranded after dozens of flights to Riyadh and Dammam were cancelled amid security concerns, disrupting migrant workers and families.

Bangladeshi Street Fighter 6 player SI Anik won his third Asia South Regional Final, defeating H.J. Tonmoy 3-0 and qualifying directly for Capcom Cup 13 in Tokyo.

The Election Commission has finalised a five-phase schedule for Union Parishad elections, with voting set to begin on 21 January 2027 and conclude on 27 May.