Shibbir Ahmed, WASHINGTON, D.C. — August 28, 2026: The United States has imposed new sanctions targeting Iran’s financial network, including a senior official at Iran’s Bank Melli branch in Dubai, as Washington intensifies economic pressure on the Iranian regime. The latest measures were announced Friday under the Trump administration’s continuing “Operation Economic Outcast” campaign.

The U.S. government sanctioned Reza Mohammad Taeedi, manager of Bank Melli’s Dubai branch, accusing the Iranian bank of serving as a key financial hub for Iran’s armed forces. According to the U.S. government, Bank Melli has provided financial support to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, both of which are already under U.S. sanctions.

Washington also imposed sanctions on a Hong Kong-based company that it says helped designated Iranian individuals and entities gain access to the international financial system. Separately, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) proposed a rule that would cut Banque Misr UAE off from correspondent banking access to U.S. financial institutions. Treasury officials said Banque Misr UAE represents a critical channel through which the Iranian regime can access U.S. dollars.

“The latest action intensifies our pressure campaign against Iran,” the U.S. government said in its statement. Washington accused the Iranian regime of prioritizing what it described as malign activities over the needs of the Iranian people and said it would continue targeting individuals and entities involved in illicit financial activities on behalf of Iran.

The sanctions also specifically target individuals working for Iranian banks outside Iran, signaling an effort by Washington to disrupt the regime’s financial operations beyond the country’s borders.

The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, as amended, a U.S. counterterrorism authority, and Executive Order 13902, which targets individuals and entities operating in Iran’s financial sector.

FinCEN’s proposed action against Banque Misr UAE was taken under Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act, which gives the U.S. government authority to take special measures against foreign financial institutions or jurisdictions considered to pose money-laundering or other financial risks. The U.S. Treasury Department said additional details on the sanctions and proposed financial restrictions are available in its related enforcement announcement.

DHAKA: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to establish the ‘China-Bangladesh Vocational Education, Training and Research Center’. The MoU was signed today at the ‘China-Bangladesh Education Exchange Conference’ organized by the Jiangxi Provincial Government and Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University of China.

Secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Education Division Md. Daud Mia signed the MoU on behalf of Bangladesh, while Professor Zheng Pengwu of Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University signed it on behalf of China.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milonand Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education Dr. Mahdi Amin were present at the event. Three major cooperation platforms were formally inaugurated at the conference. Education Minister and Deputy Director of the Jiangxi Provincial Department of Education Fan Honghui jointly inaugurated the ‘China-Bangladesh Vocational Teacher Training Center’.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education Mahdi Amin and Professor Pei Hongwei of the university inaugurated the ‘Bangladesh Vocational Education Research Center’, while Secretary Md. Daud Mia and Professor Zheng Pengwu inaugurated the ‘Bangladesh Chinese Language Skill Development’ Center.

Addressing the conference, Education Minister said, “The young population of Bangladesh is the country’s greatest strength. Through quality technical education and modern technological training, they can be transformed into a world-class skilled workforce.”

He added that with China’s modern experience and technical assistance, Bangladesh’s education sector will reach new heights. “Technical and vocational education must remain closely aligned with the real needs of industry and employment,” he said.

He called for stronger Bangladesh-China cooperation in curriculum development, teacher training, institutional partnerships, modern technology, practical education and employment-oriented education.

Mahdi Amin said, “Today’s signing of the MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh-China cooperation in technical education. Our main objective is to transform education into skills, skills into employment, and employment into economic opportunities.”

Representatives of 19 universities, technical institutions and industries from Jiangxi Province attended the conference, where both sides pledged to build a sustainable partnership through industry-education linkages, teacher training, joint research and student exchanges.

DHAKA: Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated newly elected Bangladesh President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, wishing him success in serving the people of Bangladesh. In a congratulatory message, the Russian President extended his best wishes to his Bangladeshi counterpart on his election as President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, said the Russian embassy here.

Putin wished President Mirza Fakhrul well-being, sound health and success in his future endeavours for the benefit of the friendly people of Bangladesh. The message reflects the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Russia.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC: A growing number of young voters who supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 election are expressing doubts about their decision, raising questions about whether Trump’s support among younger Americans could become a factor in the 2026 midterm elections.

Recent polling cited in political analysis shows that Gen Z Trump voters are among the least confident in their 2024 vote. About 31 percent say they are very confident they made the right choice, while 10 percent say they regret their vote.

The findings suggest that some of the younger voters who helped Trump make significant gains among Gen Z, particularly young men, are becoming more skeptical of his presidency. However, the data does not indicate that Gen Z Trump voters have broadly switched to the Democratic Party.

Doubts growing among young Trump voters

According to research from More in Common, Gen Z Trump voters are more skeptical of Trump’s performance and character than older Trump supporters. About 54 percent of Gen Z Trump voters say Trump has acted more corruptly in office than recent presidents. In addition, 24 percent say they believe Trump is motivated by personal gain, while 73 percent say his decisions are influenced by political or financial interests. The survey also found that 40 percent of Gen Z Trump voters believe the MAGA movement is dying out, while 41 percent say Trump’s best days are behind him.

Midterm elections could provide an important test

The growing doubts among some young Trump voters could become politically significant as the United States approaches the 2026 midterm elections. Yet the same polling shows that dissatisfaction does not automatically translate into support for Democrats.

About 69 percent of Gen Z Trump voters say they plan to vote only for Republican candidates in the midterms. That figure is close to the broader Trump voter coalition, in which about 71 percent say they plan to vote exclusively Republican. The numbers indicate that while some young Trump supporters may be reconsidering their 2024 vote, many remain aligned with the Republican Party.

Economic concerns remain important

Economic pressures are also playing a role in the changing attitudes of younger voters. Earlier polling and political analysis have pointed to concerns about inflation, jobs, living costs and financial security among voters under 30. Some young voters who supported Trump because they believed his policies would improve their economic situation are now questioning whether those expectations have been fulfilled. The shift could be particularly important among young men, who moved significantly toward Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

A warning sign for Republicans

The emerging dissatisfaction among Gen Z Trump voters does not necessarily mean a major Democratic realignment is underway. Instead, it suggests that younger voters could become a more competitive and unpredictable voting bloc in the 2026 midterms.

For Republicans, the challenge will be maintaining the support Trump gained among younger voters while addressing concerns over the economy, political leadership and the direction of the MAGA movement.

For Democrats, the data presents an opportunity—but not a guarantee. Winning back young voters will require more than simply opposition to Trump, particularly because many Gen Z voters remain skeptical of both major political parties.

As the midterm campaign intensifies, the attitudes of young voters who supported Trump in 2024 could become an important indicator of whether his coalition remains intact or begins to fracture.

Shibbir Ahmed, United Nations, New York: The death toll from devastating flash floods and landslides in Nepal has risen to 538, while nearly 1,000 people remain missing. Many of those missing are believed to be tourists. Search and rescue operations and relief efforts continue across the disaster-hit areas.

On Friday, citing figures from the Government of Nepal, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said nearly 3,750 people had been rescued following the disaster. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to reach people stranded in various parts of Nepal’s Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts.

According to the latest update issued Friday by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 538 bodies have so far been recovered from the flood-affected areas. The ministry also said that among 632 foreign nationals from 33 countries, 121 have been located or accounted for, while 511 remain missing. The figures are expected to change as search and rescue operations continue.

Glacier Collapse Believed to Have Triggered Disaster

A devastating flash flood struck the Bhote Koshi River area of Nepal on August 26. The disaster is believed to have been triggered by a glacier collapse and subsequent landslide, sending huge amounts of water, rocks, mud and debris rapidly down mountain waterways.

Entire communities were destroyed by the powerful floodwaters, while roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other critical infrastructure suffered extensive damage. Rasuwa is among the worst-affected districts. Rescue operations have been particularly challenging because of the mountainous terrain, damaged roads and disrupted communications.

Tibet Also Severely Affected

China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, on the other side of the Nepal-China border, has also been severely affected by the disaster. According to authorities there, around 560 people remain missing. Officials fear the number of casualties and missing people could rise as search operations continue in both Nepal and Tibet.

Renewed Flood Threat

The situation became even more dangerous after a new water reservoir or lake formed in the mountainous region following the initial flooding. On Friday, rising water levels raised fears of another flood, temporarily disrupting rescue operations in some areas. Rescue efforts resumed after the immediate threat was brought under control. Nepalese authorities continue to monitor river levels and the risk of further flooding downstream.

UN Supports Relief Efforts

UN agencies are working to deliver emergency food, medical supplies, tents and other assistance to communities affected by the disaster. The United Nations said it is providing medical supplies sufficient for around 10,000 people for three months, along with emergency food rations, tents and logistical support. Satellite imagery is also being used to assess and monitor the affected areas.

Lila Pieters Yahia, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, visited the disaster zone. She described the rescue of an entire family as an extremely emotional moment. Her visit was cut short after a renewed flood alert was issued.

Risk of Disease Outbreaks

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of an increased risk of infectious diseases following the disaster. WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević said that when disasters of this scale cause displacement and overcrowding, while disrupting water, sanitation and health services, the risk of infectious diseases can increase significantly.

Dozens of Schools Destroyed

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said 18 schools have been completely destroyed and another 20 have been damaged by the floods. Dozens more schools located near riverbanks remain at high risk. As a result, an estimated 10,000 school-aged children in the affected areas need support to continue their education.

‘The Impact Is Truly Immense’

Kamal Kishore, head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), highlighted the extraordinary scale of the disaster. He said that, in living memory, such a major mountain hazard event had not been seen for a very long time.

The disaster has had an immense impact on lives and livelihoods, as well as buildings, bridges, infrastructure, hydropower projects and power generation facilities, he said. Kishore added that authorities and humanitarian agencies are still trying to understand the full extent of the damage.

He described the current situation as involving both extremely high risk and significant uncertainty, stressing that the emergency itself is not yet completely over. The UN said the disaster has once again highlighted the fragility of mountain ecosystems and the challenges of establishing effective early-warning systems in mountainous environments.

More Than 93,000 People Affected

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said it is “very, very concerned” about the possibility of a secondary flood. According to the organization, at least 93,000 people have been affected by the disaster and are in urgent need of assistance.

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said security and disaster-management agencies are operating at full capacity to support search and rescue, medical assistance, evacuation and relief operations in the affected areas.

Region Has Faced Major Disasters Before

The disaster-hit region has experienced major natural disasters in the past. In April 2015, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal, killing more than 8,800 people. Last October, torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides across parts of eastern and central Nepal, affecting more than 30,000 people.

The latest disaster is being viewed as one of the most severe natural disasters to hit Nepal in recent years. The death toll and number of missing people could change as search and rescue operations continue.

Shibbir AHmed, WASHINGTON DC: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the U.S. government to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” adding another contentious geographic name change amid escalating tensions between the United States and Canada.

Trump signed the order Thursday, August 27, at the White House. The executive order, titled “Honoring the American History of the Great Lakes and Renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America,” directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to update the federal government’s official geographic records and maps to use the name “Lake America.”

The White House said the change is intended to recognize what it describes as the contributions and heritage of the American people and the historical importance of the Great Lakes.

The order applies to U.S. federal government usage. Because Lake Ontario is a binational body of water shared by the United States and Canada, the U.S. government cannot compel Canada to adopt the new name. Reuters reported that Canada is expected to continue using “Lake Ontario.”

The move comes as relations between Washington and Ottawa remain strained over trade. The Trump administration has imposed major tariffs on Canadian goods, while negotiations between the two countries have faced significant difficulties.

Trump’s decision immediately drew criticism from Canadian and American officials. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that the historic name will remain in use in Canada, while several U.S. governors have also rejected the proposed change. During the signing ceremony, Trump also suggested that additional geographic name changes could be considered.

“Now all we need is an ocean,” Trump said, raising the possibility of changing the names of the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. The Lake Ontario decision follows Trump’s earlier move to change the U.S. government’s name for the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America.” That change similarly generated controversy over whether the United States could unilaterally alter the name of an internationally recognized geographic feature.

The White House has published the Lake America executive order as an official presidential action and described the change as effective for U.S. government usage. Despite the presidential order, the traditional name Lake Ontario is expected to remain widely used internationally, particularly in Canada.

Editorial:

Democracy is not limited to elections, voting rights or the formation of a government. The real strength of a democratic system lies in transparency, oversight and accountability in the exercise of power. Parliamentary committees are among the most important institutional mechanisms for ensuring that accountability.

A government exercises enormous authority in the name of the people. Parliament, therefore, must have the ability to scrutinise how that authority is being used. When parliamentary committees are unable to perform their duties effectively and independently, oversight of the executive becomes weaker. That raises a fundamental question: if parliamentary committees are weak, who will hold the government accountable?

The role of parliamentary committees is far more important than simply holding meetings or calling government officials to provide explanations. Committees are expected to examine government policies, expenditures, development projects, administrative decisions and the performance of public institutions. They can identify irregularities, question failures and recommend corrective measures.

Effective parliamentary oversight creates an institutional check on executive power. It helps ensure that public money is spent properly, government decisions are examined and public institutions remain answerable for their actions.

But oversight loses much of its meaning if committees are constrained by political influence, excessive partisanship, administrative obstacles or a lack of access to information. A committee that cannot independently examine government actions cannot effectively fulfil its constitutional and democratic purpose.

Accountability must also extend to the implementation of parliamentary committee recommendations. If a committee identifies irregularities and makes recommendations, but the relevant ministry or agency simply ignores them, what happens next? The public should be able to know which recommendations have been implemented, which have not, and why.

Parliament represents the people. Every institution operating with public money must ultimately remain accountable to the public. This is one of the fundamental principles of democratic governance.

The independence and effectiveness of parliamentary committees are therefore critical. Committee members should have access to relevant documents, information and expert assistance. They should be able to question officials and investigate matters of public interest without unnecessary interference.

The opposition also has an important role to play. In a parliamentary democracy, the opposition’s responsibility extends beyond criticising the government from the floor of Parliament. Parliamentary committees provide an institutional avenue through which government policies and decisions can be examined more closely. Meaningful opposition participation can strengthen oversight and help maintain a balance of power.

At the same time, accountability should not become an excuse for political obstruction. Parliamentary scrutiny should be based on facts, evidence and public interest rather than partisan calculations. Good decisions should be recognised, while failures and irregularities should be exposed without fear or favour. That is the essence of responsible parliamentary practice.

For Bangladesh, strengthening parliamentary committees should therefore be an important part of strengthening democratic institutions. A Parliament does not become strong merely by passing laws. Its real strength also depends on its ability to scrutinise government actions and demand answers on behalf of citizens.

Regular committee meetings, greater transparency, access to information, effective follow-up mechanisms and meaningful implementation of recommendations are essential. Committee proceedings and reports should receive appropriate public attention so that citizens can understand how their elected representatives are performing their oversight responsibilities.

Political parties also have a responsibility in this regard. Parliamentary committees should not become extensions of partisan politics. National interest and public accountability must come before party loyalty.

Ultimately, the principle is simple: if political power comes from the people, those who exercise that power must be answerable to the people.

Parliamentary committees are one of the principal institutional mechanisms for demanding that accountability. Weak committees therefore do not merely weaken parliamentary procedures; they weaken the broader democratic system of checks and balances.

A functioning democracy needs a strong government, but it also needs a strong Parliament and effective parliamentary committees. Power without oversight is dangerous, and democracy without accountability is incomplete.

Shibbir Ahmed, UN, NEW YORK: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep sadness over the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by severe flooding in Nepal and China, extending his condolences to the families of those who died and solidarity to all those affected. According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Guterres said he was saddened by reports of deaths and people still missing following the devastating floods.

The UN chief also wished those injured a speedy recovery and commended emergency responders working to save lives and assist communities affected by the disaster. The catastrophic flooding struck areas along the Nepal-China border after a massive ice and rock collapse in the Himalayas triggered torrents of water, mud and debris. The disaster swept through communities, damaging homes, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure.

Nepali authorities have reported hundreds of deaths and hundreds of people still missing, while Chinese authorities have also reported fatalities and hundreds missing in Tibet. The figures continue to change as rescue teams reach affected areas. Guterres reiterated the United Nations’ readiness to provide further support to the relief and recovery efforts.

UN teams and humanitarian partners are mobilizing personnel and emergency supplies to assist communities affected by the floods, while working with the Government of Nepal to assess the scale of the disaster and determine urgent needs.

Rescue operations are continuing in difficult conditions, with damaged roads and bridges making access to several affected areas extremely challenging. Thousands of Nepalese army and police personnel have been deployed for search-and-rescue operations, while helicopters are being used to deliver emergency supplies and evacuate survivors.

The disaster has also affected foreign nationals, including tourists and religious pilgrims traveling in the Himalayan region. Nepalese authorities have reported hundreds of foreign nationals among those missing. The United Nations said it remains in close contact with the authorities and humanitarian partners as relief operations continue.

DHAKA: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today pledged to discharge his constitutional responsibilities in a completely non-partisan manner for the welfare of the state. “I resigned from the party, parliament and the Cabinet before assuming the responsibility of the President. I am now completely a non-partisan person, and after assuming the responsibility of the President of my state, I will work in a completely non-partisan manner for the welfare of the state and the nation,” he said.

He made the remarks at the first Durbar of the President with the officers and employees of Bangabhaban at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban at 11:30 am. The President said that after assuming the responsibility as President, he would have no anger or affection towards anyone, and the interests of the country, state and people would be his prime objective.

At the event, he urged the officers and employees of Bangabhaban to discharge their respective responsibilities with dedication, sincerity and honesty. He stressed ensuring public trust, honesty, dedication, sincerity and responsibility under any circumstances. “We must have love, respect and loyalty towards the country and its people.”

The President also emphasized on maintaining confidentiality of the important activities related to national securities that took place in the Bangabhaban. He called for economy and responsibility in state expending and urged prevention of waste.

The President said government resources and other facilities are managed with the money of the country’s people. “Therefore, their proper, responsible, transparent and accountable use must be ensured,” he said. He urged the officers and employees to maintain discipline in their personal lives as well as regularly strive to build moral strength and good character while maintaining balance between family life and workspaces.

“We are a family here and we all work from the same place. We will have opportunities, and at that time we will talk to each other and try to resolve the problems,” he said. The President said he had spent a long period of his political life and during that time had participated in struggles alongside the people.

He paid deep respect to those who sacrificed their lives in the country’s Great War of Liberation in 1971 and the contribution on Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman during the Liberation War and nation building afterwards.

Later, he recalled BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia for her courageous leadership, sacrifices and contribution throughout her long political career. Highlighting the history and tradition of Bangabhaban, he expressed the hope that everyone would continue to work together in the future.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington, D.C.: Nearly two dozen Democratic-led states have filed a new lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to restrict mail-in voting. The lawsuit was filed against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

The legal action seeks to block the Trump administration’s new rules governing mail-in ballots before the midterm elections scheduled for November. Under the new rules, envelopes containing mail-in ballots must meet specific design and barcode standards, while states would also be required to provide USPS with lists of eligible voters.

The states argue that the new USPS rules interfere with their constitutional authority over elections. They also warn that implementing changes so close to the midterm elections could create significant administrative and logistical challenges for voters and election officials.

In an earlier case involving the same issue, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration. However, the court did not make a final determination on whether Trump’s order itself was lawful. Instead, it lifted a lower-court injunction after finding that the earlier lawsuit had been filed prematurely.

The new lawsuit involves 23 states, the District of Columbia, and the governor of Pennsylvania. The case was filed in a federal court in Massachusetts. The Trump administration, meanwhile, says the new rules are intended to strengthen the security of mail-in voting. The states, however, are concerned that the new requirements could disrupt the mail-voting process during the November elections.

The key issue: With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, a new legal battle has emerged between the Trump administration and Democratic-led states over control of mail-in voting. The dispute could eventually return to the Supreme Court.