BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has claimed that no one harassed the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in New York. He said, “No one harassed Mirza Fakhrul in New York. Various propaganda campaigns have been launched against him. All of it is false, baseless, and fabricated.”

Rizvi further added that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is a national leader who accompanied the Chief Adviser to attend the UN assembly in New York. He alleged that smear campaigns are being spread against Fakhrul.

On Wednesday (September 24) morning, after paying respects at the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman along with newly elected leaders of Pirojpur District BNP, Rizvi made these remarks.

He said, “If the interim government could demonstrate competence in New York, the allies of fascism would not dare to carry out such activities. Because of the government’s failure to take effective measures, the ghosts of those collaborators are active both inside the country and abroad.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of trying to create a “state within the state” through its activities in the political landscape and universities. Speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, he warned that the country’s independence and sovereignty could face a major conspiracy due to rising threats from across the border and the emergence of new forces.

“Has the Ducsu VP been given magistracy power to decide which shop on the campus is legal or illegal? He fined a shop Tk3,000 and then deposited the money into Baitul Mal (the party’s fund). What is the legal basis for this?” the BNP leader asked.

“7th November Projonma” organized the program on journalist Dr Maruf Mallick’s book “Theoretical Analysis of Bangladeshi Nationalism: Crisis of Civic and Ethnic Nationalism”.

In any university, Rizvi said, it is the administration that should monitor who runs shops or markets on campus. Student leaders can raise concerns if the peaceful and orderly environment of the campus is being disturbed, he said.

“Instead, you are imposing fines and that money is going into Jamaat’s party fund. This is a very serious matter. We have always seen that their activities are creating a ‘state within the state,’ and we are now observing such an environment,” the BNP leader said.

He also criticized the supply of iron beds to university halls by Jamaat’s student wing, questioning whether it is the responsibility of any political party or the student union to do so.

“If students have demands, they should bargain or negotiate with the vice-chancellor. If there is a shortage of accommodation, beds or other facilities, it is the administration’s duty to address it,” Rizvi said. But, he said, the student organization or party is providing iron beds to the administration.

He added: “This is very strange. It undermines the legal foundation of the state and goes against the proper functioning of the university. Are you running an orphanage that you provide iron beds? Will you also provide dining tables for food? These kinds of actions are a very bad sign, in our view.”

Rizvi said in the current reality, especially after 5 August, when the nation is facing constant threats, many divisive voices are being heard, saying that one side is bad and the other is good.

“In this changed situation, with continuous threats coming from neighbouring countries, the way the political situation is moving and the rise of certain forces, I believe this is creating an opportunity for a major conspiracy that could endanger our sovereignty and independence,” the BNP leader said.

He also said a planned campaign is underway to blame BNP for crimes such as extortion, sand lifting and stone theft, while similar allegations against Jamaat leaders are being downplayed. When Jamaat attempts to show itself as good, it often appears that if BNP men are involved in sand lifting, Jamaat men are also connected, Rizvi said. He, however, lamented that media outlets do not highlight the misdeeds of Jamaat leaders and activists, while allegations against BNP receive wide coverage.

“If BNP members are involved in irregularities, we expel or suspend them and take disciplinary action. But this is not highlighted. Instead, a narrative is carefully created to use against BNP and malign the party,” Rizvi said.

He also said the media and social media often blame BNP for extortion, sand lifting or stone theft, but do not report that Jamaat leaders’ names also appear in such incidents, including cases of sexual harassment or abuse of women.

“Every family may have a black sheep. But if the parents punish the black sheep, that is a responsible family. The same goes for political parties,” the BNP leader said. BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, organizing secretary principal Selim Bhuiyan and senior journalist Amirul Islam Kagoji, among others, also spoke at the event.

Bangladeshi supermodel Nibir Adnan has made the nation proud by gracing the runway at one of the world’s largest fashion events—New York Fashion Week 2025. Held from September 10 to 14 at Sony Hall, Manhattan, New York City, the event brought together renowned designers, models, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts for a spectacular and diverse runway showcase. Models walked the runway in the creations of over 130 acclaimed designers. The event featured 28 Latin American brands from countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia, alongside international brands from Japan, the United Kingdom, and Portugal.

Before the main event, on September 8, Nibir Adnan participated in the casting round through his agency CG Models. Nearly 3,000 models from around the world competed in this casting, where Nibir Adnan qualified to secure his place on the main runway. Among them, he proudly represented Bangladesh, highlighting the nation’s prestige through his presence and performance on the international stage.

During the three-day event, Nibir walked for five international designers, including O4BH (United Kingdom), Monkstr (Austin, Texas), The Tokyo Vibes (Japan), Runway7 Fashion (New York, LA, Miami), and Emma Ritz (Tokyo). His makeup was done by Book of Beauty, with photography by Anja Stoll.

Speaking from New York about participating in one of the world’s largest fashion weeks, Nibir Adnan said: “This is a moment of immense pride for me, not just as an individual, but as a Bangladeshi. Representing my country on the global stage of New York Fashion Week is truly a dream come true. Every time someone asks me, ‘Where are you from?’ and I say, ‘I’m from Bangladesh’—I get goosebumps. Sharing the same platform with international celebrities and receiving their appreciation has been surreal. Their support and kind words have touched my heart. This success is not just mine; it’s for every young dreamer back home who thinks the world is too big and their country too small. I want to say: we belong. We rise. We represent.”

Notably, during the fashion week, on September 11 he also participated in the International Heritage Fashion Week, and he is scheduled to take part in Couture Fashion Week on Saturday, where his performance will further shine a spotlight on Bangladesh.

Supermodel Nibir Adnan has worked with nearly all major local brands and extended his career internationally in Mumbai, India, representing products for Amazon India, Raymond, Spykar, among other Indian brands. He has also brought pride to Bangladesh as the brand ambassador for the world-renowned Italian brand Bulgari Perfume, and has worked as a model for brands based in London and Dubai, in addition to Dhaka and Mumbai. Nibir has received numerous international honors and recognition, including the NRB Award in the ‘International Model of the Year’ category on September 14 in New York.

Apart from modeling, this supermodel is steadily entering acting. This year, he made his big-screen debut with the film ‘Esha Murder’.

The US State Department’s 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report says Bangladesh’s interim government has moved to make all natural resource extraction procurements fully open and transparent, suspending direct negotiations led by the previous administration.

The report noted that the government has set clear rules for awarding extraction contracts and licences and provided limited information on procurement. However, the country’s supreme audit institution failed to meet international independence standards and did not fully review accounts due to the change in government.

To improve fiscal transparency, the US recommended Bangladesh publish timely end-of-year reports, prepare budgets in line with global standards, provide a complete picture of revenues and expenditures, and strengthen the audit institution’s independence.

The State Department emphasized that fiscal transparency builds accountability, market confidence, and fair competition for US firms.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the decision of student representatives to join the government was “not right. They had the opportunity to play a role as a pressure group on any issue of the state. But it is not for us to call on them to step down from the government — that urgency must come from within themselves,” he said on Saturday while speaking at the Third Dialogue on Youth’s State Thought at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, in the capital’s Kakrail.

“In a democratic system, there is no scope to be in both government and opposition at the same time. From the moment the students of the July movement entered the government, I realized they would no longer be able to contribute to rebuilding the state,” he added.

Referring to a newspaper report, Salahuddin said: “I saw one leader remark, who will be the ruling party and who will be the opposition party. If you are so confident, then why don’t you join the election? You are only trying to obstruct it with various excuses.”

The BNP leader further observed that no one can decide which party will be in power or in opposition — only the people can. He also cautioned that pursuing dialogue and movements simultaneously would be contradictory. “We are negotiating on the legal basis of the July Charter. We want a solution through dialogue. There is no objection if any party makes demands, but they should not impose it on the nation,” he said. Salahuddin urged all political parties to maintain unity without creating fresh crises.

US military buildup in Bangladesh’s strategic Chittagong region is raising alarms in India and Myanmar, with experts warning of potential regional security implications, reports The Economic Times.

The paper noted that a C-130J Super Hercules – a tactical transport aircraft normally based at the US Air Force’s Yokota station in Japan – recently touched down at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong.

Analysts cited by the publication said the visit appeared linked to growing involvement of external powers in the Bay of Bengal area, which lies near India’s Northeast and Myanmar. Both Washington and Beijing are reportedly trying to court Myanmar’s rebel groups, the report added.

Since Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed power in Dhaka, the US military has made frequent stops in Chittagong, ranging from reconnaissance trips to joint drills, The Economic Times said. Earlier this year, Bangladesh and the United States conducted exercises codenamed Operation Pacific Angel-25 and Tiger Lightning-2025 in the same zone.

Sri Lanka chased down a daunting target of 170 with six wickets in hand to knock Afghanistan out of the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Sri Lanka wrapped up their Group B fixtures unbeaten, with the former champions getting home with eight deliveries to spare. Having topped the group, Sri Lanka marched into the second round, with Bangladesh joining them as the other qualifier.

It was quick Nuwan Thushara who set the tone, rattling through the Afghan top order with four wickets. Then it was wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis who stole the limelight in the chase, crafting an unbeaten 74 off 52 balls with 10 boundaries.

Opening the innings, Mendis dropped anchor against Afghanistan’s much-vaunted four-pronged spin attack. He later shifted gears in a blistering 52-run stand off just 23 balls for the fifth wicket with his namesake Kamindu Mendis. Sri Lanka had their noses in front from the moment Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Thushara struck twice in his second over, eventually finishing with four for 18.

At 137 for seven heading into the final over, Afghanistan looked dead and buried, but veteran Mohammad Nabi turned the script on its head. The all-rounder bludgeoned 32 runs off the last over, lifting his side to a fighting 169 for eight.

Dunith Wellalage, playing his first T20 since November 2024, dropped Nabi on five, a mistake that cost dearly. Thrown the ball for the final over, the left-arm spinner was carted for five sixes, conceding the second-most expensive over by a Sri Lankan in T20 history. Nabi finished with a whirlwind 60 off 22 balls, peppered with three fours and six sixes, his half-century equalling the record for the quickest by an Afghan batter.

A mob attacked and set fire to four shrines on Thursday morning in Comilla, following an alleged derogatory Facebook post about Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). The incident occurred around 9:30am in Asadpur village of Homna upazila’s Asadpur union. Police and army personnel rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.

Comilla SP Nazir Ahmed Khan added: “Police acted swiftly to arrest the accused. Those who took the law into their own hands and attacked the shrines have been identified, and legal action will follow. Additional police have been deployed to maintain security.”

Khyemalika Chakma said: “Derogatory remarks against the Prophet (PBUH) sparked public outrage, leading to attacks on shrines.”

According to police and locals, a Facebook account posted derogatory remarks about the Prophet (PBUH) on Wednesday at 10:52am. Enraged villagers gathered in front of the police station, demanding strict action against the post. The accused was arrested from Fakirbari area of Asadpur village on Wednesday afternoon. That evening, Homna unit Islami Jubo Sena’s organizing secretary Shariful Islam filed a case against the accused at Homna police station. On Thursday morning, he was produced before court.

Despite the arrest, locals rallied with loudspeakers on Thursday morning and set fire to Kofil Uddin Shah and Hawali Shah shrines, while vandalizing Kalai Shah and Abdu Shah shrines. Two fire service units extinguished the flames.

Upazila Islami Front secretary Shafik Rana and Islami Jubo Sena leader Shariful Islam said the arrested individual had repeatedly posted provocative content online.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday criticized joint street programs announced by several Islamic parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, describing them as “not good for democracy.”

“Talks are still underway. At such a time, announcing programs only creates unnecessary pressure,” he told reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from Singapore.

Fakhrul said the movement by Islamic parties is neither beneficial for democracy nor helpful in making the right decisions. Asked about Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar’s claim that street action became necessary as talks failed, Fakhrul questioned its effectiveness. “Will coming to the streets actually resolve anything?” he asked.

He emphasised that BNP, as the country’s largest political party, has not resorted to street protests since the fall of the Awami League. “We are trying to resolve everything through discussions. We believe this will be settled through talks,” he said.

Fakhrul returned home Thursday evening on a regular Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight after accompanying his wife to Singapore for medical treatment on September 10.

On the proportional representation (PR) system, Fakhrul reiterated BNP’s stance against it. “We think there is no need for PR in Bangladesh. Discussions are ongoing at the July Charter. We have agreed on several issues… and those matters can be addressed when the time comes.”

He added that public support, expressed through elections and Parliament, is essential for any action, as only Parliament can amend or change the constitution. Addressing the possibility of banning the 14-party alliance, including the Jatiya Party, Fakhrul said BNP has consistently opposed banning any political party.

Responding to other questions, he said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will return soon. On his potential participation at the 80th UN General Assembly alongside Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Fakhrul said he has not yet discussed his role. “I think the focus there will be on the progress of democracy in the country, as well as on the country’s development,” he said.

On whether decisions for the country are often made externally, he said, “Bangladesh has always made its decisions within the country and will continue to do so, with its people taking those decisions. There is no need for external intervention.”

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, has said that the partnership between Bangladesh and the EU is a strategic choice when it comes to human rights and the creation of economic opportunities at its core. Ambassador Miller said the EU is helping Bangladesh prepare for “free and fair” elections and supporting reforms in line with the expectations of citizens and businesses.

“Our common goal with you is to build prosperity and act together to promote sustainable growth, mobilise investments, and combat climate change,” he said while speaking at a discussion at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday. The Association of Former Ambassadors (AOFA) hosted the discussion, titled “EU-Bangladesh Relations: Way Forward,” with AOFA President Abdullah Al Hasan presiding over the session.

Referring to his visits across the country, Miller said he wants to understand the needs of communities outside Dhaka and engage with people benefiting from EU-funded programmes implemented by Bangladeshi organisations.

“For me, it is very important to hear from the grassroots to know what is going on,” he said. The ambassador said Bangladesh is passing through an incredibly significant moment in its political history. He said the EU is exploring how it can support Bangladesh’s transition to democratic elections and respond quickly to emerging challenges or requests for assistance.

Miller emphasised that the political transition offers a unique opportunity to strengthen respect for fundamental rights, restore democracy, and create space for civil society. The ambassador also stressed the importance of creating a level playing field for economic operators. Miller said he sees a strong commonality of ambition when discussing reforms in the EU and the transition underway in Bangladesh.

“You can certainly rely on us to remain committed to peace, partnership, and cooperation,” he said. Ambassador Miller reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working with Bangladesh to promote stability and prosperity.

“Your stability is absolutely our stability, and your prosperity is also our prosperity,” he said. On trade, the ambassador said the EU is open to fair business and highlighted the need to work towards a smooth graduation from the LDC category.

Regarding investment, he said the EU is a strong partner, with its Global Gateway initiative focusing on boosting secure and sustainable links in transport, energy, water, digital, and telecom sectors—transforming the country.

He said the European Investment Bank (EIB) will double its lending to Bangladesh. “I expect this to happen by the end of this year. This fulfills the promise made by the EIB Vice President during his visit in January.”

In addition, Miller said, the EU is using its budget to guarantee private sector investments from within Europe.

“We are exploring ways to give a real boost to investments. Our trade relations are wonderful, dynamic, and significant,” he added. He also emphasized the EU’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with partners on global challenges, particularly climate change.