Bangladesh Nationalist Party has announced a seven-day mourning period following the death of the party’s chairperson and Bangladesh’s three-time former prime minister Khaleda Zia. The announcement was made at a press conference held at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday morning by BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Rizvi said that during the seven-day period, party leaders and activists would wear black badges. Quran recitations and prayer gatherings will be held in all offices. Condolence books will be opened at the BNP headquarters in Paltan and Gulshan. The schedule for her burial and final rites will be announced later. Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister, passed away at 6:00am on Tuesday.

Florida, USA: The 40th FOBANA (Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America) Conference will be held from September 4-6, 2026, at Holiday Inn Resort, 3011 Maingate Ln, Kissimmee, Florida 34747, Orlando, USA. The event is organized by the Bangladesh Somity of Central Florida.

The conference will be supported by the Bangladesh Society of Central Florida, Association of World Fair and Fest USA Inc, and Central Florida Sports Club Inc. This year’s conference will feature a gathering of the Bangladeshi diaspora, cultural programs, educational and business discussions, as well as various community development activities. The event is open to all expatriates and interested participants, and everyone is warmly invited to attend.

The Office of the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) has issued a directive making it mandatory to deduct income tax at source from the monthly salaries of government officers and employees whose basic pay exceeds the specified threshold. The circular was released on Monday.

According to the letter from the CGA’s Additional Accounts and Procedures Division, under the Income Tax Act, 2023, male government officials and employees with a monthly basic salary of Tk26,785 or more, and female officials and employees earning Tk30,357 or more, have crossed the tax-free income limit. As a result, income tax must be deducted at source when preparing their salary bills.

The circular also stated that, under Treasury Rules S R 125, the responsibility for deducting income tax and other applicable charges from salary bills rests with the respective drawing and disbursing officers (DDOs).

All Chief Accounts and Finance Officers, Divisional and District Accounts Controllers, Upazila Accounts Officers, and other relevant offices nationwide have been instructed to take the necessary steps to implement this directive.

The instruction was sent to the Finance Division through the secretary, with specific attention to the joint secretary (budget-1).

The directive refers to a semi-official letter issued by the Internal Resources Division and the National Board of Revenue (NBR) on October 7, which provided clear guidelines on deducting income tax at source from government salaries.

Three Bangladeshi nationals were beaten to death, reportedly by Indian nationals in Tripura state of India, on Thursday. The deceased were identified as Pandit Mia, son of Kana Mia; Sajal Mia, son of Kuddus Mia; and Jewel Mia, son of Asrab Ullah, all residents of Chunarughat upazila in Habiganj district.

Lt Col Tanjinul Rahman, commanding officer of BGB-55, said the incident occurred at Karangichhara in Tripura state, about 4–5 kilometres inside India from the zero point of the border. The exact time of the incident, however, could not be confirmed.

According to BGB sources, the three Bangladeshis had allegedly crossed into India two to three days ago when local Indian residents attacked them, suspecting them to be cattle lifters. The attackers allegedly beat and stabbed the men indiscriminately, leaving them dead on the spot.

The bodies were later kept at Sampahar police station. Quoting Pandit Mia’s son, BGB officials said the victims had gone to the hilly area to collect betel leaves on Tuesday morning and had been missing since then.

“On Wednesday, we came to know that the bodies of all three were in India,” said Zahir Mia, son of Pandit. BGB personnel have contacted the Border Security Force (BSF) regarding the incident, said Lt Col Tanjinul.

“Efforts are ongoing to verify the authenticity of the incident and to gather detailed information. All necessary measures are being taken to maintain peace and harmony in the border area and to prevent the recurrence of such unwanted incidents in the future,” he added.

Reiterating that India firmly supports “free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections” in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said that India will work with any government that emerges through the mandate of the people of Bangladesh. The Indian foreign secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an “inclusive and participatory” election.“We remain ready to engage with any government that emerges from these elections with a popular mandate,” he said while responding to a question during an interaction with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, joint secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin, and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were also present.

During the nearly hour-long discussion, the Indian foreign secretary responded to questions on bilateral relations, border management, water-sharing issues, and matters concerning former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently staying in India.

The foreign secretary acknowledged that some issues exist, which is natural in any bilateral relationship. A 23-member DCAB delegation is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India. The foreign secretary said one important issue being closely watched not only in the region but also globally is the next steps in Bangladesh’s internal political process.

“We have all seen the announcements and statements regarding the next elections in Bangladesh. I understand that a time frame around February has been indicated in this regard,” he said.

He added that India is encouraged by the fact that Bangladeshi authorities themselves have spoken about a timeline for the elections and that India looks forward to their successful conduct.

“It will be a government elected with a popular mandate, and we will work with whichever government the people of Bangladesh choose to represent them,” Foreign Secretary Misri said.

Referring to India’s role in the region, the foreign secretary said that India has a significant stake in the peace, progress, stability, and development of Bangladesh.

“All of these issues are linked to regional stability, and we attach the highest importance to that — not just for ourselves but also because it serves our mutual interests,” he said.

When asked about the possibility of elections excluding a major political party, Misri said: “I obviously cannot get into the middle of decisions made by authorities in Bangladesh. The authorities, the people, and civil society in Bangladesh will have to make their own assessment of how these elections are viewed both domestically and internationally.”

He added that it is not only a matter of internal legitimacy but also one of external perception.

“These decisions will not just affect the present but will have implications in the medium to long term. Ultimately, it is for the people of Bangladesh to decide,” Misri said.

He noted that the elections will undoubtedly express a certain mandate.

“When it comes to the conditions shaping that mandate, India will not interfere. That is something for the people of Bangladesh to determine,” he said.

He also mentioned that even after the events of July and August last year, India has continued to work with the authorities in Dhaka, despite the unusual nature of the current political arrangement.

“That hasn’t prevented us from working with or engaging the authorities,” he said.

Misri noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to congratulate Professor Muhammad when he assumed charge as the head of the interim government, followed by a series of subsequent engagements. When asked about Pakistan–Bangladesh relations, the foreign secretary said he would not comment on Bangladesh’s relations with a third country.

“I can only say that we value our relationship with Bangladesh. We have a stake in its peace, progress, stability, and development. All of these have a bearing on regional security and stability,” he said.

“We have had close discussions with the authorities in Bangladesh on these matters in the past, and I am sure we will continue to do so,” he added, expressing confidence that Bangladesh recognizes the importance of regional stability and security for all. The foreign secretary said the India–Bangladesh relationship is rooted in strong cultural, linguistic, religious, and historical ties.

“These are factors that continue to underpin our relationship. We have always approached it with a people-first mindset,” he said.

“This is a time-tested relationship — more than five decades old — and I am confident it will continue to flourish,” Misri added. He said India’s approach toward Bangladesh has always been pragmatic.

“We are no strangers to the momentous developments that have taken place in the region, the world, and in Bangladesh. Our pragmatic approach has guided our engagement with the authorities, including the interim government,” he said.

“The only point I would make is that for this engagement to be sustained and to serve as the basis for even stronger ties in the future, both sides need to work toward creating a conducive environment,” he noted. The foreign secretary concluded by emphasizing the importance of avoiding statements or actions that could harm the bilateral atmosphere.

Saudi Arabia has announced that individuals holding any type of visa will now be permitted to perform Umrah. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported the development on Sunday, citing the country’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

According to the ministry, the decision aimed to make performing Umrah more accessible and convenient. The move is part of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to expand the kingdom’s religious tourism sector and enhance the overall quality of services for pilgrims.

The ministry stated that eligibility now extends to holders of personal and family visit visas, e-tourist visas, transit visas, work visas, and all other visa categories. The initiative is expected to enable Muslims worldwide to perform their religious rites in a peaceful and seamless manner.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also announced the launch of a new digital platform called Nusuk Umrah, through which users can select Umrah packages, obtain necessary permits, and book related services. Pilgrims will also have the flexibility to choose their preferred schedules.

The ministry stated that these initiatives were undertaken under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, so that Muslims can receive high-quality services in a safe and spiritual environment and enrich their Umrah experience.

Opener Rubaiya Haider Jhelik marked her WODI debut with a match-winning half-century as Bangladesh beat Pakistan by seven wickets in their opening ICC Women’s World Cup fixture in Colombo on Thursday. The Tigresses produced a clinical all-round display at the R Premadasa Stadium to begin their World Cup campaign on a high.

Bangladesh’s bowlers set the tone early, with pacer Marufa Akter striking twice in the very first over, removing Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin. Spinners Shorna Akter (3-5) and Nahida Akter (2-19) then tightened the grip, helping bowl out Pakistan for just 129 runs in 38.3 overs after they had opted to bat first.

In reply, debutant Jhelik stole the spotlight with an unbeaten 54 off 77 balls, laced with eight boundaries. She forged a vital 62-run third-wicket partnership with skipper Nigar Sultana Joty (23 off 44), before Sobhana Mostary’s quickfire 24 off 19 balls, featuring six fours, sealed the chase. Bangladesh reached 131-3 in 31.1 overs to clinch a comprehensive victory.

Montreal: The first meeting of FOBANA’s newly elected Executive Committee was held virtually via Zoom. With the spontaneous participation of all members, the committee pledged to move forward with the organization’s future activities. The meeting was presided over by the newly elected Chairman Jahid Hossain Pintu and conducted by Executive Secretary Nehal Rahim.

Chairman Jahid Hossain stated that sub-committees will soon be formed to initiate all organizational activities. Executive Secretary Nehal Rahim called upon all newly elected members to play an active role in carrying out FOBANA’s programs.

Details regarding the upcoming 40th FOBANA Convention were presented on behalf of the organizing committee by Anwar Hossain Santu and Nazimul Ullah Liton. They announced that the convention will take place on September 4, 5, and 6, 2026, during the Labor Day weekend, in Orlando, Florida. The convention will be hosted by the Bangladesh Association of Central Florida.

In addition, 27 EC members present at the meeting actively took part in the agenda-based discussions and provided valuable opinions to ensure the success of FOBANA’s future initiatives.

The Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s literary culture, will not be held this December as previously planned. The fair is now scheduled to take place after the upcoming national election. Based on the recommendations of the Bangladesh Publishers & Booksellers Association (BAPUS) and other stakeholders, the previously announced dates for the 2026 edition have been postponed.

On Sunday night, a notification regarding the date of Amar Ekushey Boi Mela 2026 stated that this decision was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 21, 2025. The notification further stated that, following consultations with publishers and other stakeholders, a new date will be set at a later time.

Although the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela is traditionally held in February each year, this time the date was initially scheduled for December due to the election and Ramadan, according to the Bangla Academy.

On September 18, Bangla Academy Director General Dr Mohammad Azam stated that Amar Ekushey Boi Mela 2026 would be held from December 17, 2025.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the opening of the newest Flushing Bank location on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 37-44 74th St. in Jackson Heights. Hosted by the Flushing Financial Corporation, the parent holding company for Flushing Bank, the event’s attendees included multiple local business owners and community leaders. Among those on hand for the ribbon-cutting were Flushing Bank President and CEO John R. Buran, Council Member Shekar Krishnan and Foundation for a Better World President and CEO Abdus Sobhan and Director of Youth Development Farhan Abdur Rahman.

“We are excited to be a part of this vibrant and diverse community,” Buran said. “Our multilingual branch staff can provide in-language support to customers. They have been busy developing new relationships and introducing themselves to the residents and businesses within this market.”

During the ceremony, Buran presented a $3,000 check to the Foundation for a Better World, which provides career skill training to community members. The donation will help fund the charitable organization’s youth development program.

“We want to make sure that we are supporting our community, building roots in the community,” Krishnan said. “And the fact of the matter is, as the world changes and the city changes around us too, to know that we have small businesses here that understand the importance of building relationships in our community and do so from the beginning really stands out to me, and that’s especially true for our financial institutions and our banks.”