ST. PAUL, Minn – In the fourth and final international match of the fall window, the U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Canada 1-0 in a physical and intense contest to earn the team’s fourth consecutive win and second straight shutout that continued the program’s perfect record at Allianz Field.

The meeting between the Concacaf neighbors and fellow Round of 16 participants at FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded a three-week long camp for the U.S. In four matches across September and October, the U.S. tallied four victories, two clean sheets, 12 goals and 13 debutants to showcase an exciting blend of veteran leadership and young talent and finish the first window of the FIFA World Cup 2030 cycle on a soaring note under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino rotated his lineup heavily again tonight, making six changes to the group that started Saturday’s match against Mexico. The five holdovers were fullback Alex Freeman, midfielder Gio Reyna, midfielder Malik Tillman, defender Auston Trusty and center back Chris Richards.

Richards captained the USMNT for the fourth time and first since March 31, 2026, against Portugal. In goal, Brian Schwake of Nashville SC earned his first international start, becoming the fourth different goalkeeper to start for the U.S. in this window.

Starting XI & Lineup Notes: USMNT vs. Canada

The home side started the match against Canada in control of possession and patient on the ball, drawing five fouls from the opponent before committing its first. Overall, the Canadians committed 13 fouls in the first half, the U.S. team keeping their poise as they continued to push for the opener. Nonetheless it was the visitors that managed the first shot, a laser that forward Tani Oluwaseyl fired well wide of goal in the 10th minute. A short pass on a direct free kick in the 13th minute led to a low shot from forward Liam Miller that rolled wide.

The teams went back-and-forth trying to find the final pass that would break the opponent’s line, and Canada put a couple shots on target to test the USA’s first-time starter.

In the 24th minute, the U.S. had one of its best defensive moments of the first half after Canada turned over a play quickly for a chance from close range. A pass slipped through in front of goal, and defender George Campbell, earning his third cap, put his boot on the ball for a strong block inside the six-yard box.

Like Saturday’s win over Mexico, the U.S. broke through with a goal from one of the team’s young forwards. This time it was Justin Ellis, who also scored the fastest goal by a debutant in USMNT modern history against Peru. The teenager striker for Orlando City SC got on the end of a Freeman cross after a delightful exchange with Malik Tilllman to open the scoring on the night. The first half ended with a couple of corner kicks for the U.S., including one that Trusty put on his laces but skied over frame.

Teams were allowed to make 11 substitutions, and Pochettino made his first at the halftime break, sending on forward Julian Hall, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and wingback Sergiño Dest for Ellis, Reyna and midfielder Yunus Musah, who earned his 50th career cap at the age of 24.

The USMNT’s defense continued to protect its one-goal lead heading into the second 45. In the opening minutes of the half, Freeman showed tremendous effort to hunt down a 50-50 ball toward the endline and save the ball from rolling out of bounds for a Canada corner kick. Moments later, the 22-year-old intercepted a pass around the halfway mark to halt Canada’s attack from progressing.

In the 61st minute, Pochettino sent on forward Cole Campbell as a substitute, marking the international debut of the 20-year-old for SV Elversberg. With Campbell’s appearance, all 28 players on Pochettino’s roster earned at least one cap in the four-match stretch.

Moments later, the U.S. stopped a golden chance for Canada on a direct free kick from the left side of the pitch. Defender Luc de Fougerolles received the kick that was floating toward the far post, and he launched a strike on frame. Schwake stretched his reach to push the shot into the crossbar with his big glove for one of his three saves of the match.

The final minutes of the match required a collective defensive effort to hold off a Canada side motivated to equalize. Schwake collected a near post shot in the 83rd and together, the Americans stood firm to hold a one-goal lead for more than 60 minutes and earn the group’s second straight clean sheet.

Tuesday’s match concludes fall camp for the USMNT. The next FIFA window opens Nov. 9 and the team will face Haiti in the Quarterfinals of the Concacaf Nations League in a home-and-home series. The first match will be played Nov. 14 at a site to be determined, with the return leg slated for Nov. 17 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Goal Scoring Rundown:

USA – JUSTIN ELLIS (ALEX FREEMAN), 29th minute: Freeman on the right side of the pitch received a ball into space from Malik Tillman on a give-and-go. The fullback carried the ball toward goal with two dribbles, then looked up to pinpoint his target on the other side of Canada goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. He pushed a ball toward the far post from about eight yards from goal, and Ellis came flying in with a first-time touch from close range to drive a shot into the back of the net. USA 1, CAN 0

WASHINGTON, D.C. — International women’s football is set to witness a heavyweight spectacle this October as the top two ranked sides on the planet—reigning Olympic champions the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) and reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champions Spain—lock horns in a highly anticipated two-match international friendly series on the East Coast.
Olympics.com

The marquee matchup brings together the elite gold standard of the modern game, serving up a high-stakes tactical chess match and an early litmus test with an eye toward future global tournaments.

The two-game series kicks off on Saturday, October 10, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 PM local time. The action then shifts north for the second fixture on Tuesday, October 13, heading to Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, with a 7:00 PM ET kickoff.

Both fixtures offer fans a rare chance to witness a clash between global titans. Historically, meetings between the U.S. and Spain have been tightly contested, tactical affairs, with neither side conceding ground. Since their first encounter in 2019, the USWNT holds a narrow head-to-head advantage, though Spain claimed victory in their most recent meeting back in 2022.
www.olympics.com

Fans attending or tuning into the series will be treated to a pitch glittering with world-class talent. Spain arrives boasting a technical, possession-oriented powerhouse spearheaded by Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Patri Guijarro. Speaking ahead of the fixtures, veteran Spanish defender Irene Paredes emphasized that La Roja is approaching the friendlies with maximum competitive intensity, treating the encounters with the gravity of a World Cup match.

Meanwhile, Emma Hayes’ youthful and dynamic USWNT squad features explosive attacking threats like Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson, ready to test Spain’s defensive structure down the flanks. Both camps enter the window dealing with minor personnel adjustments—notably, the U.S. missing defensive stalwart Naomi Girma due to injury, and Spain navigating the absence of midfielder Mariona Caldentey. Nevertheless, depth across both rosters ensures a pair of fiercely competitive battles.

For supporters unable to make it to Audi Field or Subaru Park, the matches will be broadcast extensively. In the United States, English-language coverage will be carried across TNT Sports and streaming on Max, with Spanish-language broadcasts available on Universo and Peacock. Radio coverage will also be provided nationwide by Westwood One Sports.

As the world’s number one and number two sides square off, this October series promises a thrilling preview of the absolute apex of international women’s football.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC — President Donald Trump’s approval rating remains at a record low in the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, with 32% of Americans approving of his job performance and 65% disapproving as the country approaches the November midterm elections. The nationwide poll, conducted online from Sept. 30 through Oct. 5 among 4,506 U.S. adults, found Trump’s overall approval unchanged from the previous survey. The result matches the lowest approval rating recorded for Trump in the Reuters/Ipsos polling series. The poll has a margin of error of approximately two percentage points.

The findings come as voters continue to identify the cost of living and inflation as major concerns, while the administration faces political pressure over the economic effects of high energy prices and the ongoing war with Iran.

The poll found particularly low approval among Hispanic Americans. Only 24% of Hispanic respondents said they approved of Trump’s performance, the lowest level recorded for him among Hispanic voters in either of his presidential terms, according to Reuters.

The decline is notable because Hispanic voters were an important part of Trump’s coalition in the 2024 presidential election. Reuters reported that Trump received nearly half of the Hispanic vote in 2024, compared with roughly one-third in 2020. The latest findings indicate that Trump’s standing among this group has weakened considerably during his current term.

Economic issues are playing a central role in voters’ views of the administration. The Reuters/Ipsos survey found that the cost of living was the leading issue for Americans as they considered the upcoming congressional elections. Rising gasoline and diesel prices have added to concerns about household expenses.

The administration has taken several steps aimed at addressing fuel prices. On Oct. 5, Trump signed an executive order expanding access to tax-exempt diesel fuel as prices remained elevated. Reuters reported that diesel prices had reached approximately $6.50 a gallon in September. The administration has linked the energy-price pressures to disruptions caused by the war with Iran and other international supply pressures.

The Ipsos survey also measured voters’ preferences for the November 3 congressional elections. Among registered voters, 44% said they planned to support Democratic candidates, compared with 37% who said they planned to support Republican candidates. Among independent voters, Democrats held a 37%-21% advantage in the survey, while 28% of independent voters remained undecided.

Among Hispanic registered voters, 52% said they planned to support Democratic candidates, compared with 26% who said they planned to support Republicans. These figures describe the preferences of respondents at the time of the survey and do not determine the eventual election results.

Trump continues to retain substantial support within his own party, although previous Reuters/Ipsos polling has shown a decline in Republican approval.

An earlier September Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 73% of Republicans approved of Trump’s overall job performance, down from 86% in January. Republican ratings of Trump’s handling of the U.S. economy and the cost of living also declined in that survey.

The latest poll comes as Republican candidates campaign across the country ahead of the midterm elections, with economic conditions and the administration’s foreign-policy decisions becoming central campaign issues.

The latest Reuters/Ipsos findings also showed changes among older voters, a group that has historically been important in midterm elections.

Republicans held only a narrow advantage among voters aged 50 and older in the latest survey, according to Reuters. Among voters younger than 50, Democrats had a larger lead. Independent voters remained an important group because a substantial share had not decided which party they would support.

The latest polling comes amid controversy over government-funded television advertisements featuring Trump. A separate Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted during the same period found that 86% of Americans considered the use of taxpayer money for election-related television advertisements featuring the president or members of his administration inappropriate. The figure included 80% of Republicans.

The administration has said the advertisements are educational and patriotic rather than campaign material. Critics, including lawmakers from both parties, have questioned whether taxpayer funds are being used for political purposes.

With the Nov. 3 congressional elections approaching, the poll provides a snapshot of public opinion at a particularly active stage of the campaign.  Trump is not personally on the ballot, but his approval rating and the administration’s policies have become important factors in the national political environment.

Republicans currently control the White House and both chambers of Congress, making the midterm elections significant for the legislative agenda during the remaining years of Trump’s current term.

The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that Americans remain focused heavily on economic pressures, particularly the cost of living, while Trump’s overall approval remains at the lowest level recorded in the Ipsos series.

The survey represents public opinion during the six-day period in which it was conducted; attitudes can change as economic conditions, international events and the election campaign develop.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC— The U.S. Department of Justice has launched denaturalization proceedings against 40 naturalized U.S. citizens accused of serious crimes, immigration fraud and other conduct that the government says affected their eligibility for American citizenship.

The cases, filed in federal courts between Aug. 21 and Oct. 2, represent the largest number of denaturalization complaints filed during a single period under the Trump administration, according to the Justice Department.

The department said the cases include allegations involving foreign-government activity, espionage, violent crimes, sexual offenses, tax violations, fraudulent marriages and identity or immigration fraud.

The announcement is part of a broader Justice Department effort to pursue denaturalization in cases where prosecutors allege that citizenship was obtained illegally or through the concealment of material information.

Despite the wording sometimes used to describe the cases, the 40 individuals have not automatically lost their U.S. citizenship. The Justice Department has filed civil actions asking federal courts to revoke their naturalization. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, naturalized citizenship can be revoked if the government establishes that it was illegally obtained or secured through concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation.

The cases remain subject to judicial proceedings. The allegations contained in the complaints are not, by themselves, final findings of wrongdoing. The Justice Department said the 40 cases involve a broad range of alleged offenses.

Among those identified by the department are individuals accused of concealing criminal histories during the naturalization process, using false identities or immigration documents, entering fraudulent marriages and failing to disclose information that prosecutors say was relevant to their eligibility for citizenship. The cases also include allegations involving serious criminal conduct.

One defendant, according to the department, is former U.S. Navy sailor Jinchao Wei, who was convicted of espionage and sentenced to more than 16 years in prison. The Justice Department is seeking his denaturalization based on allegations concerning his conduct and the information allegedly concealed during the citizenship process.

Another case involves Ping Li, whom the department alleges conspired to act as an agent of the Chinese government without notifying the U.S. attorney general. The department says Li was sentenced in 2024. Other cases involve alleged sexual offenses, money laundering, tax evasion, voluntary manslaughter and immigration-related fraud.

The complaints were filed across federal judicial districts throughout the United States. The individuals named in the cases come from numerous countries, including Mexico, Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, Egypt, Nigeria, Iran, Haiti, Nepal, the Philippines, Venezuela, Ghana, Cameroon, Canada, Colombia, Cambodia, Peru, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom. One individual’s country of origin was listed as unknown.

The Justice Department said the cases are focused on allegations that the individuals obtained naturalization through unlawful means or concealed information that could have affected their eligibility.

The latest cases follow a series of denaturalization actions announced by the Justice Department during 2026. In August, the department announced 25 denaturalization complaints involving naturalized citizens accused of offenses including attempted murder, assault and sexual crimes against children. The department said at the time that the complaints filed since Jan. 20, 2025, brought its total to 123 civil denaturalization complaints, which it described as the highest number in recorded history.

The latest 40-case filing represents a further expansion of the administration’s use of denaturalization proceedings. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the department intends to continue using the process in cases where it believes citizenship was obtained through deception or unlawful conduct.

Denaturalization is a legal process through which the government seeks to cancel the citizenship of a person who became a U.S. citizen through naturalization. It is different from deportation and does not apply to people who are U.S. citizens by birth in the same way. For a naturalized citizen, the government must pursue the matter through the courts and establish the legal grounds for revocation.

The Supreme Court has also emphasized the significance of citizenship and the government’s burden when seeking to revoke naturalization. Consequently, the filing of a complaint is the beginning of a legal proceeding, not a final decision that citizenship has been revoked.

The expansion of denaturalization proceedings has drawn national attention because citizenship is a fundamental legal status carrying important constitutional and statutory rights.

The Justice Department argues that the process is necessary when individuals allegedly obtained citizenship through fraud or by concealing serious misconduct.

Civil liberties and immigration advocates, meanwhile, have raised broader concerns about the government’s increasing use of a rarely invoked legal mechanism. Coverage of the latest filings has characterized the effort as a significant expansion of denaturalization under the Trump administration.

The cases will now proceed through the federal courts, where the government’s allegations can be contested and judges will determine whether the legal requirements for denaturalization have been met.

The 40 defendants will have an opportunity to respond to the government’s allegations in court. If the government successfully proves that an individual’s naturalization was illegally obtained or obtained through material concealment or willful misrepresentation, a federal court may revoke the person’s naturalization.

Until such proceedings are resolved, however, the filing of the cases should not be treated as a final determination that the individuals have lost their citizenship.

The Justice Department’s latest action signals that denaturalization will remain an important part of the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy, with additional cases potentially moving through federal courts in the months ahead.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday called for an end to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, urging all parties to step back from confrontation and return to diplomatic negotiations as the crisis continues to disrupt vital trade routes across the Middle East.

Speaking at a joint press appearance in Islamabad with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Guterres issued a direct appeal to the parties involved in the conflict.

“End the conflict. Return to diplomacy,” Guterres said, calling at the same time for the full restoration of navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law.

His remarks came at the beginning of a two-day official visit to Pakistan, where the UN chief is expected to discuss regional security, diplomacy, humanitarian issues and climate change.

The current crisis began in late February following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. Tehran responded with attacks against targets in Gulf countries and Jordan and moved to restrict transit through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime passages.

The waterway is a major route for international shipments of crude oil, liquefied natural gas and other commodities. Disruptions in the strait have created significant uncertainty for global shipping and energy markets.

Guterres said hundreds of ships and their crews have been stuck at sea for months as a result of the continuing crisis. The disruption has raised concerns well beyond the region, with the security of international shipping and the uninterrupted movement of energy supplies becoming central issues in the conflict.

The conflict has also contributed to fighting along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Iran-backed Houthi forces are engaged in fighting with Yemeni government troops supported by Saudi Arabia over control of the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait. The waterway is a critical maritime passage linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider international shipping network. The developments have added another layer to an already complex regional crisis, with several strategic waterways now affected by military tensions.

Guterres used his visit to Pakistan to recognize Islamabad’s efforts to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran. He praised Pakistan’s role in helping establish conditions for negotiations and pointed specifically to the June 17 Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and the framework created for further talks.

The UN secretary-general described Pakistan’s role as significant and said the country’s efforts demonstrated the importance of mediation and diplomacy at a time of increasing international division.

“Every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role,” Guterres said. He also praised Pakistan as a country that has continued to support multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation.

Guterres also addressed the broader Middle East crisis, saying lasting peace in the region cannot be achieved without addressing the political rights of the Palestinian people. He said the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination remains an important element of any long-term regional peace effort.

The UN chief expressed hope that the Middle East could move toward greater peace and prosperity through dialogue and cooperation. His comments come as the region continues to face overlapping conflicts and humanitarian challenges.

During his remarks, Guterres also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping. He paid tribute to more than 180 Pakistani peacekeepers who have died while serving in UN missions around the world. Guterres also referred to a recent Security Council resolution led by Pakistan and Denmark that strengthens accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers.

According to the secretary-general, the resolution received support from 153 countries, making it the most widely co-sponsored Security Council resolution in the organization’s history. He also acknowledged the heavy toll of terrorist attacks on Pakistan and expressed solidarity with those affected.

Pakistan’s role in hosting millions of Afghans displaced by conflict and instability was another issue raised during the visit. Guterres said the United Nations would continue working with Pakistan to ensure that the return of Afghan refugees is voluntary, safe and dignified.

The issue remains sensitive as Pakistan manages the long-term humanitarian and security consequences of decades of conflict in neighboring Afghanistan.

Guterres also used his visit to highlight Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change. Recalling his previous visit to the country during the devastating 2022 floods, he said Pakistan remains on the front lines of climate-related disasters despite contributing only a small share of global greenhouse-gas emissions.

He praised Pakistan’s involvement in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund and highlighted the country’s efforts to expand clean energy. The UN chief again urged developed countries to take the lead in significantly reducing global emissions during the current decade.

Guterres’ appeal comes as the United States-Iran conflict continues to create security and economic risks across the Middle East. The disruption of major maritime routes, the expansion of fighting into neighboring areas and the potential impact on global energy and trade have increased pressure for a diplomatic solution. From Islamabad, the UN secretary-general made clear that his preferred path forward is negotiation rather than further escalation.

“End the conflict. Return to diplomacy,” he said.

For Pakistan, meanwhile, the visit provides an opportunity to reinforce its role as a diplomatic channel between major powers while emphasizing its broader concerns over regional stability, humanitarian protection and climate security.

DHAKA– Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat today stressed the need to begin deliveries of Airbus aircraft before 2030 as Bangladesh set to sign an agreement to purchase 10 aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines on Wednesday.

“We are working towards signing an agreement to purchase 10 Airbus aircraft for the development of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. However, it is essential to bring forward the delivery schedule,” the minister said, emphasing that deliveries should begin before 2030.

He made the remarks when a Lufthansa delegation, led by German Ambassador to Bangladesh Rüdiger Lotz, paid a courtesy call on him at his ministry office at noon.

The meeting discussed air connectivity between Bangladesh and Germany, Biman’s development and other matters of mutual interest.

Millat said the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries provided considerable scope for expanding cooperation in civil aviation.

Describing Lufthansa as a globally renowned aviation company, he invited its investment in establishing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities to support Bangladesh’s ambition to become an aviation hub. He said Lufthansa could also work with Biman to develop skilled aviation personnel within Bangladesh.

The minister sought Germany’s cooperation in securing the withdrawal of the European Union’s High Risk Cargo and Mail (HRCM) designation for cargo originating from Bangladesh, which has remained in place since 2017.

He said the government had taken measures to address all observations since assuming office. Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Osmani International Airport each achieved ratings exceeding 90 percent in recently completed security audits, he said, citing the results while seeking German support for lifting the designation.

Both sides expressed interest in deepening bilateral relations, increasing air connectivity and expanding cooperation in tourism. Millat expressed optimism that cooperation between Bangladesh and Germany would become broader and more fruitful in the coming years.

DHAKA- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said ensuring every child gets the opportunity to grow and develop properly is crucial to building a strong foundation for Bangladesh and making the country stronger in the today’s competitive world.

“Today’s children are the pillars of their families. If they can grow up properly, the foundation of their families will become stronger. Likewise, if we can provide all children across Bangladesh with opportunities to develop properly, the foundation of our country will become much stronger,” he said.

The Prime Minister was speaking in a discussion at Bangladesh Shishu Academy marking the Children’s Rights Day 2026 and the 50th anniversary of the academy.

Tarique Rahman said, “Making the future of today’s children strong means making the future of the nation strong. And a strong future for the nation means we will be able to build a strong and powerful Bangladesh.”

Addressing the children as his “little friends”, the Premier said children should not be confined only to academic studies, but should also be given opportunities to explore their talents in sports, arts, culture and music. He urged parents to recognise and nurture the individual qualities of their children instead of putting them under pressure to pursue only conventional academic activities.

“I want you to complete what I could not,” he told the children, recalling his own childhood interest in playing the guitar and keyboard. The Prime Minister said many children have talents in drawing, recitation, music, dance and other creative activities, and urged them to develop those talents fully.

He said the government wants children to have exposure to arts and culture alongside sports and music so that they can develop themselves according to their individual interests.

Tarique Rahman said the government has already taken initiatives to identify and develop children’s sporting talents, including a nationwide primary-level football competition in which around 22 lakhs boys and girls participated.

He expressed the hope that if such initiatives are continued, internationally acclaimed footballers and other sports talents would emerge from among the country’s children.

He also recalled the “Natun Kuri” programme introduced by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to promote children’s cultural talents, saying the programme has been revived alongside a sports-based “Natun Kuri” initiative.

“We want to build our children in such a way that a child will have good exposure to art and culture, become skilled in them, and similarly develop proficiency in music and sports,” he said.
The Prime Minister said many families, particularly those in remote and rural areas, cannot afford to provide children with opportunities for extracurricular activities.

“So, from the school level, we are trying to create facilities for arts, culture, sports and music so that every child can choose a subject according to his or her preference,” he said.

He said the government expects to begin the full process from 2027 or 2028, under which children at primary and secondary levels would have opportunities to learn music, play musical instruments and choose sports according to their interests.

The Prime Minister also announced plans to introduce opportunities for children to learn a third language in addition to Bangla and English, with options including Arabic, Mandarin, German and Japanese.

He said knowledge of an additional foreign language would help children in their future education and employment abroad and enable them to compete and survive more effectively in the global environment.

However, he stressed that academic, sporting, artistic or linguistic achievements alone would not be enough. “Children must also become humane,” he said, urging them to show compassion not only towards people but also towards nature, animals and birds.

Calling upon parents and guardians to instil a sense of responsibility towards the environment and other living beings in children, the Prime Minister said, “If we are kind to nature, nature will certainly be kind to us.”

The premier also urged children to care for trees and animals around their homes and schools and sought their cooperation in keeping the environment clean. He asked them to discourage adults from throwing garbage indiscriminately in public places.

“If you see an adult throwing garbage or waste somewhere and harming the environment, you can tell them to put it in the proper place,” he said.

Tarique Rahman said a clean environment would help children grow up in a healthy environment and become physically and mentally healthy people.

He called on all sections of society to work together to build the country saying the task does not necessarily require major efforts but can be achieved through small, collective actions.

“We will build this country ourselves. If we want to build the country, all of us must work together,” he said.

The Prime Minister also recalled visiting the academy as a child with his younger brother and parents- Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia- at the time of its inauguration.

He said he also found some of his and his younger brother’s writings displayed at the academy, taking him back five decades in his memories.

Prime Minister’s wife and Vice-President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation Dr Zubaida Rahman also addressed the event, chaired by Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain.

Earlier, 150 children welcomed the Prime Minister when he arrived at Bangladesh Shishu Academy premises. Later, the programme began with the national anthem.

Following the discussion, the Prime Minister enjoyed a cultural event performed by children and visited the children’s drawings and a photo exhibition gallery.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to immediately implement their collective-defense commitments under the Mecca Defense Alliance, marking a significant escalation in regional security cooperation. The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the alliance’s Strategic Political and Defense Committee in Riyadh on October 5.

The three countries said they would take the necessary measures to provide agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia. The deployment will be carried out according to previously approved arrangements and the national legislation of the member states.

The emergency meeting comes amid a sharp increase in Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. The alliance condemned attacks and threats against Saudi cities, civilian and economic facilities, as well as the reported attempt to target the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

The three countries have emphasized that the security of one member is connected to the collective security of all three. The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed on August 7, 2026, provides a framework in which an armed attack against one member is treated as an attack against all three.

The latest agreement calls for rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia. However, the exact size, composition and timing of the deployments remain subject to the respective countries’ legal and institutional procedures.

The alliance also appointed retired Pakistani Lieutenant General Noman Mahmood as its first secretary-general for a three-year term, according to the joint statement.

The activation of the pact represents a major development in the security relationship between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye. It gives the three countries a formal framework for coordinated defense at a time when the Yemen conflict and Houthi attacks are creating wider regional security concerns.

For Saudi Arabia, the immediate priority is strengthening its defenses against missile and drone threats. For Pakistan and Türkiye, the agreement creates a mechanism for providing military capabilities and support to a key regional partner.

Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has reported a fresh wave of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement as fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces intensifies. Saudi authorities said two airports in the southern part of the Kingdom, Jazan and Najran, were targeted, with three people suffering light injuries.

The attacks come amid a major escalation in Yemen. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have launched an offensive against Houthi positions around the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while Saudi air power is supporting the ground campaign.

The Houthis have claimed missile and drone operations against several locations in Saudi Arabia, including airports, military installations and energy infrastructure. Reuters reported that the group claimed attacks involving King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an Aramco facility in Rabigh, Abha airport and military sites. Those claims had not been independently verified at the time of reporting.

Saudi authorities have separately reported successful interceptions of Houthi missiles and drones during the recent escalation. On September 24, Saudi Arabia said six ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis had been intercepted.

The latest attacks are linked to a broader military escalation in Yemen. Saudi-backed forces are attempting to push the Houthis away from strategic territory around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, an important international shipping route.

The conflict also has implications for regional energy security. Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline has become particularly important as disruptions to Gulf shipping routes increase. Reuters reported on October 6 that Saudi oil continued flowing through the pipeline, with the kingdom using it to redirect significant volumes toward the Red Sea.

The immediate concern is whether the Houthi attacks on Saudi territory will continue or expand as Saudi-backed Yemeni forces advance. Saudi Arabia and its partners are likely to maintain pressure on Houthi positions, while the Houthis have demonstrated their ability and willingness to respond with missiles and drones.

Important: Reports about individual Houthi strikes should be distinguished from confirmed Saudi government statements. Several claims involving Riyadh and Aramco have not been independently verified.

NEW YORK — Concern is growing in New York’s Bangladeshi community over the disappearance of Kazi Azizul Haque Khokon, who has reportedly been missing for the past three days. Khokon lived alone at his home in Kew Gardens, Queens, and was well known within the Bangladeshi community in Jackson Heights. Friends and acquaintances regularly saw him in Jackson Heights, where he worked at Obokash Store, located near Khamarbari Grocery and Nabanna Restaurant.

People close to Khokon became increasingly concerned after he failed to report to work for three consecutive days. Khokon has also been involved in politics and is known as a leader of the Awami League and president of the US Sramik League. Md. Hamid, publicity secretary of the US Awami League, confirmed Khokon’s disappearance.

According to people familiar with the situation, local police went to Khokon’s residence in Kew Gardens and entered after breaking open the door, but they reportedly found no trace of him.

Awami League adviser Dr. Masuduzzaman has also reportedly contacted several hospitals in an effort to locate Khokon. However, there has been no confirmed information about his whereabouts so far.

The disappearance has caused concern among members and supporters of the US Awami League. Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, president of the US Awami League, said he had learned about the incident shortly before speaking and was heading to Jackson Heights to gather more information.

Khokon reportedly came to the United States about 30 years ago. His family home is in Magura District, Bangladesh. People involved in the search have also been attempting to contact Rana, the owner of Obokash Store.

There has also been speculation among some people that Khokon may have been detained or arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, there is currently no official confirmation from ICE, police, or other law enforcement authorities that he has been detained or arrested.

Khokon’s family, coworkers, friends and community members are appealing for assistance in locating him. Anyone with reliable information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the appropriate law enforcement authorities or people close to the family.