DHAKA – Dhaka-6 lawmaker Ishraque Hossain today resigned from his position as the State Minister for Liberation War Affairs. At a press conference held at the National Press Club this afternoon, Ishraque said he chose to step down voluntarily to avoid putting the Prime Minister or the BNP in an uncomfortable position.

Ishraque said he spoke to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and expressed his will to resign from the post of State Minister for Liberation War Affairs. Despite stepping down from his ministerial portfolio, he reaffirmed his intent to continue his anti-drug drives as a BNP activist.

Dhaka: A political controversy has emerged in Bangladesh following reports that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed State Minister Ishraque Hossain to resign from the cabinet. According to media reports, the reported directive came after controversy surrounding Ishraque Hossain’s participation in an anti-drug operation in Dhaka while carrying a firearm.

The issue reportedly came into focus following a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat on Sunday. However, an official government confirmation and confirmation that a formal resignation has been submitted are necessary to establish the latest status of the matter. The reports have sparked discussion in Bangladesh’s political circles. Further clarification is expected if the government or the individuals concerned issue an official statement.

Chattogram: A Chattogram court has approved the withdrawal of a criminal case filed against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 183 others after complainant Kofil Uddin informed the court that the dispute had been amicably resolved. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Mohidul Islam passed the order on October 8, accepting the complainant’s petition to withdraw the case, which was filed on November 18, 2024.

Earlier, on July 13, 2026, Kofil Uddin told Metropolitan Magistrate Md Abu Bakar Siddique that the dispute had been settled out of court. He also stated that he had no objection to the accused being discharged.

Kofil Uddin, son of late Jebol Hossain of Anowara, had filed the complaint alleging that he was injured by gunfire and explosions during clashes between protesters and Awami League activists in Chattogram’s New Market area on August 4, 2024.

Following a court order for an investigation, Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) Metro Inspector Syed Mohammad Ahsanul Islam submitted a report to the Chattogram court in March this year. The report accused 66 Awami League leaders and activists, including Hasina, in connection with attacks on protesters.

The PBI recommended discharging 26 accused, including former PBI chief Banaj Kumar Mazumder, former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Detective Branch chief Harun-or-Rashid and former Chattogram Metropolitan Police commissioner Saiful Islam, saying it had found no evidence of their involvement.

According to the report, evidence was found that Hasina, former road transport minister Obaidul Quader, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun and former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel had incited and directed efforts to suppress the student movement.

The investigating officer identified Kofil Uddin as a day labourer and said he had actively participated in the quota reform and anti-discrimination movement in the Kotwali area. Speaking to Journalists on Thursday, Kofil Uddin said he had actively participated in the July uprising and filed the case seeking justice.

However, he said he had experienced injustice and discrimination himself in the months following the uprising.

“I was targeted by the students who led the movement against the Awami League. I was beaten and even jailed on allegations that I was associated with the Jubo League and Chhatra League,” Kofil Uddin said. He claimed that although he had interacted with many people, including members of the Jubo League and Chhatra League, he had never held any position in either organisation.

“So, I withdrew the case. I found no benefit in continuing the case,” he said.

Washington DC — Political tensions are growing within President Donald Trump’s team as Republicans struggle to strengthen their position ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, with disagreements emerging over campaign spending, electoral strategy and candidate selection.

According to a Reuters report published Saturday, Trump has increasingly questioned the performance of senior aides and political operatives as Republicans seek to retain control of Congress. The president has reportedly scrutinized campaign expenditures, criticized redistricting efforts and reconsidered decisions about which candidates to support.

Although Trump is not personally on the ballot, he has urged supporters to treat the election as if he were running, seeking to increase turnout among Republican voters. He has also stepped up his campaign appearances as the party confronts a challenging political environment.

Campaign spending under scrutiny

One source of tension involves James Blair, who runs the Trump-aligned super political action committee MAGA Inc., and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Reuters reported that Trump has expressed concerns about the handling of campaign funds, while disagreements have surfaced among members of the president’s political circle over responsibility for the party’s difficulties.

MAGA Inc. has spent approximately $200 million, according to public records cited by Reuters. However, the spending has not eliminated concerns about Republican performance in competitive races.

Economy and voter concerns weigh on Republicans

Economic pressures, particularly concerns about high prices and the cost of living, are creating additional challenges for Republican candidates. Dissatisfaction with the administration’s policies and the ongoing conflict with Iran has also contributed to a difficult political climate, Reuters reported.

Trump has backed several key campaign strategies, including redistricting initiatives and candidate choices. His reported criticism of those efforts has highlighted divisions over how the party should approach the final weeks of the campaign.

A crucial election for control of Congress

The November 3 midterm elections will determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. The results will shape the administration’s ability to advance its legislative agenda during the remainder of Trump’s term.

Democrats are seeking to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction and competitive races, while Republicans are working to mobilize their supporters and defend vulnerable seats. The outcome remains uncertain, and the final weeks of campaigning are expected to be critical.

The growing tensions within the Republican operation underscore the stakes of the midterms, as party leaders face pressure to address economic concerns, improve campaign strategy and maintain unity ahead of Election Day.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Awami League President and former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her desire to return to Bangladesh in December, calling for the restoration of democracy, voting rights, and the rule of law in the country.

In an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), Hasina said Bangladesh was going through a serious national crisis. According to her, democratic space had narrowed, the judiciary was being used for political retaliation, media freedom had been restricted, and law and order had deteriorated. She also said that minorities were facing insecurity, extremist forces had regained ground, and the economy had suffered. She said factory closures, rising unemployment, declining investment, electricity and gas shortages, and increasing prices were putting pressure on ordinary families.

Hasina said returning to Bangladesh could expose her to the risk of arrest, imprisonment, or even death. Referring to the killing of members of her family in 1975, her return to Bangladesh in 1981, and the grenade attack on August 21, 2004, she said those experiences had not changed her determination.

According to Hasina, the death sentence handed down against her was politically motivated and delivered without giving her an adequate opportunity to defend herself. She said many Awami League leaders had left the country to protect their lives, while those remaining in Bangladesh were also facing pressure.

Hasina said the Awami League maintained an organisational base across Bangladesh. According to her, the party was demanding democracy, the rule of law, the release of political prisoners, the withdrawal of what she described as false cases, protection for minorities, action against extremism, and economic recovery.

She said the Awami League wanted to return to power through free and fair elections. However, she added that the party would have to accept the people’s decision if voters elected another political party.

Hasina said Bangladesh’s foreign policy should be guided by the principle of “friendship to all, malice towards none.” She described India as Bangladesh’s closest neighbour and historic friend, while identifying China as an important partner. She also stressed the importance of maintaining relations with Japan, the United States, Europe, ASEAN, and the Muslim world.

She highlighted cooperation with India during her government’s tenure in security, connectivity, energy, trade, and border management. She referred to the Ganges water-sharing treaty, the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, the Land Boundary Agreement, the exchange of enclaves, bus and train links, port access, and energy cooperation.

Speaking about the Teesta River management project, Hasina said it should be transparent, technically sound, and environmentally responsible. According to her, the issue was connected to water resources, agriculture, the environment, people’s livelihoods, and relations between Bangladesh and India. She said a solution should be pursued through dialogue and mutual respect to ensure Bangladesh’s fair share of Teesta waters.

Hasina described Bangladesh’s decision not to participate in the BRICS summit held in India as unfortunate and immature. In her view, the decision had harmed Bangladesh’s national interests and caused the country to miss opportunities for international cooperation. She said foreign policy should not be driven by personal considerations or political reactions, adding that Bangladesh needed to maintain balanced relations with different countries.

Hasina said Bangladesh’s economy had expanded from approximately $70 billion to $450 billion during the Awami League government’s tenure. According to figures she cited, per capita income had increased from $482 to $2,784. She said the poverty rate had fallen from 41 per cent to 18.6 per cent, while extreme poverty had declined from 25.1 per cent to 5.6 per cent.

She also said Bangladesh’s power generation capacity had increased from 3,782 megawatts to more than 28,000 megawatts. Among the development projects she highlighted were the Padma Bridge, metro rail, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the Matarbari project, the Karnaphuli Tunnel, the Bangabandhu Satellite, roads, bridges, ports, economic zones, community clinics, and housing projects for landless families.

Discussing the current economic situation, Hasina said GDP growth had slowed, non-performing loans had increased, investment had declined, and unemployment had risen. She claimed that more than 500 factories had closed and over 20 million people had become newly unemployed.

She also said many industrialists and businesspeople were in prison or in hiding. According to her, the government was borrowing between Tk 7 billion and Tk 9 billion daily from banks, while the costs of various projects had increased by between 50 per cent and 250 per cent.

Addressing the measles situation, Hasina said there had been delays in procuring vaccines and that Muhammad Yunus had been warned about shortages of vaccines for children. She alleged that vaccines had not been procured on time and that the issue had not subsequently been addressed with the urgency required. Hasina claimed that more than 1,000 children had died and held Muhammad Yunus and Tarique Rahman responsible for the situation.

Speaking about the 2024 student movement, Hasina said her government had taken steps to resolve the dispute over quotas. She noted that the quota system had been abolished following the student movement in 2018. According to her, the protests continued in 2024 even after the demands had been addressed and later developed into a movement to bring down the government.

Referring to a statement by Muhammad Yunus, Hasina questioned who had been involved in planning, financing, and organising violence during the movement. She said a judicial commission had been formed to investigate violence on July 18, 2024, but alleged that it was discontinued after Yunus came to power. She further claimed that participants in the movement had received legal protection while numerous cases had been filed against Awami League leaders and activists. Hasina said an independent investigation was needed to identify those who ordered, organised, financed, or benefited from killings, arson, and other acts of violence.

Hasina said her government had taken initiatives to encourage the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to participate in the 2024 election. She claimed that Khaleda Zia had been invited for talks and that proposals had been made to include representatives of different political parties in the government during the election period. According to Hasina, the BNP rejected these proposals and boycotted the election.

She referred to incidents involving attacks and arson targeting vehicles, trains, schools, and polling centres at different times. She also mentioned the Hefazat-e-Islam movement in 2013, pre-election violence in 2014, the Holey Artisan attack in 2016, and the BNP’s participation in the 2018 election. Hasina said political parties should participate in elections and accept the people’s verdict in a democracy.

Hasina called on the international community to support democracy, human rights, the rule of law, political participation, and media freedom in Bangladesh. She said it would not be possible to build an inclusive Bangladesh by banning a major political party, keeping its leaders in prison, restricting media freedom, and excluding millions of people from the political process. In the PTI interview, Hasina reiterated her desire to return to Bangladesh and emphasised the restoration of democracy, voting rights, and the rule of law.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York: A virtual meeting of the Central Executive Committee of the Bangladesh Awami League was held on Friday, September 18, under the chairmanship of Presidium Member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim. Awami League President, Bangabandhu’s daughter and People’s Leader Sheikh Hasina attended the meeting as the chief guest and delivered a keynote address offering guidance to party leaders and activists.

In her address, Sheikh Hasina said she had held consultations in phases with leaders and activists from the Awami League’s 83 district branches and 160 electoral constituencies to learn about the actual situation of the country and its people through grassroots representatives and assess the organisational condition of the party.

Referring to the information gathered through these consultations, she said every sector of the country was on the verge of destruction and that the situation was continuously deteriorating. She stressed the need to protect the country from the prevailing situation.

Instructing leaders responsible for organisational affairs, Sheikh Hasina said priority should be given to those who had suffered various forms of persecution when selecting leadership in areas where organisational gaps existed. She said the strength of the Awami League lay with the people and its grassroots leaders and activists, adding that the party placed its trust in them and did not rely on any other force.

She also called for collecting information about individuals who had faced persecution and repression over the past nearly two years, regardless of their political affiliation, and publicising the information to raise awareness among the people. At the same time, she said the identities and actions of those responsible for persecution and repression should also be exposed. Sheikh Hasina said many innocent military and civilian officials had been arrested in false cases and demanded their release.

Referring to the events of July-August 2024, she said members of law enforcement agencies had made every possible effort to protect lives and property. She said many police officers were killed, their bodies were burned, and police stations were looted and set on fire. She expressed her determination to ensure justice for all the killings through judicial investigations.

Citing information received from across the country, Sheikh Hasina said the country was now plunged into darkness, with indiscriminate killings, rape, looting, extortion, the filing of cases and other forms of wrongdoing taking place. She alleged that the government was turning a blind eye to these activities and allowing its leaders and activists to engage in wrongdoing. She further said that although the government could not provide food for the people, it was able to produce bodies.

Reiterating her intention to return to Bangladesh to save the country from the prevailing situation, Sheikh Hasina expressed surprise at what she described as obstacles being created by the government. “I am eager to return to the country, yet the government is creating obstacles,” she said.

Addressing Awami League leaders and activists, she said that regardless of the extent of persecution or the number of death sentences handed down against them, they must remain beside the people and build resistance together with them.

During the meeting, Awami League leaders demanded the cancellation of what they described as illegal death sentences handed down by the so-called International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against Sheikh Hasina and other party leaders. They also called for the abolition of the tribunal.

The meeting expressed deep concern and outrage over the prevailing socio-economic and political situation in the country, the transition to a democratic state system, the deterioration in the supply and security of oil, gas, water and electricity, the worsening law and order situation, and the economic deadlock.

The meeting also noted that the so-called International Crimes Tribunal had recently handed down death sentences on what the party described as baseless and fabricated charges against Sheikh Hasina and prominent Awami League leaders. Those named included General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Joint General Secretary Agriculturist A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, valiant freedom fighter Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Professor Mohammad Ali Arafat, Bangladesh Awami Jubo League Chairman Professor Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan, among others. The meeting maintained that the tribunal had no legal basis and strongly rejected its actions.

Following discussions, the Central Executive Committee unanimously adopted proposals calling for reductions in the prices of essential commodities and ensuring the supply of electricity, oil, gas and fertiliser. The meeting also called for employment arrangements for workers who had lost their jobs, the reopening of closed industries and factories, the release of all political prisoners and the withdrawal of all false cases.

The committee further demanded the withdrawal of the ban on the Bangladesh Awami League, the abolition of what the party described as the illegal ICT Tribunal, and the cancellation of its death sentences against Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders. It also called for the withdrawal of cases filed against innocent military and civilian officials of the Republic and the release of those who had been arrested.

The meeting was moderated by Awami League Liberation War Affairs Secretary Advocate Mrinal Kanti Das. General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Presidium Members Mofazzel Hossain Chowdhury Maya Bir Bikram and valiant freedom fighter Advocate Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Joint General Secretary Agriculturist A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, Organising Secretaries S.M. Kamal Hossain and Sujit Roy Nandi, Member Professor Mohammad Ali Arafat, Deputy Secretary Raymond Areng and other leaders spoke at the meeting, reviewing the overall situation in the country. Other members of the Central Executive Committee also participated in the virtual meeting.

DHAKA: BNP presidential candidate and outgoing Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made an emotional appeal to the party’s lawmakers on Wednesday, urging them to vote for him in Thursday’s presidential election. Fakhrul made the appeal at a meeting of the BNP Parliamentary Party held at the government party meeting room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The meeting began at 2 p.m. and continued for about one and a half hours. According to lawmakers who attended the meeting, Fakhrul became emotional at the beginning of his speech and broke down in tears several times. His emotional remarks created a somber atmosphere in the meeting, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also becoming emotional.

Recalling his long political journey with the BNP, Fakhrul said he had served the party as Senior Joint Secretary General, Acting Secretary General and Secretary General. “If I have made any mistake while carrying out my responsibilities, or if I have unintentionally hurt anyone, I ask for forgiveness,” Fakhrul told his colleagues.

He expressed gratitude to the party for giving him what he described as immense respect and responsibility throughout his political career. He also recalled the contributions of the late BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and the party’s founder, former President Ziaur Rahman. Fakhrul thanked Tarique Rahman for continuing to place his trust in him and assigning him important responsibilities over the years.

He pledged that he would preserve throughout his life the honor and trust that the party had placed in him. He also said he would never compromise on the issues of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

Referring to the possibility of moving to Bangabhaban if elected president, Fakhrul said he would miss his longtime colleagues and asked them to pray for him. He then directly appealed to the BNP lawmakers to vote for him in Thursday’s presidential election. Earlier, Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam Moni welcomed the participants and briefed the lawmakers about the voting procedure for the presidential election. He also sought their votes for Fakhrul.

Moni informed the meeting that the presidential election would be held on Thursday, August 20, and that Fakhrul himself would also cast his vote. He further explained that if Fakhrul is elected president and assumes office, his parliamentary seat in Thakurgaon-1 would become vacant. After Fakhrul, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addressed the meeting and also urged BNP lawmakers to vote for Fakhrul in the presidential election.

The meeting was attended by BNP Standing Committee members Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, Selima Rahman and A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, among others.The pre sidential election is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 20. If elected, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will assume the office of President. As a result, Wednesday’s parliamentary party meeting could be Fakhrul’s final such meeting as a sitting member of parliament, giving the gathering an added emotional significance.

KISHOREGANJ (Pakundia) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the government wants to build Bangladesh as a welfare state through people-oriented initiatives to improve people’s living standards. In this connection, he urged all to remain patient and vigilant against attempts to create disorder and impede the country’s development.

“Our goal is to build a welfare state. That is why we are taking various measures for the welfare of the people. We have already started implementing different programmes, including the Family Card,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a public gathering after releasing fish fry into the Brahmaputra River at Mirzapur Chairman Bari Ghat in Pakundia this afternoon. Referring to the support extended by thousands of people to his government’s development plans, he said the people would benefit if the plans are implemented properly.

“So, I want to tell you to maintain the trust you placed in the party in the February 12 election,” he said. The Prime Minister urged the people to keep their trust in the BNP and assured them that the party would remain committed to their welfare and the country’s development.

“The government was formed with the support of the people. You placed your trust in the BNP through that support. I want to make it clear: InshaAllah, maintain that trust. The BNP was with you, is with the people of Bangladesh and will remain with the people of Bangladesh,” he added. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the BNP would work for the people of Bangladesh and, as long as the party exists, would not undertake any action contrary to the interests of the country and its people.

Criticising various unplanned measures taken by the previous government in the power and energy sector, Tarique Rahman said those measures had contributed to the current crisis. Referring to the next session of parliament, scheduled to begin on August 27, he said the government would present its plan there to address the country’s power-related problems over the next 10 years.

The Prime Minister also urged all to remain alert against those trying to create disorder on the streets. He said, “A small number of people are trying to create disorder on the streets. If disorder is created on the streets, ordinary people suffer the most. Their businesses are affected, their jobs are affected and their livelihoods are disrupted. But those who create disorder benefit from it.”

“Today, let us take an oath and pledge that those who work against the interests of the country, create disorder or obstruct various programmes taken in the public interest will be resisted by the people with all their collective strength,” he added.

Tarique Rahman said the people of the country now want peace, the rule of law, employment, education for their children and healthcare for their families. “If we are to accomplish these tasks, we must remain patient. At the same time, we must remain vigilant about those who are creating disorder,” he said.

After arriving in Pakundia, the Prime Minister first released fish fry into the Brahmaputra River at Mirzapur Chairman Bari Ghat. He later took the stage at the gathering, where thousands of party leaders and activists greeted him with applauses. Lawmaker Fazlur Rahman and other leaders were present at the programme.

Staff Correspondent, New York: BNP Member of Parliament from Dinajpur-1, Monzurul Islam, has warned that a “difficult time” awaits Nasiruddin Patwary, Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stating that the beating he has faced so far is only the beginning.

“The beating of Patwary has just begun. The real beating hasn’t even started yet,” said the BNP lawmaker. “Speaking as an MP, a very difficult future awaits him.”

He made these remarks on Friday during a civic rally organized at the Bangladesh Consulate in New York, USA, to mark the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising. According to Monzurul Islam, Nasiruddin Patwary’s remarks crossing the boundaries of freedom of speech regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his family are unacceptable.

“Not only the Prime Minister, but when he speaks about his wife and daughter, we cannot tolerate it because they are not a part of this. Yet Patwary is doing this constantly,” he added.

NEW YORK: A violent clash erupted between two rival factions of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) in Jackson Heights, Queens, leaving one senior leader seriously injured and another arrested by the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on August 3 during an event held on 73rd Street, commonly known as “Bangladesh Street,” in Jackson Heights.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, a heated verbal altercation broke out between members of the two factions over longstanding organizational disputes and leadership rivalry. The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical fight, resulting in a bloody clash.

During the violence, several people at the scene were heard shouting warnings that a weapon or firearm might be present, prompting panic among attendees. Multiple videos of the incident later circulated widely on social media, drawing significant attention and concern within the Bangladeshi-American community.

Mohammad Shihab, Joint General Secretary of the United States Bangladesh Chhatra League, was reportedly assaulted during the clash and sustained serious injuries. Local residents and bystanders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he remains under medical treatment.

Responding to emergency calls, officers from the NYPD arrived promptly at the scene and brought the situation under control. Based on allegations of assault, police detained and later arrested Zakir Hossain Rahul, also a Joint General Secretary of the United States Bangladesh Chhatra League.

Local party members said the violence stemmed from longstanding internal divisions within the organization, including demands for the resignation of the recently appointed president of the U.S. unit, Mahmud Hasan, and disagreements over the current leadership committee. They alleged that the clash was the result of escalating political rivalry and a struggle for organizational control.

The incident has drawn criticism from many members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, who expressed disappointment over the outbreak of violence involving a prominent student organization on U.S. soil.

Following the incident, the President of the United States Awami League, Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, and General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad issued a joint statement urging party leaders and activists to remain calm and exercise restraint.

In the statement, Dr. Rahman said those responsible for the violence would be investigated and that strict organizational action would be taken in accordance with the party’s constitution. The leaders also urged supporters to refrain from spreading rumors or misinformation on social media and to rely only on verified information regarding the incident. The NYPD investigation into the incident remains ongoing.