The Trump administration is seeking congressional approval to sell Israel $6.4 billion in support equipment and weapons including attack helicopters and troop carriers, people familiar with the matter said on Friday. Israel‘s military said it had expanded operations in Gaza City on Friday and bombarded Hamas infrastructure.

The news of the proposed sale came days before world leaders were set to gather in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly next week, which the UN Security Council is also due to hold a high-level meeting on Gaza.

The planned package includes a deal worth $3.8 billion for 30 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and $1.9 billion for 3,250 infantry assault vehicles for the Israeli army. Another $750 million worth of support parts for armored personnel carriers and power supplies are also working its way through the sale process, one of the people said.

US Republican President Donald Trump’s full-throated support for Israel‘s military contrasts with growing wariness about Israel‘s campaign in Gaza among Democrats. On Thursday, a group of US senators introduced the first Senate resolution to urge recognition of a Palestinian state and more than half of Democrats in the Senate recently voted against further arms sales.

The Wall Street Journal reported the potential helicopter and vehicle sales on Friday. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

NEW YORK — The United States on Thursday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, along with the lifting of Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid.

The draft, backed by 14 of the council’s 15 members, also demanded the release of all hostages and restoration of essential services. Algeria, which co-sponsored the text, expressed regret at the council’s failure.

US envoy Morgan Ortagus said the resolution “failed to condemn Hamas or recognize Israel’s right to self-defense,” accusing other members of pushing language that legitimized Hamas narratives. Critics accused Washington of shielding Israel as Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens.

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.

Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a sweeping mutual defense agreement, declaring that any attack on either country will be treated as an attack on both. The accord comes days after Israel launched a military strike on Qatar, escalating a conflict that has already engulfed multiple fronts across the Middle East.

The two nations share decades of close political, religious, and security ties, with Riyadh having long provided financial backing to Islamabad — including, according to some analysts, support during Pakistan’s nuclear weapons development. Over the years, diplomats and experts have speculated that Saudi Arabia could fall under Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella if regional threats intensified.

The timing of the pact is widely seen as a direct warning to Israel, which is believed to be the region’s only nuclear power. Since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 assault, Israel has carried out a broad military campaign striking Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Syria, and Yemen.

Neither Israel nor the U.S. State Department responded to requests for comment. The pact represents the most consequential Gulf defense move since the attack on Qatar and signals a possible realignment of security guarantees in the region.

Riyadh/Islamabad — Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a sweeping mutual defense agreement, declaring that any attack on either country will be treated as an attack on both.

The accord comes days after Israel launched a military strike on Qatar, escalating a conflict that has already engulfed multiple fronts across the Middle East.

The two nations share decades of close political, religious, and security ties, with Riyadh having long provided financial backing to Islamabad — including, according to some analysts, support during Pakistan’s nuclear weapons development. Over the years, diplomats and experts have speculated that Saudi Arabia could fall under Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella if regional threats intensified.

The timing of the pact is widely seen as a direct warning to Israel, which is believed to be the region’s only nuclear power. Since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 assault, Israel has carried out a broad military campaign striking Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Syria, and Yemen.

Neither Israel nor the U.S. State Department responded to requests for comment. The pact represents the most consequential Gulf defense move since the attack on Qatar and signals a possible realignment of security guarantees in the region.

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.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has thrown her support behind New York City mayor candidate Zohran Mamdani, handing the Democratic state assemblyman one of his biggest endorsements yet. In a New York Times opinion piece, Hochul called Mamdani a “a leader who is focused on making New York City affordable” despite previous “disagreements”.

The Democratic party has been deeply split on the 33-year-old’s candidacy, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries – both New Yorkers – holding back their support. President Donald Trump has repeatedly described Mamdani as a “communist” and said on Monday that Hochul’s endorsement was a “shocking development”.

Hochul had withheld support for Mamdani – a self-proclaimed democratic socialist – for two months, and declined to endorse him after he stunned New York by defeating his main rival, former governor Andrew Cuomo, in the Democratic primary in June. At the time, she noted misgivings about Mamdani’s proposal to tax wealthy New Yorkers, arguing that it could lead to an exodus from the state.

“In the past few months, I’ve had frank conversations with him. We’ve had our disagreements,” Hochul wrote in her opinion piece. “But in our conversations, I heard a leader who shares my commitment to a New York where children can grow up safe in their neighborhoods and where opportunity is within reach for every family.”

“I heard a leader who is focused on making New York City affordable – a goal I enthusiastically support,” she added.

While Mamdani already counts on the support of left-wing progressive politicians including New York Democratic representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, he has been at odds with the wider Democratic establishment – partly as a result of his strong support of Palestinians and harsh criticism of Israel.

“I’ve been glad to see him meet with Jewish leaders across the city, listening and addressing their concerns directly,” Hochul added. “I look forward to working together to make sure New Yorkers of all faiths feel safe and welcome in New York City.”

Polls showing Mamdani with a commanding lead over the other candidates -including Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams – ahead of the city’s election on 4 November.

In the editorial, Hochul took a thinly veiled swipe both at Cuomo – her former boss – and Adams, both of whom have been seen as becoming increasingly close to Trump. The US president has, in recent weeks, called on other candidates to rally behind Cuomo to defeat Mamdani.

“In light of the abhorrent and destructive policies coming out of Washington every day, I needed to know the next mayor will not be someone who would surrender one inch to President Trump,” she said. Despite Trump’s public opposition to Mamdani’s candidacy, late last week he said he believed that “it would look like he’s going to win”.

“And that’s a rebellion,” he told Fox. “It’s also a rebellion against bad candidates.”

Trump added that he is already thinking of ways in which he could impose some influence over Mamdani, whom he again referred to as “my little communist”.

“He has to come to Washington for money,” he said.

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.

Bangladesh Bank has finalized the decision to merge five Islamic banks. The decision was finalized at the central bank’s board of directors meeting on Tuesday. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed the matter to the media. He also said that the final decision was taken in the meeting to merge five Islamic banks. In light of the Bank Resolution Ordinance, a temporary administrator team consisting of multiple members will be appointed in each bank. He also stated that the boards of directors of the five banks will technically remain in place.

The banks are: First Security Islami Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank, Exim Bank, and Social Islami Bank.

At the meeting, the board also decided to forward the draft amendment of Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972 to the Advisory Council for final approval. It is not yet clear which provisions have been added or omitted in the draft, but since the final approval rests with the Advisory Council, the draft has been sent there, the spokesperson further said.

As per previous reports, due to various irregularities during the previous government’s tenure, 48%-98% of loans in these five banks have become non-performing. According to Bangladesh Bank data, the combined default loans of the five banks stand at around Tk147,000 crore — about 77% of their total outstanding loans. Of the Tk35,200 crore required for the merger process, the government will provide Tk20,200 crore.