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.

Following the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court, a metropolitan court has also rejected the bail petitions of former Chief Justice and former chairman of the Law Commission ABM Khairul Haque in two separate cases. Dhaka Second Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Nargis Islam dismissed his bail plea in a Shahbagh police station case, while the 18th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Jahangir Hossain rejected his bail request in a case filed at Jatrabari police station.

Khairul Haque’s lawyer, Monayem Nabi Shahin, said on Monday that the petitions were filed over two cases: the Shahbagh case, alleging illegal issuance of a verdict and document forgery by Khairul Haque after cancelling the caretaker government system, and the Jatrabari case concerning the killing of Jubo Dal activist Abdul Kaiyum Ahad during the anti-discrimination movement.

“The bail petitions in both courts were rejected today,” Shahin said.

According to the Jatrabari police station case, Abdul Kaiyum Ahad was shot and killed on July 18 in the Kazla area of Jatrabari during the anti-discrimination movement. His father, Ala Uddin, filed a case at Jatrabari police station on July 6, naming 468 people, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, as accused.

In the Shahbagh police station case, Khairul was accused of being influenced by Hasina and motivated by post-retirement gains, and of altering a short order on May 10, 2011 with the intent to please her, later issuing a full verdict illegally on September 16, 2012. The case was filed on August 27, 2024 by Supreme Court lawyer Muhammad Mujahidul Islam under Sections 219 and 466 of the Penal Code.

Khairul Haque was arrested from his Dhanmondi residence on July 24 in connection with the Abdul Ahad murder case by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police and sent to jail the same night. On July 30, he was placed under seven days’ remand for questioning in the Shahbagh verdict forgery case. He remains in jail. Earlier, on July 31, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Masum Mia’s court had also rejected his bail petition.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 on Tuesday scheduled Thursday for framing charges against five individuals accused of killing two people and firing at a student who was left hanging from a building cornice during last year’s July-August mass upsurge in Rampura. The three-member ICT-1 bench, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, set the date after hearing submissions from both prosecution and defence.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam sought the charges, while state-appointed lawyer Advocate Md Amir Hossain represented the absconding accused. Advocate Sarwar Jahan Nippon appeared for the arrested accused, former assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Chanchal Chandra Sarkar, seeking his acquittal.

Other accused include former dhaka metropolitan police (DMP) commissioner Habibur Rahman, former additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Khilgaon zone Md Rashedul Islam, former officer-in-charge (OC) of Rampura Thana Md Moshiur Rahman, and former sub-inspector Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan.

According to the case documents, student Amir Hossain fell amid a clash between two groups on July 19 while returning from Jumma prayers. Pursued by police into an under-construction building, Amir jumped from the third floor but was left hanging from a rod as police opened fire. A police official reportedly fired six rounds at his legs before leaving the scene.

Amir was later rescued by a local student and two doctors and taken to a nearby clinic before being shifted to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH). He survived the attack, while two others were killed during the incident.

The New York Declaration is the outcome of an international conference held in July at UN Headquarters, organized by France and Saudi Arabia, which resumes later this month. The General Assembly comprises all 193 UN Member States and 142 countries voted in favour of a resolution backing the document.

Israel voted against it, alongside nine other countries – Argentina, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga and the United States – while 12 nations abstained.

Prior to the vote, French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont recalled that the New York Declaration “lays out a single roadmap to deliver the two-State solution”.

This involves an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of all hostages held there, and the establishment of a Palestinian State that is both viable and sovereign.

The roadmap further calls for the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from governance in Gaza, normalization between Israel and the Arab countries, as well as collective security guarantees.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon said that “this one-sided Declaration will not be remembered as a step toward peace, only as another hollow gesture that weakens this Assembly’s credibility.”

He said that “Hamas is the biggest winner of any endorsement here today” and will declare it “the fruit of 7 October”.

The high-level international conference in July was held against the backdrop of the war in Gaza and deteriorating prospects for the two-State solution.

In remarks to the opening segment, UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that “the central question for Middle East peace is implementation of the two-State solution, where two independent, sovereign, democratic States – Israel and Palestine – live side-by-side in peace and security.”

The Chinese embassy in Dhaka has announced changes to the visa application process for Bangladeshi citizens. A notice issued by the embassy on Friday provided detailed instructions to help applicants submit their visa applications more efficiently and conveniently.

Online application

Applicants must complete the online application form via the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre’s website at https://www.visaforchina.cn/, uploading all necessary documents as required.

Waiting for preliminary review

After submission, applicants must wait for the preliminary review results, which can be checked on the Visa Application Service Centre website. If the review indicates “correction needed” or “submit supplementary documents,” applicants must update their applications immediately and resubmit. If the result is “schedule a video interview,” applicants must arrange and attend a personal interview at the embassy at the designated time.

Submitting the passport

If the preliminary review shows “online review completed,” the application has been initially approved. The applicant or their representative must then submit the passport and other required documents, provide biometric information (such as fingerprints), and pay the visa fee at the Visa Application Service Centre. No appointment is required.

The notice specifies exemptions from fingerprinting for applicants under 14 or over 70, those who have provided fingerprints with the same passport in the past five years, individuals unable to provide fingerprints for all ten fingers, and those applying for short-term single- or double-entry visas (stays under 180 days) before December 31. These applicants may authorise others to submit documents on their behalf.

Visa collection

Applicants can collect their visas on the expected date indicated on the pickup form. Typically, visas are ready for collection on the specified date.

Processing time

Preliminary review results are usually provided within one working day of a successful online submission. After passport submission at the Visa Centre, regular processing typically takes four working days, while expedited processing requires three working days.

Agencies assisting applicants are advised to submit any required supplementary documents or corrections within three working days of a preliminary review rejection. After initial approval, passports must be submitted to the Visa Centre within two working days. Once received, the visa is issued within one working day. The embassy has requested applicants using agency services to follow these timelines to avoid delays in travel plans.

The D.C. National Guard is looking to expand its role in the city beyond patrols, with its director asking neighborhood leaders for ideas on community projects.In an email to Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANCs), Guard Director Marcus Hunt invited suggestions such as trash removal and beautification efforts. Hunt said the goal is to build relationships with residents while troops remain deployed under a federal “crime emergency.”

“Our Soldiers are not only members of the Guard — they are also our neighbors, living and raising families right here in the District,” Hunt wrote.

Some ANC commissioners, however, questioned the initiative. Ward 1 Commissioner Peter Wood called it “uncomfortable and concerning,” saying military personnel are trained for crowd control, not garbage pickup. “It’s also creating this culture of anxiety, if not fear in the District,” he told WTOP.

Hunt, a Ward 8 resident, defended the outreach as a way to strengthen community bonds, noting that the Guard would also contact churches and civic associations. The Guard has been patrolling Washington since Aug. 11 under President Donald Trump’s 30-day emergency order. That deployment is set to expire Sept. 10 unless extended by Congress, which has not yet scheduled a vote.

An Israeli airstrike in Qatar’s capital, Doha, targeted senior Hamas leaders but they escaped unharmed, officials confirmed. The Israeli military said it had attempted to eliminate top Hamas figures. Senior member Suhail al-Hindi stated that the group’s leadership was safe, according to Al Jazeera.

The strike occurred as negotiators were reviewing a US-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal. Qatar condemned the attack as a “cowardly” act and a clear breach of international law. On the same day, at least 39 people, including several waiting for aid, were killed by Israeli forces across Gaza, medical sources reported.

Since October 2023, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed over 64,600 people and injured more than 163,000, with thousands still trapped under debris. In Israel, 1,139 were killed and around 200 taken captives during the October 7 attacks.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Doha has urged its citizens to exercise caution following Israeli attacks in Qatar. In a statement on Tuesday, the embassy advised all Bangladeshi residents in Qatar to avoid going outside unless necessary and to limit movement.

Citizens have also been reminded to comply with Qatari laws and follow government instructions regarding movement. Posting related photos or videos on social media is prohibited under Qatari law. In case of emergency, citizens can contact the embassy hotline at +974 33662000 or email mission.doha@mofa.gov.bd.