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

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

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

Female students at the University of Dhaka (DU) are pushing back against strict dormitory policies that impose a 10pm curfew, arguing for more flexible entry rules that would allow them to access their halls using student ID cards regardless of the time.

The situation erupted after two female students were barred from entering the Mal Chattar area of the campus at 10:38pm on Sunday, despite showing their university identification.

The incident has highlighted significant gender disparities in dormitory policies, where female students face rigid curfews and limited flexibility compared to their male counterparts, who can generally access most dormitories at any time.

Female students are demanding that while the main dormitory gates may close at 10pm, other gates should remain open with more flexible policies to accommodate work commitments, medical emergencies, and family obligations that often require students to return after the 10pm curfew.

The issue began when two female students were reportedly barred from entering the Mal Chattar area of Dhaka University after 10pm. Students Israt Jahan and Shimu Akter Shimla, residents of Shamsun Nahar Hall, attempted to enter Mal Chattar at 10:38pm on Sunday but were allegedly stopped by staff from DU’s proctorial body. Israt Jahan told, “They (proctorial body) told us that there are orders from above.”

However, DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed later clarified that the Proctor Office had not issued any such directive and that the staff involved were from the university’s Estate Office. Israt added that when she contacted the proctor directly, she was asked for her parents’ contact number.

When contacted, DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed told that he only wanted to confirm that she was indeed a student of the university. “Informing my students’ parents after asking for their contact numbers was not my motive at all.”

The university’s proctor has issued a statement expressing regret over this incident. This information was conveyed in a notice sent to the media from the Proctor’s Office on Sunday afternoon.

The notice stated that no “directive or announcement” has been issued from their end prohibiting female students from entering the Dhaka University campus after 10pm. Last night, there was “some misunderstanding” when a female student was entering the Dhaka University Mal area (Chattar). The DU proctor expresses “sincere regret” over this incident.

How strict are dormitory rules for female students at DU?
Female dormitories operate under stricter rules than male dormitories. Non-resident female students cannot enter their assigned dormitories, let alone others. Male students, however, can generally enter most male dormitories regardless of affiliation or residence.

Most female dormitories close gates at 10pm and open at 6am. In emergencies, resident students can get permission to use late gates, typically open until 11pm. Despite these provisions, female students report difficulties returning to dormitories after vacations or late-night events. Some have waited the entire night for the gates to open despite multiple guards being present.

Anika Tahsin Hafsa, a student from Ruqayyah Hall, told that she was going to donate blood for a surgery around 9:30pm on Friday. “They (hall administration) delayed me 20–25 minutes for late permission, and even then I had to enter by the written deadline of 10:30pm.”

Nela Akter, a resident student from Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall, who has a part-time job, argued that work does not end at the same time every day, and after leaving the office, she often has to face severe traffic jams, causing her to be late. “I can’t count how many times I’ve had to listen to lectures from the floor in-charge and at the gate. Now, where exactly is my fault in this?”

“To those who keep shouting ‘What are girls doing outside after 10pm?’ — I want to tell them: we don’t enjoy working either. You take care of our financial responsibilities, and we won’t go outside except for class time,” Nela added.

Tanjila Tasnim, a resident at Ruqayyah Hall, argued: “Those who want to enter the hall by 10pm can do so — no one stops them, but for those who have jobs or tutor students a bit far away, the struggle they face — no one even considers that.”

Israt Jahan Imu, resident of Shamsun Nahar Hall, told that she once arrived in Dhaka at 5am but could not enter her dormitory. “I had to wait for an hour at TSC, alone that day,” she said.

She added that contacting house tutors or provosts late at night often causes irritation, which can create negative impressions affecting students later.

Most female students argued that they want the main dormitory gate to be closed at 10pm, but the late gate should remain open so that students can enter or exit in case of emergencies. According to female students, hall closing and opening times are a separate matter. Female students should be able to enter their dorms at night without any obstacles.

“The time limit should be extended. If not extended, at least it should be relaxed. Even if they close at 10pm, the late gate policy should be more flexible,” suggested Anika Tahsin Hafsa.

“The late gate should be open until 12am without any harassment, and when there are special needs (returning from home, medical emergencies), alternative arrangements should be kept in place,” suggested Tanjima Pathan, a student from Ruqayyah Hall.

“There are emergencies, urgent work, programs — so many different situations. Whoever has the opportunity to enter should be able to enter when they can. Any barrier to entering the hall is unacceptable,” stated Fateha Tasnim Anne, a resident from Ruqayyah Hall.

“Those who want to enter the hall by 10pm, if the hall gate timing is extended, no one will force them to stay outside. But we’re being forced to enter the hall at that fixed time,” Tanjila Tasnim suggested.

“Those who want to come back early can do so. But just because they come back early doesn’t mean it’s fair to demand that everyone must return by 10pm. Those who have work commitments should be able to enter the hall smoothly by showing their ID cards, even if they’re late — this should be ensured,” suggested Samia Islam Preetymony, a resident from Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall.

Ducsu leaders, Central Social Welfare Secretary Jubair Bin Nesari and Central Executive Member Hema Chakma, had a meeting with the Proctor around 12pm on Sunday regarding the Mal Chattar issue.

This year, on July 14 — in recognition of women’s role in the July uprising — “Dhaka University Women Student Day” was observed. Vice-Chancellor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan had announced that this day would later be added to the university calendar. On this day, female students were allowed to roam outside dormitories after 10pm, but a group of female students staged a protest criticizing this one-night outing.

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

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

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

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

The Bangladesh Army on Sunday night issued an official statement in response to the recent violence in Guimara upazila of Khagrachhari, which occurred on Saturday and Sunday. According to the statement, tensions began escalating following the murder of motorcyclist Mamun on September 19, 2024. In the aftermath, the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) and its affiliated organisations allegedly attempted to incite communal unrest in Dighinala and Rangamati, leading to clashes with security forces. These clashes resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to several locals.

To mark the one-year anniversary of that incident, the UPDF and its affiliates organised protest rallies across various locations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, reportedly in an effort to prevent a recurrence of similar violence, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

On the night of September 23, 2025, following the rape of a schoolgirl in Singinala area of Khagrachhari, a UPDF (Main) suspect, Shayan Shil, was arrested on September 24 with assistance from the army and later remanded.

Despite this arrest, PCP leader Ukhanu Marma—an affiliate of the UPDF—called for a protest and human chain in Khagrachhari on September 24 under the banner of “Jumma Chhatra Janata.”

This was followed by a half-day strike in the district on September 25. Simultaneously, various inflammatory and provocative statements targeting Bangali communities were spread online by domestic and expatriate bloggers, as well as certain individuals from the hill regions.

On September 26, under the leadership of UPDF activist Ukhanu Marma and influenced by provocative online content, tensions surged across Khagrachhari. During a blockade, some protesters allegedly threw stones and bricks at patrolling army personnel, injuring three soldiers. Despite the provocation, the army said it responded with restraint, patience, and humanity, refraining from the use of force.

On Saturday, the UPDF and affiliated groups again allegedly attempted to spark unrest through sabotage—including shooting at civilians (including Bengalis), vandalism, attacks on ambulances, and road blockades. The unrest reportedly deteriorated the law and order situation in the entire Khagrachhari municipality area, taking on the appearance of a communal riot. In response, the district administration imposed Section 144 in Khagrachhari and Guimara.

To restore order, the Army, BGB, and other law enforcement agencies worked through the night with restraint and coordination, ultimately preventing what the Army described as an “inevitable communal riot.”

However, on Sunday, UPDF activists reportedly violated Section 144 in the Ramsu Bazar area of Guimara upazila. From early morning, they allegedly incited the public to block roads, completely shutting down the Guimara–Khagrachhari route.

At around 10:30am, UPDF workers and local Bangali residents clashed in the area. When army personnel intervened, they were attacked with local weapons, bricks, slingshots, and batons, injuring 10 personnel, including three officers.

Simultaneously, BGB vehicles were vandalised in the Ramgarh area, and BGB members were injured. Around 11:30am, members of the UPDF (Main) reportedly opened fire—firing 100 to 150 rounds from automatic weapons from a hilltop west of Ramsu Bazar—targeting army personnel, hill people, and Bengalis involved in the clash. Several civilians were injured by gunfire.

In response, an army patrol team pursued the armed attackers, while other UPDF operatives reportedly set fire to homes in the Ramsu Bazar area and continued clashing with Bengali locals. Additional troops were deployed to Ramsu Bazar and Guimara, bringing the situation under control by around 4:30pm.

The Army claimed that in recent days, UPDF and its affiliated organisations have been systematically forcing women and schoolchildren to participate in their subversive activities in an effort to destabilise the Chittagong Hill Tracts. They also alleged that UPDF has been attempting to bring in external militants equipped with indigenous weapons to incite communal violence.

On the same day, on Sunday, a large cache of local weapons was seized from a passenger bus at a checkpoint operated by the Kaptai Battalion of the BGB—further evidence, the Army said, of UPDF’s alleged efforts to escalate unrest.

The Army views the incidents between September 19 and Sunday as part of a larger, orchestrated conspiracy. Relevant evidence is currently with law enforcement agencies.

It called on all political leaders from different ethnic groups in the Hill Tracts, as well as the general public, to act with restraint. It urged all law enforcement agencies, including the Army, to work together to restore peace and stability in the region.

Despite propaganda, misinformation, and provocation, the Army reaffirmed its firm commitment to protecting the sovereignty of Bangladesh and ensuring the safety of all communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Although national politics has been heated in recent months over him and his party, GM Quader, a factional chairman of the Jatiya Party, had remained silent—until now. He finally spoke out, hinting that the Jatiya Party, which has stood alongside the Awami League for over a decade and a half, might once again be used as a trump card—positioned as the “opposition” with the help of Awami League votes. While not directly rejecting such allegations, Quader expressed confidence that ballots cast for the “Boat” (Awami League’s symbol) could indeed fall for the “Plough” (Jatiya Party’s symbol).

Quader said, “Have Awami League voters lost their citizenship? Will their names not appear on the voter list? Will they not cast votes? Has there been any such declaration? If they vote for my party, then why the fear?”

He added, “Awami League supporters will vote for us. If BNP offers them good incentives, assures them that they won’t face harassment if BNP wins, then they may vote for BNP too. But they will not vote for Jamaat.”

According to Quader, the next election will gain legitimacy only if all parties, including the Awami League, take part. “When Jamaat was banned, we opposed it. Such steps did not bring good for the country. Without everyone’s participation, the election will not be fair. But if I say this now, I will be branded a traitor,” he said.

Quader accused Dr. Yunus’s interim government of sidelining BNP to bring Jamaat forward, insisting that the next polls must be held under a newly elected government—not under the interim one. He also claimed that despite another round of internal splits, the Jatiya Party has emerged stronger.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has claimed that no one harassed the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in New York. He said, “No one harassed Mirza Fakhrul in New York. Various propaganda campaigns have been launched against him. All of it is false, baseless, and fabricated.”

Rizvi further added that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is a national leader who accompanied the Chief Adviser to attend the UN assembly in New York. He alleged that smear campaigns are being spread against Fakhrul.

On Wednesday (September 24) morning, after paying respects at the grave of late President Ziaur Rahman along with newly elected leaders of Pirojpur District BNP, Rizvi made these remarks.

He said, “If the interim government could demonstrate competence in New York, the allies of fascism would not dare to carry out such activities. Because of the government’s failure to take effective measures, the ghosts of those collaborators are active both inside the country and abroad.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami of trying to create a “state within the state” through its activities in the political landscape and universities. Speaking at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, he warned that the country’s independence and sovereignty could face a major conspiracy due to rising threats from across the border and the emergence of new forces.

“Has the Ducsu VP been given magistracy power to decide which shop on the campus is legal or illegal? He fined a shop Tk3,000 and then deposited the money into Baitul Mal (the party’s fund). What is the legal basis for this?” the BNP leader asked.

“7th November Projonma” organized the program on journalist Dr Maruf Mallick’s book “Theoretical Analysis of Bangladeshi Nationalism: Crisis of Civic and Ethnic Nationalism”.

In any university, Rizvi said, it is the administration that should monitor who runs shops or markets on campus. Student leaders can raise concerns if the peaceful and orderly environment of the campus is being disturbed, he said.

“Instead, you are imposing fines and that money is going into Jamaat’s party fund. This is a very serious matter. We have always seen that their activities are creating a ‘state within the state,’ and we are now observing such an environment,” the BNP leader said.

He also criticized the supply of iron beds to university halls by Jamaat’s student wing, questioning whether it is the responsibility of any political party or the student union to do so.

“If students have demands, they should bargain or negotiate with the vice-chancellor. If there is a shortage of accommodation, beds or other facilities, it is the administration’s duty to address it,” Rizvi said. But, he said, the student organization or party is providing iron beds to the administration.

He added: “This is very strange. It undermines the legal foundation of the state and goes against the proper functioning of the university. Are you running an orphanage that you provide iron beds? Will you also provide dining tables for food? These kinds of actions are a very bad sign, in our view.”

Rizvi said in the current reality, especially after 5 August, when the nation is facing constant threats, many divisive voices are being heard, saying that one side is bad and the other is good.

“In this changed situation, with continuous threats coming from neighbouring countries, the way the political situation is moving and the rise of certain forces, I believe this is creating an opportunity for a major conspiracy that could endanger our sovereignty and independence,” the BNP leader said.

He also said a planned campaign is underway to blame BNP for crimes such as extortion, sand lifting and stone theft, while similar allegations against Jamaat leaders are being downplayed. When Jamaat attempts to show itself as good, it often appears that if BNP men are involved in sand lifting, Jamaat men are also connected, Rizvi said. He, however, lamented that media outlets do not highlight the misdeeds of Jamaat leaders and activists, while allegations against BNP receive wide coverage.

“If BNP members are involved in irregularities, we expel or suspend them and take disciplinary action. But this is not highlighted. Instead, a narrative is carefully created to use against BNP and malign the party,” Rizvi said.

He also said the media and social media often blame BNP for extortion, sand lifting or stone theft, but do not report that Jamaat leaders’ names also appear in such incidents, including cases of sexual harassment or abuse of women.

“Every family may have a black sheep. But if the parents punish the black sheep, that is a responsible family. The same goes for political parties,” the BNP leader said. BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, organizing secretary principal Selim Bhuiyan and senior journalist Amirul Islam Kagoji, among others, also spoke at the event.

Bangladeshi supermodel Nibir Adnan has made the nation proud by gracing the runway at one of the world’s largest fashion events—New York Fashion Week 2025. Held from September 10 to 14 at Sony Hall, Manhattan, New York City, the event brought together renowned designers, models, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts for a spectacular and diverse runway showcase. Models walked the runway in the creations of over 130 acclaimed designers. The event featured 28 Latin American brands from countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia, alongside international brands from Japan, the United Kingdom, and Portugal.

Before the main event, on September 8, Nibir Adnan participated in the casting round through his agency CG Models. Nearly 3,000 models from around the world competed in this casting, where Nibir Adnan qualified to secure his place on the main runway. Among them, he proudly represented Bangladesh, highlighting the nation’s prestige through his presence and performance on the international stage.

During the three-day event, Nibir walked for five international designers, including O4BH (United Kingdom), Monkstr (Austin, Texas), The Tokyo Vibes (Japan), Runway7 Fashion (New York, LA, Miami), and Emma Ritz (Tokyo). His makeup was done by Book of Beauty, with photography by Anja Stoll.

Speaking from New York about participating in one of the world’s largest fashion weeks, Nibir Adnan said: “This is a moment of immense pride for me, not just as an individual, but as a Bangladeshi. Representing my country on the global stage of New York Fashion Week is truly a dream come true. Every time someone asks me, ‘Where are you from?’ and I say, ‘I’m from Bangladesh’—I get goosebumps. Sharing the same platform with international celebrities and receiving their appreciation has been surreal. Their support and kind words have touched my heart. This success is not just mine; it’s for every young dreamer back home who thinks the world is too big and their country too small. I want to say: we belong. We rise. We represent.”

Notably, during the fashion week, on September 11 he also participated in the International Heritage Fashion Week, and he is scheduled to take part in Couture Fashion Week on Saturday, where his performance will further shine a spotlight on Bangladesh.

Supermodel Nibir Adnan has worked with nearly all major local brands and extended his career internationally in Mumbai, India, representing products for Amazon India, Raymond, Spykar, among other Indian brands. He has also brought pride to Bangladesh as the brand ambassador for the world-renowned Italian brand Bulgari Perfume, and has worked as a model for brands based in London and Dubai, in addition to Dhaka and Mumbai. Nibir has received numerous international honors and recognition, including the NRB Award in the ‘International Model of the Year’ category on September 14 in New York.

Apart from modeling, this supermodel is steadily entering acting. This year, he made his big-screen debut with the film ‘Esha Murder’.

The US State Department’s 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report says Bangladesh’s interim government has moved to make all natural resource extraction procurements fully open and transparent, suspending direct negotiations led by the previous administration.

The report noted that the government has set clear rules for awarding extraction contracts and licences and provided limited information on procurement. However, the country’s supreme audit institution failed to meet international independence standards and did not fully review accounts due to the change in government.

To improve fiscal transparency, the US recommended Bangladesh publish timely end-of-year reports, prepare budgets in line with global standards, provide a complete picture of revenues and expenditures, and strengthen the audit institution’s independence.

The State Department emphasized that fiscal transparency builds accountability, market confidence, and fair competition for US firms.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the decision of student representatives to join the government was “not right. They had the opportunity to play a role as a pressure group on any issue of the state. But it is not for us to call on them to step down from the government — that urgency must come from within themselves,” he said on Saturday while speaking at the Third Dialogue on Youth’s State Thought at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh, in the capital’s Kakrail.

“In a democratic system, there is no scope to be in both government and opposition at the same time. From the moment the students of the July movement entered the government, I realized they would no longer be able to contribute to rebuilding the state,” he added.

Referring to a newspaper report, Salahuddin said: “I saw one leader remark, who will be the ruling party and who will be the opposition party. If you are so confident, then why don’t you join the election? You are only trying to obstruct it with various excuses.”

The BNP leader further observed that no one can decide which party will be in power or in opposition — only the people can. He also cautioned that pursuing dialogue and movements simultaneously would be contradictory. “We are negotiating on the legal basis of the July Charter. We want a solution through dialogue. There is no objection if any party makes demands, but they should not impose it on the nation,” he said. Salahuddin urged all political parties to maintain unity without creating fresh crises.