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 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.

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 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 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.

Retired USWNT legend Alex Morgan says the NWSL will continue to attract top domestic and international players even under its $3.3M salary cap, which rises to $5.1M by 2030. Speaking ahead of her jersey retirement with the San Diego Wave, Morgan pointed to the league’s competitiveness, improved facilities, and consistent high-level matches as major draws.

Her comments follow Alyssa Thompson’s record move to Chelsea and other big-money transfers abroad, which have fueled debate over whether Europe’s spending power could lure away talent.

Morgan, now a Wave minority owner, acknowledged the growing fees — with multiple $1M+ transfers this year — but said the NWSL’s week-to-week intensity still makes it “the most competitive league in the world.”

The ongoing political and human rights situation in Bangladesh has triggered debate in the British Parliament, with MPs highlighting bans on political parties, corruption allegations against a UK lawmaker, and actions taken by the interim government.

Concerns over democratic norms and human rights

Over the past year, MPs have repeatedly raised concerns about human rights in Bangladesh. In a December 2024 House of Commons session, Labor MP Barry Gardiner and former home secretary Priti Patel warned about rising violence against the Hindu community. Catherine West, minister for the Indo-Pacific, said the UK government is closely monitoring the situation and remains in contact with the administration of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to ensure minority protection.

On July 15, MP Bob Blackman and the Bangladesh Unity Forum hosted a parliamentary event highlighting Bangladesh’s constitutional crisis. Speakers denounced the use of anti-terror laws against political opponents and described the May 2025 ban on Awami League activities as an unprecedented assault on democracy. A message was also sent to the International Criminal Court (ICC), detailing allegations of arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings.

UK’s stance on upcoming election

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has stressed the need for elections within a set timeframe to restore stability. It said free, fair and participatory polls are vital for a functioning democracy. British MPs have urged the interim government to publish a roadmap and call early elections, while also demanding guarantees of freedom of expression and protection for political dissent.

Corruption allegations and MP’s resignation

Another issue drawing attention was the corruption allegation raised by Bangladesh against British MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Following Hasina’s ouster, Siddiq was accused of corruption and resigned from the post of economic secretary to the treasury and city minister in January 2025, following allegations of misconduct. She has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated propaganda.

Withdrawal of controversial report

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the Commonwealth faced criticism over a November 2024 report accused of being biased in favors of Hasina’s ousted government. The report was withdrawn in January 2025. Labor MP Rupa Huq dismissed it as irrelevant and described it as a vicious attack on Bangladesh’s interim government.

Earlier on August 30, Gono Odhikar Parishad activists set the Jatiya Party central office on fire

The Jatiya Party (JaPa) central office in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar was once again targeted on Friday evening, as miscreants vandalized and set fire to the office. Around 7:15pm, stones were thrown at the office. Earlier, at about 6:30pm, leaders and activists of the Gono Odhikar Parishad held a demonstration at Shahbagh intersection, burning tires to demand a ban on JaPa, before marching towards the office at Bijoynagar.

Ramna police station duty officer, Sub-Inspector (SI) Sajjad Hossain, told Bangla Tribune: “Suddenly, a few miscreants launched an attack on the Jatiya Party office. They vandalized some furniture inside and set fire. On receiving the report, police quickly arrived, extinguished the fire, and brought the situation under control.”

Eyewitnesses said that around 5:45pm, a group of people gathered in front of the office, carried out several rounds of attacks, and later attempted arson. A local shopkeeper said: “Suddenly, a few youths came shouting slogans, entered the office, and began vandalizing. I saw smoke rising soon after. They dispersed when police arrived.”

The area remains tense, and this is not the first time the office has faced such attacks. Earlier on August 30, activists of Gono Odhikar Parishad set the Jatiya Party central office on fire.