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.”

The egging and assault incident at New York airport has once again shown that the Awami League feels no remorse for its misdeeds, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said today (23 September). “Everything the Awami League has done wrong will eventually be brought to justice in accordance with the law,” Fakhrul said in a Facebook post.

He also urged party leaders and activists to remain patient for the sake of the party and the country. Yesterday (22 September), eggs were thrown at NCP leader Akhter Hossen while he was leaving New York’s JFK Airport.

In the US as part of a Bangladesh delegation for the United Nations General Assembly, at the chief adviser’s invitation, NCP Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara, as well as leaders of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, were also there. Several eyewitnesses said the act had been carried out by leaders and activists of the Awami League, a party banned in Bangladesh. Later, New York police reportedly detained a man identified as Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury in connection with the incident. He is said to be an activist of the Awami League.

The NCP blamed the “mismanagement of the embassy” for the egg attack on Akhter.

Claiming that they have a target of the Awami League, National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossen on Monday vowed that the Awami League would not be able to make a comeback amid what he called “anti-fascist unity.” Soon after coming out from the John F Kennedy International Airport with BNP and Jamaat leaders, Akhter Hossen and NCP’s First Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara were confronted by a small group of Awami League supporters.

The protesters chanted slogans until the delegation entered their vehicles. At one point, eggs were thrown at Akhter Hossen. Speaking to reporters later at a hotel in New York, Akhter said Awami League activists were resorting to the same intimidation tactics abroad that they practised in Bangladesh.

“We are not afraid of this. The people of Bangladesh showed the highest level of courage against the Awami League and even sacrificed their lives. They will remain united and Awami League will not be able to return,” he said.

Dr Tasnim Jara, who faced verbal abuse during the incident, condemned the attack and linked it to a broader pattern of hostility towards women in politics.

“This is nothing new. We have seen how women – who were on the front during the movement and now getting involved in politics – were targeted and undermined by the Awami League in Bangladesh. Today, we saw a reflection of that again,” she said. Dr Tasnim stressed that such incidents would not deter them from their political mission.

“This cannot stop us. Many people are joining with us, and people rejected the Awami League,” she said. She said the attack was aimed not at Hossen as an individual, but at his political identity as a representative of an anti-fascist movement.

“This attack shows the fear and despair of the defeated forces. It will not weaken Akhter Hossen but only strengthen his determination,” Dr Tasnim said.

The NCP and BNP leaders are part of a delegation accompanying the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The delegation includes BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and NCP leaders Dr Tasnim Jara and Akhter Hossen. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mohammad Nakibur Rahman is joining the delegation from the US.

Security was heightened at Benjamin Cardozo High School in Bayside on Friday, a day after a 16-year-old student was arrested for bringing a loaded handgun onto campus and posting a shooting threat on Instagram.

Meta flagged the post, prompting the FBI and NYPD to quickly trace it to the school. Police recovered a loaded 9mm Taurus GX4 with 13 rounds from the teen’s backpack. He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and making terrorist threats.

Mayor Eric Adams credited the swift coordination between federal and local agencies with preventing potential tragedy. “We potentially saved the lives of a lot of students and staff today,” he said.

Students and parents expressed both relief and concern over the new security measures, including metal detectors. The Department of Education said weapons have “no place in schools” and promised additional safety support.

Britain, Australia and Canada on Sunday recognized a Palestinian state in a seismic shift in decades of western foreign policy, triggering swift Israeli anger. Portugal was also to recognize Palestinian statehood later Sunday, as Israel came under huge international pressure over the war in Gaza triggered almost two years ago by the October 7, 2023 Hamas resistance campaign.

“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a message on X. Britain and Canada became the first G7 countries to take the step, with France and other nations expected to follow at the annual UN General Assembly which opens Monday in New York.

“Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X.

It is a watershed moment for Palestinians and their decades-long ambitions for statehood, with the most powerful western nations having long argued it should only come as part of a negotiated peace deal with Israel.

But the move puts those countries at odds with the United States and Israel, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacting angrily and vowing to oppose it at the UN talks. Calls for a Palestinian state “would endanger our existence and serve as absurd reward for terrorism,” Netanyahu said Sunday. A growing number of longtime allies have shifted positions, as Israel has intensified its Gaza offensive, vowing to eliminate the Hamas Palestinian fighters.

The Gaza Strip has suffered vast destruction, a spiralling death toll and a lack of food that has sparked a major humanitarian crisis since the start of the conflict which has drawn an international outcry.

The UK government has come under increasing public pressure to act, with thousands rallying every month on the streets. A poll released by YouGov on Friday showed two-thirds of young Britons aged 18-25 supported Palestinian statehood. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy acknowledged at the UN in July that “Britain bears a special burden of responsibility to support the two-state solution.”

Over a century ago, the UK was pivotal in laying the groundwork for the creation of the state of Israel through the 1917 Balfour Declaration. Three-quarters of UN members already recognise Palestinian statehood, with over 140 of the 193 having taken the step. Starmer said in July that his Labour government intended to recognise a Palestinian State unless Israel took “substantive” steps including reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, getting more aid into the territory and confirming it would not annex the West Bank.

Starmer has also repeatedly called on Hamas to release the remaining hostages they captured in the 2023 resistance campaign, and is expected to set out new sanctions on the Palestinian fighters.

Lammy told the BBC on Sunday that the Palestinian Authority — the civilian body that governs in areas of the West Bank — had been calling for the move for some time “and I think a lot of that is wrapped up in hope.”

“Will this feed children? No it won’t, that’s down to humanitarian aid. Will this free hostages? That must be down to a ceasefire.”

But he said it was an attempt to “hold out for” a two-state solution. Palestinian foreign minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin told AFP last week: “Recognition is not symbolic.”

“It sends a very clear message to the Israelis on their illusions on continuing their occupation forever,” she added.

Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 65,208 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the Gazan health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable. Portugal said that it would also formally declare its recognition in New York on Sunday.

“By acting now, as the Portuguese government has decided, we’re keeping alive the possibility of having two states,” Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said.

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.

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.