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Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized drugs, arms and smuggled goods worth around Tk 5.95 crore and arrested three people in separate operations along different border areas.

According to six BGB press releases, the operations were conducted in Joypurhat, Kushtia, Lalmonirhat, Sylhet and Nilphamari.

In Joypurhat, BGB arrested a man with 30 tapentadol tablets and other items worth an estimated Tk 2.79 lakh.

In Kushtia, the force recovered 1,290 Indian dexamethasone tablets and 320 chocolate crackers worth around Tk 3.95 lakh.

In Lalmonirhat, a patrol recovered a pistol, one round of ammunition and one kilogramme of suspected crystal methamphetamine worth an estimated Tk 5 crore. A sample of the suspected drug was sent to a laboratory for testing.

In Sylhet, BGB seized Indian smuggled goods, including cumin, cattle, blankets, basmati rice, liquor, chocolates and sugar, worth around Tk 46.54 lakh.

Separately, Sultanpur Battalion recovered Indian basmati rice, energy drinks, olive oil, fireworks, liquor, cannabis and other goods valued at approximately Tk 36.03 lakh.

In Domar of Nilphamari, two alleged drug traders were arrested with 27 yaba tablets, two motorcycles and other items worth around Tk 4.24 lakh.

BGB said legal proceedings were being initiated in the respective cases.

Foreign investors’ participation in Bangladesh’s capital market has increased amid reform initiatives and efforts to simplify investment procedures, with their total transactions rising 37.6 percent in the first eight months of 2026 compared with the same period last year.

According to Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) data, foreign investors’ total transactions reached Tk 3,701.29 crore from January to August 2026, compared with Tk 2,687.39 crore during the corresponding period of 2025.

The transactions increased by Tk 1,013.90 crore year-on-year. The first eight months of 2026 also accounted for nearly 94 percent of foreign investors’ total transactions of Tk 3,920.42 crore recorded throughout 2025.

Market insiders attributed the rise to several reform initiatives, including preparations to upgrade Bangladesh’s capital market from frontier to emerging market status, engagement with international index providers, simplified procedures for foreign investors and efforts to introduce a shorter settlement cycle.

DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar said the increase was not the result of any single initiative.

“Preparations to upgrade the market from frontier to emerging market status, engagement with organisations such as MSCI, simplification of Bangladesh Bank’s rules relating to Non-resident Investors’ Taka Accounts (NITAs), and the initiative to introduce a T+1 settlement system have collectively sent positive signals to foreign investors,” she said.

She said Bangladesh Bank had recently eased a procedural complication involving NITA accounts, which foreign portfolio investors use to invest in Bangladesh.

Previously, funds through NITA accounts had to be accounted for separately for individual transactions. Following communication between the DSE and relevant authorities, Bangladesh Bank simplified the procedure.

Under the revised arrangement, foreign investors can complete the necessary accounting when repatriating funds from Bangladesh instead of making separate calculations for every transaction.

Anwar said the proposed T+1 settlement system had also sent a positive signal to international investors.

She added that the DSE was working to ensure professional market management, transparency and accountability while maintaining regular communication with foreign investors.

Foreign transactions fluctuated during the first eight months of 2026. They stood at Tk 377.24 crore in January, rose to Tk 663.28 crore in February, then fell to Tk 272.04 crore in March and Tk 175.16 crore in April.

Transactions surged to Tk 831.70 crore in May, the highest monthly figure during the period. They stood at Tk 540.17 crore in June and Tk 523.15 crore in July before falling to Tk 318.57 crore in August.

In the first eight months of 2025, foreign investors’ transactions totalled Tk 2,687.39 crore, with monthly transactions ranging from Tk 171.96 crore in March to Tk 506.74 crore in May.

For the full year of 2025, foreign investors’ total transactions amounted to Tk 3,920.42 crore.

The latest figures show that foreign transactions in the first eight months of 2026 have already reached nearly 94 percent of the previous year’s full-year total.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has said people were denied voting rights and the opportunity to elect proper representatives for 17 years, resulting in authoritarian rule instead of democracy.

“The development narrative presented during that period eventually burst like a balloon,” he said.

Titumir made the remarks while addressing a meeting as the chief guest at the Bhanga Upazila Parishad auditorium in Faridpur on Saturday evening. Bhanga upazila BNP and its affiliated organisations organised the meeting.

He said Bangladesh had inherited an extremely fragile economy and was now among the world’s top loan defaulters.

Referring to the tenures of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Titumir said the country had examples of advancing the economy despite difficult circumstances.

He said Ziaur Rahman sought new sources of income when the country was facing the effects of the Liberation War, famine, high inflation and the global oil crisis. Initiatives to create employment opportunities in the Middle East helped increase remittance inflows, he added.

Titumir said Begum Khaleda Zia created opportunities for women to enter formal employment, while increased female participation later helped Bangladesh’s garment industry establish a strong position in the global market.

He said the incumbent government had pledged to build a production-oriented economy by creating jobs and attracting new investment under its “Bangladesh First” policy.

“To implement this goal, production hubs will be established across the country,” he said.

Titumir said the previous government had failed to create adequate employment opportunities in the region despite repeatedly highlighting development.

He said unemployment remained high in Greater Faridpur, including Gopalganj, and alleged that a system of “plunder” operated there in the name of development.

Faridpur-4 (Bhanga, Sadarpur and Charbhadrasan) MP and BNP-affiliated Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal central general secretary Shahidul Islam Babul, Bhanga upazila BNP President Khandaker Iqbal Hossain Selim, General Secretary Ayub Molla, Joint General Secretary Said Munshi, Organising Secretary Shahidul Islam Bitu Munshi and Bhanga upazila Jubo Dal President Osman Munshi, among others, spoke at the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the new government, having received a strong mandate from the people, is moving ahead with a clear action plan to fulfil its commitments over the next five years.

“Our priorities are to protect national interests, maintain policy continuity, ensure economic stability and carry out institutional reforms. We are now moving directly from commitments to implementation,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the three-day international conference Bay of Bengal Conversation (BOBC) 2026, organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.

The conference is being held from October 3 to 5 under the theme “Fragments, Frontiers and Futures: Navigating Power, Technology and Trust in a World Rewritten.” Around 200 speakers, more than 300 delegates and over 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries are taking part.

Former Serbian President Boris Tadic, former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed and former Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara are among the participants, along with government officials, diplomats, policymakers, researchers, business leaders and technology experts.

Tarique Rahman said the government had taken initiatives to make Bangladesh an attractive investment destination and transform the country into a strong hub for production and investment.

“We want to create extensive employment opportunities in production, services, exports and all other sectors,” he said.

He stressed the need for policy certainty and continuity in long-term policies to give investors confidence.

Social Protection, Healthcare and Education

The Prime Minister said government social protection programmes would prioritise the most disadvantaged people.

Under the Family Card initiative, financial assistance would reach mothers in every family, starting with the poorest and most marginalised communities. The Farmers Card would connect farmers with government incentives, agricultural services and markets, while the Health Card would ensure access to healthcare. The Universal Card would eventually bring integrated government services under one system, he said.

On healthcare, Tarique Rahman said the government was working to recruit 100,000 health workers, around 80 percent of whom would be women.

He said they would provide primary healthcare, health advice and referral services at the grassroots level, with special attention to maternal and child health.

On education reform, the Prime Minister said education should prepare students for real life rather than being limited to obtaining certificates.

“We are working to ensure a joyful learning environment,” he said.

He said culture, sports, values and ethics would be incorporated into the curriculum to help build children’s character. Students would also have opportunities to learn a third language, while technical and vocational education would be expanded alongside general education.

The government has also taken initiatives to provide free uniforms, schoolbags, midday meals and stipends from the first grade and expand free education for girls up to the graduate level, he said.

Jobs, Technology and Agriculture

Describing the country’s large young population as a key driver of national progress, Tarique Rahman stressed skills development and suitable employment opportunities.

“The government is focusing on improving language skills, creating employment opportunities, technological transformation and wider use of artificial intelligence. We are supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and start-ups. We want our young people to compete on the global stage and transform brain drain into brain circulation,” he said.

On agriculture, he said access to technology, irrigation, agricultural finance and markets was being made easier.

Support would also be provided to fisheries, livestock and rural entrepreneurs, while agricultural processing and agro-product export industries would be developed alongside food security.

“A strong rural economy can build a strong Bangladesh,” he said.

Water and Environment

The Prime Minister said the government had planned to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals and waterways over the next five years.

The Padma Barrage project was being advanced and a master plan for the Teesta was being prepared for water conservation and management, he said.

He said these initiatives would support agriculture and strengthen climate resilience.

Tarique Rahman also said 250 million trees would be planted over the next five years.

Bangladesh is expanding solar power use, promoting waste recycling and developing environment-friendly green factories, he said.

“Of the world’s top 100 LEED-certified factories, 53 are now in Bangladesh,” he said.

Institutional Reform and Rohingya Crisis

Stressing institutional reforms, the Prime Minister said strong state institutions were essential for development.

“We are strengthening institutional transparency and accountability. Human rights, democratic values and freedom of expression must be protected,” he said.

He also stressed equal application of the rule of law and said state institutions should remain dedicated to serving the people.

On the Rohingya crisis, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh was still hosting around 1.2 million Rohingya refugees.

“Our main objective is to ensure their swift, voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar,” he said.

He called for continued international political support and financing, while stressing that the root causes of the crisis must be addressed.

“The crisis originated in Myanmar and its solution must also be found in Myanmar,” he said.

Bay of Bengal Cooperation

Describing the Bay of Bengal as a major pillar of Bangladesh’s future economic potential, Tarique Rahman said its geographic and strategic location provided opportunities to deepen global connectivity through seaports, waterways and the coastal economy.

He highlighted the potential of shipping, fisheries, tourism, energy and regional supply chains.

The Prime Minister called for deeper bilateral and multilateral engagement to turn the region’s shared geography into shared prosperity.

“Cooperation can be further expanded in trade, energy, education, technology, climate and maritime sectors. New markets can be opened and more opportunities can be created for young people. We can build stronger cooperative relations based on equality, fairness and justice,” he said.

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh would continue to work with regional and global partners while safeguarding national interests and sovereignty.

“Because peace and harmony are the foundations of shared prosperity and development,” he said.

He called for transforming the Bay of Bengal region into an area where all states can prosper together, benefit equally and extend meaningful cooperation to their citizens.

“Bangladesh is fully prepared to play its rightful role in this regard,” he said.

The five thematic pillars of BOBC 2026 are geopolitics, security and strategic competition; artificial intelligence, cyberspace and information power; trade, connectivity and strategic growth; and climate, resilience and human security.

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has said the elected government must work quickly and effectively to fulfil the expectations of the people.

He said elected representatives assume office with a public mandate and must return to the people after five years to seek their verdict again. Therefore, ensuring public services and remaining accountable for their actions are key responsibilities of an elected government, he said.

The minister made the remarks at a review meeting on “Solar Power, Dengue Prevention and Development Programmes” organised by the Local Government Division at Samobay Bhaban.

Moyeen Khan said government officials and elected representatives share the common goal of serving the people. Development activities must be implemented swiftly while ensuring the best use of limited resources, he added.

He said solar power could play an important role in addressing electricity shortages. Besides installing solar panels on the rooftops of union parishad and upazila parishad buildings, rural residents should also be encouraged to install panels on their homes, he said.

Storing surplus electricity generated during the day in batteries for use at night could also reduce dependence on the national power grid, he added.

Speaking as the special guest, State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari stressed honesty, transparency and efficiency in government services and grassroots development projects.

He said integrity and professional competence are being prioritised in postings and promotions. He also urged field-level officials to consider their places of posting as their own areas and perform their duties with sincerity.

Cabinet Secretary Dr Nasimul Gani, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A.B.M. Abdus Sattar, Public Administration Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan, Rural Development and Cooperatives Secretary Dr Rafiqul Mohammad, Secondary and Higher Education Secretary Abdul Khalek and Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh attended the meeting.

Chief executive officers of all city corporations, deputy directors (Local Government), upazila nirbahi officers and administrators of municipalities were also present.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman left Dhaka for Australia and the United States on a nine-day official visit.

During the first phase of his visit, the Army chief will attend the Chief of Army Symposium 2026 and Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026 in Perth, Australia.

He will also visit Deakin University in Melbourne, according to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman will later travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the Association of the US Army’s 2026 Annual Meeting and Exposition.

During his visits to the two countries, the Army chief will pay courtesy calls on senior defence officials, exchange views with defence-related personalities and visit various military installations, the ISPR said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has stressed further expansion of bilateral trade, investment and development cooperation with China.

He made the remarks when outgoing Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen paid a farewell call on him at his office.

Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said the meeting discussed various issues of mutual interest, including the Rohingya crisis.

Yao Wen congratulated the Prime Minister on his successful participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and his engagements in New York.

The Chinese ambassador said China’s support for Bangladesh’s development efforts would continue and expressed hope that bilateral relations would be further strengthened.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Chairman of the Invest Bangladesh Authority Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun were present at the meeting.

The outgoing Chinese ambassador was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission Liu Yuyin.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury has said the government is working to protect the rights and welfare of working journalists, including their rights under the Wage Board.

“The present government is working relentlessly for the welfare of journalists so that they are not deprived of their legitimate rights,” he said at a consultation meeting on the Cyber Security (Amendment) Act 2026.

A presentation was made at the meeting based on opinions received during the previous consultation.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam also spoke at the meeting.

Yasser stressed the need to formulate an acceptable framework on the Wage Board, professional rights and welfare in consultation with relevant institutions and organisations.

He said alongside protecting journalists’ rights, it should also be ensured that assistance from the Journalist Welfare Trust reaches genuine journalists.

The state minister also emphasised the need for a framework to recognise professional journalists. He sought suggestions from journalist organisations on the possibility of establishing a recognition authority similar to the Bar Council for lawyers.

Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Daily Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Daily Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sazzad Sharif, Daily Amar Desh Managing Editor Zahid Chowdhury, Ekushey Television CEO Abdus Salam, Independent Television CEO Mustafa Akmal, RTV Head of News Ilias Hossain, Dr Shakhawat Hossain Sayant, former ERF President Sharmin Rinvi and UNB Deputy Editor Masud-ul-Haq, among others, spoke at the meeting.

Information and Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, ICT Division Secretary Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan and officials concerned were present.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiyun Kobir has dismissed suggestions of any hidden agenda behind Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ latest Boeing deal, saying the fleet expansion is driven by the country’s aviation needs.

“We need to expand the fleet to become an aviation hub. There is no hidden agenda. Bangladesh does it on the basis of needs. We need to expand our fleet,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kobir also stressed the importance of maintaining a mixed fleet as Bangladesh seeks to expand air connectivity and develop as a regional aviation hub.

His remarks came days after Biman signed a supplementary agreement with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing for 11 additional aircraft during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The latest order comprises five Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and six 737-8 aircraft, taking Biman’s Boeing orders this year to 25 aircraft.

Biman Board Chairman Rumee A Hossain and Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations on the sidelines of the UNGA.

Boeing said the additional aircraft would provide greater efficiency, versatility and reliability as Biman modernises its fleet and expands its international network.

The manufacturer said the 787-10 would add capacity alongside Biman’s existing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft, while the 737-8 would offer greater range for the carrier’s single-aisle network.

Boeing also said the 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX families provide 20 to 25 percent better fuel efficiency compared with the aircraft they replace.

Biman Chairman Hossain said the supplementary agreement was part of the flag carrier’s long-term fleet modernisation and network expansion strategy.

“This order has been placed in line with the specific requirements of our fleet plan,” he said, adding that Biman’s longstanding relationship with Boeing had given it confidence in aircraft delivery and support arrangements.

The latest agreement follows Biman’s April 30 order for 14 Boeing aircraft, comprising eight 787-10 Dreamliners, two 787-9 Dreamliners and four 737-8 aircraft. The agreement was valued at around US$3.7 billion at list prices.

With the latest purchase, Biman’s Boeing acquisition programme this year comprises 13 Boeing 787-10s, two 787-9s and 10 Boeing 737-8s.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister Humaiyun Kobir, Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin attended the New York signing ceremony.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau were also present.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen welcomed the agreement before the signing, describing it as another “win-win” for Bangladesh-US relations.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has sought increased European investment in Bangladesh, highlighting opportunities created by what he described as the country’s current healthy democratic environment.

He made the call when ambassadors of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, along with the Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban, President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam told BSS.

The ambassadors congratulated Mirza Fakhrul on assuming office as President, and he thanked them for their messages.

The President expressed satisfaction over continued progress in relations and cooperation between Bangladesh and European countries and the EU.

“The partnership has now taken a multifaceted shape. New opportunities have emerged to further deepen the cordial relations based on mutual respect,” he said.

Mirza Fakhrul reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to preventing irregular migration and human trafficking. At the same time, he called for expanding legal migration pathways for skilled workers and urged more EU member states to join the Talent Partnership initiative.

The ambassadors expressed their commitment to working closely with the government to strengthen mutual trust, friendship and partnership.

They called for stronger cooperation in trade, good governance, climate action and sustainable development and urged the creation of a level playing field to increase trade and investment between Bangladesh and EU countries.

They also reiterated their support for Bangladesh’s constitutional, judicial and other reform initiatives. The President highlighted the government’s commitment to the reforms and assured continued cooperation.

Mirza Fakhrul also sought increased humanitarian assistance from the EU for the Rohingya community in Cox’s Bazar and urged a stronger European role in creating conditions for their safe, voluntary and dignified return to Myanmar.

The ambassadors reiterated their support on the issue.

The meeting also discussed regional and global issues, renewable energy, green transition, migration management, education, maritime affairs and technology transfer.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation based on democracy, human rights, multilateralism, international law and a rules-based international order.

Head of the EU Delegation to Bangladesh Ambassador Michael Miller, Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Moller, French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, Dutch Ambassador Joris van Bommel, Spanish Ambassador D. Gabriel María Sistiaga Ochoa de Chinchetru and Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks were present.

The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary, Press Secretary and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present.