To advance humanitarian aid efforts amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Kazi Reaz Rahman, Founder and Executive Director of MASTUL Foundation, held a meeting with the Palestinian Ambassador in Egypt, Diab Al-Louh. Currently, MASTUL Foundation’s team is based in Cairo, directly conducting relief operations on the ground.

During the meeting, Ambassador Diab Al-Louh praised Bangladesh for standing by the Palestinian people despite being a small country. He highlighted that nearly 150,000 displaced families from Gaza have taken refuge in Egypt. Many of these families, once living comfortably, are now facing acute shortages of food and medical care. The Palestinian Embassy is working to register these families for support. Additionally, approximately 3,500 Palestinian students studying in Egypt require minimum financial assistance each month. Children in refugee camps are also continuing their primary education online, facilitated by the embassy

Speaking about the ongoing humanitarian work, Kazi Reaz Rahman said: “There is a severe shortage of food, water, and medical care in Gaza. Since 2024, MASTUL Foundation has been providing essential food, water, medical care, and nutrition for children to support the people of Gaza. Currently, our team in Egypt is offering advanced medical treatment to war-affected refugees, along with financial assistance for widows and orphaned children. The Palestinian Ambassador personally thanked us, which is both inspiring and motivating. By Allah’s grace, we will continue to stand by the people of Gaza as long as we can.”

The Palestinian Embassy assured the MASTUL Foundation of continued support for all humanitarian initiatives in the future. MASTUL Foundation also confirmed that its programs are long-term and ongoing, with plans to implement new projects to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s population while strengthening Bangladesh’s humanitarian presence internationally.

The meeting was attended by Palestinian Ambassador Diab Al-Louh, Counselor Naji Al Naji, Kazi Reaz Rahman (Founder & Executive Director, MASTUL Foundation),Cairo-based Al-Azhar graduate and journalist Eesa Ahmad Ishaque and Muhammad Zayed Torfadar (MASTUL International Volunteer)

MASTUL Foundation is a registered national organization under the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. For over a decade, it has worked relentlessly to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged people and children. Key humanitarian activities include providing funeral services during the COVID-19 pandemic, distributing emergency relief to flood victims in 2022 and 2024, and delivering humanitarian assistance to Turkey after the 2023 earthquake. One of MASTUL Foundation’s successful initiatives, the “Zakat Empowerment” program, creates sustainable employment for countless underprivileged individuals and youth, empowering them toward self-reliance. Every day, free meals are distributed across Dhaka to impoverished and vulnerable communities. Additionally, MASTUL Foundation operates its own madrasas, shelter homes, orphanages, and guesthouses in Barikhali, Dhaka.

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have climbed back above $31 billion, offering some relief to policymakers after months of pressure on the dollar market.

According to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) accounting method BPM-6, reserves currently stand at $26.08 billion, up from $25.75 billion.

The gross reserve figure reported by Bangladesh Bank rose to $31 billion, compared to $30.59 billion previously.

Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and Spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed the development on Wednesday, September 17.

While the central bank does not publish its net reserve figures, insiders say the actual usable reserves now exceed $21 billion.

Economists note that a country should ideally maintain enough reserves to cover at least three months of imports. Bangladesh currently sits just at that threshold.

Remittance boost after political change

Officials attribute the rebound partly to a sharp rise in remittances flowing through official banking channels following the country’s recent political transition. This has stabilised the foreign exchange market, allowing Bangladesh Bank to shift from selling dollars to buying them from banks.

On 4 September, the central bank purchased $134 million from five banks, followed by $47.5 million from eight banks on September 2.

According to official figures, remittances reached $2.47 billion in July and $2.42 billion in August of the current fiscal year (2025–26). The highest monthly remittance inflow to date came in March 2025, totalling $3.29 billion.

For the full 2024–25 fiscal year, remittances surged to $30.33 billion, marking a 26.8% increase over the previous year’s $23.91 billion.

A decade of highs and lows

Bangladesh’s reserves have seen dramatic swings over the past decade. In June 2013, reserves were just $15.32 billion. By September 2020, they had crossed $39 billion for the first time, touching $40 billion a month later.

The peak came on August 24, 2021, when reserves hit an all-time high of $48.04 billion. Since then, however, sustained import pressures, loan repayments, and a prolonged dollar shortage have eroded reserves — until the latest remittance-driven recovery.

Faruk Ahmed, Magura: A health and nutrition workshop has been organized by SDF in Shalikha Upazila of Magura. Social Development Foundation (SDF) is a non-profit autonomous organization under the Ministry of Finance of the Government of the People`s Republic of Bangladesh. The organization is working for poverty alleviation and economic development of the poor and very poor people by increasing social investment following the CDD. The workshop held at the meeting room of Shalikha Upazila Health Complex on Wednesday, September 17 at 10 am was presided over by District Manager Md. Zakir Hossain.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Saimun Nisa spoke as the chief guest.
Dr. Kaimun Akhter Muna, Regional Manager SDF Jessore Region, delivered the welcome speech. Dr. Sheikh Abbas Uddin RMO, Dr. Sheikh Arifuzzaman MO, Medical Officer Dr. Sheikh Munjur A Huda Sadi, Nursing Supervisor Mosa: Aleya Khatun, and health assistants of the upazila and union spoke as special guests. Also present were all the district officers of SDF Magura district, Arpara and Bunagati cluster in-charges, CF Health and Nutrition, DEO, members of various village associations receiving maternity and cesarean allowances, and members of the Health and Nutrition Support Committee.

District Manager Md. Zakir Hossain discussed the overall progress and activities of health and nutrition issues in SDF Magura district. He said, in Shalikha Upazila of Magura district, maternity allowance of 26 lakh 85 thousand 6 hundred taka has been provided to 298 people and cesarean allowance of 3 lakh taka has been provided to 30 people, 5082 people received medical advice in 53 health camps, BCC sessions were held on 12 subjects with a total number of participants of 11 thousand 8 hundred, vegetable seeds were distributed twice in winter and summer to 8 thousand 5 hundred members, 50 digital weight machines, 50 digital height machines were distributed.

The chief guest of the program, Dr. Saimun Nisa, said, SDF activities are continuing to work in a manpower and people-friendly manner. In addition, they are providing services in the field of health and nutrition through the village association. Along with this, they are also working to reduce maternal mortality and child mortality rates. I think that is commendable. I will continue to cooperate with the overall success of SDF and the members of the village association of SDF on behalf of my Upazila Health Complex. The workshop was presented and moderated by District Officer (MEL & GA) Anup Kumar Mondal.

Md. Mizanur Rahman, Chapainawabganj: Importers have demanded opening of import permits or IP for importing onions from India. Importers of Sona Masjid land port in Chapainawabganj made this demand at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

The importers also expressed hope that the price of onion in the retail market will come down to Tk 40 if imports increase.

Ekramul Haque, president of Chapainawabganj Import Export Group, read out a written statement at the press conference.

It was informed at the press conference that in August, some importers were given permission to import 50 metric tons of onions. Only two days later, the permission was stopped again. However, later a syndicate is trying to get IP through a court order. If this happens, the onion market will go into the hands of a syndicate. For this, they demanded that the IP of onion be opened.

Importers claim that due to the stoppage of imports, onion prices are being sold at Tk 80 per kg. If imports increase, the prices will come down to Tk 40.

Arif Uddin, general secretary of the Import Exporter Group, importer Abdul Awal were also present among others at the press conference.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that any disruption to the 13th parliamentary elections would benefit “corrupt autocracy and unconstitutional forces.”

Speaking after a meeting with the National Consensus Commission held at the Foreign Service Academy on Wednesday, he said proportional representation (PR) cannot be secured on the streets and must be discussed at the negotiation table. “Taking to the streets while avoiding the discussion table is self-contradictory,” he added.

Salahuddin stressed that the government was formed according to the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s guidance. On proposals for a public referendum, he said fundamental reforms may require one, but duplicate referendums are unnecessary and such matters should be resolved through dialogue.

He urged that elections proceed smoothly to prevent undemocratic forces from gaining and expressed hope that necessary reforms could be considered after the parliament is formed.

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus will travel to the United States on September 22 to participate in the 80th session of United Nations General Assembly, being held at UN headquarters in New York.

He is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 26.

The announcement was made by Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at a press conference held on Wednesday at Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

China has said Bangladesh is welcome to participate in cooperation under the framework of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), together with other nations to help build a more just and equitable global governance system.

The GGI, launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping, aims to provide a "Chinese solution" to the pressing challenges of global governance.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen extended the invitation during a meeting with Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam in Dhaka on Monday, said a Chinese embassy`s media release today.

The two sides held in-depth discussions on Bangladesh-China relations, practical cooperation, the Global Governance Initiative and regional as well as international issues of mutual concern.

Ambassador Yao noted that Bangladesh-China relations continue to maintain a sound momentum of development, marked by smooth bilateral cooperation and strengthened friendship.

He said China is ready to work with Bangladesh to further implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries.

Foreign Secretary Siam welcomed and appreciated the Global Governance Initiative, describing it as a timely contribution by President Xi to address global challenges.

The Bangladesh side also expressed satisfaction with the positive progress made in bilateral relations and reiterated its willingness to deepen cooperation with China across various fields for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.

Staff Correspondent: Khwaja Masum Bellah Kausarey, Editor of the Daily Kaler Katha and Founder & Executive Director of SEDRO, has been elected by a landslide victory as the Secretary of Publicity, Publications, and Media of the Central Executive Committee of the elite residential community New Town Society in Dhaka. On his victory, the SEDRO family, along with local residents, education enthusiasts, and social development activists, have expressed their heartfelt congratulations and warm felicitations.

The election was held in a festive atmosphere on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Out of 400 registered voters, 340 cast their votes, and Khwaja Kausarey secured 210 votes, winning by a significant margin. It is noteworthy that he is also one of the founders of the New Town Society.
Khwaja Kausarey has long been associated with journalism, editing, and social service. Through his writings and media activities, he has consistently stood for justice, ethics, and humanity, earning the trust of the community. His active role in education, culture, social development, and humanitarian services has made him equally respected among both the young and the elderly.

His spiritual lineage includes Khan Bahadur Nawab Khwaja Ahsanullah (R.A), the Sufi saint Khwaja Faizuddin (R.A.), and the spiritual guide Khwaja Naser Ali (R.A.). Inspired by the human service, educational expansion, and spiritual ideals of his predecessors, he continues to advance in social leadership.

It should be mentioned that for nearly two decades, Khwaja Kausarey has been working through his private research and development organization SIDRO, focusing on social and moral education. He has been tirelessly advocating for the establishment of social values, responsibility, and accountability, as well as building a society based on truth, justice, and fairness. His efforts consistently call for a united society beyond politics, divisions, hatred, and conflicts—embracing all, regardless of religion, caste, or community.

The position of Secretary of Publicity, Publications, and Media is a highly significant role in the activities of the New Town Society. The postholder plays an essential role in promoting development initiatives, ensuring positive media coverage, and bringing transparency to cultural activities. Residents believe that Khwaja Kausarey’s experience and competence will greatly enhance the reputation of the Society.

In his reaction, Khwaja Kausarey stated: “The New Town Society is our common home. I want to value the opinions of every resident and bring their voices to the forefront. With transparency, unity, and inclusiveness, I will do my utmost to build a society above politics, divisions, and partisanship.” All in all, Khwaja Kausarey’s victory in the 2025 Central Executive Committee election of the New Town Society is not just a personal achievement, but rather a reflection of the trust, unity, and aspirations for social development of the community.

On behalf of the entire SIDRO family and all well-wishers, heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for his future endeavors are extended to Khwaja Masum Bellah Kausarey.

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Choudhury has assured that this year’s Durga Puja will be observed in a more festive, organized and peaceful manner than in previous years.

Following a visit to Ramna Kali Mandir in Dhaka this afternoon, the Home Adviser praised the temple committee for their efficient preparations and said, “I want to assure everyone that Durga Puja will be celebrated more peacefully and festively than last year. It will be well-organized.”

Responding to questions from journalists, he confirmed that there is no threat of attacks surrounding Puja celebrations and expressed hope that the festivities would proceed smoothly and without disruption.

To ensure nationwide safety, the government will implement round-the-clock surveillance at all Puja mandaps, deploying Ansar, police and other law enforcement agencies.

The Home Adviser also highlighted the government’s increased financial support, noting that this year, Tk 5 crore has been allocated for Durga Puja celebrations; up from Tk 4 crore last year.

“In the past 15 years of Awami League rule, the allocation was just Tk 2 crore,” he said.

He further mentioned a significant increase in the number of mandaps across the country, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the festival.

He also urged people not to spread or believe in misinformation or rumours regarding the celebrations.

He announced the launch of a new mobile app designed to monitor the situation at Puja venues nationwide and enable swift response if needed.

President of Ramna Kali Mandir Committee, Arpana Roy, expressed gratitude to the Home Adviser for ensuring comprehensive security measures, saying that it will help devotees celebrate the festival in peace and joy.

Bangladesh rose to 9th in T20 International rankings following their victory against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup on Tuesday.

The ranking improvement is also the outcome of their consistent performance in the last three months. Since they slipped to 10th in May, Bangladesh have won series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Also, they won two matches out of three in the Asia Cup that eventually resulted in rising to 9th in this format.

Afghanistan, however, replaced Bangladesh in the 10th spot. But the rating point of both sides is the same – 222 – meaning Afghanistan can regain the 9th spot anytime soon.

Despite winning two matches, Bangladesh are yet to confirm their Super 4 phase in Asia Cup. The match between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday will decide their fate.

A Sri Lanka victory in the match will help Bangladesh through to the next round, while an Afghan victory will leave them facing some tough equations.

The Bangladesh Air Force and the United States Pacific Air Forces have conducted a weeklong joint exercise aimed at enhancing wartime preparedness and operational coordination.

The drill, held under “Operation Pacific Angel 25-3,” concluded on Wednesday (September 17).

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the exercise featured simulated air evacuations, including transporting critically injured patients and transferring them between aircraft. Search and rescue operations were also practiced, designed to strengthen emergency medical support, in-flight coordination, and rapid decision-making.

On the ground, participants took part in combat tracking and survival training, focusing on detecting enemy movements, covert navigation, tactical planning, and survival in hostile environments with limited resources. Training also covered food and water collection, concealment, and safe escape from enemy encirclement.

The ISPR noted that the drill significantly improved the forces’ ability to operate jointly during crises and wartime missions. It described the exercise as a milestone in advancing future Bangladesh-US defense cooperation.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York later this month, accompanied by four senior political leaders from Bangladesh’s major political parties.

The inclusion of opposition figures in the official delegation marks a notable departure from past practice, reflecting the interim government’s stated commitment to inclusive governance and broad-based political engagement.

According to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, the delegation will comprise BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Amir Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, and National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhter Hossen.

The group, alongside senior foreign ministry officials and members of the Chief Adviser’s office, is scheduled to depart Dhaka on September 22.

Professor Yunus is expected to deliver Bangladesh’s national statement at the UNGA on 26 September.

In his address, he is likely to emphasise the interim government’s efforts over the past year to stabilise the country following political turmoil, its roadmap for institutional reforms, and preparations for free and fair elections scheduled for February next year.

“The Chief Adviser will highlight reforms, democracy, and Bangladesh’s role in addressing global challenges,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain told reporters.

The 80th session of the UNGA carries the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.”

The week-long General Debate (23–27 and 29 September) will see heads of state and government outline their national and international priorities against the backdrop of mounting global crises, including climate change, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical conflict.

For Bangladesh, key agenda items are expected to include the plight of the displaced Rohingya population, climate action, sustainable development, and the importance of strengthening multilateralism. On 30 September, Professor Yunus will attend a high-level plenary meeting focused on the Rohingya crisis, where he is expected to call for sustained international pressure on Myanmar and renewed global support for a safe and voluntary repatriation process.

The Chief Adviser is also scheduled to participate in the UN Climate Summit on 24 September, convened by Secretary-General António Guterres to accelerate action in line with the Paris Agreement. Bangladesh, among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, is expected to press for stronger commitments on adaptation finance and equitable access to green technology.

Other notable events on Professor Yunus’s agenda include the 80th anniversary commemoration of the founding of the United Nations on 22 September, as well as the International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. Bangladesh has historically supported the two-state solution and is likely to reaffirm this position.

Beyond formal sessions, Professor Yunus is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with global leaders, aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s diplomatic profile and fostering cooperation in areas such as climate resilience, poverty alleviation, and economic development. Foreign ministry officials noted that schedules are being finalised.

Professor Yunus and the delegation will travel to New York on a commercial flight, arriving on September 22.

He is slated to return to Dhaka on October 2, concluding a ten-day visit that officials say will be crucial for both Bangladesh’s foreign policy visibility and its domestic transition process.

A pilot of Biman Bangladesh Airlines was detained by Saudi immigration authorities at Jeddah Airport on Tuesday night, September 16, after arriving in the country without a passport.

The pilot, Captain Muntasir Rahman, had flown a Boeing 777 carrying passengers from Dhaka to Jeddah. Upon arrival, immigration officials questioned him and subsequently withheld him for attempting to enter Saudi Arabia without the required travel documents.

Airline sources confirmed that Captain Muntasir was later released from airport custody and taken to a hotel under the supervision of Biman authorities on Wednesday morning.

His passport, which he reportedly left behind at home, was sent on a subsequent Biman flight later that evening.

Biman’s General Manager (Public Relations), Boshra Islam, told Jago News that the issue was the result of an oversight by the pilot. “He forgot to carry his passport. He is now at a hotel in Jeddah under the airline’s care, and his passport has already been dispatched,” she said.

The airline also clarified that the incident did not disrupt passenger services or affect the flight schedule.

The elections to the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) will take place on November 27.

The university administration announced a roadmap for the polls on Wednesday, September 17.

According to the roadmap, the election commission will be formed and its activities will begin on October 8, and the balloting will he held on November 27, said a notice issued by acting registrar prof Dr Md Sheikh Gias Uddin today.

After the formation of the election commission, view exchange, schedule announcement, preparing voter list, nomination form submission and verification, publication of candidate list, and campaign will be done in phases, as per the roadmap.

The move comes amid the student movement demanding the JnUCSU elections.

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight bound for Dhaka via Sylhet was grounded at Dubai International Airport late Tuesday night after engineers detected a mechanical glitch during a pre-departure inspection leaving 178 passengers stranded and forcing the national flag carrier to arrange emergency accommodation and meals.

The affected aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 (Flight BG-248), was scheduled to take off at 12:05 am on Tuesday (September 16). However, routine safety checks revealed a technical issue, prompting Biman to halt the flight “in the interest of passenger safety,” according to Boshra Islam, General Manager (Public Relations) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, who spoke to Jago News on Wednesday.

“All stranded passengers have been transferred to nearby hotels, and meal arrangements have been made,” Islam confirmed. “We deeply regret the inconvenience and are working round the clock to resolve the issue.”

Biman’s Engineering Department has mobilised a rapid response. A relief flight carrying engineers and necessary spare parts is scheduled to depart from Dhaka for Dubai on Wednesday night. If repairs proceed as planned, the aircraft is expected to resume its journey to Sylhet and then Dhaka later that same night.

Passengers, many of whom are returning expatriate workers and families, have expressed frustration over the unexpected delay but acknowledged the airline’s safety-first approach.

This incident comes at a time when Biman is facing increased scrutiny over operational reliability. While the airline has expanded its fleet and routes in recent years, mechanical delays and cancellations have occasionally disrupted travel plans drawing criticism from passengers and aviation watchdogs alike.

Still, Biman maintains that passenger safety remains its “non-negotiable priority.”

In a fiery political salvo aimed at discrediting its former ally, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Central Committee Senior Member Kazi Alauddin branded Jamaat-e-Islami as “a party of traitors” whose “words and actions never match,” accusing the Islamist outfit of political hypocrisy and historical betrayal.

Speaking at the biannual conference of the Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal held at Srifalkati Secondary School ground in Shyamnagar of Satkhira, on Wednesday, Alauddin delivered a blistering critique of Jamaat’s shifting ideological stance – particularly on women’s leadership – and alleged that the party conspired to sabotage national elections out of fear of political extinction.

Alauddin zeroed in on Jamaat’s ideological flip-flops, highlighting what he called “shameless opportunism.”

“They once declared women’s leadership haram – forbidden in Islam. Yet in 1991, they shamelessly asked Begum Khaleda Zia for three reserved women’s seats! And in 1996? They jumped into bed with the Awami League and handed them power,” Alauddin thundered to a cheering crowd.

He drew a sharp historical parallel: “Had Jamaat not allied with the Awami League in 1996, they would’ve suffered the same fate as the Muslim League, vanished into political oblivion.”

The veteran BNP leader accused Jamaat of now “pretending to embrace women” purely for electoral survival, a charge he called “the height of hypocrisy.”

Alauddin did not stop at past betrayals. He issued a stark warning about Jamaat’s current intentions.

“They know they can’t win. They can’t even be a credible opposition. So, what do they do? They conspire to disrupt the national elections to create chaos, to delegitimize the process, to hide their irrelevance.”

Turning to BNP’s own legacy, Alauddin invoked the name of late President Ziaur Rahman, founder of the party and a decorated hero of the 1971 Liberation War.

“BNP was born from the blood of 1971, never compromised with injustice. After Zia’s martyrdom, Begum Khaleda Zia took up the mantle with iron resolve,” he declared.

He accused ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of running a “16-year dictatorship,” alleging mass imprisonment, torture, and killings of BNP leaders and activists. “Millions have suffered. Countless lives lost. But we have not bowed.”

In a significant political signal, Alauddin credited BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, currently in exile in London, as the “mastermind” behind the July 2024 mass movement against the government.

“Under his strategic guidance, BNP took to the streets to resist this fascist regime. The people responded. The momentum is ours.”

He ended with a rallying cry: “The next election is our turning point. Everyone, every patriot, every victim of tyranny — must unite behind BNP. Victory is not just possible, it is inevitable.”

The conference, chaired by upazila unit Mahila Dal President Nurjahan Parvin Jhorna, saw strong attendance from senior female BNP leaders, including: Farida Akhter Beauty, District Mahila Dal President, Saleka Haque Keya, former Organising Secretary, Professor Ashiq Elahi Munna, Khan Abdus Sabur, Anwarul Haque, and Abdullah Al Qayyum – all prominent local BNP figures.

Five more deaths were reported from dengue in the last 24 hours (from Tuesday 8:00am to Wednesday 8:00am), taking the total number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease to 161 this year.

Of the new deaths, three were reported in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), and three others in Rajshahi division (outside of the city).

During the period, 622 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, raising the total cases to 39,814 to date this year, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said in a statement today (September 17).

Of the new cases, 131 were reported in Barishal division (outside the city corporation), 98 in Chattogram division (outside the city corporation), 104 in Dhaka division (outside the city corporation), 100 in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), 99 in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), 14 in Khulna division (outside the city corporation), 19 in Mymensingh division (outside the city corporation), 51 in Rajshahi division (outside the city corporation), and six in Rangpur division (outside the city corporation).

MT Desk: PAKISTAN’S professed $8 trillion worth of untapped critical mineral reserves, especially copper, gold and rare earth elements, have sparked optimism about significant foreign direct investment. On September 8, 2025, the United States announced a $500 million investment in Pakistan’s critical minerals sector. This investment, along with the potential for more from other foreign companies, strengthens Pakistan’s multi-sectoral engagement approach towards the United States. Importantly, the US Department of Energy has defined critical minerals as essential in a variety of technologies related to advanced manufacturing (electric vehicles, wind turbines and batteries) and energy production. Therefore, the incumbent Trump Administration has made the mineral deals a key priority given the importance of critical mineral resources to American security and prosperity.
The US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker announced that various US companies are interested in the essential minerals and mining sector in Pakistan. The American companies had also expressed their interest in tapping Pakistan’s offshore oil reserves. More agreements between US companies and their local counterparts in the critical minerals and mining sector would lead to significant growth and development in the industry and further improve bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States. The Government of Pakistan has refurbished its mines and mineral policy to ease foreign and local mineral and metal investors in recent years.
The National Minerals Harmonisation Framework (NMHF) 2025 announcement was a right step in the right direction for tapping the trillions of dollars’ worth of natural resources of Pakistan. According to the Geological Survey of Pakistan, the country is endowed with an outcrop area of 600,000 square Kilometers containing 92 known minerals, of which 52 are commercially mined. These include a diverse range of minerals such as coal, copper, gold, chromite, lead, zinc, antimony, titanium, rare earth elements, magnesium, mineral salt, etc. The United Nations has designated copper, lithium, nickel and cobalt as Critical Energy Transition Minerals, as their supply is key to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. Hence, the investor-friendly policy and varied range of minerals make Pakistan a treasure trove for the local and foreign investors.
The two-day investment forum—Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 (PMIF-25)— showcased Pakistan’s mineral potential on April 8-9, 2025. It was organized by the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) in collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), Barrick, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Government Holdings (Private) Limited, Pakistan Minerals Private Limited, Frontier Works Organisation, Mari Energies, and Reko Diq Mining Company at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. The forum has catalyzed international attention in its resource potential. It was attended by over 2,000 participants, including more than 300 delegates from countries such as China, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, Kenya and Finland.
The PMIF-25 positive outcome was witnessed during the last week. The American metals company, the US Strategic Metals (USSM) and the Pakistani Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Islamabad on September 8, 2025. The USSM, based in the US State of Missouri, specialises in extracting critical metals from old lithium-ion batteries and mining cobalt, nickel and copper. The USSM’s mission statement is very revealing, i.e., ‘To help create a safe and clean energy future for our planet, we’re providing the innovation, resources and sustainable practices to recover and mine strategic metals for today’s and tomorrow’s renewables.’ This mission not only underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable practices but also highlights the potential environmental benefits of these investments.

Special Correspondent: A discussion meeting organized by Bangladesh Teachers Federation, affiliated with Education International, emphasized the modernization of the education system to enhance the quality of education held on Wednesday.
The speakers expressed their frustration over the current poor state of the education system at the moment.
Dr. Dewan Azad Rahman presided over the event, where Dr. Papia Sultana, Md. Abdul Mannan, Md. Kamrus Salehin, Bilsaje Ferdousi, Ismat Jakiya, and Shahana Afroze also participate among others.  
The speakers stressed the need for establishing an independent Directorate of Secondary Education to improve the quality of secondary education at the discussion meeting.
A program was adopted to celebrate World Teachers` Day on 5th October with due dignity in the meeting.  
An open call was made to everyone to participate in that program.

(BSS) - Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited conducted a mobile court drive in Narayanganj on Tuesday and severed illegal gas connections to curb unauthorized use and safeguard government revenue.

The operation was carried out at Langalbandh under Bandar Thana where 6,655 cubic feet of gas wastage was prevented, valued at around Taka 18,100 per day and Taka 506,000 per month.

During the drive, 320 feet of illegal pipelines spread across a two-kilometer area were removed, leading to the disconnection of 300 residential burners, nine commercial burners and one oven.

The mobile court also imposed a fine of Taka one lakh on an accused for using illegal gas connections.

Ahead of this year’s Sharadiya Durga Puja, Bangladesh has exported the first batch of around 37.5 tons of hilsa fish to India. Eight trucks carrying the fish entered Petrapole land port in India via Benapole land port around 12:30 am on Wednesday (16 September).

Benapole Port Director Shamim Hossain confirmed the shipment.

According to port sources, five importing companies from Kolkata—National Trading, FNS Fish, Joy Shantasi, Maa International, and RJ International—received the first batch of hilsa. On the Bangladeshi side, six exporting companies—Satata Fish, Swarnali Enterprise, Tanisha Enterprise, Bishwas Traders, and Lucky Trading—shipped a total of 37.46 tons.

Although hilsa exports are generally restricted, the Bangladesh government has allowed a total of 1,200 tons to be exported to India ahead of the festival. Approval has been granted to 37 companies: one company can export 50 tons, 25 companies 30 tons each (totaling 750 tons), nine companies 40 tons each (360 tons), and two companies 20 tons each (40 tons).

Sharadiya Durga Puja, the largest festival of the Hindu community, is set to begin across West Bengal on 28 September. Fresh hilsa from the Padma River is reaching India just in time for the celebrations.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has proposed a 15 percent cut to the UN’s regular budget for 2026, citing chronic financial shortfalls worsened by U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies and halted contributions.

The proposed budget stands at $3.238 billion — down from the previously projected $3.7 billion — and includes plans to eliminate 2,681 jobs. The move is part of Guterres’ broader UN80 Initiative, aimed at making the organization leaner, more agile, and better equipped to meet global challenges ahead of its 80th anniversary in 2025.

In letters to UN staff and member states released Tuesday, Guterres said the budget cuts will involve a 19 percent reduction in the regular workforce, with the impact distributed across the UN’s three central pillars: peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development. However, programs directed at the world’s least-developed countries will be protected.

"For some colleagues, these changes may mean relocation for themselves and their families. For others, they mean changes in functions or reporting lines. And for some, separation from service," Guterres wrote.

A senior UN official confirmed that at least 200 staff members based in Geneva and New York will be relocated to more cost-effective cities such as Nairobi.

The proposal must be approved by the UN General Assembly before the end of the year.

The UN has long suffered from liquidity problems due to delayed or incomplete contributions from member states. The situation has worsened under the current U.S. administration. The United States, which traditionally funds about 22 percent of the UN’s regular budget, was $1.5 billion behind on payments as of January and has made no payments since Trump returned to office. Furthermore, in July, the U.S. Congress voted to rescind previously approved UN funding.

In recent years, Washington has also withdrawn from multiple UN agencies, adding further uncertainty to future contributions.

The proposed budget cuts mark one of the most significant downsizing efforts in the UN’s history, reflecting both fiscal pressures and a broader attempt to reform the organization in the face of mounting global challenges and shifting political dynamics.

The bottom of the world is front and center for a partial solar eclipse next week.

Antarctica, New Zealand and a sliver of Australia are in prime position as the moon slips between the sun and Earth, obscuring a good portion of our star. The action unfolds on Monday local time Down Under, two weeks aftera total lunar eclipse wowed Asia.

It will be the fourth and last eclipse of the year. Another back-to-back pair of eclipses opened the year in March.

The sun will put on even better shows in 2026, hitting both polar regions. A "ring of fire" eclipse will cut across Antarctica in February, with a total solar eclipse over the Arctic in August, as well as Greenland, Iceland and Spain.

Lionel Messi delivered a standout performance on Tuesday night, scoring once and assisting another goal to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders in a heated MLS rematch of their controversial Leagues Cup final.

The 38-year-old Argentine legend, who previously starred for Barcelona and captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, set up Jordi Alba’s opening goal in the 12th minute before netting his own in the 41st, giving Miami a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime.

Ian Fray extended the lead to 3-0 in the 52nd minute, while Seattle’s Obed Vargas managed to pull one back in the 69th. But the comeback effort fell short.

The match marked the first meeting between the sides since the volatile August 31 Leagues Cup final, where Seattle routed Miami 3-0 and tensions boiled over into a benches-clearing brawl. That match ended with Miami striker Luis Suarez spitting on a Sounders staff member — an incident that earned him a ban from the 2026 Leagues Cup and a three-match suspension in MLS play. Suarez, who apologized earlier this month, served the second game of his suspension on Tuesday.

The win was a crucial one for Inter Miami, who had fallen to eighth place in the Eastern Conference after a 3-0 loss at Charlotte on Saturday. The victory lifts them to fifth place with a 14-6-7 record and 49 points — now only eight points behind conference leaders Philadelphia, with three games in hand.

Seattle, now 12-8-9 with 45 points, dropped to fourth in the Western Conference, just one point ahead of Los Angeles FC.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday that she and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed new steps to ramp up economic pressure on Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine.

"I had a good call with (Trump) on strengthening our joint efforts to increase economic pressure on Russia through additional measures," von der Leyen posted on social media platform X.

She added that the European Commission will soon present proposals for a 19th round of EU sanctions against Russia since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. The upcoming package is expected to include new restrictions targeting the crypto sector, Russian banks, and energy exports.

Trump has urged U.S. allies to stop buying Russian oil before he takes further punitive actions against Moscow, and has also pushed for increased tariffs on China.

The EU had already banned most Russian oil imports following the invasion and has pledged to eliminate all Russian oil and gas imports by the end of 2027. However, von der Leyen signaled a desire to accelerate that timeline.

"Russia`s war economy, sustained by revenues from fossil fuels, is financing the bloodshed in Ukraine," she wrote. "To put an end to it, the Commission will propose speeding up the phase-out of Russian fossil imports."

The latest round of proposed sanctions underscores continued transatlantic cooperation as Western nations look for new ways to undermine the Kremlin’s ability to fund its war effort.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his phone call and warm wishes on his 75th birthday.

"Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday," Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday.

Reaffirming India`s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, Modi said, "Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights."

The Indian premier also extended support for Trump`s peace efforts on the global stage. "We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict," he added.

The two leaders have maintained close communication on key global and regional issues, with both countries emphasizing cooperation in trade, defense, and strategic affairs.

Some masked miscreants stabbed to death the wife of a local BNP leader in Tangail Sadar upazila on Tuesday night failing to find the leader.

Dceased Lily Akter, 40, was the wife of Mogra Union BNP General Secretary SM Anisur Rahman Uttam.

(BSS/AFP) - Once a far-right pariah, activist Tommy Robinson attracted up to 150,000 protestors to a weekend march in London, triggering soul-searching in Britain about the mainstreaming of fringe politics.

The large numbers seen on Saturday came as a shock to many in the country and raised questions about the implications for the future of British politics and society.

- How was Robinson able to attract so many people? -

Despite his reputation, criminal past and bouts of thuggery, Robinson was able to mobilise huge numbers.

"We were looking at something that was kind of a perfect storm," Matthew Feldman, visiting professor at Liverpool Hope University and expert on far-right extremism, told AFP.

The march took place amid public anger over the large numbers of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats, the housing of asylum seekers in hotels, a deepening row about free speech and continued economic stagnation.

"The angry protests outside asylum hotels are now metastasising into a simpler, broader message: stop immigration, defend free speech, revive Christianity," Trevor Phillips, former head of the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), wrote in The Times on Monday after attending the march.

"It is a compelling trinity for a country that feels angry and unmoored," he said.

But Feldman pointed out that previous, smaller, marches have taken place during similarly febrile times and that the most significant factor boosting Robinson`s is, "without doubt, is the reach that he`s afforded on X", whose owner Elon Musk spoke at the rally via video link.

- Who was at the march? -

Robinson`s hardcore support from his days as a football hooligan were in attendance, with sporadic violence breaking out during the day.

Phillips reported that the attendees were also largely working-class people and the rural middle-class.

There was plenty of firebrand rhetoric on stage from figures of the global far-right movement, such as French politician Eric Zemmour, who spoke about "the great replacement of our European people by peoples coming from the south and of Muslim culture".

Musk also told the crowd that "massive uncontrolled migration" was contributing to the "destruction of Britain", adding that "violence is coming" and that "you either fight back or you die".

The British government slammed his comments as "dangerous and inflammatory".

- Has the far right gone mainstream? -

The rally is a "worrying sign of mainstreaming and emboldening," Aaron Winter, of Lancaster University, told AFP.

While the end of summer usually marks the end of "marching season" and an expected seasonal reduction in the small boat crossings promises calmer times, it would be wrong to think the issue has gone away, said Feldman.

"Tommy Robinson, probably today, is looking around and saying, `you know, that was a real success`," he added, explaining that having Musk`s support gave him "tools" he did not have a decade ago.

The number of people in prison for far-right terror incidents in Britain stands at 75, a rise from 42 in 2020, according to official figures.

- What are the political implications? -

The Reform UK party, led by Brexit figurehead Nigel Farage, has also capitalised on public anger over immigration and is a heavy favourite to form the next government, although an election is not expected for another four years.

"The far right has momentum. For starters, Reform UK is getting closer to 40 percent polls, and no one is able to stop it," said Georgios Samaras, from London`s King`s College.

"Reform is here to stay," he added.

But Farage dismisses Robinson as an extremist and has been criticised by Musk for not being hardline enough, hinting that governing will not be straightforward.

The "mainstreaming of the far-right" has already had a political effect, with both main parties "chasing that vote" and talking tough on immigration, added Winter.

- How can extremism be countered? -

Left-wing Labour MP Clive Lewis wrote on social media that "pretending" all those in attendance were "racists or fascists would be a massive mistake", and called for progressives to offer a "story of renewal" in order to lure them away from far-right figures.

Feldman said that repairing the "dividing line between mainstream and extreme, has never been more important."

"At the height of World War II, George Orwell... said, `not all of us can have a direct influence on the war, but our duty at home is to keep our little corner clean`," he added.

That could include "working with communities who might be at the sharp end, standing with them, standing up for British values of tolerance and multiculturalism.

"The floodwaters are rising, but let`s not go weak at the knees," he said.

(BSS/AFP) - Celebrated director Park Chan-wook`s star-studded murder comedy will open Asia`s biggest film festival Wednesday, which launches its first fully fledged competition lineup as South Korea projects its soft power worldwide.

The 30th edition of Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) arrives after the global success of critical works exploring Korean culture and experiences, such as "Squid Game", "Parasite" and this year`s megahit "KPop Demon Hunters".

The festival, which has long focused on emerging talents in the region, is undergoing a revamp this year, launching its first major competition section featuring 14 titles -- including four South Korean pictures.

The section includes seasoned Chinese director Zhang Lu`s "Gloaming In Luomu" and Taiwan`s megastar Shu Qi`s directorial debut "Girl", and will be judged by juries headed by South Korean filmmaker Na Hong-jin.

The latest edition "sought not only to further expand its long-standing role as a platform for discovering emerging Asian talent, but also to effectively showcase the works of acclaimed Asian masters", festival director Jung Han-seok told AFP.

Karen Park, the festival`s programme director, said the lineup was designed to honour Asian cinema in the way it wishes to be understood.

"I believe it is meaningful that an Asian film festival, which understands Asian culture and its linguistic and historical contexts, evaluates Asian films and offers its own perspectives on them," she said.

Auteur Park Chan-wook -- best known for "Old Boy" -- which thrust him into the international spotlight in 2004 -- returns to Busan with his latest feature, "No Other Choice", after it featured at the Venice Film Festival which ended earlier this month.

Based on American writer Donald E. Westlake`s 1997 novel "The Ax", the film, this year`s BIFF opener, follows a desperate laid-off worker who decides to kill off potential competitors for a new job.

It stars South Korea`s top actors -- "Squid Game" star Lee Byung-hun and "Crash Landing on You" actress Son Ye-jin -- in the lead.

The film was warmly received at Venice in August, with specialist outlet Variety calling it a "dazzling murder comedy" and a "masterclass in controlled chaos".

The opening film marks a shift from last year`s choice of Netflix`s period war drama "Uprising", which drew criticism in South Korea`s cinema community given BIFF`s tradition of championing theatrical films.

- Future of Asian cinema -

This year`s edition features 241 official entries from 64 countries, including 90 world premieres.

Among them is "Hana Korea", a North Korean refugee drama with "Pachinko" star Kim Min-ha, and "The People Upstairs", from South Korean actor-director Ha Jung-woo, which centres on the issue of inter-floor noise.

BIFF will also host a singalong screening of Netflix`s K-pop fantasy hit "KPop Demon Hunters".

As for emerging talents, there has been a "wave of exciting new voices emerging" in Asia, "especially in short films where sensitive themes are tackled with remarkable freedom", said Park Sung-ho, one of BIFF`s programmers.

"In much of Asia, freedom of expression is still not widely guaranteed, yet within shorts young directors have revealed their individuality in striking ways, offering reasons to feel optimistic about the future of Asian cinema," he told AFP.

Among the star-studded guests are Asia`s celebrated auteurs Bong Joon-ho and Jia Zhangke, French actress Juliette Binoche, American star Milla Jovovich, "KPop Demon Hunters" director Maggie Kang, and Hollywood auteur Michael Mann.

(BSS/AFP) - Britain will roll out a supersized royal welcome for Donald Trump`s unprecedented second state visit on Wednesday, with the king to greet the US president who has compared himself to a monarch.

From a carriage ride with King Charles III to a flypast and a lavish state dinner in the nearly 1,000-year-old Windsor Castle, Britain is going to unprecedented levels to dazzle and flatter the mercurial Trump.

A huge security operation will keep the 79-year-old Republican far away from protests and the British public -- among whom polls show Trump remains unpopular -- with the extraordinary show of pomp and pageantry unfolding entirely behind closed doors.

Knowing that Trump is obsessed with Britain`s royals and loves showy displays of pomp, Britain has turned up the pageantry to the max as he becomes the first US president to visit Britain twice.

The trip will involve what UK officials call the biggest military ceremonial welcome for any state visit in living memory -- even bigger than when Queen Elizabeth II hosted Trump in 2019.

Trump will also get the first joint flypast by US and UK fighter jets at an event of its kind, and the largest guard of honour at a state visit, featuring 120 horses and 1,300 troops.

It`s all designed to appeal to a US leader who this year crowed "LONG LIVE THE KING!" about himself on social media before the White House posted a fake magazine cover of him wearing a crown.

- `Warm my heart` -

The question for Britain is whether the red carpet welcome will win over Trump, whose unpredictability on everything tariffs to Ukraine and Gaza has caused global turmoil.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be hoping that Trump leaves on Thursday feeling the warm glow of some royal soft power, but there are no guarantees.

Trump appeared to be feeling the love as he arrived by helicopter at the US ambassador`s official residence in London on Tuesday with First Lady Melania Trump.

"A lot of things here warm my heart," said the president, whose mother hailed from Scotland and who has two golf courses in Britain.

He described Charles, 76, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, as "my friend."

The Republican may also relish a chance to escape a turbulent period at home in the United States, where the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk has caused deep turmoil.

Trump`s day will begin with heir to the throne Prince William and his wife Catherine welcoming him and Melania to Windsor Castle, the home of the British royals for nearly a millennium.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are then due to join them for a carriage procession through the grounds of Windsor estate towards the castle -- again behind closed doors.

The Trumps will lay a wreath on the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022.

- Shadow of Epstein -

Trump will also witness a military band ceremony, ending with a flypast by US and British F-35 military jets and the Royal Air Force`s Red Arrows display team.

The president and Charles will wrap up the day with a white-tie state banquet, where they are due to hold speeches.

The lavish welcome, however, stands in contrast to public opinion in Britain, where polls show Trump remains unpopular.

Demonstrators projected images of Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle late Tuesday, while protests are planned in London on Wednesday.

Starmer will host Trump on the second day of the visit on Thursday at his country residence Chequers for talks that could turn awkward on several fronts.

The British premier in particular faces political troubles at home, after sacking his UK ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, over a scandal involving the diplomat`s connection to the late Epstein.

Trump has also been dragged into the scandal, while insisting it is a "hoax."

(BSS/AFP) - European firms still face challenges in securing access to crucial rare earths from China, a business lobby warned Wednesday, despite a July deal to speed up exports.

China dominates the global industry for extracting and refining the strategic minerals, giving it vital leverage in a renewed trade war this year with Washington.

Since April, Beijing has required licences for certain exports, sending ripple effects across worldwide manufacturing sectors.

Following a tense summit in July hosted by Beijing, European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said that leaders had agreed to an improved mechanism for Chinese exports of rare earth minerals to the bloc.

But in its annual position paper released Wednesday, the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said that "many companies -- particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) -- are still experiencing significant supply chain disruptions".

"No long-term, sustainable solution has been put forward," it said, adding that the Chamber is in "regular contact" with Chinese authorities on the matter.

"We have a number of members who are right now suffering significant losses because of these bottlenecks," Chamber president Jens Eskelund told journalists.

"We have raised with our members more than 140 applications and it`s a fraction of these so far that have been resolved," he said.

"So this has not gone away."

In its latest publication, the lobby representing over 1,600 member companies put forward 1,141 recommendations to Chinese policymakers, aimed at smoothing over various obstacles faced by European firms in the country.

Chief among those hurdles this year, Eskelund said, is a wavering Chinese economy that has struggled to mount a robust rebound since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sluggish consumption, a manufacturing glut and prolonged woes in the country`s vast property sector are among the main challenges now vexing Beijing policymakers and businesses.

In a sign of entrenched woes facing the world`s second-largest economy, data released this week showed factory output and consumption rising in August at their weakest pace in around a year.

"I actually see a greater convergence in terms of the challenges Chinese companies have and the challenges foreign companies have," said Eskelund.

"The big enemy here -- that`s the state of the domestic economy and supply-demand balance," he said.

"I think we see completely eye-to-eye with the vast majority of Chinese companies."

(BSS/AFP) - The US Federal Reserve is poised to make its first interest rate cut of 2025 on Wednesday, but it battles competing forces in the path forward -- with heightened political pressure and likely divisions among its ranks.

There is little doubt that the US central bank will lower rates at the end of its two-day policy meeting, and markets widely expect a 25 basis points reduction spurred by a weakening employment market.

Less certain, however, are the pace and size of further cuts to come.

For a start, moves by President Donald Trump cast uncertainty over the Fed`s rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) until hours before officials were due to convene early Tuesday.

Trump, who has pushed over months for the central bank to slash rates, moved in August to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook, sparking a legal fight that could have prevented her from attending the rate meeting.

Trump also nominated his key economic adviser to the Fed`s board of governors after another official unexpectedly resigned last month, setting in motion a confirmation process that concluded at the eleventh hour.

Stephen Miran, who has been chairing the White House Council of Economic Advisers, was sworn in as a Fed governor right before the FOMC gathering started.

But he has come under fire from Democratic lawmakers for taking a leave of absence rather than resigning from his White House role, a decision he attributed to the short tenure ending January 31 that he is filling.

- Dissents -

Economists expect to see more divisions among the FOMC too, as policymakers balance between the risk of higher inflation due to Trump`s new tariffs and a deteriorating jobs market.

Typically, the Fed might be inclined to keep rates at a higher level to bring inflation back to its two-percent target -- or slash rates to support a weakening labor market.

This time, employment concerns are anticipated to win out, even as inflation remains notably above 2.0 percent.

But the economic picture means that Fed officials could dissent in both directions even if most vote for a 25 basis points cut -- a situation not seen since 2019.

"That`s not a good place to be," said KPMG chief economist Diane Swonk, adding that there were worries about both inflation and a recession.

"It`s the stagflation reality that we`re living in now," she said, even if it is just a "mild bout." This refers to a situation of sluggish growth and rising prices.

Fed governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman, who voted against the FOMC`s last decision to hold rates steady -- instead seeking a rate cut -- could now dissent in favor of a bigger 50 basis points reduction.

Miran could also join them, analysts say.

MORE/OGR/0900 hrs

ZCZC

BFF-37

US-FED-RATE-POLITICS-TWO-LAST

But officials like Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid might dissent in the other direction, pushing to keep rates unchanged to curb inflation.

"It could be the first meeting where three governors dissent since 1988," said Deutsche Bank economists in a recent note.

Since its last cut in December, the Fed has held interest rates at a range between 4.25 percent and 4.50 percent.

- `Political attention` -

Miran`s confirmation -- without resigning from the CEA -- also risks a sense of political influence over Fed decisions, EY chief economist Gregory Daco told AFP.

Economists will be monitoring the outcome of the FOMC`s vote and whether Miran pushes for a large rate cut that Trump has repeatedly advocated for.

Separately, the legal battle of Cook -- the first Black woman on the Fed`s board of governors -- could have broader implications for the bank.

A federal appeals court ruled late Monday that Cook could remain in position while challenging her removal over alleged mortgage fraud.

But the Trump administration plans to appeal this outcome, potentially bringing the case to the Supreme Court.

"The backdrop that we`re experiencing, where there is increased political attention on the Fed, is concerning," Daco said.

"History has showed that in times when a central bank is under political influence, the economic outcomes are suboptimal," he added.

This could mean higher inflation, lower growth and more financial market volatility.

(BSS/AFP) - Japanese exports to the US plunged nearly 14 percent in August as Donald Trump`s swingeing tariffs continued to bite, with Wednesday`s official data also showing auto shipments were down more than a quarter.

The figures marked the latest hefty fall since the US president unveiled his levies against most other countries that rattled markets and shaken up global trade.

The 13.8 percent year-on-year drop in the value of goods going to the United States was the heaviest in more than four years, according to Bloomberg.

Auto exports tanked 28.4 percent, while auto parts fell 7.1 percent, Japan`s finance ministry data showed. Shipments of cars and other vehicles have seen similar falls since Trump began his trade war earlier in the year.

The auto industry, which accounts for about a third of Japan`s exports to the United States, has been suffering under a 27.5 percent levy.

However, on Tuesday, lower US tariffs on Japanese autos kicked in as Washington implemented a recent trade pact between the two countries.

Vehicles will now face a 15 percent toll, the same as many other goods.

While the implementation of the trade deal marked a win for Japan, the levies will continue to cause huge pain for the nation`s industries and Japanese business lobbies are hoping Tokyo will push on with fresh negotiations.

Trump has imposed painful import tariffs on countries around the world in an attempt to boost US manufacturing and reduce the colossal US trade deficit.

Japan`s automobile industry, which includes giants like Toyota and Honda, accounts for around eight percent of the country`s jobs.

Japan`s trade surplus with Washington -- which has been strongly criticised by Trump - fell about 50 percent on-year in August, to 324 billion yen ($2.21 billion).

(BSS/AFP) - Brazilian police on Tuesday arrested 45 people and rescued hundreds of exotic animals in the biggest ever operation against wildlife traffickers in the world`s most biodiverse nation.

Brightly colored birds like toucans and macaws, boxes of tortoises, monkeys and a python were among 700 rescued animals taken to a central facility to receive expert care.

Forensic police carried the rescued animals in cages to be seen by veterinarians, covering some with blankets before their checkups.

Over a thousand officers took part in the bust across Rio de Janeiro and other states, which was "the largest operation in Brazil`s history to combat the trafficking of wild animals, weapons, and ammunition," a police statement said.

The crackdown followed a year-long investigation into the country`s most prolific wildlife trafficking ring.

The highly structured gang has operated for decades, with some responsible for the mass hunting of wild animals while others transported them to urban centers for sale.

One group specialized in primates, hunting, drugging and selling monkeys to other gang members.

"Animal trafficking is not just cruel - it`s a death sentence. Many animals die before even reaching the market, which shows the sheer brutality of this trade," Bernardo Rossi, State Secretary of Environment and Sustainability, said in a statement.

The gang also traded weapons and ammunition, which were used to commit various other crimes, according to police official Felipe Curi.

Investigators identified some of the buyers of these wild animals, who fuel "the entire criminal chain," said the police statement, without giving further details.

Wildlife trafficking is a major challenge in Brazil, with an estimated 38 million animals taken from the wild every year, according to the Brazilian NGO RENCTAS (National Network to Combat Wildlife Trafficking).

Ninety percent of these animals die before reaching the final consumer.