Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser on Shipping and Labour & Employment, said India’s misinformation campaigns do not harm Bangladesh, emphasizing that the country's healthcare sector has made enough progress and consumers have enough choice to not be affected by any Indian restrictions. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after inspecting the Benapole Cargo Yard and Immigration facilities in Jessore on Friday afternoon. He said, “Bangladeshis ranks second among all foreign travelers to India, contributing significantly to their economy. If they stop visiting, Indian businesses will also be affected.” Highlighting Bangladesh’s communal harmony, he said, “We do not have majoritarian or minoritarian divisions. People of all religions live here peacefully.” Interim Govt working to protect interests of factory owners and workers: M Sakhawat During the visit, the Adviser inspected the Benapole Checkpost Passenger Terminal and Immigration facilities and inquired about cross-border travel. Commenting on the reduced number of travelers, he blamed India’s visa restrictions, stating, “The decline in passenger movement is due to the Indian government’s refusal to issue visas. While some Bangladeshi patients face inconvenience, Indian businesses suffer greater losses due to this situation.” The inspection was attended by Manzarul Mannan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Land Port Authority; Brigadier General Humayun Kabir, Regional Commander of BGB’s Southwest Region; Jessore Deputy Commissioner Azharul Islam; and 49 BGB Commander Saifullah Siddique, among others.

Energy Adviser Dr Fouzul Kabir Khan has assured that contracts in the power and energy sectors will now be awarded based on merit and efficiency rather than political connections, a shift he believes will foster competition and drive economic growth. Speaking at a seminar titled “Way of Mitigating Energy Crisis in Industrial Sector,” organised by the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) at a city hotel on Saturday, Dr Khan criticised past practices that favoured politically connected businesses over capable contenders. Call to increase investment in renewable energy in Global South “For 15 years, only a select group of businessmen with ties to ministers or the government secured contracts, stifling healthy competition and, in turn, suppressing the economy. This will change now, as private investment is being encouraged, and contracts will be merit-based,” he said. The seminar, chaired by BCI President Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, brought together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the energy crisis hampering industrial growth. Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin supported Dr Khan’s vision, highlighting improvements under the current interim government. “Today, businesses are no longer required to pay extortion fees to secure deals. This transparency should motivate entrepreneurs to innovate and embrace modern technology,” he said, urging stakeholders to seize this window of opportunity. Bangladesh needs smart grid system to keep power supply stable: Energy Adviser Industrialists shared grievances about the acute shortage of gas and electricity in hubs like Narayanganj, Savar and Gazipur. BCI President Parvez revealed alarming statistics, stating that 200 industries shut down between March and September this year due to the energy crisis, with another 300 at risk. Dr Khan attributed the issues to years of misallocated public investment and mismanagement but expressed optimism about reforms underway. “We must invest in renewable energy and sustainable solutions. Solar power plants can provide a viable alternative for industries,” he urged. The Adviser also disclosed plans for an open tender to transport 70 million cubic feet of gas from Bhola to Dhaka, emphasising the importance of transparent processes. Petrobangla Chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker highlighted stable gas supplies until 2030 and encouraged local businesses to explore opportunities in offshore gas exploration through international tenders. The seminar concluded with calls for industry-wide collaboration to address the energy crisis and a renewed commitment to transparency and competition in awarding contracts.

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs, has warned that legal action will be taken against those who file frivolous or ill-intended lawsuits aiming to harass people. The ministry has recently issued directives on this matter. He further stated that individuals who lodge cases against innocent people or use legal threats to extort money will face appropriate consequences. The adviser made these remarks while briefing journalists at the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Sector Headquarters in Rajshahi this afternoon. Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation, or MSF, a rights watchdog led by Advocate Sultana Kamal, has reported that at least 268 cases were filed against 1.94 lakh people following the fall of the Awami League-led government on August 5, till August 31. The vast majority of these cases targeted AL leaders and activists including party resident and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. In those cases, MSF reported 26,268 of the accused were named, while around 1.68 lakh others remained unnamed. In response to a question from journalists about public concerns regarding the police's inability to function fully, the adviser said, "Since August 5, the police have made significant improvements from their previous state. The force has been working through a trauma, and while I can't fix it overnight, the situation is gradually improving. We will need some more time to see further progress." Govt increased funding for Puja by nearly two-fold: Home Adviser When asked whether the government has specific information about Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and former Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, the adviser stated, "We do not have any specific information regarding them. However, if you have any such information, you are encouraged to share it, and you will be rewarded for your assistance." On the matter of arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Tribunal against Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader, and the efforts to bring them back to the country, the adviser said, "The Foreign Affairs Adviser has already addressed this issue in detail in the media. We have an agreement with India regarding this, and we will certainly follow that agreement." During the briefing, Major General Mohammad Ashraful Islam Siddique, Director General of BGB, Brigadier General S M Zahidur Rahman, Rangpur Region Commander, and Colonel Md Imran Ibn Rouf, Rajshahi Sector Commander, were also present.

Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan, adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has said that the government may be forced to adopt more drastic measures in response to non-cooperation within the administration. Speaking at a meeting with district and divisional officials at the Chattogram Circuit House on Saturday, he stated that the government may even break decisively with the existing system, throwing away the recruitment process that is currently in place for hiring new personnel. During the meeting, he emphasized the government's commitment to issues affecting the public, stating, "We will not compromise on matters that involve the citizens." He highlighted the government's sincere approach to controlling commodity prices, expressing concern over the apparent lack of initiative among Chattogram officials to address the issue. The adviser called for the identification of syndicates involved in driving up prices and suggested that those responsible should be arrested under the Special Powers Act if necessary. ‘Wished for Shakib’s retirement on home soil': Adviser Asif The meeting also saw expressions of dissatisfaction from Advisor Asif and Labor Secretary A.H.M. Sofiquzzaman over the absence of representatives from several departments, including the Department of Livestock Services. Earlier in the day, Adviser Asif conducted an inspection of the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium and the MA Aziz Stadium, where he voiced his disappointment regarding the poor condition of the facilities, although the ZAC Stadium has been regularly hosting international games as He provided directives to address the maintenance issues at the stadiums.