Eleven police personnel, including a sub-inspector, have been suspended in Kishoreganj for allegedly extending “undue privileges” to former National Board of Revenue (NBR) official Matiur Rahman while escorting him from court to prison.
Superintendent of Police Mohammad Hasan Chowdhury confirmed the suspension, stating that the accused officers accepted bribes and allowed the detainee to dine in a separate room during a stopover.
An internal probe confirmed the allegations. The officers will remain suspended and stationed at the police lines, where they must attend roll calls and training sessions in plain clothes.

The Hathazari Upazila administration in Chattogram has imposed Section 144 following violent clashes between madrasa students and Sunni groups. According to a Saturday order from the UNO, Section 144 will be in effect from 10:00 PM today until 3:00 PM Sunday, covering the areas from Mirer Hat to the Eleven-Mile Substation and from the Upazila Gate to the Agriculture Training Institute, along with adjacent areas.

During this period, gatherings or movement of five or more individuals are strictly prohibited. The unrest erupted after a young man, identified as Arian Ibrahim, allegedly made offensive gestures in front of Hathazari Madrasa, took photos, and posted them on Facebook. The incident sparked outrage in the Qawmi madrasa community.

Police arrested Arian Ibrahim around 7:30 PM, after which he issued a video apology for his actions. The situation escalated further when madrasa students and locals protested in Hathazari town in the evening, resulting in damage to a bus and suspension of traffic. Tensions between madrasa students and Sunni groups later escalated into a clash, leaving several people injured.

Religious Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain has said that governments have a responsibility to ensure the proper use of social media in line with Islamic teachings.
“Promoting knowledge, standing for truth, and avoiding falsehood and obscenity are essential,” he told a conference in Islamabad.

He noted that social media has become a powerful global force shaping thought, education, and culture, but warned its misuse could spread vulgarity, false ideologies, and moral decline. The event was chaired by Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf.

Adviser Asif Mahmud has accused several groups of conspiring to delay the upcoming elections despite previously demanding polls in December or at various times.
“They had hoped to bring back the Awami League under the guise of an ‘inclusive election,’ but since the February polls exclude fascist forces, they’ve lost their composure,” he said.

Mahmud stressed that the government is moving forward with its three key agendas: reform, justice, and democratic transformation. The implementation of the July Charter is nearing completion, and with national consensus, elections will be held at the scheduled time.
“With the cooperation of political parties, civil society, and spontaneous public participation, we can ensure a fair and meaningful election this time,” he added.

Police have arrested nine people, including controversial businessman Selim Pradhan, in connection with running a shisha bar in Gulshan.

Selim, notorious from the 2019 casino crackdown, was detained Saturday from his Baridhara-based establishment. Previously, he was arrested mid-flight to Thailand in 2019, and large sums of foreign and local currency, liquor, and wildlife products were seized from his home and office.

After serving several prison terms, including an 8-year sentence for corruption, Selim was released on bail in October 2023. Recently, he emerged in politics as chief adviser of the newly formed Bangladesh Republic Party.

Environmental activist and adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has called for political unity to combat illegal stone extraction. Speaking on Friday, she said, “No matter which government is in power, with people’s support, encroachment and looting can be stopped.”

She clarified that while stone extraction does not fall directly under her ministry, she has taken responsibility because of its environmental impact. Rizwana also revealed that dredging will be carried out on 17 kilometers of the Turag River.

A religious procession in Chattogram marking Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) turned tragic Saturday when two participants died in a stampede. The deceased were identified as Saiful Islam (13) and Ayub Ali (60).

Police said both victims collapsed due to heat and were trampled in the crowd. The rally, organized by Anjuman-e-Rahmania Ahmadia Sunnia Trust, was led by Pakistani religious leader Pir Allama Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah. The procession began in the morning and was scheduled to conclude with prayers at Jameya Ahmadia Sunnia Alia Madrasa field.

Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan has said that while Bangladesh achieved freedom after 36 days of struggle in July, many aspirations of the people remain unfulfilled.

“Justice and reforms are still works in progress,” he said. “The process of ensuring accountability is underway and becoming increasingly visible. Reforms are advancing too. Meanwhile, the announcement of elections marks the third vital step. The interim government is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities.”

Adilur added that the July Museum at Ganabhaban in Dhaka will preserve memories of the struggle, the horrific experiences, and the marks of injustices faced. He noted that nationwide initiatives have been taken to preserve the graves of martyrs and ensure medical care for the injured, while memorials across the country stand as part of this effort.

Police in Goaland, Rajbari have filed a sweeping case accusing between 3,000 and 3,500 unidentified individuals of attacking law enforcement, obstructing government duties, and vandalizing government property.

According to police sources, the incident erupted after Friday prayers when protesters under the banner of the “Iman Aqeedah Protection Committee” gathered at Ansar Club as pre-announced. After speeches, the crowd attempted to march toward a local shrine, but police and administration officials intervened.

The enraged demonstrators reportedly vandalized government vehicles, including those of the UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer), the Additional Superintendent of Police, and the Officer-in-Charge. At least five police officers and two members of the administration were injured by stone-pelting and physical assault.

The mob then stormed the home of Nurul Pagol and the shrine premises, vandalizing and setting fire. Shockingly, they even exhumed Nurul Pagol’s body and set it ablaze.

Goaland Police OC confirmed that those involved will be identified and arrested.

Fishermen in Kuakata are unable to go to sea due to an ice shortage, crucial for preserving their catch after deep-sea fishing. The price of ice has surged from 150 to 200–250 taka per can. Rough weather has forced over a thousand trawlers to seek shelter, increasing local demand. Limited production, power outages, and insufficient local supply have worsened the crisis, prompting traders to bring ice from nearby regions at higher costs, affecting the hilsa fishing season.

Muslims across the globe are commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with colorful processions, Qur’an recitations, and the soulful rendering of Hamd and Naat.

In Yemen’s capital Sana’a, massive crowds flooded the streets, turning the city into a sea of people. The occasion was marked with processions, collective recitations of Darood, and devotional songs. One participant remarked: “The Prophet (PBUH) always stood by the oppressed. Yemen’s people too are suffering, and this love is our tribute to him.”

The Prophet was born on the 12th of Rabiul Awal, 570 CE, a day Muslims believe he was sent as a mercy for all mankind. In Tunisia, celebrations featured traditional music accompanying processions of Naat recitals. Similar festivities also took place in Iraq, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and many other Muslim-majority countries.

Around 700,000 Bangladeshis travel abroad each year for medical treatment, spending $3.5 billion, highlighting gaps in the country’s healthcare system. The private sector plays a major role, as only 10% seek government services, while 68.5% of healthcare costs are out-of-pocket. Experts emphasize expanding primary healthcare, leveraging public-private partnerships, and strengthening government oversight. Investment in local pharmaceuticals, community-based services, and cross-sector collaboration is crucial to achieve universal health coverage, reduce poverty from medical expenses, and ensure equitable, cost-effective care.

In Bandarban, goods-carrying vehicles and boats face tolls at 20 approved points, but some leaseholders charge several times the official rate. Three unauthorized toll points also operate, forcing traders to raise prices, burdening consumers. Local authorities report unpaid auction revenues and misallocation of funds meant for District, Upazila, and Union Parishads. Traders say Kaichtali toll point collects far more than regulated amounts. Officials promise to deposit due funds and shut unauthorized points, aiming to control rising product costs.

In Cox’s Bazar, an eviction drive along the Bankkhali River sparked protests yesterday when encroachers and their supporters blocked roads, burned tires, and vandalized an excavator. Hundreds demanded a halt to the operation, citing their homes and land. The district administration and BWTA were forced to pause the drive. Authorities say over 400 illegal structures have been removed and around 60 acres of riverbank recovered, following a High Court directive to clear encroachments and control pollution.

Former President Donald Trump has stated that he is in deep discussions with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages. “I would tell Hamas to release the hostages. It will lead to positive outcomes,” Trump said, warning that failure to act could worsen the situation.

Trump highlighted the challenge posed by the small number of hostages still in Hamas’ hands, emphasizing that efforts to retrieve them must be swift and decisive. Meanwhile, protests in Israel continue, demanding both a ceasefire and the release of hostages.