More than 4,000 scientists, including 14 Nobel laureates and 5 Fields Medalists, have called for urgent measures to stop the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They condemned the denial of medical care, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the artificial food shortage pushing residents toward famine. The statement also urged Hamas to release hostages while highlighting the mass civilian deaths. Addressed to world leaders and the UN, the scientists called on governments and international organizations to take immediate action to prevent further catastrophe.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department has announced new regulations targeting travelers who overstay in the country. Foreigners exceeding a 90-day stay will face immediate fines ranging from RM30 per day to RM2,000, depending on the duration. Those overstaying beyond 90 days will be investigated. The move aims to speed up legal processes, reduce court cases, and ease congestion at immigration depots. Between January and August, 35,225 illegal immigrants were detained, with 36,557 repatriated, mostly from Indonesia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has become Asia’s leading country in non-performing loans (NPLs), with 20.2% of its total loans turning non-performing in 2024, according to the Asian Development Bank. NPLs reached $20.27 billion, a 28% increase from last year, highlighting weaknesses in the banking system. Experts cite lax policies, political influence, and inadequate recovery measures as major causes. ADB warns that global economic and geopolitical risks could worsen the situation, urging stricter laws, market reforms, transparency, and active investor participation.

UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has resigned following a tax investigation into her recent £800,000 apartment purchase in Hove, which revealed an unpaid stamp duty of around £40,000. Though she acted in good faith, the independent inquiry confirmed she breached ministerial ethical standards. Rayner cited personal challenges, including divorce and childcare, in her resignation. Her departure creates a leadership gap in both government and the Labour Party, drawing criticism from opponents and posing challenges for party leader Keir Starmer.

India has witnessed a significant demographic shift over the past five decades, with both birth and death rates halving. The birth rate fell from 36.9 per 1,000 in 1971 to 18.4 in 2023, while the death rate dropped from 14.9 to 6.4. Urbanization, family planning, and female education drove this change, alongside improved healthcare and life expectancy. Infant mortality also declined. Regional disparities remain, but experts say the trend could ease population pressure and boost India’s economic growth through a demographic dividend.

Sonia Gandhi, former Congress president, faces a fresh court case alleging she was registered as a voter before becoming an Indian citizen.

Complainant Vikas Tripathi claims Gandhi appeared on the electoral roll in 1980, though she only received Indian citizenship in 1983. Her name was removed in 1982 but reentered in 1983, according to the complaint.

The BJP argues this raises questions about the legitimacy of Congress leadership, while Congress dismisses the issue as a diversion from pressing concerns such as inflation, unemployment, and agrarian distress. Analysts see the case as part of BJP’s strategy to undermine Congress credibility ahead of elections.

On Friday evening, the National Party’s Kakrail office experienced another round of vandalism and arson. Both the ground and first floors were set ablaze, and furniture in multiple rooms was destroyed. Fire services later controlled the fire.

Party leaders blamed the incident on leaders and activists of the Ganadhikar Parishad, reportedly in retaliation for an attack on Nurul Haque Nur. They criticized the government for failing to provide adequate security for political offices.

Apu Biswas, once active in election campaigns for the Awami League, was recently seen at a BNP stage supporting the party. The actress attended the anniversary event of the BNP in Khoksa, Kushtia, at the invitation of former Khoksa Municipal BNP organizational secretary Ripon Hossain.

Actor Nirab Hossain also joined the program. On stage, Apu Biswas expressed her appreciation: “I am from Bogura. I have visited Rajbari before, but never Khoksa. I thank my dear elder brother Ripon Bhai for bringing me here. Ripon Bhai is committed to serving you, and I hope you will give him the opportunity. I believe there is no greater person than someone who values your trust. I hope your support helps him achieve his goals, and that you continue to support Bengali cinema as well.”

It is worth noting that during the Awami League government, Apu Biswas had sought nomination for a reserved seat.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Western troops deployed in Ukraine, even after a peace agreement, would be targeted by Moscow. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, he criticized Western plans for an international force to guarantee Ukraine’s postwar security. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier said 26 countries pledged such commitments. Putin insisted that NATO expansion attempts sparked the war and argued that troop deployment after peace talks would undermine any agreement.

Thailand’s parliament has elected Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s new prime minister, succeeding ousted Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Backed by the liberal People’s Party, Anutin defeated Pheu Thai’s Chaikasem Nitisiri with over 247 votes, securing a parliamentary majority. He pledged to call general elections within four months, a move that helped win smaller parties’ support. Paetongtarn, Thailand’s youngest-ever premier, was dismissed last month after a court ruled she prioritized personal interests in a leaked call with Hun Sen.

An elderly woman in West Khujihura village of Durgapur, Netrokona, has been handed the keys to a newly built semi-pucca house, gifted on behalf of BNP leader Tarique Rahman.

The house was constructed under the direction of Barrister Kaiser Kamal after Rahman learned of Sukuri Begum’s plight of living without shelter. The project was completed and formally handed over by local BNP leaders.

The CID has filed a money laundering case against former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, alleging that he laundered Tk 1,200 crore to the UAE, purchasing 226 flats in Dubai.

Investigators revealed the flats are worth over 335 million dirhams, alongside two properties under his wife Rukmila Zaman’s name worth 2.25 million dirhams. Authorities also traced four bank accounts linked to the couple, with transactions totaling over Tk 311 crore.

According to CID, the funds were funneled through various business ventures, in violation of Bangladesh’s Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (Amendment 2015).

As Syria tries to return to normalcy after 14 years of civil war, the country is facing the worst drought in decades, severely affecting its agricultural sector and threatening food security. Rivers and lakes have dried up, crops have failed, and water supply is disrupted in major cities. Wheat production this season is less than half of the usual yield. Farmers, already economically weakened by the war, are struggling to survive. The government may need to import more wheat to feed 23 million people.

The UK government is set to ban the sale of energy drinks to anyone under 16, covering purchases in shops, restaurants, cafés, vending machines, and online. About one-third of British children currently consume these beverages, though most supermarkets have already restricted sales. Health and Social Care Minister Wes Streeting said parents, teachers, and children had urged the government to act, prompting this legislation aimed at protecting young people from potential health risks linked to energy drinks.

Nine export-oriented industrial organizations, led by the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF), have raised concerns over a proposed labor law amendment allowing unions with just 20 workers. They argue the measure ignores industrial realities, risks workplace stability, and could undermine investor confidence. The organizations warn that it may empower external interest groups and create disorder in factories, ultimately harming both workers and employers. They urge the government and international partners to ensure reforms are realistic, balanced, and consultative.