The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has sentenced Sheikh Hasina to six months of continuous imprisonment over a leaked audio in which she threatened officers. In a conversation with Awami League leader Shakil Akand Bulbul, Sheikh Hasina said, “I have 227 murder cases across the country. Make a list. Assume I have received a license to kill at least 227 people. The punishment for one case, and the same punishment for more than 200 cases, right? So, fine, I will take that punishment, but before that, I will settle more than 200. Keep that in mind.”
The verdict states that Sheikh Hasina expressed a firm resolve to kill 227 people to Bulbul and instructed him to prepare a list of those 227 individuals.
The CID forensic lab has confirmed the authenticity of the audio. The investigation also revealed secret Awami League meetings and inciting speeches, which led prosecutors to conduct further inquiries and take legal action.

Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official, has sharply criticized Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir for his recent nuclear threats, comparing him to Osama Bin Laden. Rubin accused Islamabad of acting like a rogue state by provoking war and warned that Munir’s statements resemble the ideology behind groups like ISIS. Munir claimed Pakistan would take half the world down if it faces existential threats. Rubin emphasized that such rhetoric raises doubts about Pakistan’s responsibility as a nation-state and condemned threats made on U.S. soil.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the high tariffs imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil have dealt a significant setback to Moscow’s economy. He emphasized that the ongoing global pressures and U.S. sanctions have severely disrupted Russia’s financial stability. Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon, aiming to mediate peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He also warned that the U.S. may halt trade talks with India if it continues its commercial ties with Russia.

The Oman government has extended the validity of expatriate resident cards from two to three years, allowing expats to choose one, two, or three-year cards by paying respective fees. Fees are 5 rials for one year, 10 for two, and 15 for three years, with a 20-rial replacement fee for lost or damaged cards. Omani citizens’ personal ID validity is now up to 10 years. Residents must renew documents within 30 days of expiry. Around 1.8 million Bangladeshis currently live in Oman.

During a three-day state visit to Malaysia, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, resulting in the signing of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and three Notes of Exchange. The visit prioritizes immigration and investment issues and includes participation in a business conference and a discussion with the Bangladeshi expatriate community. Dr. Yunus is also set to receive an honorary degree from the University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused the Awami League of empowering fascist forces by manufacturing excuses to strengthen their grip, targeting nationalist forces with anti-democratic agendas.

He alleged that defeated fascists’ allies, backed by illicit funds and arms from neighboring countries, are actively undermining law and order, citing a recent violent attack on police in Chattogram. Rizvi warned of conspiracies to delegitimize the forthcoming election but expressed the nation’s hope for a free and fair vote.

Highlighting BNP’s commitment to an ideal, Rizvi claimed the death of Arafat Rahman Koko was unnatural, blaming the government’s oppression for the demise of many pro-democracy activists.

Nasiruddin Patwari, Chief Coordinator of the National Coordination Party (NCP), declared at the ‘National Youth Conference 2025’ organized by Jatiyo Jubo Shakti that the upcoming elections scheduled for February will not take place.

He stated, “If elections are held under the same constitution and the same fascist system, then what was the need for so many people to be martyred for reform and a new constitution?” Addressing the youth, he urged them to be the force behind bringing down the existing ‘factory of fascism’ — the Bangabhaban presidential palace — assuring that its fall will be achieved through their efforts, God willing.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Indian goods have heightened tensions over India’s trade with Russia, which Trump claims funds Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has engaged with both Ukrainian and Russian leaders in separate calls, signaling a neutral stance. While India vows not to bow to external pressure, the tariffs could impact exports to the U.S., pushing New Delhi to explore new markets. Analysts say India’s balancing strategy depends on U.S. policy shifts and the Ukraine war’s trajectory.

Dhaka – BNP standing committee member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has said it cannot be confirmed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had no involvement in the 1981 assassination of President Ziaur Rahman, noting it occurred just 13 days after her return to Bangladesh.
At a separate event marking Arafat Rahman Koko’s birth anniversary, BNP leaders called for a free and fair election to fulfill the dreams of “July martyrs.” Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said Koko’s death was politically motivated and accused certain groups of using religion to sow confusion and undermine the upcoming election.

Chattogram – A police sub-inspector was critically injured after being attacked with a machete during an overnight raid to apprehend Awami League activists in the Saltgola Crossing area. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. near Ishan Mistry Ghat. The injured officer, Abu Sayeed Rana, is now hospitalized. Police and army units have since launched a joint operation in the area, which remains tense.

Dhaka – Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has been discharged from Gulshan’s United Hospital following open-heart surgery. Party leaders said he is in good health but will require two weeks of rest. Doctors are optimistic that he can return to normal activities within a month. Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher called for prayers for his continued recovery.

Gazipur – A defamation case has been filed against NCP leader Sarjis Alam for allegedly spreading false propaganda linking the BNP to the murder of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin. Basan Thana BNP president Tanvir Siraj lodged the case with Gazipur CMM Court, accusing Alam of making unfounded claims that tarnished the party’s image. The court has directed the CID to investigate. The plaintiff’s lawyer said Alam has made similar allegations against the BNP on multiple occasions, hurting party supporters.

The BNP has suspended Sahab Uddin, President of the party’s Companiganj Upazila unit in Sylhet, over allegations of violating party discipline and engaging in unethical activities. Vice President Abdul Mannan has been appointed as acting president.
A statement signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the suspension was based on credible allegations of extortion, illegal occupation of land, and other activities contrary to the party’s principles. Party sources claimed Sahab Uddin had long faced accusations of land grabbing, illegal stone extraction, and creating political divisions.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has temporarily suspended its Chattogram Metropolitan Joint Coordinator, Nizam Uddin, on allegations of financial irregularities and serious breaches of party discipline.

According to an official statement, preliminary findings support the accusations, which have tarnished the party’s reputation. The suspension takes effect immediately. Nizam has been given 48 hours to explain in writing why he should not be permanently expelled, to be submitted to the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee head, Advocate Abdullah Al-Amin. The Chattogram unit had earlier issued him a show-cause notice.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqul Islam Masud has said the party has almost finalized its list of potential candidates for all 300 constituencies. “Why should we delay the elections?” he asked. “We have made it clear that without reforms, justice, and a level playing field, the elections will not be free and fair.”

Masud alleged that “pro-fascist” officials still hold positions across the administration and government offices. Praising journalists for their role in the anti-fascist movement, he stressed, “Just as journalists were commendable in the fight for a fascist-free Bangladesh, their contribution will be equally crucial in establishing a second, prosperous Bangladesh.” Jamaat has also condemned the recent killing of a journalist in Gazipur.