Following a recent clash with Chhatra Dal in Dhaka’s Chawk Bazar area, Islami Chhatra Shibir issued a stern warning during a protest rally, stating that Chhatra Dal would face consequences more severe than those faced by the Chhatra League.

The rally condemned extortion, terrorism, and attacks on students. At least 20 people were injured in last week’s confrontation, which reportedly began after a student was handed over to police.

Rayhan Uddin, Senior Joint Convener of the Sunamganj District Volunteer Wing of BNP, has been suspended from all party positions following allegations of a brutal knife attack on a physician at Anisa Healthcare and Diagnostic Center.

The incident occurred after a heated argument between Rayhan’s group and the doctor. A case has been filed, and the injured doctor is being treated at Sunamganj District Hospital.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) has announced the evacuation of its staff from Gaza following warnings of starvation risks caused by ongoing Israeli airstrikes. The agency expressed deep concern over deteriorating conditions and requested Israeli authorities to allow immediate evacuation of their employees and families. Since March, Israel has blocked humanitarian aid into Gaza, leading to severe malnutrition and at least 101 starvation-related deaths, including 80 children. AFP plans to extend evacuation efforts to freelance contributors amid this humanitarian crisis.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was taken to a private hospital in Dhaka for urgent medical tests, following the recommendation of her medical board. The examinations were completed, and she returned to her residence in Gulshan early in the night. The information was confirmed in a press release by Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, member of BNP’s National Standing Committee and Khaleda Zia’s personal physician.

The Trump administration has announced the US will withdraw funding and participation from UNESCO starting December 2026, citing concerns over alleged anti-Israel bias. The Biden administration had rejoined UNESCO in 2023 after a five-year US absence. France, where UNESCO’s headquarters is located, rejected the US accusations and pledged support for the organization’s role in promoting education, tolerance, and cultural preservation. UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay called the US decision regrettable but affirmed continued operations despite reduced funding.

Khaleda Zia Admitted to Hospital for Urgent Medical Tests

Dhaka, Bangladesh — The National Citizen Party (NCP) has proposed constitutional amendments to formalize the appointment processes for all constitutional and statutory bodies—similar to that of the Election Commission.

At a policy forum, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain suggested forming a five-member selection committee to nominate commissioners, with the President playing a ceremonial role and required to appoint officials based on the committee’s recommendations.

The party expressed consensus on enacting new legislation to ensure accountability but noted differences regarding appointments to bodies such as the Public Service Commission, the Auditor General’s Office, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Ombudsman.

The NCP warned that excluding these appointment processes from the constitution leaves room for future legal manipulation, potentially undermining institutional reform. They emphasized the need for non-partisan appointments in the national interest.

Beanibazar, Bangladesh — Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has stated that his party does not support any delay in the upcoming national election, emphasizing that a fair and effective electoral process is essential to maintain the country's orderly governance.

Speaking at a manpower and intellectuals’ gathering in Beanibazar, Dr. Rahman called for a transparent and neutral national election to be held in early 2026, with a level playing field for all parties. He reiterated Jamaat’s vision to build a humane and justice-based Bangladesh, pledging to transform the youth into a skilled national workforce if the party comes to power.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant against corruption and injustice, while highlighting the resilience of Jamaat leaders who have stayed in the country despite political persecution.

Comilla, Bangladesh — Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer for the Southern Region of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has warned that the country could face serious danger if the Awami League regains power. Emphasizing the need for long-term political resistance, he called for unity among all anti-authoritarian political forces.

Speaking at a public meeting, Abdullah expressed his vision of establishing Comilla as a strategic stronghold—referring to it as the NCP’s future “cantonment.” He also demanded an impartial investigation into the recent Milestone Airlines crash and called for greater accountability.

Other NCP leaders at the event stressed the importance of unity against fascism, denounced corruption and extortion, and reiterated the demand to declare Comilla as a new administrative division.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that merely mentioning the Election Commission’s independence in the Constitution is not enough. He emphasized the need for a transparent and accountable appointment process. Speaking during a National Consensus Commission dialogue, he confirmed that a five-member selection committee has been proposed—comprising the Speaker, Deputy Speaker from the opposition, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and a judge nominated by the Chief Justice. The committee will lead the selection process, and a parliamentary law will establish accountability standards and a code of conduct for EC members. Ahmed reiterated BNP’s demand for elections under a neutral government and welcomed unity among opposition parties.

IDEF 2025, the 17th International Defence Industry Fair, has begun in Istanbul with over 900 Turkish and 400 international defense companies from 44 countries. Major firms like BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Airbus are showcasing advanced land, air, and naval technologies. National pavilions from countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are on display. The six-day event spans multiple venues and features ministers, military chiefs, and commanders from 103 countries. It is organized by KFA Fairs with support from Turkish defense authorities.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem has strongly condemned U.S. and Israeli actions in Gaza, stating they have exceeded all humanitarian and moral standards. He warned that the U.S. will eventually be forced to withdraw its support due to overwhelming Palestinian resistance. Qassem criticized the silence of the international community and urged Arab and Islamic nations to close Israeli embassies, cut trade ties, and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. He expressed confidence that Israel’s aggression will ultimately lead to its downfall by divine will.

Senior officials from Iran, Russia, and China met in Tehran to boost cooperation against Western dominance, sanctions, and threats of the JCPOA snapback mechanism. They emphasized diplomatic coordination and mutual support, criticizing Western unilateralism. Iran warned that any new UN sanctions would be illegitimate and proposed practical steps for regional stability. The trilateral talks aim to create a broader strategic framework, with follow-up discussions planned with the European Troika. All three nations committed to deeper consultation in the coming months.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has alleged that the government, instead of facilitating the economy for the people through trade and investment, has handed it over to a select group of looters. “These groups looted banks, manipulated the stock market, laundered money abroad, and exploited mega projects for personal gain,” he said. According to him, the country has deviated from Ziaur Rahman's principles of a democratic economy, leading to monopolized control over both politics and the economy. He emphasized that BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman supports economic democratization—where ordinary citizens would have equal opportunities in business. Khasru also called for an end to bureaucratic control and monopolization in the economy.

On the 18th day of the National Consensus Commission’s dialogue, left-leaning parties CPB, BASAD, and Bangladesh JASAD staged a symbolic 10-minute walkout. The protest was in response to alleged police violence against students and parents protesting the Uttara plane crash. CPB leader Ruhin Hossain Prince said the incident reflects authoritarian tendencies. BASAD and JASAD members endorsed the protest and rejoined the dialogue after 10 minutes.