A mobile court in Jagannathpur upazila of Sunamganj sentenced five workers to varying jail terms for illegally extracting sand from the Kushiyara River. The operation, led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Mohsin Uddin on Thursday morning, also resulted in the seizure of three engine-run boats loaded with sand. Among the convicts, Nabi Hossain and Alal Uddin received six months’ imprisonment each, while Didar Miah, Monir Hossain, and Nazrul were sentenced to three months each. Authorities stated that legal action will continue against others involved in the illegal extraction. The administration emphasized that such drives will remain ongoing to protect the river from environmental degradation caused by unauthorized sand mining. The convicted individuals were later sent to jail through the Sunamganj court, according to local police officials.

A National Guard member was fatally shot near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, November 26. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom from West Virginia, while another guard, Andrew Wolf, remains in critical condition. Authorities reported that the shooting targeted National Guard personnel stationed near the area. A 29-year-old Afghan national has been detained as the prime suspect in connection with the attack. Following the incident, security measures around the U.S. capital have been heightened, with an additional 500 National Guard troops deployed to reinforce protection near key federal sites. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, and officials have not yet disclosed further details about the suspect’s background or possible affiliations. The White House has expressed condolences to the victim’s family and pledged a thorough inquiry into the incident.

Twelve Bangladeshi fishermen from two trawlers were reportedly abducted by members of Myanmar’s armed rebel group, the Arakan Army (AA), early Thursday near the eastern side of St. Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal. The fishermen, led by boatmen from St. Martin’s, were fishing when one trawler’s engine failed, leaving them vulnerable. Local trawler owners confirmed the incident, saying the fishermen were taken away at dawn. The Arakan Army has recently intensified coastal patrols, claiming to intercept Bangladeshi boats entering Myanmar’s waters. Reports indicate that since January, the group has detained around 188 Bangladeshi fishermen and 30 boats, later releasing some. Local fishing communities are in fear, as over a hundred fishermen remain missing from previous abductions. Bangladeshi authorities have acknowledged the latest incident and stated that law enforcement agencies are investigating the matter and coordinating with relevant authorities for the fishermen’s safe return.

The hearing of arguments in the murder case of Rayhan Uddin, who died after alleged torture at the Bandarbazar police outpost in Sylhet in 2020, has been postponed again. The Sylhet Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Munshi Abdul Majid, set the new date for Sunday following a petition from the only detained accused, dismissed ASI Asheq Elahi. Earlier, arguments for five other accused were completed. Court sources said the verdict date may be set after the next hearing. The prosecution concluded its arguments against the absconding accused on Thursday. The prime accused, former SI Akbar Hossain Bhuiyan, was released on bail in August 2024 but remains absconding after his bail was suspended. The case, filed by Rayhan’s wife under the Death in Custody Prevention Act, led to the suspension of seven police officers and the arrest of three. The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) submitted a charge sheet in May 2021 against six officers.

A violent clash erupted between two rival groups in Brahmanbaria’s Kandipara area on Thursday evening, leaving three people injured by gunfire. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from an ongoing dispute over local dominance between the groups led by Lion Shakil and Delwar Hossain Dilip, the district convenor of the Swechchhasebak Dal. According to police, members of Shakil’s group opened fire on Dilip’s supporters, injuring Nazmul Ahmed Tutul (36), Shihab (30), and Saju Mia. Locals rescued the wounded and took them to Brahmanbaria General Hospital, where two of them are receiving treatment for rubber bullet injuries. Officer-in-Charge Md Azharul Islam said the police are investigating whether other factors contributed to the conflict and have pledged to bring those responsible to justice. The incident has heightened tension in the area, prompting increased police presence to prevent further violence.

A fatal road accident in Fatikchhari upazila of Chattogram claimed two lives, including a police sub-inspector, on Thursday evening. The collision occurred between two motorcycles at Amtal area of Paindong Union along the Chattogram-Khagrachhari regional highway. The deceased were identified as Saiful Islam, 40, a sub-inspector of Manikchhari Police Station and resident of Munshiganj’s Gazaria, and Md Hafiz, 30, from Fakirtilla area of Manikchhari. Two others, police constable Abdullah Al Noman, 26, and motorcyclist Yasin, 20, sustained injuries and were transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for treatment. Witnesses said all four riders were critically injured and rushed to Nazirhat Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared Saiful Islam and Hafiz dead. Local police confirmed the incident and said all victims were riding motorcycles at the time of the crash.

Six students were injured in a stabbing incident at Gararan Khalilia Fazil Madrasa in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila after protesting the harassment of female classmates. The attack occurred when a ninth-grade student, identified as Mohammad Siam, allegedly stabbed students from grades eight and ten following a dispute over his behavior toward female students. The confrontation began the previous day when Siam was reprimanded by teachers after being confronted by senior students. Seeking revenge, he returned with a knife and attacked them after their exam. Three of the injured were sent to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, while others received treatment at Sreepur Upazila Health Complex. The madrasa authorities have informed local education and administrative officials and plan disciplinary action. Police confirmed the incident and are conducting an operation to arrest the suspect. Teachers and community leaders expressed concern over rising youth violence and the lack of preventive measures in educational institutions.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, announced that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to arrest those responsible for recent attacks on Baul singers. Following a meeting of the Advisory Council, Alam said that a special operation is underway in Manikganj, Thakurgaon, and Khulna, where incidents of violence occurred. The attacks reportedly took place during demonstrations demanding the release of Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who had been detained on allegations of hurting religious sentiments. Authorities have directed police in affected areas to act swiftly and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. The government emphasized maintaining law and order and protecting the rights of cultural groups like the Bauls, who are known for their spiritual and musical traditions. The ongoing operations aim to prevent further unrest and ensure accountability for the assaults.

Chittagong University (CU) is facing a growing crisis as the number of fake students identified on campus continues to rise. The latest arrest involves Minhaz Islam Rifat, who falsely claimed to be a third-year economics student while actually working at a local hospital. He allegedly sent inappropriate messages to female students and maintained ties with campus political groups. Over the past decade, at least ten imposters have been caught posing as CU students, engaging in fraud, theft, and harassment. Previous cases include individuals who forged admission documents, impersonated relatives of freedom fighters to gain quota benefits, or claimed to be intelligence officers. University authorities admit that such imposters exploit CU’s identity for personal gain and that their ability to act is limited when offenders are not officially enrolled. Students and faculty are demanding stronger verification systems and stricter enforcement to prevent further incidents of deception and misconduct on campus.

Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) thwarted a major yaba smuggling attempt near the Ukhiya border when traffickers fled back into Myanmar, abandoning three bags containing 360,000 yaba tablets. The incident occurred late Wednesday night in the Phari Bill area, where a special BGB patrol intercepted two individuals crossing from Myanmar. Upon being challenged, the smugglers dropped their bags and escaped. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Jasim Uddin, commander of the 64 BGB Battalion, confirmed the seizure on Thursday morning. BGB suspects a large trafficking network was behind the operation and has intensified intelligence surveillance to identify those involved. The recovered yaba tablets have been handed over to Ukhiya police for legal proceedings. BGB reiterated its commitment to maintaining strict border security and continuing anti-narcotics operations along the Bangladesh-Myanmar frontier.

A violent clash erupted between students of Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) and local residents following allegations that a shopkeeper harassed and inappropriately touched a female student. The incident began on November 24 when the student visited a shop to buy electronic items and accused the shopkeeper, Monayem Hossain, of misconduct. After the complaint spread on campus, students confronted Monayem, leading to escalating tensions. Villagers later joined the confrontation, resulting in stone-throwing and injuries to around 25 students and two journalists. Police intervened to restore order, and Monayem was arrested under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. The university vice-chancellor visited injured students and promised medical and psychological support. While the campus remains calm, authorities are working with local business leaders to prevent further unrest. Conflicting accounts from Monayem’s family claim the incident was a misunderstanding. An investigation is underway to determine the facts behind the clash.

In Maharashtra’s Kalyan region, three Muslim students were humiliated by Hindu extremists after performing prayers inside a classroom at Ideal College. Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal filmed the students praying and circulated the video online, accusing them of hurting Hindu sentiments. The extremists then forced the students to apologize and bow before a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj while police officers reportedly stood by without intervening. Eyewitnesses said the students were surrounded and threatened with chants of 'Jai Shri Ram,' a slogan often used to intimidate Muslims. Local Muslim organizations condemned the incident as part of a growing pattern of anti-Muslim harassment across BJP-ruled states, citing police inaction and rising intolerance. Social activists in Mumbai warned that such incidents are deepening fear among Muslim families and students. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s foreign ministry condemned rising Islamophobia in India and urged the international community to take notice.

Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies have been ordered to conduct a special operation to arrest those responsible for recent attacks on Baul singers in different parts of the country. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced the directive following a meeting of the Advisory Council on Thursday. According to him, police in Manikganj are already acting on the instructions, while similar operations are underway in other affected areas including Thakurgaon and Khulna. The attacks reportedly took place during demonstrations demanding the release of Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who had earlier been detained on allegations of hurting religious sentiments. The government’s move aims to ensure accountability and prevent further violence against the Baul community, which has long been a symbol of Bangladesh’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

A devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has claimed at least 55 lives, including one firefighter, while several others remain injured. The blaze, which began around 2:51 p.m. local time on Wednesday, engulfed multiple high-rise buildings in the government housing complex. Firefighters worked through the night to bring the flames under control, though smoke and small fires were still visible the following morning. Authorities confirmed that four buildings were completely destroyed, and three others sustained significant damage. Police have arrested three individuals — two company directors and one engineer — linked to a construction firm as part of the ongoing investigation. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and officials have warned that full extinguishment and recovery operations may take an entire day. Residents displaced by the fire have gathered near the site to assess the damage to their homes.

At least three police officers were killed and two others injured when militants attacked a police checkpoint in Hangu district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province late on Tuesday night. The assault occurred at the Qazi Talab checkpoint on Shahu Road, where heavy gunfire was exchanged between the attackers and police forces. District Police Officer Khan Zeb Khan said the officers fought bravely against the militants until reinforcements arrived to support them. The deceased officers were identified as LHC Wahid Shah and Constable Abdul Samad, while the third victim’s identity remains unknown. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Soail Afridi condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly attempt to disrupt peace and demoralize security forces. He vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice and assured government support for the families of the slain and injured officers.