The US has imposed sanctions on four Indian companies for their involvement in selling and transporting petroleum products to Iran. According to the US State Department, the sanctioned entities include Flux Maritime LLP, BSM Marine LLP, Austinship Management Pvt Ltd, and Cosmos Lines Inc. US Treasury official Scott Bassant warned that any entity engaged in Iran’s energy sector would face similar restrictions. Additionally, firms from Hong Kong, China, and the UAE have also been sanctioned.

More than 160 Palestinian healthcare workers, including over 20 doctors, remain detained in Israeli custody in Gaza, with 24 still missing. Recently released detainees have shared horrific accounts of abuse, including physical torture, beatings, and starvation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over their safety, reporting that since the war began, Israeli forces have detained 297 healthcare workers from Gaza. However, the exact number of those still in detention remains unknown.

The Detective Branch (DB) has arrested two brothers, including the mastermind behind a robbery and assault incident on a Dhaka-Rajshahi-bound bus. Authorities recovered stolen cash, mobile phones, jewelry, national ID cards, and ATM cards. The gang leader, Alamgir Hossain, was apprehended in Sadhupara village, Netrokona, leading to the arrest of his brother, Rajib Hossain (21), in Ashulia, Dhaka. Both are residents of Amtali village, Daulatpur, Manikganj. Three other gang members—Mohammad Shahidul Islam Muhit (29), Mohammad Sabuj (30), and Mohammad Sharifuzzaman Sharif—were arrested earlier on Saturday morning.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a notification reassigning 82 police officers, including an Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP), as Officers on Special Duty (OSD). The list includes AIGP Abdul Alim Mahmood, 13 DIGs, 49 Additional DIGs, and 19 Police Superintendents. A source from the ministry revealed that these officials were involved in security operations during the controversial 2018 national elections.

Abdur Rahman, Secretary of the Internal Resources Division and Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), has stated that no other nation in the world pays as little tax as Bangladesh. “We have become a debt-ridden nation,” he said, adding that the country has expanded its budget every year for the past 52-53 years by taking on more loans. The burden of repaying those loans, along with accumulating interest, has now become overwhelming. He emphasized the need for increasing internal revenue through automation, revealing that out of 11.2 million TIN holders, only 4 million file tax returns, and 2.5 to 2.6 million contribute little to no tax. The NBR is now focusing on stricter enforcement to collect outstanding taxes.

Police have arrested 13 muggers in Dhaka’s Uttara area within the last 24 hours, recovering machetes, knives, iron rods, and pipes from their possession. Additionally, RAB has detained student leader Sakibul Hasan Rony, also known as “Lara De Sunny” (24), who was involved in attacks on students. The officer-in-charge of Uttara West Police Station confirmed the arrests on Tuesday. Sakibul, a leader of the banned Chhatra League’s East Thana branch and head of the Kishoregang “Lara De” gang, had allegedly led attacks in Uttara and Azimpur under instructions from former MPs Khosru Chowdhury and Habib Hasan during the July uprising.

Following his election victory, Germany’s Chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz has called for Europe to break free from US influence. According to an Al Jazeera report, preliminary results show his party secured 28.6% of the vote—the highest, but still requiring coalition partners to form a government. In an interview after the results, Merz declared that his top priority is strengthening Europe to achieve true independence from the US. He added that he did not intend to make such a strong statement initially. Previously, Elon Musk had controversially endorsed the far-right AfD party, which received 20% of the vote—something Merz did not take well.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed the launch of a ‘Hajj Management Center’ to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient Hajj services. He emphasized clear guidelines for agencies, a call center for real-time issue resolution, and an online platform to assist lost pilgrims. He also ordered training-based categorization of agencies, the introduction of a Hajj credit card, and improved luggage management. Strict actions, including license revocation, will be taken against non-compliant agencies. The government aims to simplify and enhance the entire Hajj process.

Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan has emphasized that post-July uprising, reforms must go beyond the state to include personal, political, and social transformation. Speaking at an event marking National Local Government Day, he expressed deep concern over the spread of misleading information by political leaders. Mahmud urged politicians to adopt a more refined and respectful tone, as the people of post-uprising Bangladesh expect positive changes on all fronts. Acknowledging the current complexities surrounding local elections, he stressed the need to hold at least city corporation elections in the interest of the people.

Despite reports of robbery and sexual harassment on a moving bus traveling from Dhaka to Rajshahi, Tangail Police Superintendent Mizanur Rahman has stated that no rape occurred. However, one of the victims had previously claimed otherwise in media reports. The police superintendent mentioned that multiple police teams have spoken to the woman in question, and she denied being raped. He assured that if any complaints are filed regarding rape, the police will conduct a prompt investigation.

According to passengers, the robbery and harassment took place over approximately three and a half hours, from 12:30 AM to around 4 AM, as the criminals drove the bus to various locations. Three suspects were initially arrested but later granted bail by the court. Another suspect has since been detained for further investigation.

According to Israeli media outlet Ynet News, Israel has proposed releasing 602 Palestinian prisoners if Hamas immediately returns the bodies of four hostages. Israel has stipulated that Hamas must return the bodies without any formal handover ceremonies, similar to how they returned the bodies of Bibas and Oded Lifshitz last week. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv has refused to release over 600 Palestinian detainees under the latest prisoner exchange agreement, citing alleged misconduct by Hamas during past handovers. In response, Hamas has stated that it will not engage in any further negotiations until all Palestinian prisoners are freed.

In a Facebook post, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that steps are being taken to introduce Elon Musk’s Starlink service in Bangladesh, aiming to permanently eliminate the possibility of government-imposed internet shutdowns. He criticized the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina, stating that she repeatedly resorted to internet blackouts over the past sixteen years to suppress movements. He further explained that internet shutdowns are a key tool for dictatorships. With Starlink’s satellite-based service, industries such as BPOs, call centers, and freelancers will greatly benefit, he added.

Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus paid solemn tribute to all martyrs on National Martyred Soldiers Day. In a statement, he said that the government has officially designated this day to commemorate the brutal massacre that took place in Pilkhana in 2009. Emphasizing solidarity with the families of the fallen soldiers, the Chief Adviser acknowledged their enduring wait for justice. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their loved ones.

Marking the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed two resolutions calling for an end to the conflict. Ukraine and the European Union drafted the first resolution, emphasizing Russia’s full withdrawal and sustainable peace within Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders. Later, a second resolution titled “Path to Peace” was introduced, urging an immediate ceasefire. Russia’s envoy praised the second resolution, leading to three EU amendments, which also passed. The U.S. is expected to introduce similar resolutions in the UN Security Council.

The next national elections will be held by December this year or by March next year, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. He stated that if fewer reforms are needed, elections will be held in December; if more reforms are necessary, the elections may be pushed to early next year. He ruled out June elections due to the monsoon and severe storms. However, whether the national or local elections will take place first remains undecided.