Two robbers arrested for a robbery and assault on passengers aboard a bus traveling from Dhaka to Tangail on the Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway have given confessional statements in court. Another suspect, who refused to confess, has been remanded for five days. The confessions were made by Sabuj (30) and Shariful Islam Sharif (28). Shahidul Islam Muhit (30) has not confessed. According to lawyers, four more individuals are involved in the incident. The suspects were arrested from Savar, Dhaka, on Friday.

Islamic scholar Mizanur Rahman Azhari emphasized the power of unity in a recent gathering in Chapainawabganj. He said, “When we are alone, we are individuals; when we unite, we are a force.” Azhari urged the need to harness this collective strength for the betterment of Islam. He highlighted the successes of unity, citing how Bangladesh has shown resilience in the face of oppression. “What could not be achieved in 16-17 years was accomplished in just a few days through unity,” he remarked. He also expressed a desire for a Bangladesh where no one dares to oppress others, emphasizing the importance of peaceful politics and leadership that resonates with the entire nation. “We want leaders whose illness will bring the entire country to their knees in prayer,” he concluded.

Law enforcement agencies have arrested an additional 769 individuals across the country in the ongoing Operation Devil Hunt. Among those arrested, 572 were wanted in connection with various cases. A total of 1,341 arrests have been made nationwide. The police headquarters reported that the operation has resulted in the seizure of a locally made single-barrel shotgun, two cartridges, four machetes, two cleavers, a knife, an LG, and a pair of scissors. To date, a total of 8,079 people have been arrested under the Devil Hunt operation.

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagorik Oikya, has alleged that he was prevented from entering the Ekushey Padak award ceremony. Speaking at a rally in Dhaka on Saturday, he claimed that although he had received an invitation, security personnel denied him entry. The award ceremony took place last Thursday, where notable figures were invited. Manna expressed deep humiliation, stating that he was turned away for arriving slightly late. “Nowhere on the invitation card did it say that doors would close 15 minutes early!” he remarked, directing his frustration at the current administration.

Farida Akhter, an adviser for livestock and fisheries, remarked that the younger generation of Bangladesh is more inclined toward poultry rather than traditional fish-based meals. “We have always been a nation that thrives on fish and rice, but is the younger generation truly following this tradition?” she questioned. She pointed out that many youths now refuse to eat meals without eggs or meat, making them a “poultry and rice generation.” Stressing the importance of fish consumption, she emphasized teaching children to eat fish, including those with bones, to make fish more popular again.

Lamya Chowdhury, daughter of late Bangladeshi film stars Parveen Sultana Diti and Sohel Chowdhury, has fallen victim to a brutal attack at her home. Her car was vandalized, and she suffered a broken leg during the assault. The incident took place in Sonargaon, Narayanganj. Following the attack, Lamya went live on Facebook, pleading for help. She claimed that around 30 to 40 individuals attacked her over a land dispute, forcing her to flee to Dhaka for safety. In distress, she questioned, “Do I have no one to stand by me just because my parents are no longer alive?”

The first phase of the ongoing ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas has been completed. On Saturday, five hostages were handed over to Israeli forces via the Red Cross, with a sixth hostage set to be released later. According to AFP, Israel is releasing more than 600 Palestinian prisoners in exchange, including 50 serving life sentences. Hamas has stated that no further hostages will be released unless Israel fully withdraws its troops. Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister declared that temporarily defeating Hamas remains their objective.

A robbery occurred on a Dhaka-Rajshahi bus, but no rape took place, according to Tangail Police Superintendent Mizanur Rahman. He stated that jewelry was snatched from female passengers, and incidental physical contact during the act could be considered harassment. Three suspects were arrested in Savar, and a police officer was suspended for negligence. The robbery lasted three hours, and passengers had previously detained the bus staff, who were later released on bail. A case was filed against 8 to 9 unidentified individuals.

U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed General Charles Q. Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a major military shake-up. Defense Secretary also announced the removal of Navy Chief Admiral Lisa Franchetti and Air Force Vice Chief General James Slife. Trump appointed retired Lt. Gen. John Dunn Kane as Brown’s replacement, an unprecedented move as Kane is not a four-star general. Trump hinted at further dismissals, continuing his planned overhaul of the U.S. military leadership.

A tragic bus accident in Kashiani, Gopalganj, claimed the lives of a driver and a supervisor, leaving 12 others injured. The incident occurred around 11 AM on Saturday in Hironnakandi when a Tungipara Express bus rear-ended a Sohaag Paribahan bus traveling from Dhaka to Khulna, causing it to crash into a tree. Emergency responders rushed the injured to hospitals, where two succumbed to their injuries. Eyewitnesses fear the death toll may rise as authorities continue rescue efforts.

A violent clash broke out between two BNP-affiliated groups—Swechchhasebak Dal and Jubo Dal—over smuggling activities in Feni’s Parshuram. The confrontation left Arif Hossain (40), a member of Swechchhasebak Dal, and Tanveer, a Jubo Dal leader, critically injured with severe head wounds. The incident occurred in the West Saheb Nagar area around 10 p.m. on Friday. Both victims were rushed to Parshuram Hospital. Authorities confirmed the incident stemmed from illegal border activities, including soil excavation and sale.

For the first time, a freight train has been launched from Mongla Seaport, marking a new milestone in cargo transportation. On Friday, a train carrying 1,050 metric tons of molasses imported from Pakistan departed for Baghabari, Sirajganj. The cargo was loaded from United Refinery & Bulk Storage Limited via pipeline into 30 wagons. This new railway link will reduce transport costs and boost trade at Mongla Port. Officials see it as a major step in enhancing the port’s efficiency in handling exports and imports.

A fire erupted at a shop in the Karail slum of Mohakhali, Dhaka, around 12:45 AM on Friday. Ten Fire Service units battled the blaze for an hour before it was brought under control by 1:45 AM. The cause of the fire and damage details remain unknown. Earlier, a fire at a sawmill in Khilgaon was extinguished after two hours. No casualties were reported in either incident, according to Fire Service officials.

In a crackdown on mineral theft along the Jadukata River in Tahirpur, Sunamganj, six individuals have been arrested and sentenced to three months in prison. They were caught stealing sand and stones from the riverbanks. A mobile court, led by Tahirpur’s Upazila Executive Officer, also fined trawler owners 150,000 taka for transporting the stolen materials. The operation was carried out with support from district authorities, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel.

Police arrested two individuals, including a banned Chhatra League leader, during a raid in Ashulia’s Gazirchat Ariyara Mor on Friday evening. The arrestees are Md. Sabuj Uddin Khan (26), a leader of the banned student organization, and Selim Reza (25), an active member of Jubo League. Sabuj Uddin Khan is facing charges related to a student-public murder case. The arrests were part of the ongoing Operation Devil Hunt. Both suspects will be presented in court on Saturday.