A court has approved different durations of remand for former ministers Hasanul Haq Inu, Rashed Khan Menon, Anisul Haque, Dipu Moni, and former MP Sadeq Khan in connection with various cases. In the case of the shooting death of Shahid Obaidul Islam in Jatrabari, the court granted a four-day remand for Inu, Menon, and Dipu Moni. Meanwhile, in the case of Shahid Md. Sujan’s fatal shooting in Basila, the court approved a three-day remand for former minister Anisul Haque. Additionally, former MP Sadeq Khan was placed on a three-day remand for the murder of Shahid Mirajul Islam Arnob in Basila.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar has been acquitted of a 17-year prison sentence in an arms possession case. The case, filed on June 3, 2007, at Gulshan police station, led to his conviction on October 30 of the same year by a special tribunal. Babar appealed against the verdict, and the case was stayed by the High Court. He was released from Dhaka Central Jail on January 16 this year.

The Attorney General’s office announced on Wednesday that the state has appealed against the acquittal of Tarique Rahman and all other accused in the August 21 grenade attack case. The hearing is expected today. On December 1, a court had acquitted them, despite a 2018 verdict sentencing former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar and BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu to death, while Tarique Rahman and 18 others received life imprisonment.

The High Court has ordered an investigation into the ‘unbelievable fraud’ involving K-Telecom, a company linked to Shamim Osman’s family. The CID and BTRC have been directed to submit a report within 90 days. According to sources, Sakhawat Hossain, who owns a small travel agency in Fakirapool, was shocked to find his name listed as a partner and managing director of K-Telecom, an international IGW company, without his knowledge. Originally licensed to Shamim Osman’s family, the company was later transferred to Sakhawat and two others without their consent. K-Telecom reportedly owes BTRC over Tk 126 crore.

Ali Ahsan Junaid has called for unity in building a new Bangladesh free from fascism, economic disparity, and corruption. He accused the pre-July Hasina regime of suppressing the people under Delhi’s hegemony and persecuting Islamic scholars. Junaid emphasized the need for ethical leadership, an inclusive economic model, and a fair political landscape. He called for an end to Islamophobia and sectarianism, advocating for an equitable system that ensures justice and sustainable progress.

A police station in Khetlal, Joypurhat, came under attack by BNP activists over extortion allegations. The attack, led by BNP’s organizational secretary Mehedi Ashik Partha, aimed to free three detainees from police custody. Two police officers and five others, including BNP’s upazila general secretary Abu Bakkar Siddique, were injured. Army personnel later intervened, dispersed the attackers, and arrested three individuals from the scene.

Chittagong’s Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shahjahan Chowdhury has demanded justice under Islamic law for the rape and murder of young Achia in Magura. He warned that failure to deliver swift and exemplary punishment would encourage further such crimes. Chowdhury also called for the prosecution of past perpetrators of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Additionally, he demanded the release of Jamaat’s central leader ATM Azharul Islam, who he claimed was falsely imprisoned. He insisted on judicial, police, and educational reforms to build a new and respected Bangladesh.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, suggested that local government elections should be held before national elections to alleviate public hardships. He argued that local elections are non-political and should take precedence. According to him, politics should be about accountability and unity, not self-interest or competition for power. In a meeting with the UN Secretary-General, Dr. Taher emphasized the need for unity to safeguard national sovereignty, ensure sustainable democracy, hold fair elections, and eliminate corruption.

BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain accused past autocrats of continuing their conspiracies despite fleeing the country. He stated that the people had been deprived of voting rights for 16 years, which the new government has pledged to restore. He urged the government to announce election dates soon, believing this would engage the people in the electoral process. Mosharraf asserted that the ongoing people's movement against Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule would culminate in the elections of July-August 2024.

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, paid a courtesy visit to Supradip Chakma, Adviser to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. During the meeting, Chakma praised the EU’s contributions to Bangladesh’s development. He highlighted key issues in the hill tracts, including the need for quality education, solutions to water scarcity in remote areas, livelihood development, and environmentally friendly brick production. He also emphasized the importance of renewable energy, particularly solar power, in maintaining ecological balance. In response, the EU Ambassador expressed interest in investing in solar and renewable energy sectors in Bangladesh.

Dhaka University has temporarily expelled 128 students for their involvement in attacks on anti-government protesters between July 15 and August 5. Among them are two students from Jagannath University who are also leaders of the banned Chhatra League.

The expelled students include Ibrahim Sanim (listed as number 82), a student of the 2016-17 batch in the Department of Drama and a vice-president of Jagannath University Chhatra League. The other is Mahmudul Hasan Akash (listed as number 121), a student of the 2019-20 batch in the Department of Marketing and the president of the Marketing Department Chhatra League unit.

Jagannath University Proctor Professor Dr. Muhammad Tajammul Haque stated that they had not yet been officially informed about the matter but would take necessary action once they receive details from Dhaka University authorities.

The Revolutionary Workers’ Party of Bangladesh has strongly condemned the brutal Israeli assault on Gaza, urging immediate intervention to halt the genocide. The party called for the arrest and trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates for war crimes.

According to reports, over 350 Palestinian men, women, and children have been killed, with more than 700 severely injured. The party accused Israel of blatantly violating the ceasefire agreement, defying the international community, and committing a grave crime.

Furthermore, the party criticized Western powers, particularly the U.S., for their hypocrisy regarding democracy and human rights, calling their stance on the conflict a “shameful mockery.” The statement also expressed solidarity with the freedom-seeking Palestinian people.

Several officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension at Khamarbari have been accused of embezzling funds under the pretense of BNP connections. On Tuesday, anti-corruption activists and student groups held a human chain protest in front of Khamarbari, demanding punishment for the corrupt officials.

The protestors highlighted that Dr. Muhammad Mahbubur Rashid, Deputy Director of the Finance Wing, was recently transferred due to allegations of transfer bribes. Following his transfer, his supporters staged disruptions, including locking the Khamarbari gates, road blockades, and a press conference.

It has been alleged that three officials—Rezaul Islam Mukul, Muhammad Mahbubur Rashid, and AKM Hasibul Hasan—misused BNP’s name to conduct a massive transfer-posting business, embezzling millions of takas. Protesters demanded strict legal action against those responsible for the unrest and corruption.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam has stated that the demand to reinstate “Except Israel” on Bangladeshi passports is “very logical.” On Tuesday, he received a memorandum from the National Revolutionary Council advocating for the restoration of this clause. He mentioned that discussions would take place with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and based on their recommendations, steps would be taken to restore “Except Israel” on passports. Since this is an issue related to international relations, further consultations with the Foreign Ministry will be conducted before implementing the change.

Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep concern over the killing of more than 350 people, including children, in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, violating the ceasefire on Tuesday. In a statement, the party condemned Israel’s renewed assault, stating that the entire Muslim world and the global community are deeply disturbed and alarmed by the attack. Jamaat urged the United Nations and all international organizations, as well as peace-loving people worldwide, to take immediate action to stop Israel and enforce the ceasefire.