Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has revealed that it collected strategic and sensitive documents, photos, and videos related to Israeli nuclear sites and scientists through a covert operation in June. The materials identify 189 Israeli experts and include data on joint projects with the U.S. and Europe. Iranian authorities carefully examined the documents before release. Footage broadcasted on national TV also highlighted Israeli nuclear facilities, military personnel, and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, while claiming internal collaboration from some Israelis during a 12-day conflict.

Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of BNP, unveiled 70 new committees and dissolved three others on Thursday. The announcements came in official statements signed by central president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.

Thousands of students joined Gen Z-led protests in Leh, Ladakh, supporting climate activist and social worker Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike for constitutional protection and full statehood. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations turned violent, with clashes against police, arson at the BJP office, and a CRPF vehicle set on fire. Five people were killed and around 70 injured. Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew as protesters vowed to continue their struggle until demands were met, asserting the movement is independent of any political party.

Ladakh is witnessing violent protests over the long-standing demand to restore its statehood. Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk’s 15-day hunger strike and hospitalization of other protesters intensified tensions, leading to clashes, tear gas, and vehicles set ablaze in Leh. Locals blame the BJP for breaking its promises and insist the movement will continue until statehood is restored. Delhi is monitoring the situation closely, with high-level talks scheduled, but public anger remains high, leaving the BJP politically cornered.

Slovenia has become the first EU country to impose a travel ban on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, effective Thursday. Earlier, it declared ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich “undesirable” and imposed an arms embargo on Israel. Slovenia recognizes Palestine as an independent state and condemns Israeli attacks in Gaza, which President Nataša Pirc Musar has called “genocide.” Since October 2023, nearly 65,000 Palestinians have died, with ICC and ICJ pursuing war crimes and genocide cases against Israel.

The Kremlin has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s UN remarks, asserting that Russia is a true “bear,” not a paper tiger. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the bear has long symbolized Russia and suggested Trump’s comments may have been influenced by his meeting with Ukraine’s President Zelensky. Peskov stated that continuing the war in Ukraine is Russia’s only option and accused the U.S. of pushing Europe and other regions to reduce Russian energy use to boost American exports.

Jamaat leader Nurul Islam Bulbul criticized previous governments for violating minority rights, noting that they marginalized religious communities.

“Jamaat-e-Islami does not adhere to minority or majority-based politics. We believe every citizen is equal before the state,” he said. Bulbul stressed that Islamic governance protects every citizen’s rights, ensuring no one is deprived of their due.

He cited the post-August 5 assurances given by Jamaat leaders at the Dhakeshwari Temple, promising security for Hindu community leaders. Bulbul stated that no Jamaat member or madrasa teacher has looted or vandalized minority property, and that any such acts were carried out by individuals claiming to represent the Hindu community.

BNP leader Afroza Khanam Rita urged party workers to actively campaign for votes as the national election approaches.

“Jamaat-e-Islami is not staying idle; their women’s cadre is canvassing door-to-door for votes. We cannot underestimate them,” she said. Rita called on party members to avoid internal divisions and personally solicit votes for the Dhanner Sheesh symbol.

She warned against spreading misinformation within the party, urging members to remain united. “We must act in the people’s interest and never harm the party. Long-standing supporters must be respected. Remembering past misgovernance, we must unite to ensure Dhanner Sheesh’s victory,” Rita emphasized.

BNP leader Aman Ullah Aman confirmed that the upcoming parliamentary elections will not follow the proportional representation (PR) system. According to the Chief Adviser, elections are scheduled for the first half of February.

“The people of this country do not understand the PR system, and there will be no elections under it,” Aman said. He recalled the August 5 student movement, which ended authoritarian rule, and asserted that true democratic voting rights are yet to be fully restored. “Through the next national elections, the people’s voting rights will be reinstated, establishing democracy in the country.”

Aman urged voters to support the “Dhanner Sheesh” symbol. Barrister Irfan Ibne Aman will contest from the Dhaka-2 constituency, he added.

BNP leader Saeed Sohrab distributed leaflets at Mirzapur market to promote the party’s 31-point program, calling for public awareness of its key initiatives.

He assured, “BNP will serve as vigilant guardians to ensure the safety of every Puja Mandap in the country.” Sohrab added, “As a son of Mirzapur, I seek your support in the upcoming elections. If BNP nominates me, I will gift the Tangail-7 seat to the party with your collective backing.”

He also highlighted that BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had declared the 31-point program on July 13, 2023, emphasizing citizens’ rights, the rule of law, equality, and the restoration of democracy. Sohrab called on the public to vote for the “Dhanner Sheesh” symbol in the upcoming election.

Jatiya Party Chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud and Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader reaffirmed their faction’s legitimacy, dismissing claims over the party’s plough symbol.
Their statement followed CEC A M M Nasir Uddin’s remark that multiple groups are contesting ownership of the symbol.
They emphasized that the party’s last national council was conducted lawfully, where Mahmud and Hawlader were unanimously elected.
They accused rival groups of filing misleading applications, adding that the Election Commission can only allocate the symbol based on applications from the party’s constitutional leadership.

BNP leader Asadul Habib Dulu criticized the proposed proportional representation (PR) electoral system, claiming it will detach MPs from their constituencies.
“People may vote in Lalmonirhat but end up with an MP from Gazipur. This leaves MPs with no accountability,” he argued.
He accused ruling parties of misleading the public with new electoral models while ignoring demands for free and fair elections. Dulu further blamed past governments for the decline of sports in Bangladesh, saying the public was deprived of healthy entertainment.

Ganatantra Parishad and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) are working together in movements and hinting at possible unification, according to NCP’s northern organizer, Sarjis Alam.
“People want both parties to stay united,” he said. Discussions are already underway.
Ganatantra Parishad Secretary General Rashed Khan confirmed that formal talks will take place once its President Nurul Haque Nur and NCP leader Akhtar Hossain return from abroad.
Sarjis also asserted that the Awami League and Jatiya Party must be banned from future elections and held accountable for their past actions.

Following a High Court directive, the Election Commission (EC) has officially registered the Bangladesh Labour Party as a political party.
The certificate, issued Thursday, referenced the May 29 High Court ruling under the Representation of the People Order, 1972. Party president Mostafizur Rahman Iran had filed a writ petition in September 2023 seeking registration.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam assured that extensive security measures have been taken ahead of Durga Puja.
“Minor incidents do occur during festival preparations, but we act immediately upon receiving reports,” Alam said after inspecting preparations at Banglabazar Puja Mandap.
He warned that “disgruntled Awami League elements” could attempt to create unrest, but police and intelligence agencies remain vigilant to prevent any destabilizing activities.