India and China are set to resume direct passenger flights after more than five years, signaling a thaw in bilateral relations. The announcement came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Xi Jinping at the SCO summit in Tianjin. While the launch date remains unspecified, major airlines from both countries are preparing to restart services. The move is expected to ease travel, boost trade, and strengthen diplomatic ties amid global economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

A Harvard/Harris poll reveals a sharp generational divide in U.S. views on the Israel–Hamas conflict. While 74% of Americans overall back Israel, 60% of voters aged 18–24 support Hamas instead. Most Americans condemn Hamas’s actions, yet many young voters blame Israel for Gaza’s famine. Public opinion is split on whether Israel’s actions amount to genocide. Analysts say Gen Z’s reliance on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for news drives this shift, framing the conflict as a humanitarian issue rather than geopolitics.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has embarked on a four-day visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, aiming to strengthen bilateral and regional ties. He will attend the SCO summit and Victory Day military parade, marking the first time a Malaysian leader participates in the SCO at this level. Anwar will also hold talks with Xi and Premier Li Qiang, meet business leaders, and reinforce Malaysia’s commitment to its largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

In Kuakata, businessman Abdul Halim Akon has accused Kuakata Municipal Student League Secretary Nesar Uddin Howlader of forcibly taking a signed check worth BDT 30 lakh from him. On Sunday morning, Halim Akon submitted a written complaint to the relevant bank, requesting redress and alleging that he received threats to his life.

Responding to the allegations, Nesar Uddin stated that the check was handed over as repayment for a land transaction. “A year ago, I purchased 15 sotok of land from Halim Akon’s father, Mostafa Akon, for BDT 37.5 lakh. We have a written agreement to confirm this,” Nesar Uddin said.

He added that the payment was due, but when he learned the land had been sold elsewhere without finalizing the documentation, he contacted Mostafa Akon. During a family meeting, Halim Akon reportedly provided a signed check for BDT 30 lakh from his account in the presence of several witnesses.

According to Nesar Uddin, he later discovered that Halim Akon raised objections at the bank. He said he then informed the father, who subsequently repaid BDT 28 lakh through two separate checks, with the remaining amount to be settled via land transfer.

Nesar Uddin claimed that the accusations are part of a planned conspiracy and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.

BNP leader Professor Nargis Begum stressed that elections are essential to preserve Bangladesh’s sovereignty and build a democratic state. She highlighted the need to protect current and future generations, stating that democracy enables free expression and national development.

She recalled that former President Ziaur Rahman united the nation to safeguard independence and founded the BNP to uphold the rights and dignity of the majority. Party leaders urged citizens to protect the party’s legacy, noting, “If BNP survives, the country survives.”

GOP leader Rashed Khan emphasized, “We are not against the election, and we will not allow it to be disrupted. The government may make mistakes, but we cannot let it fail.”

He also called for accountability for attacks on party members, including Nurul Haq Nur, stressing that law enforcement personnel involved must face consequences. Khan reiterated demands to ban fascist elements from politics, including their affiliates.

National Party Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider stated that any attempts to ban the party would fail, emphasizing that the party has never engaged in terrorism.

He condemned recent attacks on the party office and praised police for controlling the situation. Haider urged party members to remain vigilant, promising lawful, peaceful demonstrations in Dhaka if necessary.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul was acquitted on Sunday in a 2013 case from Ramna Model Police Station, which accused him of obstructing police and attempted murder. His lawyer, Syed Zainal Abedin Mezbah, said the High Court had annulled parts of the charges, leading to Fakhrul’s exoneration. Other accused parties will continue to face trial.

Islamic Movement leader Rezaul Karim clarified in an interview, “Inshallah, the one-ballot initiative of Islamic parties will see the light of day.” Addressing reports of disagreement among Islamic parties over including Jamaat-e-Islami, he said, “Most Islamic parties are in electoral consensus with Jamaat. Meetings and discussions are ongoing.”

Karim emphasized that excluding Jamaat-e-Islami from alliances is incorrect, noting that several Islamic parties formed a coordination committee as part of a broader electoral agreement. On ideological differences, he explained, “Our approach blends spirituality and politics for societal and governance reforms, whereas Jamaat follows a different ideological path. Despite differences, past political history has seen unity and compromise.”

The Nationalist Student Party has demanded that Chittagong University officials resign and apologize to students for failing to maintain campus security.

In a written statement on Sunday evening, Abdullah Al Noman, General Secretary of the university’s student wing, presented three key demands: arrest and exemplary punishment for the attackers, an apology from the administration, and assurances for student safety.

Alaudin Mohsin, branch president, criticized the administration and police for remaining inactive despite hundreds of students being injured overnight. Violence resumed on Sunday morning, leaving over 150 students injured until the army intervened to restore order.

Meanwhile, BNP leader Sathi Uday Kusum Barua called for strict protests in Zobra village, criticizing students as ‘rebellious.’ The BNP later removed him from his position, while local BNP leaders urged calm and restraint among villagers and students to avoid further violence.

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has canceled his upcoming visit to China due to violent protests that have erupted across several cities, including Jakarta. At least three people have died, and numerous government buildings and police facilities have been set on fire. The unrest began after 21-year-old motorcyclist Affan Kurniawan was killed by a police armored vehicle. President Prabowo will remain in Indonesia to monitor the situation and has ordered an investigation into police conduct, promising accountability for excessive force.

Maria Nur, wife of opposition leader Nurul Haque Nur, described the recent attack on her husband as unprecedented. “Even during eight years of a fascist regime, we did not witness such shocking assaults. He sustained severe injuries to the brain, jaw, nose, and spine. Doctors say full recovery status cannot be determined before 72 hours,” she said. Maria appealed to the nation for prayers and requested arrangements for advanced treatment abroad.

Tarique Rahman stressed that establishing a government accountable to the people is paramount. He warned against reforms that obstruct democratic practice, stating: “BNP fully supports reforms in state and politics, but they must not impede the exercise of citizens’ rights. The interim government is transitional; its performance cannot be equated to that of an accountable political administration. Elections remain the only route to forming a responsible government.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, after meeting the Chief Adviser, confirmed that elections will be held as previously announced. He condemned the attack on Nurul Haque Nur as “abhorrent” and demanded a judicial investigation. Fakhrul stressed that there is no scope to delay the elections and that the announced schedule will be adhered to.

Yemen has appointed Mohammad Meftah as acting prime minister following the death of Prime Minister Ahmed Galeb Al-Rahawi in a recent Israeli airstrike in Sanaa. The Supreme Political Council issued a decree naming Meftah, the first deputy prime minister, as caretaker leader. The attack also killed several ministers while they attended a workshop. The Houthis confirmed the deaths but did not disclose all names. The presidency announced the strike on Thursday, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.