The World Health Organization has placed Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Regional Director for Southeast Asia, on indefinite compulsory leave. This development was reported by Health Policy Watch. In response, Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to the BNP Chairperson, said this incident should be a lesson for all in power. He alleged that Putul was appointed through influence, misuse of state machinery, and manipulation, despite lacking qualifications, and that India’s support played a key role in her selection.

The Trump administration has dismissed 1,353 key officials from the U.S. State Department, including 1,107 Civil Service and 246 Foreign Service officers. The layoffs began on July 11, with an additional 1,600 employees expected to resign voluntarily. The State Department clarified that U.S. missions abroad are not affected for now. As part of a broader reform plan approved in April by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, numerous bureaus are being merged or restructured. Dismissed officials are receiving termination notices via email and mandatory leave.

At a protest rally organized by Islami Chhatra Shibir in Mitford, central leader Sadiq Kayem called for grassroots resistance against extortion and political violence. He warned, “Anyone attempting to bring back the politics of subjugation will face consequences worse than those faced by killer Hasina and her student wing.” Referring to the October 28, 2006 killings, he alleged that Awami League and its armed cadres brutally murdered Shibir activists in broad daylight. He further accused a certain political party of currently resorting to deadly violence, including stone attacks, to cling to power. “As long as the generation of July is alive, we will not allow their dreams of tyranny to be realized,” he vowed.

State-owned Janata Bank has initiated a special audit of its eight largest loan defaulters, including Beximco, S. Alam, Orion, and others, allegedly tied to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s close associates. These entities defaulted on over Tk 70,000 crore, amounting to 75% of the bank’s total loans. The Bangladesh Bank-ordered audit aims to identify irregularities and hold executives accountable. The bank reported a record Tk 3,066 crore loss in 2024, with no dividends declared amid growing concerns over financial mismanagement and political influence.

Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna has alleged that a covert group is spreading misleading information in response to the growing popularity of nationalist ideology among the youth. Warning the public to remain vigilant, he stressed the need to prevent any undemocratic forces from exploiting the deteriorating law and order situation. Addressing the recent killing of a Jubo Dal activist in Khulna, Munna criticized the government’s silence and accused a particular political party of having a history of such “vein-cutting politics.” Recalling the mass uprising of August 5, he praised the resilience of BNP activists who, despite long-standing repression, have resumed normal organizational activities without exploiting the sacrifices of their fallen comrades.

The second round of trade discussions between Bangladesh and the United States concluded with partial progress, as both sides reached agreements on several matters while a few key issues remain unresolved. It was decided that inter-ministerial discussions will continue before the next round of meetings, which may be held virtually or in person. Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman expressed optimism about a positive outcome. The three-day talks were coordinated by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Lisanul Alam Lisan, General Secretary of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology’s student wing, the Student League, resigned on Friday night. In a lengthy Facebook post, while citing personal reasons, he strongly criticized the self-serving and extortion-based politics of BNP, NCP, and Jamaat. He expressed discontent over political parties’ roles following the August 5 mass uprising, accusing leaders of exploiting the sacrifices of martyrs for personal gains. He named NCP leader Hannan Masud in extortion allegations, which Hannan denied, demanding proof. Lisan stated he would return to activism when a genuine call for change arises.

Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman stated that inflation has dropped to a tolerable level of 8.48% and is expected to decrease further. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Sylhet, he emphasized the need for realistic monetary policy based on public input. The Sylhet region was highlighted for its importance in tea, remittance, tourism, and agriculture. Local stakeholders urged improvements in banking access, credit facilities, and infrastructure to boost investment and economic growth in the region.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has firmly ruled out the possibility of any electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, stating that the party is only in discussions with democratic forces such as the Nationalist Democratic Party (NCP) and others who were actively involved in recent political movements.

Speaking to the media, Salahuddin said that these discussions will continue until the election schedule is officially announced. “BNP is open to alliances only with parties that participated in the movement for restoring democracy,” he emphasized.

He also noted that the party is closely watching the upcoming review verdict by the Appellate Division regarding the restoration of the caretaker government system—a key demand of the BNP.

Criticizing the prolonged deliberations of the National Consensus Commission, he urged for a more decisive and timely approach. Salahuddin also rejected the idea of a Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, arguing that it disconnects voters from their elected representatives and contributes to political instability.

“Bangladesh is not ready for the PR system,” he said. “BNP will not support any electoral mechanism that undermines direct representation.”

Gano Adhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur announced that the party is preparing to contest all 300 seats in the upcoming national election. Speaking at a street rally in Eidgaon, Cox’s Bazar, Nur emphasized the need to preserve the unity achieved through the July Revolution to guide the country in the right direction. He positioned the party as a rising alternative political force. During his visit, Nur also plans to visit the grave of July martyr Ahsan Habib in Chakaria and meet his family.

The spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate, Zabihullah Mujahid, criticizes the International Criminal Court (ICC) for ignoring Israel’s alleged crimes in Gaza while issuing arrest warrants against Afghan leaders implementing Islamic law. He denounces the court’s double standards and rejects its authority. Analysts suggest that internal Afghan issues should be resolved through dialogue rather than external sanctions. The UN respects the ICC’s independence but faces calls to recognize Afghanistan diplomatically and address the situation through negotiations.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told EU President Antonio Costa that any future attack on Iran will provoke a stronger and more precise retaliation. The statement came during a phone call, amid rising tensions following an IAEA report revealing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. After Israel’s air strikes and subsequent missile attacks from Iran, the conflict ended with US intervention. Tehran criticized the UN nuclear agency’s report as biased, accusing it of providing Israel justification for its actions.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has ruled out forming an electoral alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami but hinted at ongoing talks with the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP) until the election schedule is announced. He emphasized that the upcoming national election will likely be held under an interim government by mid-February next year. Salahuddin criticized delays in the National Consensus Commission’s discussions and opposed introducing a Proportional Representation system, stating Bangladesh lacks the political and electoral culture for it. He also questioned the Awami League’s commitment to democracy.

Water levels in the Teesta River are rapidly increasing due to upstream hill runoff from India, raising flood concerns in northern Bangladesh. As of Friday morning, the water is flowing 23 cm below the danger level at Dalia Point. Authorities have opened 44 sluice gates at Teesta Barrage to manage the flow. Residents in char areas and riverbanks remain on high alert, especially in Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Nilphamari, and Kurigram. Officials have initiated precautionary measures in anticipation of potential flooding.

Quantum Cosmo School, located in a remote area of Lama, Bandarban, has topped the district in the 2025 SSC exams. All 97 students from its general section passed, with 16 scoring GPA 5. From its vocational branch, 50 out of 51 students passed, and 14 achieved GPA 5. The school credits its success to meditation, residential support, and dedicated teaching. Alikadam and Bandarban Cantonment schools secured second and third places respectively. Lama’s overall pass rate was low, with Sarai High School performing the worst.