The Barishal Canal in Madaripur, once a vital waterway for trade, is being excavated after years of encroachment and pollution halted its water flow. Spanning 8 kilometers, the canal had been clogged by illegal structures, causing severe waterlogging. The district and municipal administrations have launched a joint initiative to reclaim and dredge the canal, starting from the Itarpool area. Locals welcome the move, saying restored water flow will boost agriculture on hundreds of bighas of land and help revive the region's traditional water transport.

Despite the end of the annual fishing ban, hilsa remains scarce in the Padma and Meghna rivers, leaving Chandpur fishermen with disappointing catches. Supply at local markets has dropped sharply, pushing prices to record highs—up to Tk 3,000 per kg. Buyers are crowding fish markets but often leave empty-handed due to limited availability. Traders and fishermen blame poor river conditions, though experts remain hopeful that catches will rise with continued rain as the peak hilsa season approaches.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mia Golam Parwar has expressed optimism about an emerging electoral alliance among Islamic parties ahead of the upcoming national elections. Speaking to reporters, Parwar said, “Islamic scholars and religious leaders in the country have realized the urgent need for unity among all Islamic forces in this election. Efforts are underway in that direction, and we firmly believe that a consensus among the parties will be reached very soon.”

He further stated, “Victory in the upcoming national election is the only way to fulfill the dreams of those visionaries who could not live to see the birth of a truly Islamic Bangladesh. By preserving the ideals of Islamic forces, we can repay our debt to them.”

Parwar also elaborated on the organization’s vision: “Our mission is to shape public opinion in favor of Islamic values and prepare competent individuals to lead the nation. Through this effort, we will witness the triumph of faith, please our Creator, and—God willing—earn His forgiveness and paradise.”

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of seizing the opportunity to ensure a free and fair election, which he described as a crucial chapter in the nation's political history.

BNP leader Rumeen Farhana declared during a party meeting in Durgapur that she has risked her life fighting against what she described as the "fascist rule" of the Awami League. “I stood alone against 300 MPs of an illegitimate government,” she said. Rumeen emphasized her commitment to the nation and promised to transform the Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail-Ashuganj) constituency if elected. “I will work for the development that people aspire to,” she affirmed.

Dhaka has seen a significant improvement in air quality, now ranking 47th globally—down from 11th just a day earlier, according to Swiss-based IQAir. As of 10:13 AM, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 56, a sharp drop from Friday’s 102. Meanwhile, Jakarta, Indonesia topped the list of most polluted cities with an AQI of 181, followed by Kampala (166), Medan (159), Lahore (158), and Batam (145).

Umama Fatema has formally announced her departure from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement following the formation of its new National Council. She cited internal politics, online and offline pressure, smear campaigns, and attempts to sideline her despite her role as spokesperson. Fatema revealed she initially voted in the council elections with hopes of positive change but later withdrew her support. Expressing deep disappointment, she said the platform has been hijacked by opportunists and no longer holds promise. Concluding her statement, she said she would not forgive those who wronged her and urged students to focus on their education, ending with, “Fi Amanillah.”

Islamic Andolan Bangladesh held a massive rally at Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday, demanding electoral reform including the adoption of proportional representation. Though the main session was scheduled to begin at 2 PM, the venue was filled from early morning with supporters from across the country. The rally began at 10 AM with a Qur’an recitation, followed by speeches from district and city leaders. The party is calling for national elections to be held under a reformed system that ensures justice, fairness, and proper representation.

At least four people were killed and 15 others injured in a devastating collision on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway near Srinagar, Munshiganj, early Saturday. A night coach from Jashore, operated by Hamdan Express, crashed into the rear of a moving truck. Both vehicles veered off and slammed into road dividers. The accident occurred between Singhpara-Nowapara and Hasara Bridge-2, according to Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, Deputy Assistant Director of the Munshiganj Fire Service.

Today marks the 85th birthday of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist and founder of Grameen Bank. Born on June 28, 1940, in Bathua village, Chattogram, Dr. Yunus began his career as a lecturer in economics in 1961. During the Liberation War, he formed a citizens’ committee in the U.S. to garner international support for Bangladesh. In 1983, he founded Grameen Bank, pioneering microcredit as a tool for poverty alleviation. He received numerous accolades including the Independence Award (1987) and the Nobel Peace Prize (2006). Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam wished him well on social media.

In a troubling incident in Kharija Bhajni village, Debiganj upazila, Panchagarh, local land grabbers have been accused of conspiring to cancel the National ID cards of two Hindu brothers in a bid to seize their land. The victims, including Bhabendranath, claim their citizenship documents were denied for 15 years by a local union chairman aligned with the previous government. Although their NIDs were later issued, they remain suspended. Their father was allegedly murdered in 1972 during a previous land dispute, and their property was later occupied using fake documents. Names of alleged perpetrators include Firoz Sheikh, Chan Mia, Anwar Hossain Hormuz, Amir Ali Guard, and Moyez Uddin.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur hosted a vibrant "Bangladesh Festival" on Thursday, showcasing the country’s rich heritage through music, dance, fashion, and traditional cuisine. Held at the Craft Complex, the event featured cultural performances and exhibits, including traditional rickshaws and crafts. A documentary on Bangladesh’s development journey was also screened. Malaysia’s Ministry of Culture Secretary-General, YBhg Dato’ Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, attended as the guest of honor.

India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has reportedly pushed back 31 individuals—including 14 Rohingya refugees and 17 Bangladeshi nationals—into Bangladesh through Lalakhal and Minatila borders in Sylhet early Friday. The Rohingyas had fled camps in Cox’s Bazar and entered India illegally. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained all 31 individuals. Police confirmed that the Bangladeshis have been presented in court, while the Rohingyas were sent back to camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.

Thousands gathered under tight security for the 400-year-old Sri Sri Jashomadhab Rath Yatra in Dhamrai, one of Asia’s largest chariot festivals. Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam inaugurated the event, praising improvements in Bangladesh’s law and order situation. He warned against mob justice, affirming that such acts would be strictly punished. "This country stands for communal harmony—there is no divide between Hindus and Muslims here,” he stated.

Rashedul Islam, Chief Coordinator of the National Coordination Party (NCP) in Rajshahi, has resigned just eight days after taking office. In a letter to the central committee, he stated, “With utmost respect and a heavy heart, I resign from my position.” Citing personal reasons, he added, “Serving the nation under the NCP banner has been an honor, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in me.” Sources indicate that internal conflicts within the local organization prompted his decision.

After months of unrest caused by the KNF (Kuki-Chin National Front), normalcy is gradually returning to remote areas of the Bandarban hills. More than 300 members from 89 Bawm families, who had taken refuge in Mizoram, India, and other regions, have returned to their villages in Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas. Two KNF-linked individuals, Roalaling Bawm and Lalpek Lian Bawm, have also surrendered and returned to civilian life. Security forces and local administration are providing them support, while the army has donated BDT 2 million to assist the affected Bawm community.