Dhaka has been ranked as the world’s most polluted city, surpassing Beijing, which holds the second spot. According to data from the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 8:48 AM on Wednesday, Dhaka recorded an AQI score of 171, indicating unhealthy air quality. Beijing follows in second place, while Kampala, Uganda, ranks third. AQI scores between 0-50 are considered good, 51-100 moderate, 101-150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, and 151-200 outright unhealthy. Dhaka’s air quality falls into the unhealthy category, posing severe health risks to residents.

‘Kiyori Pekra Uwo,’ Bangladesh’s first-ever film in the Mro language, will be screened at the prestigious University of Cambridge under the title ‘Dear Mother.’ The screening, organized by the Indigenous Studies Group Cambridge, is scheduled for today at 2:30 PM local time. Since its 2023 release, the film has been showcased at top universities in Bangladesh, sparking discussions on Indigenous representation, community-based filmmaking, and artistic resistance against capitalist constraints. Director SK Shubho Sadik revealed that the International Center for Social Science in Amsterdam has preserved the film due to its anthropological and artistic significance.

Despite the involvement of police officers in multiple homicides, very few have been held accountable. Among the accused are officers implicated in the July murders of seven individuals, including a school student named Anas, in Chankharpul. Although 952 police officers have been named in various murder and attempted murder cases, only 28 have been arrested—a mere 2.94% arrest rate. Families of the victims have expressed outrage, demanding justice and warning of potential risks posed by unpunished officers roaming freely.

To address the liquidity crisis in commercial banks, Bangladesh Bank has relaxed the cash reserve ratio (CRR). Previously, banks were required to maintain a daily reserve of 3.5% of their total deposits with the central bank, but this has now been reduced to 3%. This change will release approximately BDT 90 billion into the market, helping banks meet increased customer demand. However, banks must still maintain a 4% CRR on a bi-weekly basis.

In an interview with Sky News on Wednesday, Dr. Yunus asserted that there is sufficient evidence to hold Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accountable in court. He claimed that not only Hasina but also her family and close associates would face trial. Addressing human rights violations, he mentioned that when people witness "mirror chambers" firsthand and hear from victims, they will realize the extent of the atrocities. He further stated that Hasina's prosecution depends on Indian and international law and expressed confidence that she would be brought to justice regardless of whether she returns to Bangladesh.

While distributing iftar items to underprivileged people, BNP leader Aminul Haque stated that the party’s core mission is to serve the public. He criticized the ruling government for neglecting citizens over the past 17 years and focusing solely on retaining power. Haque emphasized that despite facing oppression, BNP has always stood by the people, providing support during pandemics, natural disasters, and crises.

On Tuesday, two Iranian nationals and a Bangladeshi were assaulted in Vatara. The reason behind the attack remains unknown. Officer-in-Charge Mazharul Islam of Vatara Police Station stated that the injured Iranians were given medical treatment and brought to the station. Their phones and cash were stolen during the incident. Due to language barriers, police have struggled to communicate with them, as they only speak Arabic.

The Superintendent of Police announced that Singair Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zahidul Islam Jahangir has been removed from his post and reassigned to police headquarters due to allegations of bribery and a syndicate operating within the station. Reports revealed that the station was collecting bribes worth millions monthly, prompting higher authorities to take action after three warnings. J.O.M. Toufiq Azam, OC of Daulatpur Police Station, has been appointed as the new officer-in-charge of Singair Police Station.

At midnight on Tuesday, students and local protesters raided the residence of Tanvir Imam, son of HT Imam and a former MP, over allegations of hoarding illegal weapons, drugs, and large sums of money. No family members were found in the flat—only house staff and security personnel were present. About 30 minutes later, Gulshan police arrived at the scene, searched all rooms, but found no illegal items.

Police in Nawabganj arrested 10 members of a robbery gang in the middle of the night while they were preparing for a heist. Authorities recovered weapons and stolen goods from the suspects. According to police sources, a special checkpoint was set up at Kaykobad Square under the leadership of Superintendent of Police Ashraful Alam around 12:30 AM on Monday night. When several individuals attempted to flee from a truck, local residents and police officers managed to detain six of them. Based on their information, three more were arrested later.

Chaos erupted in the Serbian Parliament as opposition MPs hurled smoke grenades and tear gas at government lawmakers during a heated session. Amid the turmoil, one MP suffered a stroke. Serbia has been witnessing massive protests for four months, with students leading the movement, later joined by farmers and laborers. The unrest intensified following the collapse of a railway station roof last year, which killed 15 people. The tragedy led to widespread allegations of government corruption, forcing Prime Minister Milos Vukevic to resign. However, the protests continue, putting President Aleksandar Vucic’s decade-long rule under serious threat.

Following a four-day visit to Bangladesh, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi emphasized the need for sustained support for over one million Rohingya refugees. He praised Bangladesh and its people for their exceptional generosity in hosting the displaced population. Grandi highlighted that the primary solution to the crisis lies in ensuring a dignified, voluntary, safe, and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. During his visit to the camps, he urged the international community to provide long-term financial assistance.

Mawlana Yunus Ahmed, Secretary General of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, dismissed the recent debate on smoking as irrelevant. He stressed that while personal freedom is important, social capital, culture, and traditions must also be respected. Ahmed pointed out that public smoking by women has no historical precedent in Bangladesh and remains legally prohibited. However, he also opposed moral policing in an unregulated manner. He urged for national unity and focus on rebuilding the country instead of engaging in divisive debates.

When asked about the demand by student-led Nagorik Party for simultaneous national and Constituent Assembly elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasir Uddin stated that the commission is preparing for national elections based on the Chief Adviser’s announcement. He emphasized that the EC would not engage in political debates and is following the announced timeline, targeting elections in December or early January. The final decision will be based on consensus within the commission.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Congress Party (NCP), has proposed that national elections and Constituent Assembly elections be held simultaneously. He believes this would facilitate the formation of a new governance structure and help build a new Bangladesh. He further stated that the Constituent Assembly election could help transition to a truly democratic constitution. After paying homage at the National Martyrs’ Memorial, Nahid emphasized that a new Bangladesh cannot be built under the existing constitution and governance framework.