Authorities at Qazi Hasanuzzaman & Ajiullah Hafizia Madrasa in Raipur, Lakshmipur, have dismissed two teachers—Ataur Rahman and Sharif Hossain—for severely beating a child student. The victim, Mahmud Hasan, was hospitalized after sustaining injuries from repeated caning. According to relatives, Mahmud was beaten six times by Sharif Hossain for failing to recite lessons, and again the next day, 12 times by Ataur Rahman, leaving him unconscious. Mahmud later told family members that the teachers threatened to kill him if he revealed the incident to his mother.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu has accused Sheikh Hasina of conspiring from India to destabilize Bangladesh and obstruct elections, suggesting that she seeks a covert return to the country. “Her plot will not succeed,” Dudu said, adding that steering the country toward elections would foil all conspiracies and restore normalcy by returning voting rights to the people. He alleged that Hasina clung to power for 16 years through force, and claimed her associates siphoned off the nation’s wealth, leaving banks empty.

At least 79 Palestinians were killed and 228 injured in the latest Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, bringing the total death toll since October to 65,141 and injuries to 165,925. Officials warn that the actual numbers are much higher, as many remain trapped under rubble with limited rescue capabilities. In the last 24 hours, Israeli forces also shot dead nine Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid, injuring 33 others. Since May 27, such incidents have killed 2,513 people and injured over 18,414. Malnutrition and hunger continue to claim lives—four more, including a child, died in the past day, raising the starvation death toll to 435, among them 147 children.

Singapore’s non-resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Derek Loh, met with a BNP delegation in Dhaka on Thursday. BNP was represented by Standing Committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed, along with organizing secretary Shama Obaid. Loh was accompanied by Chargé d’Affaires Mitchell Loh and Desk Officer De Ern from the Singapore High Commission. Discussions reportedly focused on strengthening bilateral ties and mutual interests.

Jamaat-e-Islami on Friday began a three-day program in seven divisional cities, demanding proportional representation (PR) in the upcoming national elections along with four other conditions. Party leaders were assigned to lead programs in each city, including Nayeb-e-Ameer Prof. Mujibur Rahman in Barishal and Secretary General Prof. Mia Golam Porwar in Rangpur. The five-point charter includes: Elections in February under the July roadmap PR system for both parliamentary chambers Guaranteed level playing field Visible justice for government “atrocities, killings, and corruption” A ban on Jatiya Party and the Awami League-led 14-party alliance

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) pushed 16 Bangladeshi nationals into Bangladesh territory through the Shitlmath border in Naogaon early Friday. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained them shortly after and confirmed they were Bangladeshi citizens from Pabna. The group included seven men, four women, and five children. They have been handed over to Patnitala police for legal action.

Police have filed a case against 2,200 people in connection with the violent attacks and arson at four shrines in Cumilla’s Homna upazila. The unrest erupted after a Facebook post allegedly insulting religion went viral on Wednesday. Although a follow-up apology was posted from the same account, tensions escalated, leading to a protest under the banner of “Touhidi Janata.” That night, police detained the accused individual, Mohsin. But by Thursday, mobs vandalized and set fire to four shrines. The army was eventually deployed to bring the situation under control.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman has warned that no matter what political parties say in the media, a fair election cannot take place without their genuine commitment. Speaking on Thursday, he said, “If the mindset is only to win by any means, fair elections are impossible.” He added that decades of entrenched partisan politics have crippled the country’s institutions, and it is unrealistic to expect reforms within just a year or two. Though several commissions were formed under the interim government to propose reforms, their recommendations have seen no real progress. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman also lamented the absence of anti-discrimination values in politics and bureaucracy, urging that a proper environment must be created to ensure voter confidence and participation.

The United States has canceled the visas of several Indian businesspeople and corporate executives over allegations of trafficking raw materials used in the production of fentanyl, a deadly synthetic drug. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi confirmed that not only were their visas revoked, but any future visa applications from these individuals have also been denied. However, the embassy declined to release their names. Fentanyl precursors—core chemical substances used to manufacture the drug—are considered the primary driver behind America’s opioid overdose crisis. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of drug-related deaths in the United States. The embassy also stated that Washington is working closely with the Indian government to combat narcotics trafficking. It is worth noting that during his administration, Donald Trump had imposed tariffs of up to 50% on imports from India.

BNP leader A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain has said that as the election draws closer, many are launching movements and programs demanding proportional representation (PR). However, he stressed that PR is not an effective step to strengthen democracy. “People may demand PR as part of their democratic rights. But treating it as something that must happen is an undemocratic mindset. No idea can be truly democratic if it is imposed,” Zahid said. He further warned that pushing for PR in the name of the people, even when the public does not demand it, only paves the way for authoritarianism and attempts to delay elections. “Trying to pass off a party agenda as the people’s demand will not succeed. The general public themselves will resist it,” he added.

Bangladesh has secured re-election to the Administrative Council of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), earning 97 votes out of 157 during the council’s session in Dubai. The country ranked ninth among ten elected members, securing a four-year term for the second consecutive time. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus congratulated the Bangladesh delegation for their success, noting that despite limited in-person participation in the past term, coordinated diplomatic efforts helped overcome challenges to re-election.

A BNP leader in Cox’s Bazar has sparked outrage after allegedly extorting Tk 200,000 from an Awami League woman leader, swearing on the Holy Quran to “protect” her. A video of the incident involving Nuruddin Khan, general secretary of Ward 1 (East) BNP, has gone viral. The victim, Rozina Akhter, said she initially believed Khan would help her but was later threatened with murder and arson if she refused to pay more money. Khan, who faces long-standing allegations of human trafficking, attacks on police, and extortion, denied the charges, claiming he is a community arbitrator and the victim of conspiracy. However, BNP insiders admitted that the incident has embarrassed party members nationwide.

Several Awami League activists have been arrested in connection with the recent attack and vandalism at the Bangladesh Consulate in New York. Press Minister Golam Mortuza, based at the Bangladesh Embassy, confirmed that the consulate has formally reported the incident to U.S. authorities, including police and the Secret Service, with video evidence identifying the attackers. He emphasized that while freedom of expression is valued, violent actions cannot be tolerated. Investigations are ongoing, and U.S. agencies will share findings with the consulate and embassy before any charges are filed. Mortuza dismissed claims of compromise with Awami League, calling them baseless.

Newly appointed Dutch Ambassador Boris van Bommel paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. During the meeting, Yunus confirmed preparations for holding national elections in early February, ensuring they are free, fair, and peaceful. Ambassador van Bommel reaffirmed the Netherlands’ support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition, noting that an EU pre-election observation mission is set to arrive this week. Yunus also highlighted Bangladesh’s gains from Dutch expertise in flood management and coastal protection. The ambassador expressed interest in Bangladesh’s progress in social business and microfinance. Yunus further urged enhanced Dutch assistance for over one million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, stressing that the upcoming UN conference must mobilize global support for humanitarian relief.

The United States has once again vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. This marks Washington’s sixth veto on similar proposals. The draft, tabled by 10 elected members of the 15-member council, urged Israel to lift all restrictions, allow humanitarian aid, and secure the dignified release of hostages. Fourteen members voted in favor, with the U.S. the lone dissenting vote. Hamas condemned the veto, calling it a clear alignment with “genocidal crimes.” Ahead of the vote, Denmark’s UN envoy warned: “Famine in Gaza is no longer a possibility—it is a certainty.” Nearly two years of relentless Israeli strikes have left over 65,000 dead and 165,925 injured in Gaza, according to local sources.