Ben Cohen, co-founder of ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s and a prominent activist, was arrested at the U.S. Senate during a protest against the killings in Gaza. He was later released. Police charged Cohen with a misdemeanor, while six others were also detained and face more serious charges. The protest occurred during a budget hearing where Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was presenting his proposal. Cohen shouted slogans, accusing Congress of funding bombs that kill children in Gaza while cutting healthcare for the poor in the U.S.

In a diplomatic first, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone call with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Taliban government. While India has not formally recognized the Taliban regime, Jaishankar described the conversation as constructive. He thanked Muttaqi for condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and welcomed his rejection of “false and baseless reports” aimed at straining India-Afghanistan relations. Muttaqi also urged India to issue more visas for Afghan citizens, particularly those seeking medical treatment.

A violent clash broke out between two groups in Barshapara village of Kotalipara, Gopalganj, on Friday morning over a dispute regarding a fish enclosure. At least 30 people, including a child, were injured in the conflict involving local UP member Ibrahim Fakir and Moksed Ali Fakir’s supporters. Both sides blamed each other for initiating the attack. The injured were taken to local hospitals. Police said the situation is now under control and no formal complaint has been filed yet.

Indian security forces have killed 31 Maoists during a major operation in the Karriguttalu Hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. Home Minister Amit Shah reported that over 26,000 personnel were involved in the operation, which resulted in the destruction of 214 Maoist hideouts and bunkers. Hundreds of explosives were recovered. The Naxalites have long fought for the rights of indigenous tribal populations in the region. Shah expressed satisfaction that no security personnel were injured in the operation.

Current and former students and teachers of Jagannath University have begun a sit-in protest at Kakrail intersection to press home their three-point demand. The gathering started around 10 a.m. near the northeastern side of the Kakrail Mosque, with a mass hunger strike planned after Friday prayers. Former Jagannath University student and Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shahin Ahmed Khan urged the interim government to promptly accept the demands. Maksudur Rahman, former VP of the Jagannath University Chhatra Dal, stated that these are longstanding and legitimate demands.

The government has restructured a committee to oversee the proper management of Qurbani-related matters, appointing Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin as its convener. The committee includes advisers for home, industry, roads, environment, local government, livestock, religion, and information, among others. Key responsibilities include ensuring proper collection and preservation of animal hides, maintaining an adequate supply of salt, and guaranteeing fair pricing. The committee will also issue guidelines for efficient waste management during Eid, humane animal transportation, and protection of funds generated from hide sales for the benefit of religious institutions.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has expressed deep concern over what it calls a continuous smear campaign against the organization, urging an end to the practice of blaming Shibir without evidence or investigation. In a statement, the group claimed it has consistently promoted truth, justice, and principled politics since its inception. Shibir leaders condemned the misuse of their logo, flag, and images of past and present leaders to spread misleading and vulgar content targeting political and social figures. “A section is engaged in politically motivated disinformation about Shibir, leading some to make negative remarks based on false impressions,” the statement read. The organization emphasized that it does not believe in the politics of lies or propaganda. Referring to a recent comment by an advisor blaming Shibir without proof, the group said, “Such behavior is unbecoming of someone in a state-responsible position. If one cannot rise above personal vendettas, they should step down voluntarily.”

AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju said, “Participating in elections is a key way for political parties to gain public recognition. But elections mean victory—there’s little space for the defeated.” He noted that competing against long-established parties is a significant challenge for new leaders seeking public trust. He urged the government to form a hearing committee to evaluate logical demands and help restore public confidence. “The administration still lacks control, and if this continues, they won’t be able to properly carry out reforms or elections,” he said, expressing growing public skepticism.

As of now, 47,420 pilgrims from Bangladesh have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Among them, 4,583 traveled under government arrangements, and 42,837 under private management, across 119 flights. A total of 86,678 visas have been issued. Sadly, seven pilgrims—six men and one woman—have passed away during the pilgrimage so far.

ABM Rowshan Kabir reported that shortly after takeoff from Cox’s Bazar Airport, one of the aircraft’s rear wheels fell off. An engineering team was stationed near the runway at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport as the flight was declared an emergency. Experts confirmed the aircraft could land safely even with one rear wheel missing. The plane later made an emergency landing in Dhaka without incident. The runway was temporarily closed, with ambulances and fire service vehicles on standby.

Under the leadership of its Amir, Jamaat-e-Islami held a central executive council meeting. Shafiqur Rahman warned of deep-rooted domestic and international conspiracies to destabilize the country. He called for public vigilance and unity formed through the July movement to help build a compassionate Bangladesh. He advised party members to remain cautious, patient, and grounded in justice and faith. “Avoid provocative or inappropriate statements. Do not get involved in instigative or unpleasant incidents,” he warned.

Abdul Awal Sardar, former mayor of Gosairhat Municipality and organizing secretary of the local Awami League, was arrested by immigration police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Officer-in-Charge Maksud Alam said Awal had been on the run since the political upheaval of August 5. He was trying to quietly flee the country on Thursday night when he was detained and is now being transferred to Gosairhat Police Station.

From 10 AM Friday, Jagannath University teachers and students began gathering at the northeast corner of Kakrail Mosque, preparing for a mass hunger strike following Friday prayers. A student said, “We’ve been protesting for three days with valid demands, but the government has yet to respond. Instead, we’ve faced police brutality. We won’t leave the streets until our demands are met.” Professor Dr. M. Belal Uddin stated, “We’re demanding an annual budget of 306 crore taka for our university—is that too much? Supporting education only strengthens the state.” He also noted they requested only 3,000 taka in stipends per student, which would benefit even the most remote villages.

Students surrounded Shahbagh Police Station demanding justice for the murder of Chhatra Dal leader Shahriar Alam Samya. They issued a 48-hour ultimatum to arrest all perpetrators. So far, three individuals—Tamim Hawlader (30), Samrat Mallik (28), and Palash Sardar (30)—have been arrested and sent to jail. Protests and demonstrations have continued for the past three days, led by Chhatra Dal and fellow students.

Farzana Ahmed Nipa recounted how a domestic dispute over loan repayments led her to contact a friend in Kolkata who promised a high-paying parlor job. She decided to cross the border illegally via Comilla but was caught upon arrival in Tripura and sent to Gomati District Jail the next day. “There are at least 10 Bangladeshi women imprisoned there,” she said. “Traffickers often send young girls to states like Maharashtra and Kolkata, sometimes selling them into brothels under the guise of employment.” Nipa added, “I never imagined I’d be rescued from that hell. I had lost hope of ever seeing my husband and daughter again.”