Ignoring the ceasefire, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed over 500 Palestinians, including 200 children. In retaliation, Hamas has launched rocket strikes on Israel. The Israeli military reported that air raid sirens went off after rockets were fired from Gaza. Out of three rockets launched from southern Gaza, one was intercepted, while the other two landed in open areas, causing no casualties. Additionally, Yemen’s Houthis fired a ballistic missile, disrupting flights at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Hamas’ Qassam Brigades stated that the attack was in retaliation for Israeli massacres of civilians in Gaza.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince has accused a certain group of running a deliberate misinformation campaign against BNP to serve their own interests. He asserted that such tactics would not isolate BNP from the people. He called for unity against any conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the country. “Stability cannot be achieved without elections. Reforms are an ongoing process, but delaying elections in the name of reform is unacceptable. The lack of progress in reforms even after seven months demands accountability,” he added.

The government expects the media to maintain a neutral and responsible role, said Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam. While welcoming media criticism, he emphasized that constructive criticism helps the government make better decisions. At the same time, he stressed that the media should also highlight the government’s positive initiatives. He also criticized the role of the media over the past 16 years. To ensure discipline, the government has established a Media Reform Commission, and he urged media owners, journalists, and all stakeholders to cooperate in the reform process.

Two clothing stores in Naogaon city—Asman Big Bazaar and Shilamani Garments—were caught selling locally made garments at inflated prices by falsely labeling them as Indian products. The store owners failed to provide purchase receipts for the items. As a result, the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate fined each store BDT 50,000, totaling BDT 100,000 in penalties. The shop owners admitted to the fraud during the operation.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed two separate cases against Saima Wazed Putul for allegedly securing a World Health Organization (WHO) job using false information and forcibly extracting BDT 3.3 billion from 20 banks under the name of Suchona Foundation. • WHO Job Fraud: The ACC claims that in 2023, Putul falsely stated in her CV that she was involved in faculty work or training manual development at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), which helped her secure the position of WHO South-East Asia Regional Director. • Bank Fund Misuse: As former chairperson of Suchona Foundation, Putul allegedly colluded with top banking officials and misused power to extract BDT 3.3 billion from banks, leading to the corruption charges against her.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza, stating that the global conscience is dead. “If the world had any conscience left, women and children in Gaza wouldn’t have to die in agony,” he said. He added that Gazans, unable to bear the oppression, are now praying to God to take them away, as they lack even basic necessities. Jamaat has staged protests and called for a boycott of Israeli products while urging the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) to take decisive action against Israel.

According to a press release from the Cabinet Division on Thursday, the government spent 1.98 billion BDT on medical treatment and related expenses for 40 critically injured protesters from the July-August 2024 mass uprising. The expenses covered medical care, travel, accommodation, food, visas, passports, banking charges, and other necessities for 40 patients, 25 attendants, and one interpreter. The Health Services Division reported this expenditure to the Advisory Council. Additionally, the draft amendment of the Public Procurement Ordinance 2025 has been approved, pending legislative and parliamentary vetting.

The Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms and hailstorms across various regions of Bangladesh over the next three days. Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions may experience gusty winds, lightning, and rain by Friday morning at 9 AM. Some areas could witness hailstorms. Additionally, the mild heatwave affecting Rajshahi and Sirajganj is expected to subside. Similar weather patterns are likely to persist across Dhaka, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet until Saturday morning.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader over allegations of extortion, nomination trade, and embezzlement of party funds. Reports suggest that during the 2018 parliamentary elections, Tk 181 million was taken as bribes for reserved women’s seats in Parliament. When the agreed payment was not completed, Professor Masuda M Rashid Chowdhury was temporarily suspended from her party position, and GM Quader’s wife, Sharifa Quader, was appointed MP in her place. Additionally, the Jatiya Party’s central committee, which should consist of 301 members, has reportedly been inflated to 600–650, indicating a trade in party positions. GM Quader is also accused of laundering assets under different names domestically and abroad.

The Election Commission has officially revoked the registration of 96 election observer organizations that were approved under the administration of Hasina. This decision was finalized in a meeting chaired by Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam on Thursday. The commission plans to approve new observer groups. Until November 2023, 67 domestic observer groups were registered with the EC. Ahead of the 2024 elections, 29 more organizations were added, bringing the total to 96. According to the law, these observer groups were authorized to monitor any election in Bangladesh until December 5, 2028.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has dismissed Ananta Jalil’s claims that 240 garment factories in Bangladesh have shut down. He stated, “Before attempting to gain benefits from the government, Ananta Jalil should verify his facts.” He also denied claims that Bangladeshi factories are closing down daily or that thousands of workers have lost their jobs. “In reality, Bangladesh’s exports have increased by 11% over the past seven months. According to reports from local administration and industrial police, about 99% of factories in Gazipur, Ashulia, and Savar remained operational this week,” he added. The Press Secretary urged Ananta Jalil to present accurate data and statistics.

Aliif Group has announced the indefinite closure of three factories in Konabari, Gazipur. Workers reported that employees of Aliif Group’s Swadhin Garments Ltd. in Jorun had been demanding Eid bonuses, leave payments, and half of their current month’s salary for several days. However, the management had not responded. As a result, around 800 workers began a strike on Wednesday morning. On Thursday, the factory management issued a notice declaring an indefinite shutdown.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, setting a two-month deadline for reaching a nuclear agreement. Khamenei condemned Trump’s ultimatum as “bullying tactics.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that the letter is still under review and a response is being prepared. Trump remarked, “We cannot allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons. While I prefer a peace agreement, other options remain on the table.”

Following his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, former U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump shared on Truth Social, “The discussion was very good. We are on the right track.” He mentioned that much of the conversation was based on his previous call with Putin, aimed at aligning both Russia’s and Ukraine’s requests and needs. The BBC reported that the call between Trump and Zelensky lasted for an hour. Meanwhile, Putin recently agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for 30 days but did not agree to a full ceasefire.

The Technical and Madrasa Education Division announced on Thursday a proposal to provide government salaries to teachers of Qaumi madrasas as part of an initiative to improve the education system. Under this proposal, madrasas will be categorized into four grades based on student numbers and establishment years. • Grade 1: Madrasas with over 500 students and established more than 25 years ago. The head of the institution would receive 10,000 BDT per month, while four teachers and one staff member would each receive 7,000 BDT per month. • Grade 2: Madrasas with over 300 students and over 15 years old. The head would get 8,000 BDT, while four teachers and one staff member would receive 5,000 BDT each. • Grade 3: Madrasas with over 100 students and at least five years old. The head would receive 5,000 BDT, while teachers and staff would get 3,000 BDT each. • Grade 4: All other madrasas fall under this category.