The district administration’s investigation committee on the Sylhet white stone looting incident has finally submitted its report. The submission occurred on Wednesday, just hours after outgoing DC Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad vacated his office. The committee, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Padmasan Singh, presented a seven-page report naming 137 individuals allegedly involved in the looting. Although the report has not been publicly released, sources indicate it includes ten recommendations to prevent future incidents, focusing on the protection of tourist sites and stones. The three-member committee was formed on August 12 following the looting, which also led to the transfer of the then DC and the UNO of Companyganj.

BNP leader Khairul Kabir Khokon has criticized the idea of imposing the PR system on the Bangladeshi public, calling it unnecessary and ineffective. Khokon asserted that no external force can stop the elections announced for February. He warned that those attempting to manipulate the election for personal gain would not succeed, emphasizing that the public is eager to vote for BNP. Reflecting on Bangladesh’s democratic journey, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of countless martyrs, praying for their eternal peace and expressing deep respect.

U.S. President Donald Trump has described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “war hero,” despite the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza. In a radio interview, Trump dismissed attempts to hold Netanyahu accountable, claimed credit for past hostage releases, and boasted about ordering airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He also accused Democrats, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of siding with Palestinians. Gaza authorities report over 62,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Halim has said that the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system is being deliberately misinterpreted. He argued that the system enhances the value of every voter and eliminates the practice of nomination trade. Highlighting that around 90 countries currently use PR elections, he reiterated Jamaat’s demand for its adoption in Bangladesh. Halim also urged for unity ahead of the next national polls, saying, “We must ensure the victory of the patriotic alliance.” He further clarified that if Jamaat comes to power, no one would be forced to wear the burqa, but social decency and women’s workplace rights would be safeguarded. Additionally, he demanded legal recognition of the July Charter.

Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Special Assistant to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Chief Coordinator of the Labour Party, has been admitted to a private hospital in Dhaka after falling ill. His son, Nipun Biswas, said on Wednesday that his father began to feel unwell on Monday while traveling from Pabna to Dhaka. He was immediately admitted under the care of Dr. Abdul Malek with respiratory complications caused by lung issues, leading to breathing difficulties and sleep problems. Doctors have started treatment following urgent tests, and his condition is now stable. Additional tests, including chikungunya screening, have been prescribed. Nipun added that physicians have strictly restricted visitors except family members. “We request everyone to keep him in their prayers,” he said. Meanwhile, Labour Party’s publicity secretary Manjurul Islam announced that prayer gatherings are being organized nationwide for Shimul Biswas’s recovery.

Legal analyst and adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has warned that the problem of forged migration documents cannot be solved individually, stressing it has become a systemic crisis. “If hundreds of thousands forge papers to go abroad, there’s little one can do,” he said, noting that violations by migrants abroad affect other nations too. He praised government initiatives in labor migration and worker protection, highlighting unprecedented growth in overseas employment and remittance inflow over the past year. Efforts are ongoing to expand labor markets in the Middle East and UAE, regulate female migration, and reintegrate workers deported during the July Movement protests.

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has sharply declined 212 days into his second term, with a net rating of minus 15 percent. Only 40% of Americans are satisfied, while 55% are dissatisfied. Confidence in his foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine, is falling. Economic expectations and immigration support have also weakened. Regional disparities show lowest approval in Democrat-leaning states. White and male voters remain most supportive, while younger, minority, and highly educated groups oppose him, including some traditional Republican seniors.

Ali Imam Majumdar, Food Adviser to the interim government, stated that rice prices are stable due to imports and the Food-Friendly Program. The government has halted rice purchases, increased warehouse releases, and allowed private imports to boost supply. Currently, 5.5 million families receive subsidized rice, and legal action will be taken against illegal hoarding. Record rice collection has been achieved this Boro season, and further imports are underway to ensure prices remain manageable and within the public’s purchasing power.

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, doubling the previous 25% rate, aiming to pressure Russia to end the Ukraine conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is creating international pressure, including sanctions, to expedite peace. He recently met Ukrainian President Zelensky and hinted at a possible tripartite dialogue with Putin. European leaders have shown support, while the U.S. continues efforts to facilitate direct Russia-Ukraine talks for a long-term resolution.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has officially published the gazette on the Welfare and Rehabilitation Ordinance Rules for the families of martyrs and fighters of the July Uprising. According to the gazette, recognized members of martyr families will receive a one-time savings certificate worth Tk 3 million along with a monthly allowance of Tk 20,000. For those injured in the movement, benefits will vary by severity: Critically injured: Tk 500,000 one-time grant + Tk 20,000 monthly allowance Severely injured: Tk 300,000 one-time grant + Tk 15,000 monthly allowance Injured: Tk 100,000 one-time grant + Tk 10,000 monthly allowance In addition, welfare and rehabilitation committees will be formed at central, district, and upazila levels. The central committee will be chaired by the Minister or Adviser of the Liberation War Affairs Ministry, district committees by Deputy Commissioners, and upazila committees by UNOs.

A group of young Israeli settlers has attempted to establish a new settlement in Syria’s Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, specifically in Quneitra province. This area falls under the 1974 disengagement agreement. Videos shared on social media show the settlers crossing the security barrier and pouring concrete in the village of Bir Ajam. The planned settlement was named “Neve Habashan.” Reports also note that since the Assad regime weakened, Israel has increased military posts and patrols in Quneitra and has carried out attacks across various Syrian provinces.

India’s government has introduced a constitutional amendment bill in the Lok Sabha that would remove the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, or Union Territory ministers from office if they remain in custody for 30 consecutive days on serious charges. The ruling party says it will deter corruption, but the opposition warns it could be used to target rival leaders. Political experts fear risks to federalism and judicial independence. Heated protests suggest stormy debates ahead in Parliament.

Government adviser Asif Mahmud said the administration is fully preparing for the national election, but broader consensus on the July Charter would allow the process to move even faster. He admitted that local government elections could not be held earlier due to party disagreements, though 23 development projects have been revised to reduce regional disparity. Mahmud acknowledged past vote rigging and polling center takeovers, which led to the dissolution of several local government bodies. Many vacant posts are now being temporarily managed by officials, affecting normal operations. “Despite challenges, with goodwill and consensus, Bangladesh can move steadily toward a credible election,” he said.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan has voiced caution over the proposed adoption of the proportional representation (PR) system, stating that elections cannot be held solely based on this framework. He criticized attempts to impose the system on citizens without consultation. While all political parties may accept the PR approach in principle, he emphasized that elections under this system are impossible without constitutional amendments. “Only an elected parliament can make such changes, and the current parliament is not elected by the people, making it unreasonable to implement the PR system now,” he said. Nazrul Islam also raised concerns about changes to the entire electoral structure through the PR system, even as no final decision on electronic voting machines (EVMs) has been made, describing the move as undue pressure on the public.

AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Monju has expressed optimism that national elections can be held in February next year, despite ongoing concerns. After meeting with the Election Commission, Monju said the party submitted a nine-point proposal. Key suggestions include recruiting non-voter youths as election volunteers, reducing campaign expenditures, and holding polls in open fields for transparency. He also discussed voting rights for expatriates and dual citizens. While opposing a bicameral system, the party proposed introducing proportional representation (PR) in an upper chamber if established.