The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has finalized four recipients for the National Wildlife Conservation Award 2025 in recognition of their exceptional contributions to wildlife conservation and research. The awardees are: Md. Fazle Rabbi Sherpur Bird Conservation Society Professor Dr. Md. Monowar Hossain Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka Each recipient will receive a 22-carat gold medal (two tolas in weight), a cheque for BDT 100,000, and an official certificate of honor.

Abdur Rahim Jewel, controversially named chief coordinator of NCP's Cumilla district unit, has denied accepting any such role, stating his continued loyalty to BNP over the past 35 years. He claims the appointment was made without his consent in an attempt to tarnish his political reputation and block his progress within BNP. Following his statement, the NCP removed the committee announcement from its official page. In response, NCP leader Hafsa Jahan insisted the appointment was discussed beforehand and accused Jewel of backtracking.

Iran has launched a series of long-range Sejjil missiles targeting Tel Aviv, according to reports from Al Jazeera. Israel claimed that at least eight missiles were fired, with explosions heard in the city. Footage circulating online shows the missile trails illuminating the night sky. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard stated this is part of the 12th wave of “Operation True Promise 3.” The Sejjil missiles are capable of striking targets 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers away with high precision.

Bangladesh has declared its candidacy for Category 'C' membership in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–27 term. Shipping Advisor Brigadier M. Sakhawat Hossain sought support from Norway and other IMO member states during a meeting with Norwegian Ambassador Haakon Harald Gulbrandsen. The advisor highlighted Bangladesh's extensive network of rivers and seaports and their importance to the country’s economic development. The ambassador expressed a willingness to support Bangladesh’s bid.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has urged party organizers to remain vigilant during the member renewal process, ensuring that no individual affiliated with the ruling Awami League is allowed to join the BNP. Speaking at an event in Turag, he emphasized that loyal and tested party workers must be prioritized. "BNP does not tolerate wrongdoing, and those who tarnish the party’s reputation will have no place here," he said.

The Nationalist Citizens' Platform (NCP) has announced a 31-member coordination committee for Cumilla district, appointing Abdur Rahim Jewel as its chief coordinator. Jewel is a former BNP leader who previously served as the president of the Laksam College unit of the student wing Chhatra Dal and held positions in the Jubo Dal and Krishak Dal. NCP central leader Hafsa Jahan confirmed Jewel’s active involvement in the NCP, stating there is “nothing wrong” with his appointment.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has said that despite the resumption of services, the party has no intention of withdrawing its protest. Speaking at Nagar Bhaban, he criticized certain media outlets and government advisors for misrepresenting the situation. “The city corporation’s advisor claims legal complications still exist, but the Supreme Court has already settled this issue. Continuing to say otherwise is ignorance at its peak,” he said. Ishraq affirmed that the symbolic “lock” on the city building gate will remain in place and appealed for intervention to allow him to take his mayoral oath.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Fayzul Karim, Senior Deputy Amir of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, revealed during a public gathering in Tangail that discussions are underway with other Islamic parties to form an electoral alliance for the 2026 national parliamentary election. “If these talks are successful, Islami Andolan Bangladesh will participate in the election as a united front,” he stated. “We are committed to this path, but if the negotiations do not yield results, we will assess the situation and decide accordingly.”

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has returned home after undergoing medical examinations at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She left the hospital at 11:17 PM on Wednesday for her residence in Gulshan, confirmed BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan. Khaleda Zia had arrived at the hospital at 7:47 PM for routine health check-ups.

France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced that the country will carry out extensive two-day raids across the nation to curb illegal immigration. The operations are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, involving nearly 4,000 security personnel. The raids will focus particularly on hotspots with a significant presence of irregular Bangladeshi immigrants, especially around Gare du Nord station in northern Paris — a key arrival point for Eurostar trains coming from Britain. So far this year, French authorities have apprehended 47,000 illegal immigrants. The Interior Minister warned that migrants are being urged to quickly obtain proper legal documentation and seek legal assistance to avoid detention during these enforcement actions.

A court has directed prison authorities to take the necessary steps to solemnize the marriage between singer Mainul Ahsan Noble and the woman who had earlier filed a rape case against him, based on mutual consent. The bride is a former student of Eden Mohila College. Noble's lawyer stated in court that the case was a result of misunderstandings, and both parties now wish to marry, prompting the court to grant approval.

In a recent meeting, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted river water flow during development project planning. “We must give utmost importance to preserving our river systems. Bangladesh is a deltaic country, and under no circumstances should our water flows be hindered,” he stated. During the meeting, the Asian Development Bank’s Bangladesh Country Director, Ho Yun Jong, along with a team from the Economic Relations Division (ERD), presented the detailed framework, strategy, and implementation plan for the ‘Teknaf to Tetulia Integrated Economic Corridor Development’ project. The Chief Adviser added, “Our vision is to create an investment hub in this region. The project must be designed to connect neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan as well.”

After 17 long years, a special seminar commemorating the 44th martyrdom anniversary of the Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was organized on Thursday at Dhaka University by the BNP-supported teachers’ organization, Sada Dal. The event was chaired by Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, convener of Dhaka University’s Sada Dal. BNP leader Professor Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan attended as the chief guest, while Ruhul Kabir Rizvi was present as a special guest. During the seminar, Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Dhaka University, presented a detailed paper on the topic.

The previous restriction that halted all flight operations for nearly one hour during VIP flights at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has been revoked. Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated this decision aims to reduce public inconvenience. He emphasized that while the Special Security Force must ensure security, they should avoid causing hardships to travelers. The lifting of the ban is expected to ease travel for ordinary passengers. Dr. Yunus also highlighted the challenges of modern security threats in today’s fast-changing technological landscape.

In response to ongoing Israeli strikes, Bangladesh is preparing to repatriate 70 citizens currently in Iran. The evacuees will travel via Pakistan by land, with Islamabad’s government granting approval for the operation. Diplomatic efforts are underway to coordinate with Pakistani authorities, but the exact timeline for the first group’s arrival in Pakistan remains uncertain. Meanwhile, several diplomatic residences in Tehran, including that of Bangladesh’s First Secretary, have been damaged in the attacks, though no casualties were reported.