Eight individuals, including former local government leaders, have been arrested in Baghai, Rajshahi, in connection with a cocktail bomb explosion case. The detainees include: • Saiful Islam – Former Chairman of Monigram Union and Awami League President • Rabiul Islam – Former Chairman of Gargari Union and Awami League President • Azizul Azam – Former Chairman of Chokrajapur Union and Former Vice President of Upazila Awami League • Muktar Ali – Former Mayor of Arani Municipality and Former Organizational Secretary of the Municipal Awami League • Kobir Hossain and Jahurul Islam – Youth leaders They were presented before the Rajshahi Chief Judicial Magistrate Court seeking bail, but the judge denied their request and ordered their immediate imprisonment.

On Tuesday evening, police headquarters reported that a joint security force operation, codenamed “Devil Hunt,” has led to the arrest of 639 more individuals across the country. In the past 24 hours, a total of 1,638 suspects have been detained—639 under “Devil Hunt” and 999 based on other cases and arrest warrants. Security forces also seized various weapons, including a foreign-made pistol, a shotgun cartridge, a pistol magazine, a locally-made firearm (LG), a machete, a cleaver, and two knives.

In response to the deteriorating law and order situation across the country, authorities have intensified patrols and strengthened checkpoints to curb crimes such as murder, rape, and robbery. Following an emergency directive from the Home Affairs Adviser amid student protests, law enforcement arrested 248 individuals in Dhaka within the past 24 hours. Most of the detainees are reportedly involved in theft, robbery, extortion, and mugging. Police have found political links behind these crimes and are investigating who is backing the perpetrators.

At a public rally in Mohanpur, former Home Minister Lutfozzaman Babur warned that conspiracies have already begun ahead of the elections. “Do not be ensnared by their traps,” he stated, urging the public to be prepared to counter such plots. Babur also urged the interim government not to try holding on to power, emphasizing the need for swift elections and a timely handover to the newly elected government. Notably, Babur delivered an 11‑minute speech at his first public address in his parliamentary constituency, Mohanganj, after serving 17½ years in prison.

In connection with three separate cases filed at two police stations over the anti-discrimination student movement, ICT State Minister Junayed Ahmed was brought before a Narayanganj court. During the remand hearing, the accused—representing himself without legal counsel—claimed innocence. After considering statements from both the accused and the state, the court granted 12 days’ remand across three cases, following an application for a 21‑day remand by the police.

In Dhaka’s Uttara, angry locals caught two snatchers, beat them, and tied them upside down from a footbridge near BNS Center on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway. The incident occurred around 9 PM on Tuesday. Police later rescued them and admitted them to Kuwait Maitree Hospital. Earlier in the evening, two more snatchers were caught and beaten in Abdullahpur. Witnesses say the suspects were attempting to flee after snatching a mobile phone. The suspects admitted to being members of the “Bachchu Snatching Group.”

In Mohammadpur, recent incidents of snatchings and activities by a juvenile gang have prompted local residents to take to the streets in a torchlight procession and protest. The demonstration was organized in response to the perceived inaction of the Mohammadpur police officer in charge. Protesters have demanded the removal of the OC, issuing a 48‑hour ultimatum. They warned that if no action is taken, they would march to the police headquarters in a long procession. The demonstrators alleged that despite repeated daytime incidents involving snatching and armed attacks, the officer has continued to provide fuel to criminal activities.

Economic Advisor Dr. Salehuddin announced that the budget for FY 2025-26 will be unveiled this coming June. The government aims to bring down post-Rozar inflation to a 7–8 percent range. Speaking at a briefing at the secretariat on Tuesday, he added, “We are making relentless efforts to ensure a stable supply of essential goods so that prices remain steady, both during and after the fasting month.” He also confirmed that the government will take a firm stand against black market activities. Dr. Salehuddin noted that inflation has already dropped by 1 percent, with further reductions underway. On the issue of Trump’s grant, he assured that measures would be taken to prevent any funds that might be misused against the country.

Mahfuz Alam is set to become the new Information Adviser in the interim government following Nahid Islam’s resignation on Tuesday. A government source has confirmed that an official announcement will be made soon. Although Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was considered for the role, he was instead promoted to Senior Secretary due to the current political climate. Mahfuz Alam, who was initially appointed as an adviser on November 10, had not been assigned any ministry until now.

Despite Nahid Islam’s resignation as an interim government adviser, Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir has stated that the government remains biased. He pointed out that advisers Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmood are de facto leaders of the new political party and are expected to participate in elections under its banner. He argued that for the government to maintain neutrality, they too should resign. The statement congratulated Nahid Islam on his decision, expressing hope that he will remain steadfast in upholding democracy and national sovereignty.

The Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) has been shut down indefinitely for security reasons following an emergency syndicate meeting on Tuesday. All students have been instructed to vacate their dormitories by Wednesday at 10 AM. The university’s academic activities will remain suspended until further notice, according to a statement issued by KUET’s Public Relations Officer Shaheduzzaman Sheikh.

The US has imposed sanctions on four Indian companies for their involvement in selling and transporting petroleum products to Iran. According to the US State Department, the sanctioned entities include Flux Maritime LLP, BSM Marine LLP, Austinship Management Pvt Ltd, and Cosmos Lines Inc. US Treasury official Scott Bassant warned that any entity engaged in Iran’s energy sector would face similar restrictions. Additionally, firms from Hong Kong, China, and the UAE have also been sanctioned.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to govern firmly and remain neutral. He stated that the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government through the uprising has created an opportunity to build a new Bangladesh. Accusing Hasina of attempting to sabotage this opportunity from India by inciting chaos, Fakhrul emphasized the need for strong leadership. He also clarified that BNP seeks both elections and systemic reforms, urging supporters not to be misled.

More than 160 Palestinian healthcare workers, including over 20 doctors, remain detained in Israeli custody in Gaza, with 24 still missing. Recently released detainees have shared horrific accounts of abuse, including physical torture, beatings, and starvation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over their safety, reporting that since the war began, Israeli forces have detained 297 healthcare workers from Gaza. However, the exact number of those still in detention remains unknown.

The Detective Branch (DB) has arrested two brothers, including the mastermind behind a robbery and assault incident on a Dhaka-Rajshahi-bound bus. Authorities recovered stolen cash, mobile phones, jewelry, national ID cards, and ATM cards. The gang leader, Alamgir Hossain, was apprehended in Sadhupara village, Netrokona, leading to the arrest of his brother, Rajib Hossain (21), in Ashulia, Dhaka. Both are residents of Amtali village, Daulatpur, Manikganj. Three other gang members—Mohammad Shahidul Islam Muhit (29), Mohammad Sabuj (30), and Mohammad Sharifuzzaman Sharif—were arrested earlier on Saturday morning.