Michael Kugelman, a prominent South Asia analyst, has warned that Bangladesh could face widespread protests and unrest if elections are not held in February as scheduled.

In a policy brief, he noted that the Election Commission has announced elections for early February, a development most citizens view as a relief after months of political uncertainty.

Kugelman highlighted growing impatience with the interim government, which recently completed one year in office amid economic pressures and law-and-order challenges.

He suggested that while some actors—including student leaders behind a new political party and certain interim officials—may prefer a delay, the army, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, and other key stakeholders remain firmly committed to holding elections on time.

Residents of Algi and Hamirdi unions in Bhangha Upazila have blocked the highway in protest after a government gazette transferred their areas from Faridpur-4 to Faridpur-2 constituency. The blockade, which began at 8 a.m., has disrupted traffic between southern Bangladesh and Dhaka, leaving thousands of vehicles stranded.

Locals argue that the decision disregards the interests and historical ties of Bhangha residents. They demand an immediate reversal and have warned that protests will continue if their demands are not met.

Bhangha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Mizanur Rahman confirmed discussions with the Deputy Commissioner regarding the protesters’ demands and assured that higher authorities will address the issue promptly.

The United States has sanctioned three Palestinian human rights organizations—Al-Haq, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), and the Al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights—accusing them of assisting the International Criminal Court (ICC) in actions against Israeli citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move protects US sovereignty, military, and allies. The groups have long documented alleged Israeli abuses in Gaza and the occupied territories. Similar sanctions were imposed under the Trump administration after ICC warrants against Israeli leaders.

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War through an executive order. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would be titled “Secretary of War,” and his deputy “Deputy Secretary of War.” The move reverses a 1949 decision meant to signal restraint in nuclear-era conflicts. Critics warn the change could cost billions as documents, signage, and systems are updated. Trump has also reversed other renamings, including restoring bases once stripped of Confederate-linked titles.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman has extended heartfelt greetings to Muslims in Bangladesh and worldwide on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In his message, he said: “The Prophet (PBUH) established truth, justice, and compassion by dispelling the darkness of ignorance. His ideals in serving the oppressed, honoring women, showing mercy, and protecting children remain unmatched. That is why he is recognized as the greatest human being of all time.”

He called the day both solemn and joyous, as it celebrates the Prophet’s arrival and the eternal guidance of the Holy Qur’an.

Rahman concluded with prayers that Muslims everywhere embody the Prophet’s teachings of sacrifice, justice, and mercy in their lives.

Israeli airstrikes on besieged Gaza killed at least 75 people within 24 hours, with 44 casualties reported in Gaza City alone.

UNICEF has described Gaza City as a “city of terror.” One strike on a tent in Tel al-Hawa killed five members of the same family, including three children.

Witness Isra al-Basus recounted: “I was sleeping with my children when the bomb hit. Shrapnel pierced our bodies. My four children screamed in terror.”

Al Jazeera’s correspondent Hani Mahmoud said residents are fleeing from one neighborhood to another, only to be pursued by continuous airstrikes and shelling.

UNICEF warned that nearly one million people are now trapped in what it called a “city filled with fear, funerals, and flight.”

According to the Israeli military, its forces currently control about 40% of Gaza City and plan to expand operations further in the coming days.

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan again on Thursday, the third tremor to shake the region since Sunday.

According to local authorities, the epicenter was in Shiba district, near the Pakistan border, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Initial reports indicate damage in Bar Kashkot area.

Earlier quakes in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces left hundreds of villages destroyed, displacing hundreds of thousands, and injuring over 3,600 people. Rescue workers confirmed that Thursday’s quake raised the death toll to 2,205, with at least 3,640 injured.

The UN and aid agencies have warned that emergency supplies of food, medicine, and shelter are rapidly running out, raising fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis.

A local activist of the opposition youth wing was shot dead in Khulna’s Rupsa area late Thursday night.

Eyewitnesses reported that assailants fired 5–6 close-range shots at Imran Hossain Manik’s head before fleeing the scene. Manik, son of Belayet Hossain from Bagmara village, died instantly.

Police later recovered the body and sent it for autopsy. Officials confirmed a manhunt is underway to capture those responsible, though the motive behind the killing remains unclear.

EU Ambassador Michael Miller paid a courtesy visit and held discussions with Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday at the party chief’s residence. Deputy Head of Delegation Beiba Zerina also attended the meeting.

The discussions focused on issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the European Union, with particular emphasis on strengthening Bangladesh’s democracy. Both parties expressed optimism that cooperation, development, and progress between them will continue in the future.

Ambassador Miller also inquired about Dr. Rahman’s health. The meeting included preliminary discussions about a high-level EU delegation visit to Jamaat-e-Islami, scheduled for mid-September.

Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Saleh Hasan Nakib has sharply criticized student unrest over campus polls, saying:
"You lock doors, you engage in clashes, and then demand that I conduct your election. This is like asking for favors at your uncle’s house."

He emphasized that failure to maintain discipline during the long-awaited RAKSU (Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union) elections reflects poorly on students themselves.

Praising the university’s election commission for not resigning despite intense pressure, the VC noted:
"Some teachers also showed resilience by not backing away despite the vile slogans and chaos. The proctorial body has acted with patience and avoided drastic measures, which is why we are at this stage."

He expressed disappointment that calls for military involvement in a student union election even arose:
"If it requires the army to hold such an election, that is painful for our entire student community."

The remarks came days after student activists padlocked the treasurer’s office and vandalized furniture.

Another group of Bangladeshi nationals has been deported from the United States over allegations of undocumented stay. This time, 30 Bangladeshis were sent back under the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration. Their flight landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 11:30 pm on Thursday. Among them were 29 men and one woman.

Since President Trump’s re-election for a second term, U.S. deportation drives have accelerated, sending back citizens of multiple countries, including Bangladesh. So far, 187 Bangladeshis have been deported in three separate phases.

During a military parade in Beijing, Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, along with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, were spotted walking together. Reports suggest Putin discussed how modern biotechnology, including organ transplants, could extend human lifespan. Xi’s interpreter added that humans could potentially live over 150 years this century. The parade also included 24 other world leaders. Analysts suggest the joint appearance may send a message to Western nations, while former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the meeting.

Pakistan’s political advisor Rana Sanaullah has confirmed that Field Marshal Asim Munir will continue as Army Chief until November 2027 under current law. He emphasized no new notification is required, and automatic retirement applies after five years. Sanaullah highlighted Munir’s leadership successes and stressed continuity is vital amid security and regional challenges. The government ruled out early elections, reaffirming the National Assembly will serve until 2029. Economic discussions focus on financial balance, with provinces’ stronger capacity helping resolve fiscal challenges.

Austrian NATO committee member Gunther Fellinger has ignited outrage by calling for the breakup of India along religious, linguistic, and regional lines. Posting a map on social media, he suggested North India as Khalistan and proposed separate states for other regions. He claimed discussions with Sikh activists focused on achieving Khalistan’s independence and freeing India from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s influence. The remarks have drawn sharp criticism, highlighting tensions over foreign interference and divisive narratives targeting India’s sovereignty and unity.

Rising tensions between Russia and NATO have prompted France to instruct hospitals to be ready for major emergencies by 2026. The directive emphasizes maintaining medical supplies, trained personnel, and rapid response capabilities. Other European nations, including Germany, Italy, and Spain, are strengthening border security and emergency services. Experts warn the situation may be long-term, highlighting the need for vigilance in health, safety, and citizen services. France’s Health Minister Catherine Vautrin calls the preparations a normal, strategic readiness measure.