Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has assured that Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to ensure security during the upcoming elections. Acknowledging that minor incidents are inevitable, he noted that such occurrences have been part of Bangladesh’s 53-year history. He urged media outlets not to distort or sensationalize isolated incidents, as such reporting is often manipulated by foreign interests.

The World Bank has approved a $250 million loan to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency within Bangladesh’s public sector. The project, titled “Strengthening Institutions for Transparency and Accountability,” will support key agencies including the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, National Board of Revenue, Planning Division, Central Procurement Technical Unit, and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. The World Bank expects these institutional reforms to help reduce corruption in the country.

China has strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Iran, calling it a violation of Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. During a UN Security Council meeting, China’s UN representative Fu Cong criticized the Israeli offensive and warned that the escalating conflict is undermining negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Urging an immediate cessation of military operations, he emphasized that Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy under the Non-Proliferation Treaty must be fully respected.

Tehran has warned that any military assistance by the US, UK, or France to help Israel counter Iranian attacks will result in retaliatory strikes on their regional bases and naval vessels. According to the BBC, the UK has not yet taken any military steps or directly supported Israel. Meanwhile, The Times of Israel reports that a ballistic missile strike injured seven Israeli soldiers, and Israel has temporarily shut down Ben Gurion Airport. However, Lebanon, Jordan, and other regional countries are gradually reopening their airspace starting Saturday.

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Gano Adhikar Parishad, has declared that the upcoming national election will be the best in Bangladesh’s history. Urging voters to reject extortionists, occupiers, and those involved in mafia networks or fascist activities, he called on citizens to support candidates with clean images. He also announced the party’s preparation to contest all 300 parliamentary seats. Rashed Khan made these remarks while exchanging Eid greetings in Jhenaidah, where he also participated in a motorbike rally.

Iran is reportedly conducting a "serious review" of closing the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical oil transit route, according to Esmail Kowsari, a member of Iran's parliamentary security commission. The news has already triggered a surge in global oil prices and heightened international concerns. Geopolitical analyst Taufiq Rahim noted that Israel has not yet attacked Iran’s oil infrastructure, but if such strikes occur, the consequences could be catastrophic. A closure of the Strait of Hormuz would severely disrupt the global energy supply chain, far beyond just the Middle East.

Dengue fever has claimed another life in Bangladesh, with 169 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Barisal reported the highest number of admissions (101), followed by Dhaka (35), Chattogram (28), and other regions. This year, dengue has so far claimed 29 lives, with a total of 5,739 infections across the country.

Police in Gazipur’s Pubail area have arrested six individuals for impersonating police officers in an attempted robbery. Authorities recovered two toy pistols, fake walkie-talkies, police uniforms, handcuffs, stickers, caps, and other police-related gear from the suspects. Police suspect the group was preparing for a robbery and are investigating further.

Police have arrested Barsha Islam Brishti, the admin of the Facebook group ‘Tour Expert,’ following the deaths of two tourists in Bandarban’s Alikadam area. The arrest followed a case filed by the father of one of the deceased, alleging negligence and unauthorized operations in dangerous hilly regions. The victims reportedly drowned due to sudden flash floods during the unauthorized tour, while one person remains missing.

Responding to Jamaat-e-Islami’s criticism, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has denied claims that the party received any special favor from Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. He clarified that Jamaat’s own earlier suggestion of holding elections before Ramadan 2026 aligns with the newly announced election timeline. Salahuddin urged Jamaat and others to view the London meeting from a national perspective, beyond narrow partisan interests.

Education Adviser C.R. Abrar has called for national unity to counter conspiracies against Bangladesh and continue building a prosperous nation for which many sacrificed their lives. Speaking at a Buddha Purnima event organized by the Bangladesh Buddhist Association in Chattogram, he urged reforms in the education system to make learning more joyful and to stop commercial exploitation in the sector. The event also honored distinguished individuals, members of the Buddhist Welfare Trust, and outstanding students.

Israel has initiated strikes on multiple Iranian sites targeting military and nuclear facilities, confirmed Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effi Defrin on Saturday. While Israel claims the strikes focus on strategic sites, previous assaults have also hit residential areas, causing civilian casualties. Iran responded to Israel’s earlier attacks with drones and ballistic missiles, escalating the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has pushed 23 Bangladeshi nationals—including women and children—into Bangladesh through the Chapsha border in Thakurgaon’s Haripur area. Among them are 4 men, 12 women, and 7 children. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained the group and is currently verifying their identities. Further decisions will be taken after consultations with higher authorities.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi has fiercely criticized the Indian government’s abstention from voting on a UN resolution aimed at protecting civilians in Gaza. She said that at a time when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "destroying an entire nation," India is not only remaining silent but actively encouraging Israel’s aggression, including its attacks on Iran and assassination of top Iranian leaders. Priyanka termed this stance a violation of international law and an affront to India’s constitutional values and its legacy of the independence movement. She called India’s position "shameful" especially after the deaths of over 60,000 people in Gaza.

A daring daylight robbery took place in Uttara on Saturday when individuals impersonating members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) intercepted a representative of mobile financial service provider Nagad and looted cash. CCTV footage shows the victim riding a motorcycle before being blocked by a black microbus. Several men in RAB uniforms emerged, attempting to detain him. As the victim tried to flee, the impersonators chased him down, forcibly loaded him into their vehicle, and stole his cash-filled bag. The criminals later abandoned him in Uttara’s Sector 17. Law enforcement agencies have taken the incident seriously and launched an investigation.