The Press Wing FACTS of the Chief Adviser’s Office has firmly rejected the reports circulating in some national media with headlines such as "Recognition of Over 100 Leaders as Freedom Fighters Revoked," labeling them as completely baseless, false, and misleading. Citing Chief Adviser Faruk-e-Azam, the statement clarified, “Members of the Mujibnagar Government are recognized as Freedom Fighters. Those who fought and led the Liberation War are Freedom Fighters, while the officials and staff of that government are considered 'Associate Freedom Fighters'.” According to Faruk-e-Azam, under the Jatiya Muktijoddha Council Ordinance, associates such as diplomats and members of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra fall under this category, which in no way undermines their honor. The definition set in 1972 has been reinstated, after revisions in 2018 and 2022. Both Freedom Fighters and their associates will continue to enjoy equal respect, recognition, and benefits.

Election Commissioner Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Abul Fazl Md. Sanaullah confirmed after the commission’s sixth meeting that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will be granted registration along with its electoral symbol. He explained that according to the Representation of the People Order (RPO), a symbol granted to a party remains reserved for that party.

He also referred to a 2008 gazette that originally registered Jamaat with a symbol. The Supreme Court had earlier instructed the Election Commission to resolve Jamaat’s pending registration and any other related issues according to constitutional mandates.

JAGPA President Rashed Pradhan strongly rejected the budget’s provision to legalize black money, stating, “Who else holds black money besides the Awami League, who has plundered this nation?”

He lamented the lack of measures for 2.7 million unemployed, educated youth. While acknowledging some positive aspects—like a Tk 100 crore fund for new entrepreneurs and reduced prices on essential goods—he said the budget fails to meet public expectations in reducing poverty and unemployment. He welcomed the allocation for victims of the July uprising.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu said that nearly 10 months after the fall of the autocratic regime, democratic governance has yet to be restored. He criticized the current administration for preaching “development lessons” similar to those of Sheikh Hasina, under the guise of reform.

He asserted that democracy is essential to defeat fascism, adding that India is spreading propaganda against Bangladesh, and only elections can counter this. He echoed Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman’s views that the path to democracy must be protected and elections are the only solution.

Around 3 a.m. Tuesday, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) pushed back 32 Bangladeshi nationals—including women and children—across the Bijoypur border in Durgapur, Netrokona. The group was later detained by Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB), which confirmed that the individuals included 22 women, 9 men, and 1 child. All are Bangladeshi citizens. They have been handed over to Durgapur police.

A second person has died following internal clashes between BNP factions in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah. The victim, 62-year-old Yunus Ali, succumbed to his injuries after his brother, Mohabbat Ali, was previously killed in the same incident.

Mohabbat’s son, Enamul, filed a case naming 58 individuals and accusing 30-40 unidentified persons. The conflict stemmed from a long-standing power struggle between Nazrul Islam and Arif Hossain in Jamal Union. Although Nazrul was previously affiliated with the Awami League, he joined BNP after the recent political shift.

The body of four-year-old Lamia Khatun was recovered from the septic tank of an abandoned house belonging to Awami League leader Rupa Rahman in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj. Police found the child with her hands tied, a towel around her neck, and tape over her mouth and nose.

Lamia had been staying at her grandparents’ home while her parents worked in Dhaka. She went missing Tuesday afternoon. Locals noted that Rupa Rahman has been in hiding since the recent mass uprising. Police suspect the child was tortured before being murdered.

Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari compared Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a “cheap version” of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, dubbing him the “Temu edition”—a reference to the low-cost Chinese marketplace often associated with inferior products.

Bhutto accused India of emulating Israel’s oppressive policies and labeled Modi the “Butcher of Kashmir.” He warned that Modi is attempting similar repression in Pakistan’s Sindh province. He further stated that collaboration between Pakistan’s ISI and India’s RAW could significantly reduce terrorism in South Asia.

BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury criticized the government for announcing the budget without consulting political parties. Speaking at a press conference, he denounced the imposition of taxes on education, calling it unjustified. He pledged that a future BNP government would eliminate education-related taxes.

He added, “With inflation soaring and incomes declining, raising taxes will only burden the public. The budget should prioritize improving people's living standards, not widening inequality.”

GOP leader Rashed Khan criticized the interim government's proposed budget, stating that it mirrors the practices of previous regimes, including a deficit of Tk 2.26 trillion. He said, “Once again, the budget leans heavily on foreign dependency.”

He condemned the provision allowing black money to be legalized through real estate purchases and construction, calling it unconstitutional and unjust. However, he welcomed the allocation of Tk 405 crore for victims and martyrs of the July uprising. Khan expressed doubts about whether this fund will be used appropriately and warned that new currency printing could worsen inflation.

The Commission on Enforced Disappearances has submitted its second interim report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Following the submission, Yunus emphasized the need to publish the report both online and in book form. He remarked, “What you’ve uncovered warrants the creation of a horror museum. People must understand the brutality of being confined for months in a three-by-three-foot cell. This cruelty must be exposed.”

The commission reported that it has received 1,850 complaints to date, of which 1,350 have been verified. The total number could exceed 3,500. Over 300 victims remain missing.

UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis emphasized that inclusive elections should focus on citizens’ participation rather than just the involvement of political parties. Speaking at a DCAB Talk in Dhaka, she voiced strong support for the current government's reform initiatives aimed at ensuring fair elections. She also stressed the importance of accountability for the July massacre. On the issue of aid to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, she clarified that the UN is not part of any discussions regarding the creation of a humanitarian corridor.

India is grappling with a growing superbug crisis, where antibiotic-resistant infections are becoming harder to treat. Misuse and lack of access to life-saving antibiotics are driving the problem. A global study reveals only 6.9% of patients in low- and middle-income countries, including India, receive effective treatment. High costs, poor diagnostics, and weak regulation worsen the issue. Experts warn that without better antibiotic access and control, routine treatments, surgeries, and cancer care could be jeopardized. India’s strong pharma sector could lead solutions with better data and policy.

Israel has suspended food distribution in Gaza for a full day, citing “renovation and efficiency” work at US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites. Palestinians, already facing starvation, have been warned to avoid aid roads. The UN Security Council will vote on a ceasefire and humanitarian access resolution, likely to face a US veto. Israel’s assault has killed over 54,500 Palestinians and wounded nearly 125,000. Hamas’s October 7 attack previously left 1,139 Israelis dead and more than 200 abducted.

The United Nations General Assembly has elected five new non-permanent members to the UN Security Council for a two-year term. The newly elected countries are:

Bahrain

Colombia

Congo

Latvia

Liberia

These nations will join the Security Council, the only UN body empowered to make legally binding decisions on matters such as sanctions and military action. The council’s five permanent members — the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and France — each hold veto power.

In the vote count, Bahrain received 186 votes, Congo 183, Liberia 181, Colombia 180, and Latvia 178.