At least 49 people, including several schoolchildren, have died in devastating floods caused by heavy rain and snowstorms in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Premier Oscar Mabuyane described the situation as “catastrophic,” warning that the death toll is expected to rise. Earlier this week, a bus attempting to cross a bridge in Mthatha was swept away by floodwaters, killing six, including four children. Rescue operations are ongoing for four missing children.

Two patients undergoing treatment for dengue fever in Barguna have died within a single day, raising the district's death toll to 12. The deceased have been identified as Chan Mia (75) and Gosai Das (70). According to official sources, a total of 1,565 people have been infected with dengue in Barguna over the past six months. Currently, 172 patients are being treated at the Barguna District Hospital. The recent spike in deaths—two within five days—has sparked growing concern among local residents.

British Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has reaffirmed the UK’s support for Bangladesh’s initiatives to recover illicit funds siphoned abroad. During his meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Reynolds expressed backing for the interim government’s ongoing economic reforms, particularly efforts to stabilize foreign reserves and restore the banking sector. Special envoy Lutfey Siddiqi also proposed launching bilateral free trade agreement talks between Bangladesh and the UK.

Once again, syndicates have deliberately engineered a collapse in Bangladesh’s leather market during Eid-ul-Adha, depriving sacrificial animal donors, seasonal traders, and orphans of their rightful earnings. Despite government efforts to stabilize prices—including free salt distribution, temporary export permissions, and fixed minimum pricing—the syndicate sabotaged the market, causing prices to plummet. In some areas, leather was discarded on the streets. The Commerce Ministry has dismissed reports of 100,000 discarded hides in Chattogram, stating the actual number is likely below 10,000.

The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has frozen all assets belonging to Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, former Land Minister of Bangladesh. As a result, Chowdhury is no longer permitted to sell or transfer these assets. The action follows a formal request from Bangladeshi authorities, submitted after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. UK authorities acted upon the request, marking a significant step in international cooperation on corruption-related matters.

Protests against anti-immigration operations are no longer limited to Los Angeles—they have now spread to at least 15 cities across 11 U.S. states. From New York and Chicago to Atlanta and Philadelphia, thousands have taken to the streets. In response, Los Angeles has imposed a curfew in its downtown area, and former President Donald Trump has deployed military and marine units. Mass arrests are underway as the unrest continues to grow.

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the U.S. State Department is preparing to evacuate non-essential personnel from its embassy in Baghdad. Additionally, voluntary departure has been authorized for non-essential staff and their families from Bahrain and Kuwait. On the same day, the UK's Maritime Trade Operations issued a warning about increasing regional tensions that could escalate into military conflict, potentially disrupting maritime navigation.

At least 40 starving Palestinians have been killed and nearly 200 injured after Israeli forces attacked two aid distribution centers in Gaza. With this incident, over 150 Palestinians have now died while attempting to receive aid from the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal said, "Thousands of citizens were targeted by Israeli tanks and drones while approaching the U.S.-backed aid centers for food. We have recovered at least 31 bodies so far and rescued nearly 200 injured." In a separate attack near an aid center in Rafah, nine Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire. The Israeli military has acknowledged the attack.

Legal expert Asif Nazrul has expressed frustration over facing criticism regardless of whether he’s responsible for government decisions. Referring to recent backlash regarding a report on the definition of freedom fighters, Nazrul clarified that his ministry’s name appearing on such laws doesn’t necessarily mean they draft or endorse them. “If I must be blamed for any criticism, why don’t I ever receive praise for positive developments?” he questioned, adding that his family has been unfairly dragged into controversies over issues beyond his responsibility.

Residents of Uttarkhan and Dakshinkhan in northern Dhaka have been suffering from severe waterlogging for over two decades, particularly during the monsoon. Knee-deep water frequently submerges local roads, forcing residents to carry extra clothes just to commute. Experts and locals blame unplanned urbanization and inadequate drainage systems for the persistent crisis. Although some government efforts to resolve the issue are underway, residents demand a complete overhaul of the drainage infrastructure.

The Bangladesh Army has apologized for an unfortunate incident where a soldier mistakenly beat a flag vendor, Hannan, outside the National Stadium during the Bangladesh vs. Singapore football match. As a gesture of sympathy, the Army has provided Hannan with Tk 100,000 in compensation. Lt. Col. Afzalur Rahman Chowdhury of the Gulistan Army Camp stated that crowd control measures were necessary as ticketless fans tried to storm the venue, and Hannan was accidentally caught in the commotion. The army traced him immediately after the incident to offer apologies and support.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delawar Hossain has said that alongside students and the public, workers played a critical role in the July Uprising. He described the movement as a fight for equality and human dignity, highlighting the sacrifices made by workers, many of whom were killed or disabled. Hossain emphasized that workers are the driving force behind national development, yet their rights remain neglected. He added that true justice for workers will not be achieved until society is governed by Quranic principles and the teachings of Sunnah.

The Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration, now targeting the arrest of 3,000 undocumented immigrants per day. Previously, the goal was 1,000 arrests daily, but the figure has now tripled. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has especially ramped up operations in five Democrat-majority cities. Reports indicate that authorities are even tracking phone calls to locate undocumented immigrants.

Over the past four days of Eid holidays, Lawachara National Park welcomed 3,946 visitors, generating Tk 450,570 in revenue from entry fees. However, environmental activists have expressed concern about the adverse impact of large crowds on the park’s wildlife. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors, members of the tourist police have been deployed throughout the park.

An expatriate from Katiadi upazila has been unable to build his home for 15 years due to threats and interference by local Awami League-affiliated figures, Golap Mia and Dhalai Mia. Despite attempts to resolve the issue, their relatives, including former police DIG Abdul Kahar Akand and local chairman Abul Kashem Akand, continue to exert influence. After a violent incident in May, the expatriate filed a complaint with police, who are now investigating the matter.