In India, voicing opinions on Kashmir increasingly results in state persecution under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ultra-nationalist government. Writers, academics, and cultural activists are being silenced with sedition charges. Recently, academic Ali Khan Mahmudabad was arrested, while British-Kashmiri author Nitasha Kaul has been barred from her homeland. Even singing works by Pakistani poet Faiz has led to punitive actions.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy informed the Israeli Ambassador that due to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israeli obstruction of aid, the UK is suspending all new free trade discussions with Israel. Lammy described the starvation of millions in Gaza as “horrific and heartbreaking” and warned that continued blockades would prompt the UK to take even stronger measures.

Following India’s sudden import ban on six Bangladeshi goods, local exporters have temporarily halted fish exports through Akhaura land port, citing personal reasons. Md. Faruk Mia, General Secretary of the Fish Exporters’ Association, noted that exports may resume as early as tomorrow. According to port officials, 40–50 trucks were usually involved in daily exports. Post-ban, only fish, cement, and dried fish are being exported.

According to Bangladesh Bank, looters have depleted nearly Tk 2 trillion in capital from 20 banks over the past 15 years. Beyond hostile takeovers, massive loans were misappropriated. As of Q4 2024 (Oct–Dec), capital shortfalls in these banks reached Tk 1.72 trillion, up from Tk 532.53 billion in Q3. Despite some banks having surplus capital, the net sector-wide deficit now stands at Tk 1.18 trillion. Additionally, total non-performing loans (NPLs) have risen to Tk 3.46 trillion by the end of December 2024.

The National Coordination Platform (NCP) has served a show-cause notice to Abdul Hannan Masud, accusing him of facilitating the release of three individuals detained for allegedly creating unrest in Dhanmondi under the guise of being ‘coordinators’. One of the detainees had been previously expelled from BOIBC for moral misconduct. In response, Hannan Masud claimed he intervened at the request of the DMP Commissioner and mediated the matter upon administrative appeal since no formal complaint had been filed.

Norwegian State Secretary Stine Renate Hohjem met with Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday and reaffirmed Norway’s continued support for Bangladesh. She conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and praised Dr. Yunus, stating, “You are well known in Norway; our Prime Minister often speaks highly of you.” In response, Dr. Yunus said, “The July uprising claimed many lives and caused severe damage to our economy. During the previous government, nearly $16 billion was laundered every year. We’ve inherited a mountain of unpaid bills.” He urged Norway to continue supporting efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis and noted that despite current hardships, global confidence in Bangladesh is steadily increasing.

The Election Commission (EC) will now facilitate campaign opportunities for all parliamentary candidates, including organizing joint platforms for manifesto announcements and allowing banners, posters, and leaflets in electoral areas—at candidates’ own expense. The revised draft code of conduct also includes guidelines for social media campaigning. Candidates or their representatives must submit names, accounts, and IDs to returning officers before conducting online campaigns. Any personal character attacks will be penalized under the Cyber Security Act or Digital Security Act.

France, the UK, and Canada have issued strong condemnations of Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, urging an immediate end to new offensives. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had justified the assault as necessary to eliminate Hamas, rescue remaining hostages, and bring Gaza under full Israeli control. However, the three countries rejected this rationale and called for a ceasefire. They also criticized Netanyahu’s decision to allow only minimal humanitarian aid into Gaza, labeling it “entirely inadequate.” In response, Netanyahu accused London, Ottawa, and Paris of effectively rewarding the October 7 massacre in Israel and encouraging further atrocities.

Islami Front Secretary General Abdus Samad has warned that the people of Chattogram will not tolerate foreign powers establishing control over the port under the guise of foreign investment, likening it to the East India Company’s historical colonization. He expressed concern that if Bangladesh supports the Arakan Army or provides a corridor through Rakhine, it could be dragged into a dangerous conflict. Samad noted that Rakhine is an area of strategic interest for China, India, and Russia.

Continuous rainfall and upstream water flow from the hills are causing the Someshwari River in Durgapur, Netrakona to rise rapidly. Heavy rain in India’s Meghalaya region has led to near-overflow conditions along both banks of the river. Residents of Gaokandia and Kullagara unions say the approaching Eid-ul-Azha lacks any festive spirit due to the looming flood threat. If the rain continues, more low-lying areas are likely to be submerged. Many agricultural lands, including vegetable gardens and ripened paddy fields in Gaokandia, Kullagara, Bakaljora, and Durgapur Sadar unions, are already underwater.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an operation at Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) over allegations of corruption and irregularities in promotions. The investigation was triggered after Rupak Chandra Dash, who had failed the examination for Assistant Engineer (Electrical), was controversially promoted to the position of Sub-Assistant Engineer. Once the incident came to light, the promotion was revoked. The involvement of CCC Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain—whose signature appears on all related documents—has raised public concerns over the transparency of the administration. The ACC has collected relevant records and statements from the mayor, CEO, and secretary and is expected to submit a full report soon.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain stated in a Facebook post, “Even if they come to my residence to administer the oath, it won’t change anything.” He highlighted two key demands: all political party representatives in the interim government must resign immediately, and any court decision must be implemented lawfully, regardless of whom it favors. Notably, Ishraq's supporters have been staging continuous protests for six consecutive days demanding that he be sworn in as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.

Following the recent blockade in Dhaka’s Kakrail area by workers of TNZ Garments demanding overdue wages, the Ministry of Labour held an emergency meeting and reached five critical decisions:
1. The workers’ dues will be paid within seven working days through the sale of the owner’s house and the company’s washing plant.
2. Labour leaders will withdraw their siege of the Labour Building.
3. As the TNZ Group owner is currently abroad, the government will initiate a red alert through Interpol for his return.
4. A travel ban has been imposed on directors and management personnel associated with TNZ.
5. The company’s finance director will remain under government custody until workers’ payments are cleared.

Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for women in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. She called for more effective activities from the Department of Social Services and the Department of Cooperatives in these areas. Murshid emphasized that the government is working for the welfare of marginalized women and urged all officials to actively contribute to establishing women’s rights across society.

Samim Ahmed, President of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA), stated that India’s sudden trade restrictions have severely impacted the plastic sector. “The Northeastern states of India were a key market for us. Transporting goods there was relatively cost-effective,” he said. “Sending goods through alternative routes would make exports unprofitable.” He also emphasized that the industry will abide by any decision taken by the Ministry of Commerce regarding trade with India.