Hamas has released a third video of Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot, in which he is seen making a simulated phone call to his family and expressing his longing to return. “Keep doing everything for me! My health is not good, and I fear I may die,” he says, pleading with the Israeli government and the public. Hamas stated that they are willing to release all remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Bangladesh has strongly rejected India’s remarks regarding the recent death of Bhavesh Chandra Roy in Dinajpur. Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam stated, “It is unfortunate that India has described Bhavesh Chandra Roy’s death as part of a ‘systematic persecution’ of Hindu minorities under the interim government. We categorically reject this baseless allegation.”
He emphasized that minorities in Bangladesh do not face any discrimination with the support of the government, and the state remains committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religious identity.
Shafiqur Alam further clarified that the deceased had gone out with some acquaintances, and his family did not report anything suspicious regarding the outing. The autopsy report found no visible injuries on the body. He urged all parties to refrain from spreading confusion.

Dr. Md. Abu Jafar, Director General of the Health Directorate, announced plans for a 1,000-bed hospital in Nilphamari, funded by the Chinese government. He noted that despite limited resources, healthcare professionals are serving tirelessly. “We must be even more attentive to patient care,” he said. The health cadre currently has 37,000 positions, but only one is in Grade One. An additional 7,000 supernumerary posts have been created, and recruitment and promotions will begin soon. Moreover, files for the promotion of 3,000 doctors have been approved and will be implemented swiftly.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju has warned that without consensus among BNP, pro-uprising parties, and the government, reforms, justice, and fair elections will remain elusive. “BNP considers December 2025 the election deadline, the government suggests June 2026, while others demand visible reforms and justice first,” he said. Manju stressed that without dialogue and a unified approach, the resulting uncertainty will harm the nation. “Every aspect—from reforms to holding fascists accountable to elections—will be jeopardized,” he added.

Advisor Farida Akhter has called for accountability over the construction of the so-called “all-weather” road in Mithamain, citing severe environmental damage in the Haor region. She criticized the switch from traditional local rice varieties, which required minimal pesticides and fertilizers, to high-yield ones that heavily rely on chemicals. “ACI is now introducing fully mechanized harvesters due to a labor shortage, but these machines could devastate the region’s fish population,” she warned. Akhter also expressed concern about fisherfolk being deprived of access due to leasing practices and advocated for sustainable, organic agricultural practices in the region.

Following India’s discontinuation of transshipment facilities, Bangladesh is rapidly expanding its air cargo infrastructure. The government is taking urgent measures to enhance capacity, reduce transportation costs, and ensure uninterrupted export of key products, particularly readymade garments. The Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority stated, “We are working together to revise existing civil aviation and ground-handling tariffs to make air cargo more cost-effective.” He emphasized that top-level directives have been issued to maintain cargo operations despite external disruptions. Recruitment of additional personnel has already been completed, and reduced handling charges are expected to be announced soon.

Students at Rajshahi University held a protest demanding a public referendum to ban the Awami League. Protesters alleged that the party has led to widespread violence and oppression, and called for democratic reform through direct public participation.

A group of indigenous students held a press conference demanding the immediate and unconditional release of five University of Chittagong students kidnapped from Khagrachhari. The victims include students from Fine Arts, Drama, International Relations, and Zoology departments. Activist Jallang Enrico Kubi claimed the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) was behind the abductions, and criticized the lack of visible action from university and local authorities.

Speaking in solidarity with the July movement, Gono Adhikar Parishad leader Abu Hanif argued that banning the Awami League and prosecuting those involved in state-led killings are the true reforms the nation needs. He accused the government of facilitating the party’s resurgence instead of holding it accountable. Protesters also called for the cancellation of Awami League’s political registration.

Two officials of Montrim Garments in Kaliakair have been dismissed following the suicide of a worker, 23-year-old Idris Ali. Before ingesting toxic chemicals inside the factory, he posted on Facebook alleging humiliation and job insecurity. The factory claimed Idris consumed aluminum phosphide, a chemical not found on their premises. Production has continued amid ongoing investigations.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain emphasized that a unified stance by Islamic scholars could compel the state to reverse misguided decisions. He envisioned a future where 50 religious scholars sit in Parliament and several serve as ministers. “If we can connect with the people, we can ensure the correct propagation of Islamic principles and Quranic teachings,” he said.

Parvez Mosharraf (23), a student of Textile Engineering at Primeasia University, was stabbed to death during a clash between student groups in Banani. The altercation reportedly involved students from the university’s Textile and English departments. The incident took place in the evening and left Parvez fatally injured with a stab wound to the chest.

The US State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Bangladesh, warning citizens to reconsider travel. A complete travel ban was placed on the Chittagong Hill Tracts—Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban—due to risks including communal violence, kidnapping, and criminal activity. The advisory noted that both family disputes and religious targeting have led to abductions, and travelers require prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs to visit these areas.

Rafid M. Bhuiyan has resigned from his position as Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Consensus Party (NCP), citing personal reasons. In a previous statement, Rafid had claimed that behind-the-scenes efforts over three months led to a recent airport protest. He alleged that local leaders in North Bengal were actively sabotaging opposition efforts and misusing funds for personal image-building during Eid.

In response to a headline by Prothom Alo questioning his “lavish lifestyle,” politician Hasnat Abdullah denied all allegations and challenged anyone to prove he accepted a single taka unlawfully. He claimed the report was retaliation for his social media post criticizing India’s RAW agency. “They want to silence me with misinformation, but our fight against Indian imperialism and its local allies will continue,” he stated. He also accused the media of targeting honest and patriotic politicians.