Israeli forces opened fire from helicopters in the city of Rafah on Wednesday. At least 23 Palestinians were killed in separate attacks across various enclaves since early morning. Heavy bombardments in the Jabalia refugee camp resulted in rising smoke plumes, while additional shelling was reported near Khan Yunis, close to the town of Al-Kabira.

Artillery fire also hit the Nuseirat and Bureij refugee camps in central Gaza. In the northern Jabalia camp, three people were killed. In the Al-Nafaq Street area of Tuffah neighborhood, at least 10 members of the Hasuna family were reportedly killed. Another airstrike in the Al-Shaf neighborhood resulted in three more civilian deaths.

Students from Ta’mirul Millat Kamil Madrasa organized a protest in Tongi condemning the ongoing genocide by Israeli occupying forces in Palestine. The rally began at the madrasa’s main gate and marched through key areas of the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, including Ershadnagar, Hossain Market, and College Gate, before concluding with a brief gathering near Asia Petrol Pump.

The protest was led by Student Parliament Vice President Iqbal Kabir and General Secretary Saidur Rahman. Vice Principal Maulana Mizanur Rahman addressed the rally as the chief guest, urging the international Muslim community to unite and take decisive action for the establishment of a free and independent Palestine.

Under the directive of the Principal Advisor, the Bangladesh Armed Forces have successfully completed a coordinated humanitarian assistance mission for earthquake victims in Myanmar. Overseen by the Armed Forces Division, the operation involved the distribution of relief, rescue activities, and medical support.

To honor the participating rescue and medical teams, a special reception was held on Wednesday at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment. Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, presented commemorative tokens to each team member. The event was attended by senior officials from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, various ministries, and Myanmar’s military, naval, and air attachés based in Dhaka.

Leaders of several like-minded Islamist political parties—including Khilafat Majlis, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Bakhilafat Majlis, and Nezam-e-Islam—have held a joint meeting, calling for national elections to be held by December. The parties reached consensus on nine key points, including reinstating “absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah” in the Constitution, rejecting pluralism, and demanding the withdrawal of recent hikes in soybean oil and industrial gas prices. They also urged international action to stop Israel’s massacre in Gaza, the repeal of India’s amended Waqf Bill, and swift justice for unresolved incidents including the BDR mutiny, the Shapla Chattar massacre, and political disappearances over the past 15 years. The alliance called for the immediate withdrawal of all cases against Hefazat-e-Islam leaders and demanded measures to prevent the return or rehabilitation of authoritarianism. They also called for the prosecution of the Awami League as a fascist organization.

Amid ongoing nationwide protests by polytechnic students, Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman Khan has been removed from his post as principal of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute and reassigned as an OSD (Officer on Special Duty). Sahela Parveen has been appointed as the new principal. Students from both public and private polytechnic institutes have been staging demonstrations demanding fulfillment of six key demands. As part of their movement, they announced a railway blockade for Thursday and staged protest marches across the country on Wednesday.

The European Union has proposed adding Bangladesh, along with six other countries—Kosovo, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia—to its list of “safe countries.” Once listed, asylum applications from these nations will be more easily rejected, as the EU will assume the applicants do not face serious threats at home. This move also aims to streamline the deportation process for migrants from these countries. Human rights organizations have strongly criticized the proposal, warning it may endanger vulnerable individuals. The EU clarified that countries applying for EU membership will also be considered “safe” by default. While EU states may add more countries to the list, they will not be allowed to exclude these seven.

A Bangladeshi man named Hasibul Islam was seriously injured after being shot by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) inside Bangladeshi territory near the Singimari border of Lalmonirhat. He is currently undergoing treatment. Hasibul was reportedly cutting grass on his own land when a BSF patrol illegally crossed the barbed wire fence and opened fire at close range without provocation. According to BGB sources, a flag meeting was held at 5 PM on Wednesday where the BSF was formally protested and urged to return the injured man. The incident has raised renewed concerns over border security and BSF’s recurring violations.

Dr. Jalal Uddin, the provost of Khaleda Zia Hall at Islamic University, has come under fire for halting lunch for residential students who did not participate in the Boishakhi rally on Wednesday. A special traditional meal of panta bhaat was arranged at noon to celebrate the Bengali New Year. However, only seven students from the hall joined the morning rally. Angered by the low turnout, the provost canceled the meal and also withheld regular lunch service in the dorm’s dining hall. This left many students in distress and sparked protests. Frustrated residents gathered in front of the provost’s office, chanting slogans and demanding accountability.

Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhter has stressed the urgent need to protect all varieties of fish — especially native species that are on the brink of extinction — in order to meet the country’s protein demands. She emphasized the importance of increasing the production of fish through sustainable and scientific farming practices. “Many are engaging in commercial fish farming without proper planning,” she warned, urging fisheries officials to continue their efforts in educating and training farmers. She highlighted the superior taste and nutritional value of native fish, noting that no other country boasts such rich biodiversity in its aquatic life. Expressing concern over the sharp decline in native fish populations, she called for all development projects in this sector to meet international standards — assuring that the government is ready to provide full support.

Tensions have flared along the Naikhongchhari border between Bangladesh and Myanmar following the abduction of a Bangladeshi woodcutter by the Arakan Army. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been actively working to secure his release through several rounds of meetings and operations. However, no response has been received from the insurgent group. Lieutenant Colonel Kapil Uddin Kayes confirmed that efforts are ongoing despite the complexity of dealing with issues between two nations. The abduction of Mofiz has sparked widespread anger among locals, especially in three border villages, where thousands have gathered in protest. A public meeting at Phultali School field declared a halt to all communication across the border, demanding Mofizur Rahman’s immediate return. Protest rallies and announcements over loudspeakers echoed throughout the region.

Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid has urged the nation to embrace a renewed sense of love, unity, and commitment. “It’s time to think afresh, to love afresh, and to move forward with everyone,” she said. “Small joys create deep meaning, while chasing big achievements often brings sorrow — which we must avoid.” She emphasized the importance of holding onto a Bangladesh built by and for all its people, making this a collective vow for the New Year. Referring to the sacrifices of the younger generation during past movements, she said, “I don’t know if they saw the dream they gave their lives for, but we must dream it on their behalf.” Addressing the youth, she reminded them that they represent 51% of the population through the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, and urged them to realize their immense potential and power — power that, if recognized, would never let such a vital ministry remain sidelined.

Despite ongoing wartime turbulence, the Russian ruble has outperformed all global currencies, becoming the best-performing currency against the US dollar in 2025. According to Bloomberg data, the ruble has appreciated by 38% since the start of the year. This surge is largely attributed to declining confidence in the US dollar, exacerbated by former President Trump’s global trade conflicts.

Investment returns on the ruble have surpassed those of the Swedish krona and Swiss franc, which appreciated by 13% and 11% respectively. The British pound also recorded a modest gain of around 6%. Meanwhile, gold and silver prices have risen by 23% and 12%, respectively. The ruble’s remarkable performance has been bolstered by Russia’s high interest rates—currently set at 21% by the central bank—and restrictions on capital outflow for foreign companies.

Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim said the investigation into the July massacre case against fugitive Sheikh Hasina is nearly complete. The case, along with others against Awami League leaders and law enforcement chiefs, is person-specific and based on direct involvement. “Hasina is the central figure behind all these crimes,” he claimed, adding that additional cases related to incidents in Ashulia, Rampura, and Chankharpul are under review, with priority given to the most brutal ones.

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan inaugurated the newly installed GM 403M air defense radar at the 71st Squadron of the Bangladesh Air Force. The advanced system is expected to significantly enhance the country’s aerial defense and technological capabilities, reinforcing the BAF’s commitment to securing Bangladeshi airspace.

A World Population Review study listed the top 10 most hated countries globally, with China at the top and India in 10th place. India’s rising religious tension, treatment of minorities, and internet censorship have hurt its global image. Border disputes and internal unrest further fuel this negative perception. China is widely criticized for its authoritarian rule, suppression of freedoms, and treatment of Uyghur Muslims. The U.S., Russia, North Korea, and Israel also appear in the top five.