More than 250 former Mossad officers and security personnel, including ex-chiefs Danny Yatom, Efraim Halevy, and Tamir Pardo, have joined the call to end the war in Gaza. They argue that continued conflict endangers hostages and soldiers. “Each passing day risks lives and tarnishes our national integrity,” their open letter states. Over 1,000 IDF reservists had previously issued a similar plea. Writers and cultural figures have also voiced opposition, calling the war politically driven rather than a matter of national security.

A fire broke out Monday night at the village home of Saddam Hossain, central president of the banned student organization Chhatra League, in Panchagarh. Locals noticed the blaze at midnight and attempted to control it before fire services arrived. Two units from Boda Fire Station extinguished the flames. Initial damage is estimated at BDT 100,000. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Chinese authorities have accused the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) of conducting a large-scale cyberattack during February’s Winter Asian Games in Harbin. The attacks allegedly targeted critical sectors in China. Police have launched an investigation and added three individuals, including NSA-linked agents and University of California affiliates, to their wanted list. China has also issued travel warnings for its citizens visiting the U.S. and suspended imports of Hollywood films.

NCP leaders Nahid Islam and Dr. Tasnim Zara held discussions with ambassadors from eight EU countries—Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway. The EU delegation shared their support for democratic progress in Bangladesh. “It was an honor to join our convenor in this open dialogue,” Dr. Zara said. The EU emphasized the importance of engaging with the newly formed National Citizens’ Party and supporting democratic development.

The Election Commission has begun preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. Officials met with the Directorate of Printing and Publications to assess paper needs, estimated budgets, and timeframes for printing election materials. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said they aim to complete procurement and printing within four months prior to the polls. “We are back-calculating all tasks to align with the eventual election schedule,” he added.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah stated in a Facebook post, “Ever since our refusal to compromise with the Awami League was labeled as ‘indecent,’ their rallies have only grown larger.” Warning those engaging in “politics of compromise,” he added, “Decide soon where you stand with the Awami League. If not, while you continue compromising, I’ll continue being ‘indecent.’ And trust me, you won’t be able to handle that.”

NCP leader Shamantha Sharmin explained the party’s limited presence at New Year events in Dhaka, stating that NCP currently has only one central committee with 217 members. Many of them are working at local levels across the country. She said the party prioritized strategic deployment across the capital, given the history of disruptions at such public events. “We tried to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration by spreading out rather than concentrating in one place,” she added.

Young members of the Marma community celebrated the Sangrai Water Festival in Bandarban’s Kuhalong Union with vibrant splashes and cultural performances. Tradition holds that this joyful water-play fosters romantic connections that often lead to marriage. Regional Council member KS Mong inaugurated the event by the Sangu River, featuring traditional dances, boat races, and greasy bamboo climbing contests. Across the hill tracts, communities also observed religious rituals and held traditional cake-making competitions throughout the night.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has directed authorities to take robust and proactive steps to prepare for Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. “We must ensure no sector suffers losses during the transition while also maximizing the benefits of graduation,” his press secretary stated. A dedicated team will be formed to monitor the process. Special Assistant Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury added that protecting key export sectors like garments is a top priority. Implementing reform commission recommendations could also help meet international labor compliance standards swiftly.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has confirmed meeting BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia during his recent Brussels trip. “We worked together for many years. She is unwell, and it is our moral responsibility to check on her,” he said. When asked about any communication with BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, he responded, “When two people meet, many things are discussed.” He declined to elaborate further. During the trip, Jamaat leaders also met with members of the South Asia Caucus of the European Parliament and officials from the EU’s South Asia desk.

Former press secretary to Khaleda Zia, Maruf Kamal, has revealed that Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Abu Taher recently met with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Tareque Rahman at Tareque’s residence in London after their return from a European tour. Details of the meeting remain undisclosed. Kamal hinted that this meeting may either signal a political development or be merely a courtesy visit—only time will tell.

The shutdown of 170 madrasas in India’s Uttarakhand state has drawn strong condemnation from the Young Ulema Society, known for leading the July uprising. In a statement, they described the move as a blow to India’s secularism and a systematic attempt to marginalize Muslim education and culture. They said, “If 170 temples were shut down in Bangladesh, the world would erupt in protest.” They also criticized the rising state-sponsored suppression of Muslim institutions, prayer practices, and religious attire in India, calling for global accountability.

More than 400 people have reportedly been killed in a series of ground and air assaults by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on refugee camps around El Fasher in Sudan’s Darfur region. The UN confirmed at least 148 deaths between Thursday and Saturday, with the actual number believed to be significantly higher. Nine aid workers are among the dead. The RSF denies targeting civilians, claiming instead that the Sudanese army was using the camps as military bases and civilian shields.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that if Iran does not abandon its nuclear ambitions, the U.S. will launch military strikes on its nuclear facilities. Trump emphasized that Iran must completely give up the idea of developing nuclear weapons. Despite indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman—described as “constructive”—Trump accused Iran of using the talks to stall. He reiterated that a future agreement must clearly prohibit Iran from possessing any nuclear weapons, stating, “Iran is dangerously close; immediate action is required.”

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) conducted a raid at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today, focusing on financial irregularities in the Mujib Centenary program. Assistant Director Mahmudul Hasan stated that Tk 250 million was reported as spent for a concert and related events, although actual spending was just Tk 70 million. Documents were also requested regarding ticket sales revenue of Tk 20 million, which was not reported. ACC suspects embezzlement may exceed Tk 190 million. Additional irregularities were found in third-division team selections as well.