Authorities in Khagrachhari have imposed Section 144 indefinitely following violent clashes between two rival hill-dwelling groups.

Since Sunday morning, major roads in the town have seen little activity, with shops largely closed and public life paralyzed.

Officials said the restriction was necessary to prevent further deterioration of law and order and to protect lives and property.

The unrest began Saturday when Jumma student groups staged blockades demanding justice for sexual violence against women in the hills. The protest spiraled into confrontations, prompting the sweeping restrictions.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of four people, including three firefighters, in a devastating fire at a chemical warehouse in Tongi.

“The firefighters risk their lives every day to save others. Today’s tragedy reminds us of the immense dangers they face in the line of duty. Their sacrifice will remain forever etched in our nation’s history,” Yunus said in a condolence message.

He described the victims as symbols of courage, humanity, and dedication, assuring that the nation will always honor their sacrifice. Yunus extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, calling the victims “martyrs in service to the people.”

At least 91 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza in the past 24 hours, with 48 victims from Gaza City alone. Six people were killed while waiting for humanitarian aid in the Saraya area of central Gaza.

Despite the rising death toll—averaging nearly 100 deaths a day—Israel’s bombardment continues. Defense Minister Israel Katz has vowed that the offensive will not stop until all objectives are achieved, threatening further escalation.

Meanwhile, eight Muslim leaders met former U.S. President Donald Trump last Wednesday to push for an end to the war. Trump presented them with a 21-point proposal and later said a ceasefire agreement could be imminent. He is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called on Bangladeshi expatriates to play a vital role in driving forward the changes brought about by the July Revolution.

Speaking at a program, Yunus emphasized that expatriates are an “inseparable part of Bangladesh” and urged them to actively participate in rebuilding the nation.

Reflecting on the challenges faced in forming the current government a year ago, he praised expatriate Bangladeshis for their contribution to the economy, noting over 21% growth in remittance inflows.

He also highlighted the government’s initiatives to create an investment-friendly environment, inviting expatriates to take part in shaping the country’s economic future.

Sudan Gurung, a prominent youth leader of Nepal’s Gen-Z movement, has announced his candidacy in the country’s upcoming national elections.

Gurung revealed plans to launch a political platform called Movement for Change, uniting supporters nationwide. “Previous governments have corrupted politics. The ousted rulers are selfish and corrupt. If this is the politics they want, then we will fight and not back down,” he declared.

He stressed that his team is preparing to contest as a political party rather than as independents. Volunteers are already forming committees across Nepal, aiming to listen to people in every corner of the country.

The elections are scheduled for March, and Gurung expressed hopes that voters will reject old, corrupt leaders and demand accountability for past crimes.

Spain has scrapped a third major defense deal with Israel worth approximately €207 million, citing the ongoing genocide in Gaza and mounting international pressure.

The decision was approved in a cabinet meeting last Tuesday, where the Spanish government imposed a complete arms embargo on Israel. This ban halts all imports and exports of military equipment, defense technology, and related materials.

Finance Minister Carlos Cuerpo hailed the move as a “bold and pioneering step,” calling it a significant advancement in the international campaign to hold Israel accountable.

More than 2,000 tourists stranded in Sajek due to road blockades and violent clashes have been safely escorted to Khagrachhari town under army protection.

The evacuation began Saturday evening after escalating clashes between Jumma student groups and Bengali residents forced authorities to move tourists to Dighinala Army Zone for safety.

When the situation eased later in the evening, the tourists were brought to the Agricultural Research area of Khagrachhari town before being allowed to resume their journeys home around midnight. Army convoys ensured their safe passage.

Local sources confirm that the situation in Khagrachhari town is now under control, with law enforcement patrolling key areas.

The biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, Durga Puja, begins today (Sunday) across Bangladesh. Preparations to welcome Goddess Durga are underway at the Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka from early morning.

The festivities formally commence with the Bodhon ritual and the installation of the sacred urn, marking the goddess’s invocation. According to the Hindu almanac, the rituals of invitation and sanctification will be completed by 11:11 AM today during the Shasthi Tithi.

By evening, the Bodhon ceremony will be held at the temple, accompanied by the resonant sounds of conch shells, uludhwani (ritual chanting), and drums.

This year, Durga Puja will be celebrated at 33,000 pandals nationwide. Law enforcement agencies have tightened security to ensure peaceful celebrations.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that despite Jamaat-e-Islami’s return to the spotlight, the party has failed to gain significant influence among the masses.

“Jamaat is well-organized and regimented, but winning an election outright is beyond their reach,” Fakhrul told reporters.

With the Awami League banned from political activities after being ousted from power and the Jatiya Party in near-inactive condition, Jamaat has found itself in a relatively advantageous position. However, Fakhrul believes this advantage is limited to media visibility and organizational activity.

“I’m active in field politics, I travel, I talk to people—there’s no strong public momentum behind them,” he said. He acknowledged that Jamaat has strong organizational discipline and ample funding, which serve as strengths, but insisted that electoral success remains unlikely.

He added that, like elsewhere in the world, right-wing politics is trying to gain ground in Bangladesh. But, according to him, this attempt will not translate into votes.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has accused the Election Commission of succumbing to pressure in denying his party the lotus symbol despite no legal grounds. “The commission is using baseless excuses, claiming the lotus is a national emblem, which it is not in legal terms. Other symbols with national relevance have already been allotted to parties,” he argued.
Sarjis said his party had applied months ago, but the commission avoided updating its list. “This clearly shows the decision was made under pressure,” he alleged.
Turning to the ruling party, he claimed: “Awami League is bringing back billions siphoned abroad just to hire people for occasional rallies. These are not signs of real strength. The League’s political chapter is over.”

Dhaka University students have demanded a ban on the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) and the arrest of Chakma Rani Yan Yan, accusing them of fueling unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Under the banner of the “Sovereignty Conscious Students’ Alliance,” demonstrators alleged that the group was using a recent rape case to incite violence, target security forces, and spread anti-state slogans.
The students further claimed that Awami League and Indian interests were backing the unrest. They called for immediate government action, including a sweeping army operation to restore peace and safeguard national sovereignty.

Security forces in Khagrachhari have detained three indigenous youths for allegedly plotting an attack on the Yonged Buddhist Monastery following recent clashes in the district. Authorities recovered homemade weapons, machetes, sticks, and a bag from them.
The arrests came amid a dawn-to-dusk road blockade called by “Jumma Students and Citizens” protesting the gang rape of a tribal girl. The blockade paralyzed transport on major routes including Chattogram–Khagrachhari, Khagrachhari–Rangamati, and Khagrachhari–Sajek. Later, Section 144 was imposed in several areas to quell escalating tensions, as protesters clashed with law enforcement in the evening.

At least 29 people were killed in a stampede during a rally led by popular actor and TVK party president Thalapathy Vijay in Karur district, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday. The rally, part of Vijay’s state-wide political tour, drew massive crowds.
As the gathering intensified, several people fainted, prompting chaos. Victims were rushed to Karur Medical College Hospital and nearby private clinics. “So far, seven adults and three children have died. More patients are arriving by ambulance,” said hospital dean R. Shanthimala, warning that the death toll may rise.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Habibur Rahman Habib has issued a stern warning to party members. “It does not matter who gets the nomination or the green signal. What matters is ensuring a landslide victory for the BNP-nominated candidate under the paddy-sheaf symbol,” he said.
“But those who ignore party directives for personal gain, those who defy Tarique Rahman’s instructions, essentially defy his father too,” Habib added, referring to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. He warned of “many conspiracies” against BNP but assured that they would be tackled under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

Extending greetings on the occasion of Durga Puja, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed hope for a prosperous Bangladesh built on equality and free from corruption. “Through the July uprising, we began a journey toward a just and prosperous nation. To fulfill this vision, people must work together, transcending divisions of religion and caste,” he said.
Praying for peace and progress, Yunus added: “By defeating injustice and darkness, Bangladesh will move forward on the path of welfare and prosperity.” He also hailed Durga Puja as a unique symbol of interfaith harmony, expressing confidence that the festival would be celebrated nationwide in an atmosphere of joy and unity.