The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has launched a demolition drive against the riverfront bungalow of former state minister Nasrul Hamid, built illegally on the Buriganga’s bank. The operation began Thursday morning at Keraniganj, opposite Fatullah Launch Ghat. Nearly two acres of land were reclaimed after demolishing boundary walls and structures inside the compound. Officials confirmed that the eviction follows a 2009 High Court order directing the removal of all illegal structures occupying riverbanks. Earlier, on April 30, a Dhaka court ordered the seizure of Hamid’s property worth Tk 200 crore in Gulshan. In January, the court also imposed a travel ban on Hamid and his wife in connection with an ACC case.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has recovered nearly 200,000 cubic feet of illegally extracted stones from the Utmachhara border area in Sylhet. According to BGB, Utmachhara is a naturally resource-rich tourist spot with abundant sand and stones. For years, local syndicates have been extracting stones illegally and stockpiling them in different parts of Adarshapara village for smuggling. However, due to strict BGB surveillance, poor transport infrastructure, and internal conflicts within the syndicates, the stones could not be trafficked. A joint operation led by Assistant Commissioner Ifrahim Iqbal Chowdhury, along with local administration, BGB, and police, is now underway to conduct proper measurement and take legal action.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has filed a General Diary (GD) against two employees over the disappearance of 10 aircraft tires, allegedly handed over to a private airline without authorization.

Each tire is valued between USD 5,000 and 15,000, meaning the missing stock is worth nearly Tk 1 crore.

The tires, which had expired from operational use, were stored in an “auction shed” beside the hangar. According to the GD, assistant manager Mosharraf Hossain reported the incident as “untraceable” rather than outright theft.

Upon questioning, supervisor Arman Hossain and store helper Samsul Haque admitted the tires were given to a private airline official “for use” without informing higher authorities.

An internal investigation is now underway.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has underscored the need to build a healthy and resilient new generation despite challenges, saying it is essential for Bangladesh’s development.

“Without skilled and efficient human resources, neither personal lives nor national progress can be ensured,” Yunus said.

Pointing to the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), he noted that 71% of all deaths in Bangladesh are caused by NCDs, with 51% occurring below the age of 70. Out-of-pocket health spending is around 69%, much of it on NCDs.

He stressed that along with better healthcare, awareness and preventive measures must be strengthened to reduce the burden of these diseases.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has stressed the urgent need to curb excessive cash transactions, saying they encourage corruption and make tax evasion easier.

“The foundation of a cashless society in Bangladesh is becoming stronger. Within the next 7–8 years, Bangladesh will emerge as a major hub of cashless economy,” he stated.

Highlighting mobile financial services (MFS) innovations, the governor said the concept of “nano loans” is gaining popularity, with an average of 4,000 people receiving such loans daily, amounting to Tk 7,000 crore in total disbursements.

He emphasized that restoring discipline in the financial sector remains the biggest challenge, as well as introducing innovative and inclusive financial services to strengthen the macroeconomy.

China’s military is preparing to seize Taiwan by 2027 under direct orders from President Xi Jinping, warned US Strategic Command chief General Anthony Cotton in testimony before Congress.

Cotton said Beijing is developing nuclear-capable weapons capable of striking from land, air, and sea.

While China’s 2023 national defense policy reiterated its commitment to a “no first use” policy on nuclear weapons, the Pentagon has warned that Beijing could reconsider if a conventional defeat in Taiwan threatens Communist Party survival.

China’s Defense Ministry has dismissed US claims as an attempt to spread the so-called “China nuclear threat” narrative to malign Beijing internationally. However, experts, including the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, caution that China is stockpiling increasingly powerful weapons

Hamas has proposed a 60-day ceasefire and a prisoner exchange with Israel, offering the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 28 hostages (10 alive, 18 deceased). The proposal also includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces and increased humanitarian aid access in Gaza. However, Israel’s position is clear: the war will only end when all 50 hostages in Gaza (20 of whom are alive) are released. While the general public is calling for a ceasefire, Netanyahu faces pressure from hardline coalition allies. Civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis continue unabated in Gaza.

The BNP has raised objections to clauses 2, 3, and 4 of the July Charter, citing inconsistencies in the final draft. Three party members have been tasked with reviewing the document and submitting opinions to the Consensus Commission. While supporting timely national elections, the party stressed concerns over domestic and international interference. BNP also opposes placing the Charter above the Constitution and seeks clarity on implementing agreed-upon reforms, notes of dissent, and constitutional amendments to ensure proper legal and parliamentary processes.

The holy occasion of Akheri Chahar Shomba is being observed today across Bangladesh. Although not an official public holiday, it is recognized as an optional holiday, and all educational institutions remain closed.

Historically, the day is linked to a temporary recovery of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his final illness, sparking immense joy and charity among his companions. Commemorating this, Muslims continue to observe the last Wednesday of the month of Safar with prayers and festivities.

Low-income residents of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Natore are increasingly trapped in a high-interest debt cycle from NGOs and moneylenders. Many borrow for household needs rather than productive investment, leading to unpaid loans, mental distress, and rising suicides. Recent incidents include multiple families abandoning homes or taking their lives due to mounting pressure. Experts highlight weak loan verification, high real interest rates, and inadequate oversight as key issues, urging stricter monitoring of microcredit programs to prevent further tragedies.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was released from United Hospital and returned home on Wednesday afternoon.

He had been admitted late Tuesday night after falling ill, just hours after returning from medical treatment in Thailand. Despite attending a meeting at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office until 11 p.m., Fakhrul experienced health complications at home and was rushed to the hospital.

Doctors later confirmed he is now in stable condition.

Two fabric-loaded containers worth Tk 15 million have gone missing from Chattogram Port after being auctioned and fully paid for by Shah Amanat Trading. Owner Selim Reza claims he has been waiting for seven months despite paying duties and charges. Customs officials say refunds will be processed if the port confirms the goods cannot be delivered, while port authorities insist the containers are not lost but misplaced among nearly 50,000 others and are still being searched for.

At least 27 worshippers were killed during dawn prayers when armed assailants stormed a mosque in Katsina state, Nigeria, early Tuesday morning.

Local residents reported that gunmen opened fire inside the mosque in the remote community of Unguwan Matau around 4 a.m. Worshippers scattered in panic, but the attackers also targeted those fleeing. Several others were injured.

No group has yet claimed responsibility. Authorities have deployed military and police forces to the area.

Deadly armed raids are increasingly common in Nigeria’s northwest and central regions, often fueled by land and water disputes between herders and farmers. In June, more than 100 people were killed in a similar attack in north-central Nigeria.

Dubai Police have recovered a rare 21.25-carat pink diamond worth $25 million within just eight hours of its theft. Dubbed “Operation Pink Diamond,” the raid led to the arrest of three Asian suspects who had plotted the heist for over a year. The criminals lured a European trader by posing as wealthy buyers with luxury cars and hotel meetings before snatching the gem. The diamond, hidden in a refrigerator, was later found. The owner praised police for their swift action.

The BNP-affiliated Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has announced its panel for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election.

The panel, declared at noon Wednesday by JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib at the base of Aparajeyo Bangla, includes:

VP Candidate: Abidul Islam Khan (Joint GS of DU Chhatra Dal, Islamic Studies 2015-16 session)

GS Candidate: Tanvir Bari Hamim (Convener, Jasim Uddin Hall JCD, Women & Gender Studies 2018-19 session)

AGS Candidate: Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed (Convener, Bijoy Ekattor Hall JCD, Mass Communication & Journalism 2018-19 session)

Rakib further announced that no candidate was nominated for the post of Research and Publication Secretary in honor of Sanjida Ahmed Tonni, a student injured in the July uprising, who herself is contesting for the position.