Police have arrested five suspects in connection with the large-scale looting of valuable white stones from the Volagonj quarry in Sylhet.

Earlier, a case had been filed against 2,000 unidentified individuals over the theft, which officials say has cost the state crores of taka. The case was lodged Friday night by Mohammad Anwarul Habib, Director General of the Bureau of Mineral Development.

According to the case statement, miscreants began illegally extracting and stealing stones from the government-registered Volagonj quarry after August 5 last year. Authorities have urged investigators to identify those involved and ensure legal action is taken.

The Kremlin has described the recent meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska as “extremely positive.”

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the leaders chose not to take questions from reporters afterward because “both had already made comprehensive statements, so there was no need.” He added that the discussions would allow the two leaders to “move forward with confidence” in seeking alternative paths to peace.

Following nearly three hours of talks, Trump told reporters the meeting had been “very productive,” but acknowledged that some issues remain unresolved. He said he would now consult with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and NATO allies, emphasizing that “any deal ultimately depends on their agreement.”

“There has been significant progress, but we have not yet reached the final stage,” Trump said.

Putin echoed Trump’s remarks, stating he too was “genuinely interested” in ending the war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the war in Ukraine would not have broken out had Donald Trump been in office in 2022.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Putin said he had tried to convince President Joe Biden not to push the situation to a stage where “military action could lead to severe consequences.” He noted that Trump has repeatedly insisted he could have prevented the conflict if he had been in power instead of Biden.

“President Trump and I established a very good, businesslike, and trustworthy communication,” Putin said. “I believe that if we proceed along that path, we can bring an end to the Ukraine conflict — and the sooner, the better.”

Acknowledging Trump’s “friendly tone,” Putin also remarked that U.S.-Russia relations have been difficult in the past but stressed that “the situation needs correction.”

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has said that introducing a proportional representation (PR) system alone will not ensure credible elections without proper reforms.

Speaking at a gathering in Chauddagram, he stressed that reforms must be legally institutionalized to prevent a repeat of “fascist rule” under the Awami League.

“We support the Chief Adviser’s call for constitutional changes,” Taher said, criticizing the premature announcement of election dates without prior reforms.

A massive stone looting operation worth hundreds of crores of taka has prompted a case in Sylhet’s Bholaganj.

The complaint lists 1,000 to 1,500 unidentified individuals as accused. According to reports, since August 5 last year, organized groups illegally extracted stones from a government-registered quarry. Authorities are still working to identify the culprits.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has reported that child malnutrition in Gaza City has reached 21.5%. This means nearly one in five young children is undernourished.

The crisis is being compounded by soaring temperatures above 40°C and limited water supplies, heightening dehydration risks. UNRWA staff, already under immense stress, are themselves facing severe food insecurity.

Ukrainian military officials have expressed skepticism about the outcome of the high-level meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Officers on the front lines say they do not expect meaningful agreements, citing Russia’s history of untrustworthiness and lack of genuine interest in ending the conflict in Donbas. They also criticized Trump for treating Putin as a legitimate leader rather than holding him accountable for war crimes, warning that the summit is unlikely to produce tangible results.

World-renowned fintech expert Brett King said Bangladesh could transition to a cashless economy within 10–12 years through mobile-based digital financial services and digital identity infrastructure. The shift would enhance financial inclusion, reduce government expenditure, and curb counterfeit currency. The first-ever “Bankers Meet 2025,” organized by UAE-based Filips Limited with support from City Bank, Prime Bank, and AB Bank, discussed technology-driven banking solutions. Experts emphasized improving internet and mobile networks, affordable smartphones, and investing in digital infrastructure for sustainable growth.

Ahead of his Alaska trip, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized his strong rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested potential business opportunities between the two nations, contingent on progress toward peace in Ukraine. Speaking on Air Force One, Trump noted that Russian businessmen are eager to invest but will wait until the conflict ends. He expressed optimism about the upcoming Alaska summit, highlighting mutual respect with Putin and the likelihood of productive discussions involving top Russian economic and foreign officials.

Malaysian authorities stopped 98 Bangladeshi nationals from entering the country at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The individuals, who arrived on a flight from Dhaka early Friday morning, failed to produce valid entry documents during a sweep conducted between 1 AM and 7:30 AM. They were issued “No to Land” notices.

Officials suspect the group intended to misuse tourist visas to live and work illegally in Malaysia.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko by phone before his Alaska meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conversation, described by Trump as “great,” included thanks for a recent prisoner release and discussions on Putin’s upcoming trip and other bilateral issues. Belarus has deepened ties with Russia during the Ukraine war, serving as a key supporter and hosting part of the Russian invasion. Lukashenko has also strengthened trade and security cooperation with Moscow amid Western sanctions.

South Korean President Yoon Jae-myung has pledged to respect North Korea’s political system and work toward building military trust, following Pyongyang’s statement that it has no interest in improving ties. Since his election in June, Yoon has promised unconditional dialogue with the nuclear-armed North, marking a shift from his predecessor’s rigid approach. Speaking on National Liberation Day, he emphasized reducing tensions, restoring trust, and pursuing peaceful engagement, while dismissing reports of North Korea removing propaganda loudspeakers along the border.

Detectives have arrested six individuals, including Mahmudul Hasan Jewel, personal secretary to former Manikganj-2 MP Momtaz Begum.

The detainees—aged between 32 and 70—were picked up as part of ongoing investigations into multiple political cases across the district, confirmed DB Inspector Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at the potential for a new nuclear arms agreement with the United States ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump. Analysts suggest Putin aims to position himself as part of a broader peace process to ease Ukraine tensions while deterring new U.S. sanctions. The discussion may also foster trade and economic ties. With Russia holding the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, renewed talks could reshape global security dynamics, especially as the current New START treaty nears expiration in February 2026.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, in a message marking Janmashtami, emphasized Bangladesh’s longstanding tradition of religious harmony.

He extended warm wishes to Hindu communities, highlighting that festivals like Janmashtami unite people beyond communal divides and reinforce brotherhood. “Religious tolerance has always been an integral part of Bangladeshi culture,” Rahman said, adding that the BNP remains committed to safeguarding this spirit.