Iran’s Judiciary Chief Hojjatoleslam Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei stated that Iran will never submit to global hegemonic powers. Speaking during a meeting with Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement leader Sayyed Ammar al-Hakim, Ejei emphasized that Iran has never initiated war and will not do so, while remaining vigilant against enemy conspiracies. He stressed rejecting both imposed wars and forced peace, citing the principles of Iran’s revolutionary leaders. Al-Hakim highlighted that Iran-Iraq ties are deep and extend beyond mere neighborly relations.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman emphasized that no one, including the Chief Justice, is above contempt of court. Speaking at a Noakhali District Lawyers’ Association event, he urged judges to ensure lawyers are treated with respect, warning that misconduct undermines public trust in the judiciary. He stated that any judge whose actions create doubts about justice can be held guilty of contempt. The event saw participation from lawyers, politicians, and prominent BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin remains unwavering on Ukraine, insisting any peace deal must meet Moscow’s conditions, with force as a possible fallback. Despite Western sanctions and U.S. pressure, his confidence is bolstered by battlefield realities, diplomatic gains, and support from allies like China and India. While showing willingness to meet Ukrainian President Zelensky in Moscow, Putin warns Western troops entering Ukraine will be targeted. Conflicting objectives between Kyiv and Moscow mean the war’s resolution remains uncertain, with tensions unlikely to ease soon.

Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan honored the July martyrs in Natore, emphasizing that although fascism has been defeated, conspiracies persist. He highlighted ongoing efforts for justice and reform, alongside preparations for national elections. Family members of the martyrs demanded speedy trials, issuance of July certificates, and arrest of accused perpetrators. Officials paid tribute to five martyrs earlier in the day, reflecting the nation’s enduring respect for those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.

The home of Zahid Uddin Mahmud Lipton, former chairman of Sonagazi Upazila Parishad and joint general secretary of the banned Feni district Awami League, was set on fire Friday night. According to reports, assailants poured petrol and ignited the house while the caretaker was away for prayers. Local residents managed to extinguish the fire after nearly an hour. The attack caused damage to furniture, clothes, and parts of the ground-floor drawing room. The assailants also attempted to break the doors on the second floor and set them on fire but failed. Lipton, who has not resided in the house since August 5, 2024, stated that he was not shaken by the attack.

Amartya Roy Jan, the vice-presidential candidate of the “Sompriti’s Oikko” panel, has been removed from the voter and candidate lists for the upcoming JAKSU elections. According to the election commission’s notification, Jan, a former president of a faction of the Student Union University Council, was deemed ineligible under Clause 4.38 of JAKSU’s constitution. Consequently, his name has been withdrawn from all election-related lists.

Advisor C.R. Abrar emphasized that schools are institutions not only for acquiring knowledge but also for learning ethics and values. “All life decisions must be guided by principles,” he said. “One must live with dignity rather than succumb to temptations.” Addressing students, he said he firmly believes they will emerge as capable citizens committed to building a new Bangladesh. He also highlighted the impact of recent youth-led movements, noting that the aspirations of the younger generation will drive progress. Abrar further stressed the role of educational institutions as the “engine of life,” warning about environmental degradation despite technological advancements. “Global warming is causing rapid melting of polar ice, increasing the average temperature of the Earth, and threatening future generations. Our generation failed to act; in this regard, we are accountable,” he added.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has called for a free and fair general election in February with the participation of all political parties. Addressing a gathering, Haque said citizens have been deprived of their voting rights for 15 years and are now eager to exercise them. He accused some political groups of conspiring to derail the upcoming election and urged them not to obstruct the democratic process. He pledged that if BNP came to power, it would safeguard fundamental rights, resolve local issues, establish community clinics and maternity hospitals in every ward, and provide free education for low-income families. Haque also promised job opportunities for educated unemployed youth and expansion of sports to build a healthier, more capable nation.

In a symbolic move, local farmers were the chief guests at a regional screening of “Krishi Kotha,” a documentary based on BNP Acting Chairman Tarek Rahman’s reform agenda in Kapasia. The film, built around the 27th point of Tarek Rahman’s 31-point reform plan, highlights the struggles, resilience, and neglected role of farmers in nation-building. Directed by BNP leader Habibur Rahman, the documentary portrays farmers as not only food producers but also architects of the state. Farmers in attendance shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, describing the film as deeply moving. The documentary is being screened across districts and upazilas and is expected to reach every upazila before the next national election.

Amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Rezaul Karim, has renewed his party’s demand for proportional representation (PR) in national elections, stressing that only such a system can prevent authoritarian rule. Speaking at a public gathering, Karim said his party has consistently demanded PR-based elections since 2008, alongside legal recognition of the July Charter and restoration of law and order. He argued that the current system produces “fascists” and leaves 60 percent of the population neglected. By contrast, PR elections would ensure broader representation. He criticized the Yunus-led government for failing to deliver on its promises of reform, justice, and free elections.

Suspended BNP leader Fazlur Rahman has denounced the exhumation and burning of a body as an “anti-Islamic act,” warning the government not to provoke religious unrest. He alleged that such incidents were occurring under the current administration, cautioning that faithful Muslims would not tolerate attempts to inflame sectarian tensions. Fazlu urged devout Muslims to strongly protest and resist such “heinous acts,” adding that Sunnis, who make up the majority of Bangladesh’s Muslim population, are peaceful but uncompromising in defending their faith.

Employees of the Rural Electrification Board have declared an indefinite nationwide work stoppage starting Sunday, pressing a four-point demand. The demands include reforms in rural electrification, elimination of job discrimination, and an end to harassment through punitive measures. Assistant Office Secretary Anju Rani Malakar stated that despite repeated assurances, the Ministry of Power had failed to resolve longstanding issues. Instead, workers faced termination, transfers, and suspensions. The protesting employees also called for reinstating unjustly dismissed staff and demanded legal action against corrupt officials within the Rural Electrification Board.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has announced that the government has set a fixed price for potatoes to ensure farmers receive fair compensation. Speaking during a visit to a newly established temporary police camp in Jamalpur, Guagachhia union of Gazaria upazila, Chowdhury said the camp would be made permanent and illegal firearms gradually seized. He noted that despite fixing potato prices, cold storage facilities were still withholding supply, causing concern among growers.

Eleven police personnel, including a sub-inspector, have been suspended in Kishoreganj for allegedly extending “undue privileges” to former National Board of Revenue (NBR) official Matiur Rahman while escorting him from court to prison. Superintendent of Police Mohammad Hasan Chowdhury confirmed the suspension, stating that the accused officers accepted bribes and allowed the detainee to dine in a separate room during a stopover. An internal probe confirmed the allegations. The officers will remain suspended and stationed at the police lines, where they must attend roll calls and training sessions in plain clothes.

Khelafat Majlis has expressed grave concern and condemnation over the burial and subsequent burning of the body of “Nural Pagla” in Goaland. Party Secretary-General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad said the deceased was buried in a manner that disregarded Islamic rites, sparking strong protests among local Muslims. He accused the authorities of failing to intervene in time, which allowed miscreants to infiltrate public demonstrations and desecrate the grave by burning the body—an act he described as a “blatant violation of Islam.” He stressed that no Muslim has the right to bury or burn a body in such a way and condemned those who failed to prevent the incident. He called for stronger and more responsible action from the administration.