Political commentator and adviser Asif Nazrul has written an emotional account recalling his experiences with former RAB magistrate-turned-bureaucrat Sarwar Alam. Nazrul described how Sarwar, once celebrated for his bold anti-corruption drives, was sidelined by powerful vested interests and later transferred to a low-profile post. Despite his professionalism, he too faced smear campaigns online. “Baseless rumors are spread about me every day. But even Sarwar, a man far removed from politics, was not spared such malicious attempts. I couldn’t shield him from that completely, and it pains me still,” Nazrul wrote.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum on Friday visited students of Chattogram University who were critically injured in recent clashes with local villagers. At Parkview Hospital, she met the patients, spoke with doctors about their treatment progress, and wished them a speedy recovery. Hospital Managing Director Rezaul Karim confirmed her visit, noting that the adviser reassured families of government support and urged continued quality care for the victims.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has issued a warning regarding fraudulent calls claiming financial incentives. Scammers have been using the name and photo of Secretary Abu Taher Md. Masud Rana, contacting officials via WhatsApp from a different number (01851-274565), and requesting credit card and bank details. The ministry confirmed that these claims are entirely false and urged people not to share sensitive information. Citizens are advised to report such incidents to the ministry or the nearest police station.

Lebanon’s cabinet is meeting to review a military plan to disarm Hezbollah, a move driven by U.S. pressure and intensifying Israeli strikes. The plan stems from a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal aimed at ending over a year of Hezbollah–Israel clashes. Hezbollah rejects the proposal as treasonous and serving foreign interests, with reports suggesting its ministers may boycott the session. Analysts warn of possible ministerial resignations or street protests if the plan proceeds, while Speaker Nabih Berri urges dialogue and consensus.

Ahead of Durga Puja, West Bengal’s fish markets are flooded with hilsa from Gujarat, with nearly 4,000 tons arriving in just six weeks. Traditionally, hilsa from Bangladesh’s Padma and Meghna rivers are prized for their unique aroma and sweetness, but supply remains uncertain. Experts and traders say Gujarat’s catch lacks that signature flavor. With Odisha’s catch limited and juveniles still being sold illegally in local markets, Bengalis are reluctantly turning to less flavorful alternatives.

Violence erupted in Rajbari’s Goalanda after Friday prayers when enraged locals attacked the shrine of Nurul Haque, popularly known as Nural Pagol, who had declared himself Imam Mahdi. Protesters vandalized and set fire to the premises, sparking deadly clashes. At least one person, identified as Russell Molla (28), was killed, while more than 50 others — including police officers — sustained injuries. The unrest stemmed from long-standing disputes over Nural Pagol’s elevated burial site. Prior to the violence, local Jamaat leaders had urged his followers to rebury him according to Islamic norms. In a related incident, another shrine in Rajshahi’s Paba was also vandalized. Locals accused BNP leader and former union council member Golam Mostafa of instigating the attack, a charge he has denied.

Police have arrested eight individuals, including former Awami League MP of Nilphamari-3 Saddam Hossain Pavel, for allegedly planning sabotage and funding disruptive activities in Dhaka. The arrests, made during a DB operation on Thursday night, come amid allegations that the group sought to create instability through flash rallies and other acts of disruption. Official statements confirmed that all arrested have pending cases in various police stations.

Israeli forces say they now control about 40% of Gaza City, including Jaitun and Sheikh Radwan. Heavy ground and air assaults have left at least 53 Palestinians dead in one day, most of them civilians. Gaza officials warn no area is safe, even in designated “humanitarian zones.” Since October 7, 2023, over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks. U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley accuse Israel’s government of ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank.

India will maintain its fuel imports from Russia, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed in an interview. She emphasized that decisions on fuel procurement depend on price, logistics, and national requirements, especially concerning foreign exchange. Fuel accounts for the largest share of India’s import expenditure. Russia’s share in India’s fuel imports has risen from under 1% pre-Ukraine conflict to nearly 40% now. Indian refineries process discounted Russian fuel, while Europe bans Russian crude but imports refined products from India. Sitharaman also noted government support for industries affected by high duties.

The government will train over 150,000 police officers to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful 13th parliamentary election. Deputy Inspector General Kazi Zia Uddin said nine training modules have been prepared in consultation with experts, along with documentaries, audio-visuals, and booklets. Training has already begun with 150 master trainers, and more than 1,200 will be prepared to train others nationwide. Scenario-based exercises will also be conducted at 134 training centers to strengthen election security and maintain law and order.

Israel has temporarily halted its plans to annex parts of the West Bank after a warning from the United Arab Emirates, which cautioned that such a move could violate the Abraham Accords and endanger regional agreements. The Israeli cabinet shifted its focus to the ongoing security situation in Palestinian territories, especially amid possible discussions at the UN on Palestinian state recognition. Analysts suggest that regional and diplomatic pressure has forced Netanyahu to step back, despite his previous opposition to Saudi Arabia’s stance.

Senior Hamas leader Osama Hamdan said U.S. President Trump’s recent suggestion to end the Gaza conflict through Israeli prisoner release is “just an idea, not a real proposal.” Hamas seeks a clear political plan with practical steps, including full Israeli troop withdrawal, Palestinian prisoner release, lifting of the blockade, border openings, and reconstruction. Hamdan urged Trump to pressure Israel and Netanyahu, noting international opinion is increasingly siding with Palestinians. He emphasized Palestinians will never surrender.

Pakistan Peoples Party leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused India of violating the Indus Water Treaty and failing to share flood-related data. Speaking from flood-hit Kasur, he demanded India either follow the treaty or return Pakistan’s rivers. Pakistan expressed concern over incomplete data and called on India to comply fully with international law. Tensions escalated earlier this year after fatalities in Jammu and Kashmir, but a U.S.-brokered ceasefire temporarily stabilized the situation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin announced that the advisory council has repeatedly discussed potato prices, and export incentives are being offered to stabilize the market. Efforts include purchasing potatoes from the market through the TSC for distribution and encouraging exports. Bashiruddin noted that last year’s prices ranged from 80–90 BDT per kg, prompting higher cultivation this year and resulting in oversupply. He emphasized that exports are crucial to ensuring farmers receive fair prices and warned against syndicate practices, promising strict action against offenders.

More than 4,000 scientists, including 14 Nobel laureates and 5 Fields Medalists, have called for urgent measures to stop the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They condemned the denial of medical care, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the artificial food shortage pushing residents toward famine. The statement also urged Hamas to release hostages while highlighting the mass civilian deaths. Addressed to world leaders and the UN, the scientists called on governments and international organizations to take immediate action to prevent further catastrophe.