A Tk 35.5 crore project in Bhangaura Municipality, Pabna, aimed at providing arsenic-free drinking water, remains non-functional more than a decade after its launch. Substandard materials and widespread corruption prevented its operation, yet six employees continue to receive salaries, costing the municipality nearly Tk 20 lakh annually. Investigations confirmed irregularities, but no actions were taken. Residents remain deprived of clean water, while authorities cite lack of funds to repair pump houses and continue other municipal duties.

On International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, Adhikar urged the government to dissolve the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and implement a 10-point plan to address enforced disappearances. The demands include independent investigations, withdrawal of false cases, victim and witness protection, legal recognition for families of missing persons, and enhanced forensic and investigative capacity. The group criticized past state repression under Sheikh Hasina and called for reforms and the implementation of the “July Charter” to ensure justice and transparency.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that preparations are underway for the national parliamentary elections scheduled in February. “Everyone is eagerly awaiting the elections. Through this process, democracy will be reinstated in the country,” he said during the inauguration of the Small and Cottage Industry Fair in Barishal district. He emphasized that voters will elect their representatives and government, hold them accountable, and voice fundamental concerns directly. Khasru added, “Previously, the economy was concentrated in the hands of a few. We must expand economic opportunities for ordinary citizens and create global markets for small and cottage industries, ensuring economic growth for Bangladesh.”

A U.S.-made F-16 fighter jet crashed during a military exercise in western Poland on August 28, killing the pilot. Footage shows the aircraft suddenly descending from the sky before hitting the ground and catching fire. No bystanders were harmed, and the cause of the crash remains unknown. Poland, a key NATO ally, has been operating F-16s purchased from the United States since 2003. The incident marks another fatal accident involving this aircraft model.

The United Kingdom has repatriated 15 Bangladeshi nationals accused of violating immigration laws. The returnees were sent on a special charter flight from London’s Stansted Airport via Islamabad, arriving in Dhaka on Friday. The passengers included both men and women, some with valid passports and others with expired ones, hailing from districts such as Sylhet, Comilla, and Dhaka. The UK authorities, coordinating with Bangladesh, are taking strict measures against illegal immigrants, with repatriation forming part of their enforcement efforts.

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has removed Prime Minister Pettongtan Shinawatra from office following the leak of a phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. In the recording, Pettongtan criticized her own military and assured Hun Sen of her support, sparking public outrage and nationalist backlash. She had assumed office in August 2024 as Thailand’s youngest prime minister. Lawmakers may now form a new government or call fresh elections if consensus is not reached.

The Directorate of Madrasa Education has issued an urgent directive requiring full cooperation in the recruitment, joining, and MPO inclusion process of NTRCA-recommended teachers at private madrasas. Letters have been sent to principals, acting heads, and other officials of MPO-registered institutions. Complaints have emerged about delays due to absent committees or heads. Institutions must follow proper procedures through acting principals, ad hoc committees, or local administration. Non-compliance may result in suspension of MPO benefits and legal action under relevant regulations.

Under the Digital Connectivity (EDC) project, broadband internet has still not reached 85% of government and private institutions in Pirojpur and Jhalokathi. Dhaka-based contractor Access Telecom has been accused of embezzling millions while delivering only a few routers. In the 19 institutions that received connections, the lines frequently go offline. Even after extending the project deadline to September 30, 2025, questions remain about the pace and quality of work. Local ISPs have provided no assistance, and Tanzila Islam, Project Director (Joint Secretary) of the EDC project, said she cannot comment on whether irregularities or corruption occurred without reviewing the files.

Kabul has summoned the Pakistani ambassador after alleged attacks by Pakistani forces in Nangarhar and Khost provinces. The Taliban government reported at least three civilian deaths and seven injuries. Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of violating airspace and carrying out provocative bombings near the Durand Line. While Pakistan has yet to officially respond, tensions persist over cross-border terrorism, trade restrictions, and stalled diplomatic talks. Recent drone strikes in Shinwar district highlight fragile bilateral relations and regional instability.

Kader Siddiqui stated that the 2024 public movement is approaching the ideals of independence, but the population is increasingly frustrated with the behavior of the movement’s leaders. During a press conference, he protested the arrests of several individuals, including Latif Siddiqui, by DRU authorities and demanded their release. He remarked, “I believed their victory would last a thousand years, but in just one year, it is on the verge of being destroyed—a situation we did not anticipate. The ruling powers are preventing people from speaking freely and expressing opinions. We demand a fair electoral environment and stronger security measures in Bangladesh.”

Pakistan’s Punjab province is experiencing its most severe flooding in nearly 40 years due to heavy seasonal rains and water releases from Indian rivers. Rivers including the Ravi and Chenab have reached dangerously high flows, prompting evacuations in Lahore, Multan, Jhang, and Sargodha. Embankments are being breached to protect cities, while thousands of residents have been relocated to relief camps. Authorities warn of further flooding, crop losses, and possible casualties in low-lying areas, with continuous monitoring and emergency response ongoing.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has resigned from four National Assembly standing committees, including Law and Justice, Human Rights, IT, and House Business Advisory, following founder Imran Khan’s directive. So far, at least 18 PTI lawmakers have quit committees, part of the party’s broader political strategy amid disqualifications linked to the May 9 riots. PTI will boycott upcoming by-elections, while the ruling PML-N and PPP plan to contest jointly nationwide, intensifying Pakistan’s shifting political landscape.

A sudden cloudburst late Thursday night unleashed massive landslides in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts, sweeping away houses and flooding villages. The Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers are flowing above danger levels, inundating temples and homes. Several people are missing, while rescue efforts by NDRF, SDRF, and the army face challenges due to collapsed mountain roads. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured ongoing relief measures. Authorities issued an orange alert in multiple districts, warning of more heavy rain and worsening conditions.

In Chandrakona Union, Sherpur, a reception and general meeting were held to welcome 24 BNP leaders and supporters who joined Jamaat as associate members. At the event, Foijur Rahman Firoz, the Jamaat-nominated chairman candidate for the union, congratulated the new members, stating, “By joining Jamaat, you have become part of an ideologically driven Islamic party. However, mere membership is not enough. You must follow Islamic principles in all aspects of life to earn Allah’s satisfaction and attain success in the hereafter, building yourselves as devoted and principled individuals.” The newcomers expressed their belief that Jamaat is a principled, justice-based Islamic party, adding that the country’s current situation and Jamaat’s patriotic activities inspired them to join voluntarily. However, BNP leader Khorshedur Rahman from Nakla upazila downplayed the impact, saying, “Those who joined are not established leaders. We have never seen them at BNP events, and the party will not suffer any loss from their departure.”

Algerian Ambassador Amar Benyama was moved to tears at the UN after reading a farewell letter from Palestinian journalist Mariam Abu Dakkar, killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital. Addressed to her 13-year-old son, the letter urged prayer instead of tears and leaving a legacy through her name. Benyama condemned Israel for targeting journalists, called Gaza a “living hell,” and urged the UN to enforce an immediate ceasefire, provide humanitarian aid, and prevent further genocide.