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.

BNP leader Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain has expressed hope that the Election Commission will announce the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections on time in February. Paying respects at the grave of party founder Ziaur Rahman, Zahid said the roadmap announced by the EC reflects the people’s demand for timely polls. He stressed that elections remain the key means for citizens to shape the future of Bangladesh, entrusting their chosen representatives with nation-building responsibilities.

The University of East Anglia (UK), in collaboration with MH Global Group, plans to open a branch campus in Bangladesh, supported by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The initiative, backed by the Bangladesh Army, will also introduce joint and dual degree programs with Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) and the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST). The project aims to enhance higher education quality, offer opportunities in emerging tech fields, and support students’ global exposure and employability, including provisions for financially disadvantaged talent.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has abolished the special quota for women in government primary school teacher recruitment, replacing it with a new 7 percent quota. Under the 2025 regulations, 93 percent of positions will be merit-based, while 7 percent are reserved for children of freedom fighters, small ethnic groups, and physically disabled or third-gender candidates. Separate positions have also been created for music and physical education. Recruitment will occur at the upazila level and through promotions, marking the 2019 regulations null and void.

AB Party leader Asaduzzaman Fuad has demanded that the upcoming national election be held under the July Charter, saying his party would not object even if polling is delayed. Speaking to reporters, Fuad accused the Election Commission of preparing for a “half-hearted election.” He questioned whether the commission was capable of conducting a credible poll given its lack of proven experience. Fuad warned that without fixing these issues, the upcoming election could become “the fairest but also the most one-sided in history.” He also criticized the EC for ignoring key reforms, such as lowering the voting age to 17 for those who would reach that age on election day. Additionally, he urged cost-saving measures like standardized posters instead of expensive campaign materials.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Tehran will respond appropriately to the United Kingdom, France, and Germany after they initiated the UN “snapback” mechanism. The E3 informed the UN Security Council that sanctions could be reinstated if relief on Iran is not extended within 30 days. Tehran calls the move illegal and says it may impact cooperation with the IAEA. Araghchi emphasized that Iran will protect its national rights and interests against what it considers an unjust European decision.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain has said that young people will be the driving force behind political and qualitative transformation in Bangladesh’s future. Speaking at the Bengal Delta Conference 2025, he emphasized the need to strengthen the country’s constitutional and institutional structures, which he said have remained weak despite decades of independence. “Politics is not merely about holding office. We must build strong institutions if we are to bring meaningful change,” Hossain said. He also warned that failure to repatriate Rohingya refugees would prolong the region’s suffering well into the next decade.

The United States has expressed readiness to engage in direct dialogue with Iran to achieve a peaceful and sustainable solution to its nuclear program. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that diplomatic efforts complement, rather than conflict with, the snapback sanctions process initiated by France, Germany, and the UK. Rubio urged Iranian leaders to take immediate steps to prevent nuclear weapons development and ensure peace and prosperity for the Iranian people. The three European nations have formally informed the UN Security Council about the snapback mechanism.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has warned of a “deep conspiracy” to eliminate liberal politics in Bangladesh and replace it with extremist forces, which he said would be disastrous for the nation. Fakhrul cautioned that if elections are not held on time, fascism would rise, both domestically and with external influence. He noted growing public concern about whether elections will take place at all under current conditions. Accusing certain political groups of spreading false propaganda against the BNP, Fakhrul reminded that party leaders and activists, including Khaleda Zia, have endured oppression for the past 15 years. “We do not want Bangladesh to become a failed state,” he said, stressing the need to restore democracy in a way that serves the entire nation rather than a small elite.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has accused the Election Commission (EC) of attempting to sabotage free and fair elections by announcing its recently unveiled roadmap. Speaking at a gathering at Central Medical College Hospital in Cumilla, Taher, a Nayeb-e-Ameer of the party, said, “Announcing a roadmap before deciding whether to adopt the traditional system or the new proportional representation system is a grave offense by the Election Commission.” He added that Jamaat would compel the EC and government to conduct elections under a reform charter. The EC recently revealed its 24-step action plan ahead of the 13th national parliamentary elections.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin has called on election officials to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and neutrality during the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. Speaking on Friday at the closing of a two-day core training workshop, the CEC stressed that law and order remains the biggest challenge ahead of the polls. “Every day we face new and evolving challenges. Election commissioners must remain focused on addressing these effectively,” he said. Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar echoed this concern, warning that the 13th National Election could be “the most high-risk election in Bangladesh’s history.” He urged the commission and all those involved in the electoral process to remain vigilant. Meanwhile, Election Commissioner Md. Sanaullah highlighted that the voter turnout may exceed expectations, noting that many expatriates are eagerly waiting to cast their votes with great enthusiasm.

At least 61 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours as Israeli forces intensified strikes across Gaza, local sources said Friday. Among the dead were 19 people who were killed while attempting to collect humanitarian aid. Four others, including two children, died of starvation and malnutrition, residents reported. Heavy bombardments targeted eastern and southern Gaza City, with fears of mass casualties and large-scale displacement of nearly one million Palestinians taking refuge in those areas. In Zaytoun alone, more than 1,500 homes were destroyed, leaving the neighborhood reduced to rubble. The Israeli military stated it was targeting fighters and their infrastructure across Gaza. Meanwhile, UN human rights experts expressed concern over the growing number of Palestinians reported missing amid the conflict.

Palestinian National Council Chairman Ruhi Fattouh has condemned the Israeli finance minister’s proposal to blockade Gaza and seize it in stages, calling it an “open confession of genocide and war crimes.” In a statement Thursday, Fattouh said such “provocative rhetoric” was no longer limited to extremist views but was now being implemented as state policy. He pointed to two years of siege, during which aid centers were attacked, infrastructure destroyed, and forced displacement attempted. Fattouh also denounced violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and urged the international community, the UN, and the Security Council to uphold their legal and political responsibilities. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared Gaza City and refugee camps as “battle zones,” vowing to starve Hamas members “to death by hunger and thirst.”