RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent comment that leaders should retire at 75 has stirred a political storm in India, as both he and Prime Minister Modi are turning 75 this year. The statement, made during a book launch in Nagpur, was interpreted as a subtle hint at Modi. Opposition leaders quickly responded, reminding Modi of his past enforcement of the same age rule on senior BJP leaders. The remark has fueled fresh debate over political succession and retirement norms.

To compensate for recent disruptions in import-export activities caused by server issues, the Benapole Customs House will remain open on Friday and Saturday, despite these being government holidays. Additional Commissioner Shariful Islam confirmed that all operations will continue as per directives from the National Board of Revenue (NBR). While the presence of traders remains relatively low on holidays, customs officers and staff are actively maintaining full operations. Port authorities have also ensured necessary preparations for loading and unloading activities.

Following a violent clash and exchange of gunfire between two rival groups of BNP in Sujanagar, Pabna, the party has expelled 10 leaders, including the upazila unit’s member secretary. The central BNP also filed a case against the expelled individuals on Friday night under the directive of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. The complaint was lodged by Joint Organizing Secretary Amirul Islam Alim. During a visit to Sujanagar, central leaders reaffirmed the party's zero-tolerance policy toward political violence and internal disorder, warning of strict organizational actions against any future misconduct.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, describing the area as a graveyard for children and starving civilians. He highlighted the brutal tactics and escalating attacks causing severe food shortages and widespread hunger. Recent bombings, including one at Halimah Al-Sadiyyah School in northern Gaza, have resulted in many deaths, including children. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 57,000 have died and more than 137,000 injured amid ongoing conflict.

The water levels of the Selaonia and Muhuri rivers in Feni district are falling and currently remain below the danger mark. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in the region over the next three days. Other river basins like Teesta, Dharla, Surma, Kushiyara, Ganges-Padma, and Brahmaputra-Jamuna also show varying water level changes but remain mostly below danger levels. The overall flood situation in Feni and surrounding areas is likely to improve within 72 hours as rainfall patterns continue.

Despite heavy U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, approximately 60% of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile remains undamaged and securely stored in special containers controlled by Iranian scientists. While many centrifuges were destroyed, the enriched uranium supply is believed to be sufficient for nuclear bomb development. The operation reportedly delayed Iran’s nuclear program by up to two years. U.S. and Israeli officials emphasize the strikes’ success, but warn of potential future attacks if Iran attempts to recover lost capabilities.

Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology has permanently expelled student Rubaiyed Ferdous Alvi following allegations of making offensive comments about the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Alvi, a 2020-21 Electronics and Telecommunication department student, sparked outrage among peers after posting objectionable remarks on social media, prompting student protests. An investigation confirmed the allegations, leading to his temporary suspension and subsequent permanent expulsion. Alvi may appeal the decision within 15 days. He had prior disciplinary issues related to misconduct and drug use.

Starting in 2026, the United States will introduce a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee on most non-immigrant visas, significantly raising costs for applicants from Bangladesh and other countries. This fee applies to tourist, student, and work visas, increasing total expenses to nearly $472 for a B-1/B-2 visa. Refunds are possible under strict conditions, such as timely departure or legal status changes. The fee aims to encourage lawful behavior and is part of broader immigration reforms, including a new tax on remittances.

OpenAI is set to introduce a new AI-powered web browser within the coming months, aiming to compete with the widely used Google Chrome. According to sources, this browser will incorporate an AI agent named ‘Operator’ to enhance browsing by keeping some user interactions within ChatGPT. The move reflects OpenAI’s strategy to offer a browsing experience less dependent on Google’s control, similar to other AI browsers like Perplexity’s Comet. The launch is planned for 2024, marking a significant step in AI-driven web technology.

Khelafat Majlis has announced candidates for 19 parliamentary seats in the Sylhet division for the upcoming general elections, contesting under the electoral symbol ‘Wall Clock.’ The list was unveiled by the party’s advisor, Principal Muhammad Masud Khan, at a press conference in Sylhet city on Friday. Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami had released candidates for the same seats. The Khelafat nominees include branch leaders from home and abroad, religious scholars, and lawyers. The party stated its aim to promote a politics based on morality and ideals.

More than 2,000 senior officials at NASA are resigning amid proposed budget cuts, risking a major loss of expertise crucial for upcoming space missions. The departures, including scientists, engineers, and mission planners, may disrupt plans for sending humans to the Moon and Mars. Layoffs are ongoing across NASA’s centers, with Goddard, Johnson, and Kennedy centers most affected. Experts warn this could weaken U.S. leadership in space exploration, especially as complex missions approach. The workforce may shrink to its smallest since the 1960s.

Students at Rajshahi University staged a protest march condemning the brutal beating and stabbing murder of a businessman at Mitford Hospital in the capital city. The demonstrators rallied against terrorism and extortion, raising slogans denouncing violence. Leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement declared that no matter which political party terrorists belong to, they must not be shielded. Similarly, the Democratic Student Alliance held a march and assembly demanding swift justice for the killing. Speakers at the protests urged authorities to ensure a speedy trial and pledged to prevent any political party in the country from resorting to acts of terrorism.

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has officially begun surrendering weapons in northern Iraq, signaling the end of its nearly 40-year armed struggle against Turkey. A ceremony in Sulaymaniyah marked the symbolic start, with members burning their weapons. Turkish President Erdoğan welcomed the move as a turning point. The process follows a peace appeal by jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. Over 40,000 people died in the conflict, which affected Turkey and neighboring countries including Iraq, Syria, and Iran.

The Ganosamhati Andolon has strongly condemned the brutal murder of scrap dealer Md. Sohag in Old Dhaka’s Mitford area. The party criticized the government’s failure to maintain law and order and called for immediate and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators. Leaders stressed that such acts of terror and political violence cannot be allowed to persist in Bangladesh and must be addressed urgently.

BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy has said that the party’s goal is not merely to return to power but to restore democracy in the country. Speaking at an event organized by JASAS in the capital, he stated that even though BNP is not currently in power, various parties have united against it — a sign, he claimed, that BNP’s return to power is imminent. He called for free and fair elections and challenged rival parties to contest all 300 constituencies. He also urged leaders of the anti-discrimination movement to ensure no new inequalities emerge after achieving victory.