Seven people have been arrested in connection with the lynching of 27-year-old Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced Saturday. The Rapid Action Battalion detained suspects Md. Limon Sarkar (19), Md. Tarek Hossain (19), Md. Manik Mia (20), Ershad Ali (39), Nijum Uddin (20), Alomgir Hossain (38), and Md. Miraj Hossain Akon (46) following coordinated operations. The lynching occurred amid widespread unrest following youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death, who was shot by masked gunmen in Dhaka on December 12. Bangladesh's interim government condemned the incident, stating "no one involved in this brutal crime will be spared" and urged citizens to reject violence, provocation, and hatred. (PC: X)

Saudi Arabia deported 24,000 Pakistani nationals this year over begging allegations, while the UAE imposed visa restrictions citing criminal activities. Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency offloaded 66,154 passengers at airports in 2025 to dismantle organized begging syndicates. FIA Director General Riffat Mukhtar confirmed the networks cause reputational damage, with similar cases detected in Africa, Europe, Cambodia, and Thailand. Dubai deported approximately 6,000 individuals, while Azerbaijan sent back 2,500 Pakistani beggars. Saudi Arabia previously urged Pakistan to prevent exploitation of Umrah visas for begging in Mecca and Medina. Legal experts describe begging as a highly structured enterprise, with government officials estimating 90% of beggars detained in West Asia are Pakistani nationals. (PC: AFP)

The United States issued a travel advisory for its citizens in Bangladesh ahead of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi's funeral on Saturday. Hadi, a spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha and leader in last year's July Uprising protests, died recently, triggering widespread unrest. Protesters demanding justice set fire to two major media offices in Dhaka on Friday. The funeral prayer is scheduled at the National Parliament Building's South Plaza at 2 PM. The US warned that peaceful gatherings could escalate into violence, urging citizens to avoid demonstrations and expect heavy traffic throughout Dhaka. Bangladesh's interim government appealed for calm against "fringe elements." Authorities banned drones near the venue and requested attendees avoid carrying bags or heavy objects during the ceremony. (PC: Hindustan Times)

British ex-paratrooper Karl Bushby, who began his Goliath Expedition in 1998 to walk around the world without motorised transport, is nearing the end of his extraordinary 31,000-mile journey. Starting from Punta Arenas, Chile, Bushby has traversed 25 countries, deserts, jungles, war zones, and frozen seas over 27 years. His trek included crossing the Darién Gap, walking the Bering Strait, and even swimming across the Caspian Sea. Despite visa bans, financial crises, and the pandemic, he has upheld his rule of advancing only on foot. Now in Hungary, about 932 miles from Hull, England, Bushby is expected to complete his odyssey by September 2026, marking one of history’s longest continuous treks. (PC: Instagram)

Bangladesh youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi will be buried beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on Saturday following his family's request, Inqilab Mancha announced. His funeral prayer will be held at 2 pm at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban's South Plaza after arriving from Singapore on Friday evening. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus confirmed attendees cannot carry bags or heavy items, and drone flying is prohibited near Parliament House. Hadi died Thursday in Singapore after being shot by unidentified gunmen on December 12, triggering nationwide violent protests. Inqilab Mancha urged supporters to ignore instructions from other sources, stating they would gather at Dhaka University Central Mosque demanding justice while occupying streets with slogans. (PC: X)

Bangladesh's English-language newspaper The Daily Star failed to publish its print edition for the first time in 35 years after violent protesters set fire to its Dhaka office alongside Bengali daily Prothom Alo. The attacks followed student leader Sharif Osman Hadi's killing, leaving both newspaper buildings severely damaged. In a statement titled "A dark day for independent journalism," The Daily Star condemned the violence, declaring it "not merely an attack on two newspapers" but an assault on "independent journalism, freedom of speech, and the sanctity of private property." The BBC reported both outlets suffered extensive damage during the protests that erupted across Bangladesh, forcing the historic disruption of The Daily Star's publication for the first time since its founding.

Bangladesh's interim government condemned the brutal lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh's Bhaluka Upazila, accused of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad Yunus's administration stated "there is no place for such violence in New Bangladesh" and promised accountability for perpetrators. The killing occurred amid violent protests following student leader Sharif Osman Hadi's death, during which media offices were torched and journalists attacked. The government expressed solidarity with Daily Star, Prothom Alo, and New Age journalists, calling attacks on press "attacks on truth itself." Authorities warned against attempts to derail Bangladesh's democratic transformation and urged citizens to resist mob violence by "fringe elements" while honoring Hadi's sacrifice through restraint and rejecting hatred. (PC: X)

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed shared stunning footage of lightning striking the Burj Khalifa's spire as the UAE battles severe weather conditions. The video shows the world's tallest building silhouetted against storm clouds amid heavy rainfall and thunder. The National Centre of Meteorology confirmed the country entered the peak phase of the 'Al Bashayer' low-pressure system, causing rain, lightning, thunder, and potential hail. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors and avoid flood-prone areas. Emirates and flydubai cancelled flights, while Dubai International Airport warned of delays. The Ministry of Human Resources allowed remote work for private sector employees. Streets across Dubai, Sharjah flooded as meteorologists predict continued unstable weather with thunderstorms and strong winds.

At least 30 journalists were rescued after violent protesters set fire to The Daily Star’s office in Dhaka, Bangladesh, trapping media personnel inside. Protesters first vandalised the ground and first floors, smashing equipment and furniture, before igniting the building. Terrified journalists sent distress messages, with one crying, “You are killing me,” as smoke filled the premises. Firefighters, security forces and volunteers launched a rescue operation, evacuating those trapped after hours of chaos. The attack, linked to escalating protests over the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, has raised serious concerns over press freedom and journalist safety in Bangladesh. (PC: NDTV)

Ahmed al Ahmed, dubbed the “Bondi Hero,” was handed A$2.5 million (about US$1.65 million) raised online after he tackled and disarmed an alleged gunman during a deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney. More than 43,000 donors worldwide contributed, including billionaire Bill Ackman. Ahmed, a Syrian-born father of two who was shot and is recovering in hospital, was presented with the cheque at his bedside. Australia’s prime minister and NSW premier praised his bravery. In his remarks, Ahmed urged unity and standing together to protect human life. The shooting left 15 people dead and many injured. (PC: Reuters)