A deadly fire tears through a five-storey building housing several hotels in central Kolkata, killing nine people, including a four-year-old child. Five of the victims were Bangladeshi nationals. Around 80 people are rescued, while questions emerge over alleged fire-safety violations, emergency exits, hotel licensing and electricity connections. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari blames the previous TMC government, alleging that unsafe or illegal hotels were allowed to operate under the earlier administration.

Bangladesh's political crisis has taken another dramatic turn as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared that she intends to return to Bangladesh despite facing a death sentence. Speaking during an FCC South Asia event alongside Awami League leaders, Hasina said that fear would not stop her from fulfilling what she described as her duty to the people. Hasina stated, "I may be detained, I may be sent to prison. But fear cannot decide my duty to the people." While she indicated that she aims to return around December, an exact date has not yet been announced. Hasina has been living in exile in India after leaving Bangladesh following the student-led uprising that led to a dramatic political upheaval. Ahead of her virtual address, India clarified that it had no role in the event, distancing itself from the political programme. Hours after Hasina's appearance, the Awami League alleged that the residence of former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan came under attack. Party leaders claimed the house was targeted with petrol bombs and described the incident as a "calculated campaign" against Awami League supporters. WATCH