Extending greetings on the occasion of Durga Puja, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed hope for a prosperous Bangladesh built on equality and free from corruption. “Through the July uprising, we began a journey toward a just and prosperous nation. To fulfill this vision, people must work together, transcending divisions of religion and caste,” he said.
Praying for peace and progress, Yunus added: “By defeating injustice and darkness, Bangladesh will move forward on the path of welfare and prosperity.” He also hailed Durga Puja as a unique symbol of interfaith harmony, expressing confidence that the festival would be celebrated nationwide in an atmosphere of joy and unity.

Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul stated that the interim government is working as a team to implement reforms. Nearly half the recommendations have already been enforced, while about 70% of actionable proposals from six reform commissions are expected to be implemented by December.
He clarified that reforms requiring constitutional changes need broader political consensus. “We cannot amend the constitution through ordinances or executive orders,” he said, adding that some proposals wrongly presented as constitutional issues could actually be resolved through rule changes. He cited the example of parliamentary standing committee leadership, which only requires procedural amendment. Advisors Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud and Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan are leading evaluations of recommendations from five other commissions, with some already under implementation.

In a major policy shift, the government is preparing to introduce paternity leave for civil servants alongside existing maternity leave benefits.

According to the Ministry of Public Administration, maternity leave of six months has been in place since 2011, and many private institutions now follow the same rule. However, paternity leave is still absent in Bangladesh’s laws, leaving working fathers unable to properly support their families during childbirth.

A summary on amending the Bangladesh Service Rules has been sent to the Chief Adviser’s Office. The proposal cites international practices: paternity leave is available in 78 countries, including India, where fathers get 10 days of paid leave twice in their service careers, and Pakistan, where fathers can take one month of paid leave up to three times.

Officials say the move is being considered in light of growing demands from civil servants and to ensure better family care for newborns.

The government has strongly condemned the attempted assault on Adviser Mahfuz Alam in London, weeks after a similar incident in New York.
Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam reiterated: “Violence is not protest; intimidation is not freedom of expression. The same applies in London as it did in New York.”
The statement declared that such barbaric acts have no place in a democratic society. While the right to peaceful assembly and expression must be respected, it should always be exercised responsibly.
The government has urged London’s Metropolitan Police to conduct a full investigation, review CCTV footage, and bring the perpetrators to justice. Political leaders and community organizers abroad were also urged to reject violence and intimidation publicly. “Throwing eggs, fists, or launching group attacks does not prove a point—it only shows the absence of reason,” the statement concluded.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of eminent singer Farida Parveen.
In his condolence message, Dr. Yunus said that although Parveen performed Nazrul songs and patriotic music, she was best known as the “Daughter of Lalon.” For five decades, her soulful renditions of Lalon’s spiritual songs touched millions, reflecting the deeper philosophy and life values embedded in Bangladeshi culture.
“Despite many hardships, she never distanced herself from music. Her devotion inspired generations,” Dr. Yunus said, adding that the Ekushey Padak–winning artist’s contributions will remain unforgettable and continue to inspire new thoughts and creativity in the cultural sphere. He prayed for her eternal peace and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.

The interim government has pledged to transform the National Human Rights Commission into a truly independent body, enabling it to investigate incidents such as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings without interference.

Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul said, “During the Awami League government, human rights were not protected—rather, they were violated. The interim government wants to leave behind a milestone in human rights protection. In honor of the sacrifices made in the July uprising, we will do everything possible to establish people’s rights.”

He emphasized that legal reforms are underway to grant the commission full independence.

At the same meeting, human rights activist and advisor Adilur Rahman Khan noted, “The 2025 National Human Rights Commission Ordinance is crucial for moving beyond 15 years of disappearances, killings, and torture chambers. In the past, even human rights defenders themselves were abducted. The commission survived politically by spending donor funds, often reduced to distributing jobs instead of protecting rights. Its role during the July uprising was utterly disgraceful.”

The Power Division has ordered all officials and employees of rural electricity cooperatives who are absent under the pretext of “mass leave” to return to their posts within 24 hours.

The ministry warned that failure to comply would result in legal action under the Essential Services Act, as uninterrupted power supply is considered a critical public service.

Authorities also assured workers that their demands are under review and that the government is sensitive to their concerns.

The interim government has decided to intensify monitoring of unauthorized rallies and sudden processions, following reports of banned political gatherings by the Awami League in recent days.

The high-level meeting, chaired by the Chief Adviser, was attended by advisers for Home, Planning, Power, Law, and Shipping, along with the Inspector General of Police and senior administrative officials.

Press Secretary Shafiqul said after the meeting:

“It has been decided that monitoring of illegal gatherings, including flash processions, must be strengthened. Those found actively involved will face strict legal action.”

He added that the Chief Adviser has instructed local administrations to be more proactive in tackling such incidents.

The interim government has strongly condemned the shocking incident in Rajbari’s Goalanda, where the body of self-proclaimed Imam Mahdi, Nura Pagol, was exhumed and burned. Authorities vowed swift and strict legal measures against those involved, stressing that no individual or group is above accountability.

On Friday, a group identifying themselves as “Touhidi Janata” carried out the act, accusing Nura Pagol of distorting Islamic tenets and even claiming divinity. They alleged he was buried in a shrine built to resemble the Holy Kaaba, in defiance of Islamic tradition. Protesters had long demanded the shrine’s demolition and the removal of inscriptions naming him “Imam Mahdi.”

Meanwhile, reports emerged that a man named Russell Molla (28) was killed during the unrest, though local administration has yet to confirm the death.

Government adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan revealed he recently returned two high-value gifts—a luxury wristwatch and an iPad—offered to him during official meetings.

The watch was gifted at a ministerial meeting in Sri Lanka, while the iPad was presented by the head of an Indian power company. Khan admitted he was tempted to keep them but ultimately sent the watch to the state treasury and returned the iPad.

He clarified that he does accept low-value tokens such as books or chocolates from foreign dignitaries, often reciprocating with his own writings. He concluded by expressing hope that voters will choose leaders of integrity in the upcoming elections.

Bangladesh’s interim government has officially merged the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Public Security Division and Security Services Division through a new gazette notification.

The order, issued under the authority of Article 55(6) of the Constitution, amends the Rules of Business, 1996, replacing the two separate divisions with a unified Home Ministry structure.

The move consolidates administrative responsibilities under a single streamlined framework.

Social Welfare Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid visited DMCH on Sunday morning to check on GOP President Nurul Haque Nur, who remains under ICU care.

Earlier in the day, DMCH Director Brigadier General Md Asaduzzaman briefed the press, confirming that Nur’s condition is gradually improving. He reiterated that Nur may be shifted to a general ward soon and could be released within a week if recovery continues as expected.

The interim government has strongly condemned the violent attack on Gano Adhikar Parishad chief and July Movement leader Nurul Haque Nur, describing it as a heinous assault on democracy itself.

In an official statement, the government urged all political and social forces that took part in the July uprising to unite in defending the people’s democratic gains and thwarting any anti-people conspiracies.

“This attack is not just on Nur, but on the spirit of the democratic struggle for justice and accountability,” the statement read, assuring a “full, impartial, and high-priority investigation.”

The interim administration pledged that no perpetrator—regardless of rank or influence—would escape justice. It reiterated that the national elections will be held in early February 2026, vowing: “The will of the people will prevail, and no dark force will be allowed to obstruct our march toward democracy.”

On Friday evening, two special assistants to the Chief Advisor, Sheikh Moinuddin and Foyez Ahmed Tayyeb, visited BUET student Syed Shadid Nasif, who is receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Shadid, a 2020 batch student, was accompanied by his family. The delegation offered condolences and assured full medical support. Doctors confirmed that his surgery was successful, and he is currently stable.

The government has reconstituted a seven-member public administration committee, appointing Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed as chair and Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan as member-secretary. Advisers Dr. Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan and Mahfuz Alam will also serve as members, along with the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser, and the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration.
The ministry has been tasked with providing secretarial support to the committee, which oversees administrative appointments, transfers, and related activities.