Lead investigator Md. Alamgir testified for the third consecutive day in the case against Sheikh Hasina and two others, stating that during the July–August uprising, killings took place at 438 locations across 41 districts, with lethal weapons used in over 50 districts.

His testimony, broadcast live on BTV and the tribunal’s Facebook page, alleged that over the past 15 years, murders, disappearances, abductions, rigged elections, and staged militancy incidents all served to prolong Awami League’s grip on power.

Alamgir added that security forces fired 305,000 rounds of ammunition during the July protests alone, based on official records. Meanwhile, the tribunal adjourned testimony in the Abu Sayeed martyrdom case as the witness fell ill, rescheduling for next Monday.

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam revealed that 1,350 police firearms that went missing have yet to be recovered. Authorities suspect the weapons have been trafficked into hill regions and possibly reached groups such as ARSA.

The IGP assured efforts are underway to retrieve them and pledged stricter policing ahead of the 13th National Election. “We are prepared to ensure a free and fair election. Around 150,000 police officers are receiving training on professionalism and neutrality,” he said.

He also warned that any attempts to destabilize Puja celebrations nationwide will be met with a strong response.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologized to Qatar after an airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha killed a Qatari national.

The apology was conveyed during a phone call with Qatar’s Prime Minister while Netanyahu was meeting former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. According to a White House statement, Netanyahu expressed “deep regret” that a Qatari soldier was unintentionally killed in the missile strike. He also admitted that targeting Hamas leaders during hostage negotiations violated Qatar’s sovereignty and pledged such actions would not be repeated.

Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed the apology was accepted. The Qatari leadership also thanked U.S. President Trump for reaffirming Washington’s commitment to Qatar’s defense partnership and for assurances that further aggressions would be prevented.

Facing mounting protests by Gen Z demonstrators over acute shortages of electricity and water, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has dissolved his government.

“I apologize for the failures of my government,” Rajoelina said. “If ministers did not fulfill their duties, we admit our shortcomings and express regret. I understand the anger, suffering, and daily struggles caused by these shortages.”

Earlier, he had dismissed the energy minister for negligence, but protesters demanded the resignation of the president and the entire cabinet. On Monday, after thousands once again rallied in the streets, Rajoelina announced he had dismissed the prime minister and dissolved the government. Applications for the next prime minister will be accepted within three days, followed by the formation of a new cabinet.

Meanwhile, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the “unnecessary use of force” by security forces, reporting at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries.

Despite a partial withdrawal of blockades by Jumma student groups, no long-haul or local transport has resumed in Khagrachhari. Section 144 remains enforced for the third consecutive day.

Authorities confirmed no cases have yet been filed over attacks, vandalism, and the assault on BGB personnel in Ramgarh. Thirteen injured from clashes in Guimara have been shifted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, while the bodies of three deceased have been handed over to their families.

Life in Bandarban and Rangamati, however, remains normal. The unrest began last Saturday when protests under the banner of Jumma students erupted over the alleged rape of an indigenous woman, sparking violent clashes.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has rejected allegations of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, calling them false and fueled by India’s growing “fake news industry.”
In an interview, Yunus said: “There is no anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh. One of India’s most notable exports now is fake news.”
He admitted he was initially reluctant to accept the role of Chief Adviser but agreed after appeals from protest leaders: “If you can sacrifice so much, I can reconsider my decision.”
He also discussed election delays, the Rohingya crisis, and the ban on Awami League activities.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has tabled a 20-point plan to end hostilities in Gaza, receiving immediate approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump warned that if Hamas rejects the terms, the U.S. will fully back Israel’s military actions. Key provisions include:

Immediate ceasefire upon mutual agreement.

Israeli troops to pull back to designated lines for prisoner exchanges.

Suspension of all military operations, including airstrikes and artillery fire.

Hamas must release all hostages—alive or dead—within 72 hours.

In exchange, Israel to release 250 prisoners serving life terms and 1,700 detainees held since October 7, 2023.

Amnesty for Hamas members who surrender arms and accept coexistence, while safe passage will be arranged for those wishing to leave Gaza.

Massive humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza once the deal is signed.
The plan also proposes a temporary transitional administration led by a non-political Palestinian technocratic committee, overseen by a new international body, the Board of Peace. Trump would serve as chairman, joined by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and other leaders.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the nation’s upcoming elections, ongoing reforms, and the Rohingya crisis.
Dr. Yunus briefed the UN chief on the state of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh, while highlighting progress on institutional reforms. Guterres, in turn, expressed full support and solidarity with Bangladesh’s democratic transition.

A sweeping crackdown is underway at Islami Bank, resulting in the dismissal of 200 employees and the demotion of 4,971 staff to special duty (OSD) status over alleged misconduct and rule violations.
The shake-up follows a controversial hiring spree after S. Alam Group assumed control of the bank in 2017, when thousands were recruited without exams—many from Patiya, leading to nearly half of today’s workforce hailing from the same area.
A senior bank official admitted: “Unqualified appointments under S. Alam’s management ruined the bank. We are now verifying merit for the institution’s survival.”
Bangladesh Bank and court directives led to a mass competency test last Saturday, but of 5,385 summoned, only 414 appeared and continue regular duties. The 4,971 absentees were made OSD the next day, while 200 employees accused of spreading misinformation or opposing the test were terminated.
Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Arif Hossain Khan noted this was the first time in the country’s history an exam was used to justify layoffs: “Recruitment and evaluation are under a bank’s jurisdiction, but must comply with law and policy.”

Popular content creator Ashraful Alom, widely known as Hero Alom, was attacked by unidentified assailants on Monday night in Dhaka’s Aftabnagar area.
Witnesses said several youths on motorcycles launched the assault, leaving Alom with visible injuries. Locals rescued him and took him to a hospital. His wife, Ria Moni, confirmed the incident to the media.

The Government of Bangladesh and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed an agreement worth $58.6 million in grants and $28.1 million in concessional loans to strengthen infrastructure and emergency services for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar.
ADB Country Director Edimon Ginting said the new funding builds on earlier assistance provided since 2018, aimed at enhancing water, sanitation, healthcare, roads, drainage, food security, electricity, and disaster resilience.
The project will also install solar-powered streetlights in Cox’s Bazar, restore sanitation systems in Bhasan Char, boost biogas production, and construct cyclone shelters in Hatiya. Additionally, food distribution centers will be developed with better facilities for women, children, and persons with disabilities.

From November, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will expand its subsidized sales program by adding five new essential products — tea, salt, detergent, and two types of soap. Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin announced that the government spends nearly Tk 5,000 crore annually to sustain TCB operations, and the new additions aim to provide relief for low-income families while curbing inflation. He urged quick progress in finalizing beneficiary lists and card activations nationwide. TCB currently has over 6 million active cards, with an additional 339,000 pending activation.

Bangladesh exports pharmaceuticals to over 100 countries, but exports to the U.S. remain modest — just $20 million out of $210 million in FY2023. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of a 100% tariff on drug imports now casts uncertainty over expansion into this key market. Industry experts suggest Bangladesh may face both challenges and opportunities: while competitors like India and China could be hit harder, new openings may emerge for Bangladeshi producers. CPD Research Director Dr. Khandaker Golam Moazzem warned that higher tariffs would increase consumer costs and create new competition in alternative markets.

The 27 BGB Marishya Zone organized a dialogue with local dignitaries in Baghaichhari, Rangamati, focusing on law and order. Commander Lt. Col. Zahidul Islam Zahid emphasized the collective responsibility of both hill residents and Bengalis in maintaining communal harmony. He urged citizens not to be swayed by rumors, warning that any attempts to disrupt peace would be dealt with firmly. Community leaders present pledged to uphold law and order in their respective areas.

Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has warned that several Bangladeshi companies are manipulating income and expenditure figures, with some showing “remarkable skill” in siphoning money abroad. While acknowledging that not everything in the interim government is flawless, he noted that Bangladesh’s international image has improved. Speaking at an ERF event, he also urged stronger institutional efforts to improve journalistic standards, later inaugurating the ERF Institute’s new nameplate.