At the opening of Police Week 2025, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the police force had been politicized over the last 15 years. “Forced to follow unlawful orders, the police faced public backlash,” he said. He emphasized the need for police to uphold justice and civil rights. The event’s theme is “My Police, My Country, A Discrimination-Free Bangladesh.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called for urgent de-escalation between India and Pakistan before the situation worsens. This follows a deadly attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left 25 Indians and one Nepali dead. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned of a potential military assault, noting increased Indian threats and military preparedness in response.

As Police Week 2025 kicks off, internal frustration brews over the selection of 62 medal recipients for the Bangladesh Police Medal and the President Police Medal. Officers who were absent during the August 6-7 mass protests—including one who allegedly fled from Rajarbagh—are reportedly among the awardees. Meanwhile, those injured while protecting state assets and civilians were excluded, sparking discontent within the force.

Umama Fatema, spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, clarified that she has no affiliation with the newly formed political party NCP. In a public statement, she urged people not to involve her in discussions or proposals related to the party, even though many of her acquaintances are associated with it. “This will save both our time,” she added.

As part of the ongoing protest movement, the Technical Students’ Movement has declared an indefinite shutdown of all polytechnic institutes across the country starting Tuesday. The strike will continue until their six-point demand is met. In recent days, students submitted petitions to the offices of the Institution of Diploma Engineers in every district, following widespread protest marches and rallies.

Responding to Bilawal Bhutto’s comments that “either our water will flow through the Indus or their blood,” Asaduddin Owaisi called the remarks “childish” and inappropriate. He reminded Bilawal of the tragedies faced by his grandfather and mother, urging him to act responsibly. Owaisi warned that no nation would remain silent if innocent civilians are harmed under the guise of such rhetoric.

RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam warned that no one will be spared for building code violations, regardless of their influence. He said RAJUK’s nationwide drive against unauthorized structures would continue, and legal action is already underway against past irregularities involving RAJUK officials. He emphasized that building approvals are now fully online to prevent corruption.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) announced the cancellation of trade licenses for all rooftop restaurants operating without approval in residential and commercial buildings. A public notice stated that unauthorized restaurants, especially those operating on rooftops, pose serious risks to public safety. Any business continuing operations with a canceled license will face legal action.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus launched the ‘Labbayk’ mobile app, aimed at facilitating services for Hajj pilgrims. He expressed hope that the app would allow pilgrims to perform their religious duties more smoothly. He directed that from next year, the app should assist pilgrims right from the planning phase. He also encouraged collaboration with developed countries for technical support and providing assistance to less developed nations.

In Noakhali, Shahriar Hasan Rimon (16), younger brother of martyr Rizvi, was attacked and severely injured in an attempted murder. According to his mother, Farida Yasmin, Rimon, a tenth-grade student, had earlier informed his teachers and family about a conflict with outsiders at his school. On his way home, a group ambushed him, brutally stabbing him in the back and head. Shockingly, the attackers even attempted to assault him at the hospital.

Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul revealed that an average of 500,000 cases are filed each year in Bangladesh. However, only 35,000 are resolved through the National Legal Aid Services Organization. He emphasized that if the organization could resolve 200,000 cases annually, court caseloads could be reduced by at least 40%. Asif Nazrul added that the government has already approved several amendments to the Civil Procedure Code, which are awaiting final approval in the next advisory council meeting.

Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki stated that only actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha can explain why she chose to act in the Mujib biopic under certain circumstances. Farooki added, “In our marriage, both of us enjoy complete professional independence.” He continued, “Do you really think we live in a society where a wife must seek her husband’s permission before making professional decisions, or vice versa? I don’t think so. Tisha makes her own professional choices.”

A meeting between the members of the National Consensus Commission and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus was held recently. The commission reviewed the progress of ongoing discussions with political parties. Professor Ali Riaz, Vice President of the Commission, briefed the Chief Adviser on the discussions that have taken place so far. Based on the review, the Chief Adviser provided guidance on the next course of action.

Italian news outlet Rai News described Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the “Banker of the Poor” and “Pope of the Oppressed,” likening his struggle to that of Pope Francis — a shared battle against inequality and for grassroots development. Dr. Yunus stated that Pope Francis deeply respected his work, and they discussed at length how microcredit transforms lives. Rai News highlighted Pope Francis’ historic 2017 visit to Bangladesh, where he met persecuted Rohingya refugees.

IGP Baharul Alam announced that arrests will not be made merely based on the filing of cases. Action will only be taken against those proven guilty during investigations. He emphasized that no innocent individual should be arrested or harassed in connection with the student-public deaths during the July Uprising. He admitted limitations in law enforcement, particularly regarding inflated suspect lists, and noted that international cooperation is being sought to apprehend fugitive masterminds.