Since November 2023, more than 113,000 Rohingya refugees have entered Bangladesh from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, with the majority arriving after May-June last year. Rohingya arrivals continue almost daily in 2024. With these new arrivals, the total Rohingya population taking shelter in Bangladesh now exceeds 1.313 million. UNHCR has sent a letter requesting Bangladesh to arrange accommodation for the new refugees. Most of the new Rohingya are currently living with relatives in 20 camps in Cox’s Bazar. The government has not yet authorized identity verification for the new arrivals via the Iris system.

Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul shared a heartbreaking incident in which the daughter of a martyr, who was raped during the July popular movement, committed suicide. He expressed the profound pain this event has caused and assured that justice would be served swiftly. Two suspects have been arrested and are currently in custody, and the news about their bail is false. He confirmed that DNA samples have been taken from the suspects, and the police are expected to submit the charge sheet within a few days. Following this, the trial will begin, with a legal obligation to deliver a verdict within 90 days, as per the amended law. If the DNA samples are favorable, the trial should conclude much earlier. Nazrul also mentioned that the trial in the Asiya case began last Wednesday and expressed hope that the case will be concluded within seven working days. He added that any delay in the trial would be painful, but emphasized that if the process isn’t thorough, the verdict may not hold up on appeal.

Professor Ali Riaz emphasized that the goal of the Consensus Commission is to create a national charter. Discussions are ongoing as part of the collective effort to establish a democratic state. He mentioned that the report, opinions, and recommendations of the reform commission alone are not sufficient. Only through the unity of all political and democratic forces, representing the people, can Bangladesh move towards the vision of a New Bangladesh. Ali Riaz further stated that the fearless struggle of the leaders of the People’s Rights Council initiated a new phase in the anti-fascism movement. This momentum continued with the 2024 quota reform movement and later led to an unprecedented and unexpected popular uprising.

While the US and Iran, mediated by Oman, have held three rounds of negotiations aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a more aggressive approach. Netanyahu argued that the only “good deal” would involve completely dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, similar to the 2003 agreement made with Libya. However, reports suggest that former US President Donald Trump does not support such aggressive action.

Sarada Bai, a woman from Odisha, faces deportation despite living in India for 35 years and having a voter ID. Born in Pakistan, she was never granted Indian citizenship. Following rising tensions after a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities canceled her visa and ordered her to leave. Sarada, who has a husband, children, and grandchildren in India, pleaded not to be separated from her family, but police warned of legal action if she stays beyond the deadline.

A fire broke out outside the RNPL 1320 MW coal-fired power plant in Kalapara, Patuakhali, around 10:30 PM on Sunday night. Units from the Kalapara and Amtali fire services, along with three units from the power plant, swiftly responded and successfully brought the fire under control. Officials confirmed that the fire was confined to discarded scrap materials outside the plant premises and did not affect the main facility. Firefighters and local residents worked together to contain the situation.

Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus has stated that observing the current situation in Bangladesh, many believe that an interim government would still be the best solution for the people. He added that citizens are not demanding the government’s immediate departure but are expecting it to ensure a credible election. Yunus emphasized that whether the Awami League will be allowed to contest in the upcoming election partly depends on the party itself — it must first decide if it will participate. So far, no official announcement has been made. He also noted that the Election Commission’s stance and other factors could influence the situation. Moreover, he pointed out that several political parties may argue that, under the new law, the Awami League should not be allowed to contest.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh at 3 a.m. on Sunday night after attending the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Earlier on Sunday afternoon (Bangladesh time), he departed Rome. Professor Yunus joined other world leaders in paying their final respects to the late Pope.

The death toll has risen to 40 following a massive explosion at Iran’s largest commercial port, Shahid Rajaei, near Bandar Abbas. Over 1,000 people have been injured. The explosion shattered windows and rooftops of nearby buildings and destroyed numerous vehicles. Residents reported hearing the blast from up to 50 kilometers away. Authorities confirmed that six people are still missing.

Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid stated that the government is firmly committed to ensuring justice. “We want to see criminals apprehended and punished,” she said. Speaking at an event marking World DNA Day in Bangladesh, she highlighted the 2025 theme: “The Use of DNA Technology: A New Horizon for Women’s Justice and Safety.” She noted that since 1986, DNA technology has revolutionized forensic science and criminal justice systems worldwide, significantly strengthening Bangladesh’s judiciary.

A court has ordered an Interpol arrest warrant against Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in connection with a land allocation corruption case. Previously, on April 10, the court issued arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina and Saima Wazed in the same case. On April 13, the court also issued warrants against Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana’s daughter Tulip Siddiq, her son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, and 21 others in three separate land corruption cases.

Ali Ahsan Junaid wrote that the daughter of martyr Jasim was raped and later committed suicide. He emphasized that it is the interim government’s responsibility to ensure justice for the victim and the safety of martyr families. He further stated, “If protests are necessary to achieve this, the interim government should step down and join the people.” He made it clear: “There can be no political settlement in this country without justice. We demand legal resolutions for the murders of the Pilkhana, Shapla, and July martyrs, along with proper accountability for 16 years of fascist rule.”

Advisor Asif Mahmud announced that the government is considering forming two separate Public Service Commissions—one for cadre posts and another for non-cadre positions. Discussions are ongoing, and a final decision will follow the meeting resolutions.

Lamya, 17, daughter of martyred Jasim Uddin, was laid to rest beside her father’s grave after her funeral at Pangashia Girls’ High School field. She had taken her own life in her room in Dhaka’s Shekhertek area on Saturday night and was declared dead at Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital.

The Bangladesh Catholic Church will organize an interfaith dialogue in September. Cardinal George Jacob Kouvakad of the Vatican’s Interreligious Dialogue Office conveyed this during a meeting in Rome with Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to religious harmony and the protection of all citizens’ rights.