Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul has confirmed that efforts are underway to withdraw politically motivated cases against leaders of Hefazat-e-Islam. He stated that the cases were part of a broader campaign of repression under the Hasina administration, which he labeled as “anti-Islamic.” Nazrul said his office had asked the Attorney General to ensure justice and requested prayers to continue advocating for the oppressed.

Garment workers in Gazipur’s Sripur area staged a protest Wednesday morning, blocking a major highway in Herachala village. The demonstration was sparked by the sudden layoff of 30 workers and the closure of a factory without notice. Protesters ended the blockade after three hours. They said they had returned to work after assurances of reemployment, only to find the factory locked the following day.

To tackle the widespread and often chaotic use of battery-powered autorickshaws in Dhaka, authorities are planning to introduce a new model developed by BUET. In a recent meeting with law enforcement and local stakeholders, Dhaka South City Corporation presented this model, which prioritizes safety features like foot brakes and regulated speed. If approved by the Ministry of Local Government, only licensed rickshaws built under this design will be allowed on city streets. Existing rickshaws will be gradually phased out. This initiative aims for nationwide adoption, with training provided for drivers if needed.

After 34 hours of hunger strike, nine students of Chittagong University (CU) called off their protest in the early hours of Tuesday. The decision followed a Syndicate meeting that approved the relocation of the university’s Fine Arts Institute to the main campus. The students had begun their strike in front of the administrative building on Monday afternoon. Two students required medical attention due to exhaustion.

A Dhaka court has issued an arrest warrant against renowned actress and filmmaker Meher Afroz Shaon following allegations of physical abuse against her father and stepmother, Nishi Islam. The case, filed by Nishi Islam, names 12 individuals including former DB chief Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid. Two police officers from Badda Police Station admitted in court to detaining and torturing the complainant under directives from their then-officer-in-charge. Allegedly, Shaon had her mentally ill father confined to a psychiatric facility while Nishi Islam was imprisoned for six months. “We want justice,” said Nishi Islam.

As part of its ongoing crackdown on dissent, the United Arab Emirates has designated 11 political dissidents and their relatives as “terrorists.” Human Rights Watch reports that none of the individuals received prior notice or an opportunity to defend themselves. Among them, at least nine are known government critics or closely related to dissidents. Only two of the eleven face charges or convictions related to terrorism. Since 2014, the UAE has declared 83 organizations as terrorist entities, leaving little room for political opposition or protest.

In a controversial peace proposal, the United States has reportedly suggested informal recognition of nearly all Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia since the 2022 invasion. According to Axios, the plan includes lifting post-2014 sanctions on Russia, returning a small part of Kharkiv to Ukraine, and designating the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant as Ukrainian territory—though it would be operated by the U.S. and supply electricity to both Russia and Ukraine. While seen as a diplomatic win for Russia, the proposal could be a severe blow to Ukraine’s government and its people.

Following a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 tourists and an intelligence officer, former U.S. President Donald Trump phoned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer condolences and condemn the violence. Trump reaffirmed U.S. support for India’s fight against terrorism, stating, “Deeply saddened by the news from Kashmir. The U.S. stands strongly with India.” World leaders including Vladimir Putin, and governments of Saudi Arabia, Israel, Italy, and the UAE also condemned the attack.

The Supreme Court’s Appellate Division has nullified corruption charges against Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, filed under the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act. The bench, led by the Chief Justice, ruled that the ACC’s hasty legal actions following Yunus’s appointment were procedurally flawed. The case was initially filed during the Awami League’s tenure against Dr. Yunus and senior officials of Grameen Telecom. Notably, the ACC had withdrawn its petition without informing the appellants, violating legal norms.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged international investors to consider Bangladesh, calling it a land of immense economic potential. He emphasized the opportunity for Bangladesh to serve as a gateway to the sea for neighboring landlocked regions like Nepal, Bhutan, and seven Indian states. With a young, tech-savvy population and strategic geographic location, Yunus believes Bangladesh could emerge as a powerful economic hub. He also criticized government reforms and what he termed as destructive actions by Prime Minister Hasina’s administration.

The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) has voiced strong protest against what it calls unwarranted interference by the Ministry, demanding the restoration of its autonomy. According to the Commission, the erosion of its independence has led to severe disruptions, including obstacles in higher education and training for scientists, salary disparities, demotions, and a decline in motivation among young scientists.

It also claimed that the Commission’s role in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project is being undermined, with attempts to impose systems without proper feasibility assessments. Due to the lack of newly created positions, promotions are stalled, affecting nearly 600 scientists and 2,500 staff members whose salaries and benefits have been delayed.

The Commission alleges that the absence of a full board, coupled with authoritarian behavior and ministerial overreach, has deprived its members of benefits guaranteed under the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission Act 2017 and the BAEC Service Rules 1985.

Rokonuzzaman Tipu, a local correspondent for Daily Kaler Kantho, has been sentenced to 10 days in jail by a mobile court in Tala. Tipu had visited the Tala Upazila Complex construction site to investigate alleged corruption. When Sub-Assistant Engineer MM Mamun Alam refused to provide information, an argument broke out, during which the engineer reportedly asked, “Who are you to ask?” leading to a physical altercation. Both parties reported the incident to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), who later visited the site, took statements from workers and locals, and issued the sentence. Tipu claims the engineer initiated the altercation.

On Tuesday night around 10:30 PM, students from Dhaka University and nearby institutions blocked the Shahbagh intersection, demanding the resignation of the KUET Vice-Chancellor. By 11 PM, several hundred more students joined the protest, halting traffic in the area. The action followed a deadline set at a Monday rally at TSC, where students warned the Vice-Chancellor to step down by 10 PM Tuesday.

Adviser Asif Nazrul has stated that a key priority for the interim government is to ensure justice for enforced disappearances, killings, and crimes against humanity committed during the “fascist Hasina regime.” He said the July uprising created a unique opportunity to reshape the nation, inspired by the sacrifices of young protesters. Nazrul noted that Bangladesh has now signed the international convention on enforced disappearances. “While our international crimes law recognizes organized enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity, it lacks a standalone legal definition and corresponding punishment,” he said. Work is underway to draft legislation to fill this gap.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, will attend the funeral of Roman Catholic spiritual leader Pope Francis, according to the Press Secretary. The ceremony will see the presence of numerous global dignitaries, including U.S. President Donald Trump.

Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88 after serving as the supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years. Heads of state from Argentina, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Ukraine, Belgium, Poland, and Hungary are also expected to attend the funeral. The United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the European Commission will be present as well.