Bangladesh will soon decide whether to refer the July genocide case to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, according to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. During a meeting with international legal expert Toby Cadman, discussions covered collaboration with the ICC, ensuring accountability for crimes committed during the 2024 student-led uprising, and recovering stolen assets. The UN Fact-Finding Mission previously reported crimes against humanity. The meeting also emphasized the need for international cooperation to bring fugitive perpetrators to justice.

Advisor Asif Mahmud stated, “Abrar Fahad is not just a name; he is a symbol—a chain linking generations in the fight against aggression.”

To honor his legacy, the Kushtia Stadium has been renamed after him. During the event, Abrar’s father, Barkat Ullah, was also present.

Mahmud further added, “Abrar Fahad’s sacrifice inspired the youth during the July Uprising. It was his unwavering spirit that led the nation’s young generation to take to the streets, ultimately forcing Sheikh Hasina—the strongest pillar of aggression in Bangladesh—to flee.”

In recognition of their contributions at the national level, eight prominent figures have been selected for the Independence Award 2025. A government source confirmed on Thursday that an official announcement regarding the recipients will be made soon.

This year’s honorees include:
• M.A.G. Osmani – Chief Commander of the Liberation War
• Prof. Jamal Nazrul Islam – Renowned scientist
• Sir Fazle Hasan Abed – Founder of BRAC
• Badruddin Umar – Writer and intellectual
• Al Mahmud – Eminent poet
• Novera Ahmed – Co-designer of the Central Shaheed Minar
• Azam Khan – The ‘Pop Emperor’ of Bangladesh
• Abrar Fahad – Symbol of resistance against aggression

Cracking down on illegal brick kilns, Adviser Rizwana Hasan stated that there is no room for leniency in environmental crimes. She called on the police and district administrations to take strict action, highlighting that soil is being illegally extracted from agricultural land in Rangpur for brick production. Rizwana emphasized that environmental law (Article 4) mandates government agencies to assist in enforcement efforts. She also urged authorities to launch a weekly crackdown on polythene over the next three months, as it remains a banned product.

In a major crackdown on patient exploitation, law enforcement agencies arrested more than 50 fraudulent agents from Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Wednesday. The joint operation, supported by the National Security Intelligence (NSI), targeted various hospital wards, the pathology department, and surrounding areas. The mobile court caught over 70 agents red-handed, sentencing them to up to three months in jail. The move has brought relief to ordinary patients, particularly low-income individuals, who expressed gratitude for the action against these exploitative intermediaries.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Naser Uddin has reiterated that the Election Commission is firm in its stance to retain control over the National Identity (NID) services. “The NID should remain under the Election Commission, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure that,” he stated. However, he acknowledged that the commission does not have the final decision-making authority on this matter, as the government is still evaluating options for NID services. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Election Commission Officers’ Association has strongly opposed the government’s plan to transfer NID services elsewhere and has threatened strict protests at the CEC’s office.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will take strict action against any gatherings or activities by the banned organization Hizb ut-Tahrir, said public relations officer Muhammad Talebur Rahman on Thursday. Hizb ut-Tahrir was officially banned in Bangladesh on October 22, 2009. Under the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009, all activities by banned organizations—including meetings, processions, posters, leaflets, and other forms of propaganda—are punishable offenses. Authorities have warned that any such activities will be met with legal consequences.

In a crackdown on illegal immigration, Malaysian authorities arrested 75 undocumented migrants, including 11 Bangladeshis, in Johor state on Wednesday. Acting on public reports about foreigners working without valid permits, immigration officials raided the Pandan wholesale market, inspecting 20 premises and screening 66 individuals, leading to the arrest of 35 foreign nationals. Later that night, another raid in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya covered nine shop premises, where 64 foreigners were screened, and 40 were taken into custody for further investigation.

A Green Line transport bus caught fire while traveling on the Dhaka-Barishal highway on Thursday morning. The bus was carrying 20 passengers at the time, but fortunately, no one was injured. Fire service officials reported that the fire broke out when the bus reached the South Bamrail area of the highway. All passengers, including the driver, assistant, and supervisor, managed to evacuate before the fire spread. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar faced a violent protest by Khalistani separatists during his visit to the UK. As Jaishankar left Chatham House following a discussion with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, a protester ran toward his car and tore an Indian flag in front of police officers. Law enforcement quickly intervened, arresting the protester and several others. Analysts suggest this incident, allegedly orchestrated by the ‘Sikhs for Justice’ organization led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, highlights security lapses in Jaishankar’s protection.

India’s central government is now aiming to take control of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the country is progressing in phases. “We have already completed several steps—first, revoking Article 370; second, boosting development and economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir; and third, holding legislative elections there,” he said. “Now, we are entering the fourth phase: integrating the region that is currently occupied by Pakistan into India’s map.”

Dhaka has seen multiple fire incidents in recent days, raising safety concerns. In the past week alone, a fire at a residential hotel in Shahjadpur, Gulshan, claimed four lives. Soon after, major fires broke out at Gabtoli Shahi Mosque slum and Abul slum in Bhashantek. In response, the Bangladesh Army has issued a set of precautionary measures, including enhanced CCTV monitoring, restricted access to high-risk areas, legal actions against suspicious activities, improvements in firefighting infrastructure, and regulations to prevent electrical overload.

Officials of the Election Commission are opposing the government’s plan to transfer National ID (NID) services under a separate commission. In response, they are preparing for protests. Some employees have already gathered outside the office of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin to voice their discontent. They warned that if their demands are not met, they will first observe a half-day work stoppage, followed by a full-day strike, and eventually, a nationwide shutdown of Election Commission activities. The government, meanwhile, is working on an ordinance titled “Civil Registration Commission, 2025” to integrate birth registration, NID, and passport services under a unified system.

A violent scuffle broke out between security personnel and family members of the October 7 attack victims as they attempted to enter Israel’s parliament during an ongoing session. At least two people were injured in the altercation. Opposition leader Yair Lapid shared a video of the incident, which was also reported by Al Jazeera. The chaos ensued when members of the NGO ‘October Council’ tried to gain access to the Knesset. They were later allowed in and protested during Netanyahu’s speech by turning their backs on him while holding up placards. The NGO represents over 1,000 families affected by the attack.

Speaking at a workshop in Rangpur on Thursday morning, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Islam emphasized that the nation would not forgive if cases related to the July coup are not properly investigated and resolved.

He stressed the need for thorough investigations and fair trials, warning that failure to deliver justice would lead to public dissatisfaction. The IGP also mentioned efforts to restore the honor of the police force by prosecuting and removing officers involved in crimes after August 5. He urged civic society to support the police in this endeavor.