The government of Madhya Pradesh, under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, has announced plans to rename 54 villages in Dewas district, triggering widespread debate. Officials claim the move aims to “respect local sentiments” by replacing names associated with Muslim historical figures. However, critics argue that this is an attempt to fuel communal divisions and erase India’s pluralistic heritage. Many local residents have voiced their opposition to the decision, calling it unnecessary and divisive.

The Malaysian government has proposed making the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) mandatory for foreign workers while reducing their contribution rate from 12% to just 2%. This has sparked serious concerns regarding the financial security and social protection of migrant workers. Glorene Das, Executive Director of Tenaganita, criticized the move, stating that it would further marginalize foreign workers, who are already subject to systemic discrimination despite their significant contributions to the local economy. She added that migrant workers still lack equal protections compared to Malaysians. The proposed changes indicate that foreign laborers are being treated as mere commodities for economic gain rather than as integral contributors to Malaysia’s growth.

Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain, Adviser on Religious Affairs, visited the historic Rankut Bonashram Buddhist Monastery in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, on Monday at 3 PM. The monastery’s chief abbot, Sri Jyotisen Mahathero, along with local Buddhist leaders, welcomed him with floral greetings. Recalling his past, the adviser mentioned that he had first visited the monastery while pursuing his master’s degree at Chittagong University in 1983-84. He had also written three articles on the monastery’s history for Bangladesh Times during that period. He expressed his delight at revisiting the site after so many years and pledged financial assistance for its development. He also signed the visitor’s book, praising the monastery’s contributions.

Indian media had made several misleading and derogatory remarks about the July Movement, but the recently released documentary on the movement serves as a strong rebuttal, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

Speaking at the anniversary event of Kubisas, he expressed his appreciation for how universities like Jahangirnagar University (JU), Islamic University (IU), and North South University (NSU) joined Comilla University in releasing documentaries on the movement. He emphasized that these documentaries highlight the active participation of students from even the remotest regions outside Dhaka.

He also praised the contributions of female students during the movement and urged students to continue advocating for their rights.

In a statement on Monday afternoon, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of the Police Headquarters, Md. Inamul Haque Sagar, revealed that in a joint forces special operation, 1,503 individuals had been arrested across the country, including in the capital. The arrestees face charges related to murder, vandalism, violence, and various terrorist activities, with many of them being armed. Sagar mentioned that in the past 24 hours, the special operation ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ led to the arrest of 529 individuals, while 974 others were arrested on charges related to cases and warrants, bringing the total number of arrests to 1,503.

At a program organized at Hatir Teesta in Lalmonirhat, Mirza Fakhrul Islam addressed India saying, “Stop your elder-brother, tough-guy behavior with us. We want to stand on our own feet. We want to claim our fair share. We do want to see India as a friend, but that friendship must come with respect and the fulfillment of our rightful demands.” He also mentioned, “On one hand, India denies us our rightful share of water, and on the other, it shelters the perpetrator of the 17-year-long genocide and torture, Hasina.” The BNP leader emphasized that the struggle for a fair share of water is not just an issue of resources, but a fight for survival for the people of Bangladesh.

During the launch of a 48-hour sit-in program for the Teesta River Protection Movement on Monday afternoon, held on the banks of the Teesta River under the slogan ‘Save Teesta, Wake Up!’, Mirza Fakhrul Islam, the main speaker, addressed India clearly. He said, “If you want to have a friendly relationship with the people of Bangladesh, first give us the water of the Teesta. Stop the border killings. I have said this before, and I am saying it again now.” He further added, “They are generating electricity by building dams on all international rivers, while the people of Bangladesh are unable to produce crops, their harvests are being destroyed, and they are deprived of their livelihoods, including fishing!” In this context, he urged the interim government to speak out and demand a fair share of water, instead of maintaining neutrality everywhere.

According to a report by the Turkish Anadolu Agency on Monday, Israeli forces launched a new military operation in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus. Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli army entered the Old City of Nablus, conducting several house searches. After seizing a Palestinian vehicle, the troops left the area. This operation followed a military raid in the Old City of Nablus on Sunday, which resulted in 14 Palestinians being injured, including four children. Israeli military operations in this region have been ongoing since January 21, resulting in at least 55 deaths and the displacement of thousands of people.

Farida Akhter, advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, announced that the government will export 11,000 metric tons of Hilsa to Bangladeshis residing in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. She explained that Hilsa exports have been suspended since 2012 due to restrictions, but with a production of 530,000 metric tons in the 2023-24 fiscal year, the government is committed to ensuring that Hilsa is available to the local population at controlled prices. She further mentioned that the decision to export Hilsa to those working abroad and sending remittances, who also participated in the July uprising, has been finalized.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent his foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, and top foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, to Saudi Arabia to meet with U.S. officials. The main topics of discussion will include the restoration of Russia-U.S. relations and the potential for peace talks regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are also expected to attend. The meeting is part of preparations for a potential summit between President Trump and President Putin.

On Monday, following an application from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the court imposed a travel ban on the chairman of Orion Group, Obaidul Karim, his wife Arjuda Karim, their son Salman Obaidul Karim, and daughter Zerin Karim. The ACC’s application stated that an investigation was ongoing into money laundering allegations involving Orion Group and its chairman. It was feared that the accused might attempt to flee the country, leading to the court’s order to restrict their travel.

On Monday, the Director of the Immigration Department of Johor, Malaysia, Datuk Mohammad Rushdi, announced that 77 Bangladeshis were among the 105 immigrants arrested in an operation targeting illegal immigrants. The operation took place on Sunday at a workers’ housing complex. The arrests were made following complaints from the public about foreign nationals living in shared housing without proper permits or visas. In total, 329 immigration documents were checked, leading to the detention of 77 Bangladeshis, 23 Indonesians, 2 Myanmar nationals, 2 Pakistanis, and 1 Indian.

Faruq E Azam, Adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, announced that fake freedom fighters will be identified and brought under legal action. The Freedom Fighters’ Parliament will also be reorganized. Speaking after a session at the District Commissioners’ Conference, he expressed hope that the new government would embrace the spirit of the July Uprising. He also emphasized close monitoring of TR-Kabikha funds and directed UNOs to purchase materials like tin locally, adhering to government guidelines.

Thousands have gathered at the Teesta Rail Bridge area, demanding the implementation of the Teesta Treaty and Master Plan. The 48-hour sit-in protest, organized by the Save Teesta Movement, has drawn farmers, fishermen, students, and activists. Protesters accuse India of holding back Teesta’s water during the dry season while releasing excess water during monsoons, causing floods. BNP leader Asadul Habib Dulu vowed to continue the movement if demands aren’t met. Experts warn that without a fair water share, Teesta’s downstream flow will continue to dry up.

The government has directed that air conditioners (ACs) in mosques, offices, and businesses must not be set below 25°C during summer to curb electricity demand. Energy Advisor Faujul Kabir Khan warned that violators would face power disconnection and legal action. A monitoring team will ensure compliance, and non-compliant areas may face load shedding. Officials will notify businesses and mosques of the directive. With electricity demand rising to 18,000 MW in summer, this move aims to balance supply, especially for critical irrigation needs.