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.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has uncovered evidence of widespread corruption in the recruitment process at the Bengali Academy, involving 175 appointments. The probe revealed that the then Director General Nurul Huda and others took bribes of up to 10 lakh taka for hiring fourth-grade employees and manipulated recruitment procedures. Despite 4,000 candidates passing the written exams, only 500 were called for interviews, with 175 appointments made unlawfully. The ACC is investigating the political and administrative influence behind these illegal practices.

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.

The government is considering tracking the fees charged by doctors and lawyers to ensure transparency and proper taxation. Economic and Commerce Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed revealed this after the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference on Monday. He noted that doctors and lawyers often collect payments without issuing receipts. Discussions were held on implementing digital transactions and formalizing receipts to monitor financial transactions. The government aims to establish a system to regulate cash-based services and bring them under taxation for better accountability.

The head of the UN AIDS program has warned that millions of people could die from AIDS due to President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend US aid programs. AFP reports that the US is the world’s largest government donor of development aid. After returning to office for a second term, Trump halted these funds, causing humanitarian organizations to struggle. Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, said, "This has created a catastrophic situation in many countries." Trump's aid freeze initially suspended the "Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief" for 90 days, though later, an exception was made for life-saving drugs.

A 27-year-old unidentified man was killed after being hit by a train in Faridpur. Another young man was injured while watching the accident. The incident occurred at 7 AM on Monday in the Baitul Aman area of Faridpur Sadar Upazila. Police reported that the train was traveling from Rajbari to Bhanga when it struck the man, who was wearing headphones. Meanwhile, a passenger, Afif Al Abir (21), slipped and fell while observing the accident from the train’s door. He is now receiving treatment at Faridpur Medical College Hospital.

Police have discovered the hanging body of a female officer, Rumpa Das (30), in a rented apartment in Bandarban on Monday. She was serving at Bandarban Sadar Police Station, while her husband, also a constable, worked at police headquarters. According to reports, after putting their children to sleep, Rumpa went to another room. The next morning, when she did not respond to calls, her husband broke the door to find her hanging body. The reason behind the suicide remains unknown.

While appearing in court for her five-day remand hearing in the Shaheed Anwar Hossain Patwari murder case, journalist Farzana Rupa requested justice against what she called "harassment." The public prosecutor alleged that Rupa and her husband had supported "Hasina’s authoritarianism" and needed to be interrogated. In response, Rupa stated, "If I incited violence, charge me with incitement. Why am I being harassed in a murder case?" The prosecutor countered, saying, "Those who fired at student protesters are criminals, and their enablers are also criminals. Rupa and Sakil have done everything necessary to establish Hasina’s fascism, including silencing her enemies domestically and abroad."