Abdul Razzak Riyad, once an armed cadre of Quader Mirza, the brother of AL leader Obaidul Quader, was arrested in Gulshan for attempting to extort Tk 40 lakh from a former MP. Claiming to be a student coordinator, Riyad’s sudden rise in wealth had already raised local suspicions. He was appointed as the acting convener of the Combined Private Universities unit of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Riyad is also reported to be serving as a student representative at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Police arrested him and four others during the incident, while his associate fled the scene.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has called for urgent action to prevent starvation deaths in Gaza, describing the crisis as entirely preventable. Citing alarming reports, he stressed the need to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians. The WHO reports rising malnutrition rates, with 63 of 74 famine-related deaths in July alone. In response to international pressure, Israel has announced a daily 10-hour pause in attacks to permit safe aid delivery in select areas of Gaza.

Top diplomats from Pakistan and Turkey have expressed strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing military aggression in Gaza, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis. They called the violence “crimes against humanity” and urged for an immediate ceasefire alongside unhindered humanitarian aid. Both countries emphasized the need for united international efforts toward a just, lasting peace and expressed hope for progress at the upcoming UN conference on the two-state solution. Observers stress a stronger Muslim world diplomatic stance is necessary.

Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, personal physician to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, confirmed that no decision has been made regarding her receiving medical treatment abroad.

“There hasn't even been any formal discussion on this matter,” he said. “If necessary, we will consider sending her abroad for treatment. But reports circulating in the media are completely false—I have no knowledge of such plans.”

Nila Israfil, previously associated with the National Citizens' Committee, publicly announced she was severing all ties with the NCP via a Facebook post on Monday, citing ethical concerns and lack of justice for a female member allegedly harassed within the party.

In response, NCP Secretary Akhtar Hossain clarified: “Nila was involved with the National Citizens' Committee but was never part of NCP due to her controversial actions.”

Nila stated, “I choose ethics over corrupt politics. A woman was harassed, and the offender was never punished—instead, he walks proudly under party protection. From this moment, I cut all ties with NCP.”

Nahid Islam, convenor of the National Citizens’ Platform (NCP), asserted that their movement had evolved into a mass uprising to establish voting rights and true democracy. “Simply changing governments won't change people’s lives. Real change requires structural reforms—economic, educational, and healthcare.”

He criticized ongoing misinformation campaigns: “There’s propaganda claiming we're trying to derail the election. But without this uprising, elections wouldn't even be a possibility.”

He demanded the government issue the July Charter and Declaration before August 5, reiterating the movement’s commitment to structural reform and accountable governance.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against Radwan Mujib Siddiq, son of Sheikh Rehana, for accumulating illegal assets worth nearly Tk 30 million and suspicious bank transactions exceeding Tk 125 million. Despite no known business, Radwan allegedly used three bank accounts to conceal illicit money. The charges cite violations of anti-corruption and money laundering laws. Related cases involving Sheikh Hasina’s family members and officials are ongoing in court, highlighting broader scrutiny of the family’s financial dealings.

Pakistan has banned road travel to Iran and Iraq for pilgrims attending Arbaeen this year due to rising security concerns. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the decision following discussions with the Foreign Ministry, Balochistan authorities, and security agencies. While road travel is restricted, air travel will remain open, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordering additional flights. The move follows increased militant activity in border areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Iran, meanwhile, will host 5,000 Pakistani pilgrims in Mashhad with food and lodging.

Akhtar Hossain, a senior leader of the National Consensus Party (NCP), has called on the BNP to align with other political parties in supporting the formation of non-partisan appointment committees for all constitutional institutions, not just the Election Commission.

Speaking on the matter, Hossain stated, “If the Election Commission had been appointed through a neutral process in the past, we wouldn't have witnessed one-sided, voter-less elections like those in 2014, 2018, and 2024.”

He emphasized that the BNP, having been one of the main victims of electoral injustice, clearly understands the need for neutrality in the Election Commission. “But if they can accept neutrality in this one case, why resist it in others?” he questioned.

Hossain further criticized the BNP for what he described as selective support for institutional reforms: “Is the BNP implying that they only support non-partisan bodies where they’ve suffered directly, and not in other areas where they haven’t? That’s a serious concern.”

Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, chaired a meeting on Monday at the state guest house Jamuna to assess the law and order situation and evaluate the readiness of law enforcement agencies for the upcoming elections. The meeting focused on ensuring a secure environment for the polls and discussed strategies to address any potential threats. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar informed the media about the proceedings of the high-level review session.

The Bangladesh Air Force has confirmed that there is no plan to move the fighter jet training base from Dhaka, emphasizing its importance for the capital’s air defense and security. Following a recent fighter jet crash, an investigation committee has been formed, with international experts possibly joining to assist. The Air Force participated actively in rescue operations and maintains communication with the pilot until the final moments. Authorities expressed deep sorrow over the incident and thanked all involved in the rescue efforts.

Veteran political thinker and National Liberation Council President Badruddin Umar has been hospitalized due to respiratory distress and low blood pressure.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Umar in the hospital, spending time at his bedside and inquiring about his condition from doctors and family members. Fakhrul conveyed prayers and well wishes from BNP leaders Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman.

Notably, Badruddin Umar founded the National Liberation Council in 2003 and has been serving as its president since then.

After initially walking out of the National Unity Commission meeting, BNP rejoined the session later. Commenting on this, Salahuddin Ahmed said, “We have agreed on the formation of an independent Election Commission. However, there is no need for differing opinions regarding appointments to constitutionally and legally governed positions, as this could weaken the executive branch.”

He emphasized that the executive branch is accountable not only to Parliament but also to the people. “If there is only responsibility and accountability without authority, it is insufficient for effective governance. To meet the expectations of the public, the executive branch must be strong, not weak.”

Regarding ongoing dialogues, Salahuddin added that their participation is driven by constructive goals. “However, where fundamental disagreements exist, refraining from participation or expressing dissent is also a part of democratic discourse.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed deep anguish over reports of extortion by movement coordinators. “I am heartbroken by this news. Is this what we expected just one year after the mass uprising?” he said.

Fakhrul emphasized that the nation looks to its youth for leadership, but added with concern, “I can’t confidently say we’re rebuilding the country anew. Instead, conditions are being created that may once again open the door for fascists to take control.”

He also criticized the government's lack of progress on reforms and the absence of accountability for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina: “It’s been a year, and we’ve seen no sign of justice for Hasina’s actions.” Despite pressure tactics, Fakhrul asserted that the people of Bangladesh know how to fight.

He reminded everyone that 79 Jubo Dal and 142 Chhatra Dal members lost their lives during the movement, saying, “This uprising belongs to the people.”

After rejoining the National Consensus Commission discussions, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed reaffirmed the party’s commitment to preventing any return to autocracy or fascism. He warned that weakening the executive could destabilize governance but welcomed the adoption of BNP's proposal to cap the prime minister’s tenure at 10 years. He also advocated for an independent search committee for the Election Commission, comprising representatives from the government, opposition, and judiciary. Professor Dr. Ali Riaz expressed optimism that the consensus process could be completed within three days.