Islami Chhatra Shibir has strongly condemned the killing of its Bonarpara Union president Saifullah in Gaibandha’s Saghata upazila, alleging that armed BNP activists carried out a brutal attack on Sunday afternoon. In a joint statement sent to the media, Shibir’s central president Nurul Islam and secretary general Sibgatullah said the incident occurred following a dispute over forming a school governing committee. Saifullah was reportedly stabbed to death at Bonarpara intersection, while another person named Salahuddin was seriously injured and hospitalized.

The Shibir leaders described the killing as a violation of the rule of law and human values, claiming it reflected a broader pattern of violence by BNP activists after a recent mass uprising. They accused BNP members of engaging in extortion, land grabbing, and intimidation across the country, alleging that the government’s failure to maintain law and order has worsened the situation.

They demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in Saifullah’s murder and announced a protest march in Dhaka from the Central Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh on Sunday night.

US Vice President JD Vance has indicated that relations between the United States and Iran may be entering a new phase after years of tension and hostility. Following a peace-focused meeting, Vance said both nations now see opportunities to work together for peace and prosperity. He described the discussions as having made 'significant progress' but also blamed Iran for contributing to regional instability over the years.

Vance added that President Donald Trump has urged his administration to begin a 'new chapter' in relations with the Iranian people, emphasizing Washington’s desire to move beyond past conflicts and reshape bilateral ties. The statement reflects a cautious optimism about the potential for cooperation despite lingering mistrust.

Analysts cited in the report noted that this positive message could help ease long-standing tensions between the two countries. However, they warned that lasting improvement would depend on resolving complex issues such as regional security, Iran’s nuclear program, and mutual distrust.

During the national parliament session on Sunday, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed asked ruling party reserved seat MP Nilufar Chowdhury Moni to conclude her speech within two minutes as her allotted time had expired. The incident occurred during the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

Earlier in her speech, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni criticized opposition members for their remarks about the budget, particularly claims that no allocation was made for Qawmi madrasas. She defended her party, saying the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) works for the entire nation under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. She also accused some MPs of making false claims about being children of freedom fighters.

In response, Speaker Hafiz Uddin clarified that the MP previously mentioned had made an unintentional mistake, describing it as a slip of the tongue that had already been addressed in parliament.

Bangladesh’s National Parliament witnessed heated exchanges on Sunday during discussions on the proposed 2026–27 national budget after NCP lawmaker Hannan Masud accused the Prime Minister of making false statements. Masud alleged that the Prime Minister had delivered misleading remarks about opposition protests over price hikes of alcohol and cigarettes, and about loan-related issues. Members of the ruling party strongly objected, demanding that his comments be expunged from the record.

Opposition lawmakers countered by asking the government to specify which parts of Masud’s remarks were false, arguing that criticism of the Prime Minister’s statements was a democratic right. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, presiding over the session, said he would review the matter before making a decision. The debate also saw interventions from BNP MP Zainal Abdin Faruk, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, each defending their respective positions.

The Deputy Speaker later urged members to maintain parliamentary decorum and assured that all disputed remarks would be examined before any ruling is issued.

A national seminar titled “Feasibility Study on Legislation for Determining the Degree of Criminal Punishment” was held on Sunday at the Law Commission’s conference room in Dhaka. Organized by the Law Commission, the event aimed to develop a unified, transparent, and fair framework for determining sentencing levels in Bangladesh’s criminal justice system. Speakers discussed ways to resolve inconsistencies in verdicts under the same law and emphasized the need for clear sentencing guidelines.

Law Minister Md. Anisul Huq, attending as chief guest, said stakeholder consultations are held at the start of any lawmaking process and their opinions are valued. He highlighted that laws undergo detailed review at multiple levels before finalization, which helps make them more effective and acceptable. The minister also stressed the importance of studying sentencing guidelines from countries like the United Kingdom to build a suitable model for Bangladesh.

Speakers noted that the absence of clear legal guidance currently leads to variations in sentencing for similar offenses, undermining public trust in justice. They argued that a dedicated sentencing law could enhance transparency, consistency, and confidence in the judicial system.

Police in Nilphamari’s Jaldhaka upazila arrested Saiful Islam (Mukul), chairman of the 2 No. Dauyabari Union Parishad and president of the local Awami League, in connection with a case related to an anti-discrimination movement. The arrest took place on Sunday afternoon at the Dauyabari Union Parishad office, where police conducted an operation to detain him.

According to police sources, Saiful Islam was a named accused in the GR 12/24 case concerning the anti-discrimination movement. The case had been under judicial process for a long time, prompting the operation to bring him under legal custody. Jaldhaka Police Station’s officer-in-charge Nazmul Alam confirmed that Saiful was arrested from the Union Parishad office and later sent to court under tight security after completing legal formalities.

Local sources added that Saiful Islam is also facing trial in a separate 2013 murder case, but police clarified that the current arrest is solely related to the anti-discrimination movement case.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday night at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. His flight landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 8:45 p.m. local time. At the VVIP terminal, he was received by Malaysia’s Minister for Religious Affairs Zulkifli Hasan and his spouse, along with Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury. Earlier in the day, Rahman departed Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a special Bangladesh Biman flight at 2:45 p.m.

According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, Rahman was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman. Several senior officials, including LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, and foreign diplomats, were present at the airport to see him off. This marks Rahman’s first foreign trip since assuming office as Prime Minister on February 17.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to complete his two-day official visit to Malaysia and begin a state visit to China on Monday night.

Rashed Khan Menon, a local Awami League leader in Barishal, died after jumping from the roof of his house on Sunday afternoon to avoid arrest. The incident occurred in Ward No. 1 of Barishal City Corporation. Menon served as the general secretary of the ward-level Awami League and was known as a follower of former mayor and city Awami League general secretary Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah.

According to police, Menon was a banned Awami League leader accused in multiple cases and allegedly involved in anti-government activities. When police arrived at his residence to arrest him, he reportedly jumped from the roof. Kawniya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sanjit Nath stated that police failed to detain him and later received news of his death after the fall.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding banned political activities in Barishal, though further details about the investigation or official response were not provided in the report.

An investigative report by international outlet Muslim Mirror has revealed that more than 23 mosques, madrasas, eidgahs, and dargahs were demolished or partially removed across several Indian states in the past 45 days. The report noted that most incidents occurred in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Authorities stated that the demolitions were part of drives to clear government land, remove unauthorized structures, and implement development projects.

Local Muslim communities, however, alleged that long-established religious sites were also targeted under these operations. Residents and affected individuals said that several mosques and dargahs had served as religious and social centers for years, and their sudden demolition caused anxiety and discontent in many areas. Community representatives described the incidents as alarming and called for impartial investigations, accountability, and rehabilitation for those affected.

Administrative officials reiterated that the actions were not aimed at any specific religious group but were part of broader urban development and anti-encroachment measures. Human rights and minority rights observers expressed concern and urged transparent investigations and protection of religious freedom and minority rights.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, paid a courtesy call on Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon at the Secretariat on Sunday. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between the two countries in education, particularly in technical and vocational training. Both sides discussed various initiatives aimed at improving educational development.

During the meeting, Minister Milon highlighted the government’s efforts to transform the population into skilled human resources by integrating technical education into the national curriculum. He noted that there are opportunities for Bangladesh and Pakistan to work together in this area. High Commissioner Haider emphasized Pakistan’s willingness to collaborate in educational advancement and invited the minister to visit Pakistan’s technical and vocational training programs.

At the end of the meeting, the Pakistani envoy presented 1,000 footballs as gifts for school and college students. Senior officials from both countries, including the education secretary and the director general of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, were present.

At a roundtable titled “Four Months of the Current Government: Expectations, Achievements and Tasks” held at the National Press Club on Sunday, Citizens for Good Governance (Sujan) stated that the government has yet to take any concrete steps to implement the July Charter or the referendum verdict. The organization said the implementation remains confined to formal speeches and political courtesies, warning that ignoring the spirit of the mass uprising could overshadow the government’s visible achievements.

Sujan observed that the government’s stance does not reflect respect for the 2024 mass uprising, noting silence on issues such as forming an upper house of parliament based on proportional representation or establishing a National Constitutional Council. Sujan Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar said that under the 1972 Constitution, the next national election should be held in 2029, but many constitutional aspects have changed following the uprising. He criticized the ousted administration of Sheikh Hasina as authoritarian, citing suppression of voting rights, free speech, and institutional collapse.

Sujan leaders emphasized that reforms must ensure employment, youth engagement, and institutional integrity, warning that failure to uphold the uprising’s spirit could erode public trust.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has strongly condemned Supreme Court lawyer Chaitali Chakraborty for allegedly making separatist and inflammatory remarks calling for a separate province for Hindus. In a joint statement issued to the media on Sunday, the group’s Amir Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Shaikh Sajidur Rahman demanded her immediate arrest and exemplary punishment under the law. They also urged the Bangladesh Bar Council to permanently revoke her legal license.

The statement accused Chakraborty’s comments of being an act of treason and a threat to the country’s sovereignty. Hefazat leaders claimed that such remarks were part of a deeper international conspiracy to destabilize Bangladesh and undermine its communal harmony. They also criticized the construction of what was described as “Asia’s largest Ram statue” in Palashbari, Gaibandha, alleging it was provoking local unrest.

Hefazat called on the government’s intelligence agencies to identify those behind the alleged plot and urged local authorities to take firm legal action to prevent any further communal tension in the area.

A large-scale International Yoga Day event on Kolkata’s historic Red Road, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drew both enthusiasm and political controversy. The event, held on Sunday with thousands of participants, also featured West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose and opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari. Preparations for the program included setting up a large stage and closing the road for several days.

The main controversy centered on the use of Red Road, with critics alleging unequal treatment in granting permission for public events. They pointed out that while permission for Eid prayers at the same location had previously been denied, the road was closed for an extended period for the yoga celebration. Social and political figures argued that uniform policies should apply to all religious and social gatherings held in public spaces.

During the event, Modi described yoga as a symbol of holistic well-being, mental peace, and social unity. Despite similar programs across West Bengal, the debate over Red Road’s use dominated public discussion that day.

State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari has announced that the viva or oral examination in Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) recruitment will continue with a total of 100 marks instead of the previous 200. He made the statement on Sunday during the 11th day of the second session of the 13th National Parliament in response to a question from Noakhali-6 MP Abdul Hannan Masud.

According to the minister, the rule was implemented through a special gazette notification (S.R.O. No. 412-I/2024) issued on December 11, 2024, by the Ministry of Public Administration. The revised system has already been applied from the ongoing 47th BCS examination. The 48th and 49th special BCS exams also followed the 100-mark viva format under the amended 2014 BCS regulations published on May 27, 2025.

The minister stated that this decision aims to make the BCS recruitment process more transparent, dynamic, and free from discrimination. The 100-mark viva system will remain in effect for the upcoming 50th BCS and all subsequent examinations.

US Vice President JD Vance declined to respond when journalists asked if he had a message for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting with Pakistani mediators in Switzerland. The bilateral meeting took place at the Burgenstock Resort near Lucerne, where Vance thanked the Pakistani delegation for attending but made no formal remarks. He is also scheduled to hold important discussions with Iranian officials later in the day.

The report notes that the Trump administration has recently expressed growing dissatisfaction with Israel’s ongoing military operations in Lebanon. Washington believes the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is undermining fragile ceasefire and diplomatic efforts with Tehran. In a Fox News interview, Vance acknowledged differences between the United States and Israel over how to achieve the goal of ending the Iran war.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that Vance’s recent comments highlight emerging policy divergences between Washington and Tel Aviv over strategies to manage the Middle East crisis.