The Bangladeshi government has formed 15 reform commissions to prevent further human rights violations, with six commissions already submitting their reports. These reports align with findings from the United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner. Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul stated that Bangladesh will work even more closely with the UN Human Rights Office to implement these reforms. He made these remarks at the “Charting the Path Forward” event, attended by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. The event also screened the documentary Jatrabari: An Evidence to Massacre, created by journalist David Bergman.

A Dhaka University student was harassed on the street for her choice of clothing, leading to the arrest of the perpetrator, Mostafa Asif Arnob (25). A group of people gathered at Shahbagh Police Station late at night, demanding his release. After an eight-hour protest, they dispersed around 9:30 AM. Shahbagh Police Station’s officer-in-charge confirmed that Arnob had been presented in court. University authorities handed him over to the police on Wednesday evening after he stopped the female student on the street and aggressively criticized her attire, accusing her of not adhering to conservative dress codes. Arnob worked as a bookbinder at the university’s central library.

In an interview with BBC on Thursday, Professor Muhammad Yunus stated that it is up to the Awami League to decide whether they want to participate in the upcoming elections. “I cannot make that decision for them,” he said. He further clarified that it is the Election Commission’s responsibility to determine which parties can contest the elections. The chief advisor mentioned that the national parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place between December this year and March next year. Reflecting on his initial experience in governance, he admitted to being unprepared for the challenges but emphasized that restoring law and order and stabilizing the economy were top priorities for the new government.

The U.S. Trump administration is set to deport undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants, similar to nationals of other countries residing illegally. The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka recently informed the Bangladesh government about the deportation process. However, the exact number of Bangladeshi immigrants facing deportation and the timeline for the process remain unclear. An inter-ministerial meeting, chaired by Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam, was held at the Secretariat on Wednesday to discuss the matter. The Bangladeshi government has agreed to take back its citizens but has requested that they not be deported in shackles, as seen in the case of Indian nationals. The U.S. has agreed to this request.

An armed man was severely beaten by locals in Dhaka’s Moghbazar area on Wednesday night after a mosque loudspeaker announcement alerted residents. Police sources identified the injured man as Mahfuzur Rahman, an associate of top criminal Subrata Bain. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for initial treatment. Following the incident, police and military forces launched an operation in the Moghbazar T&T Colony area, which is still ongoing. After receiving medical attention, Rahman was handed over to his family.

Fifty-six Bangladeshi fishermen, who were detained by the Myanmar Navy, have been released after ten hours in custody. The fishermen were arrested along with six fishing trawlers while fishing near Saint Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal. According to Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur Rahman, the trawlers unintentionally entered Myanmar’s territorial waters while fishing in the southwest region of the sea. The Myanmar Navy confiscated fish, nets, and food supplies from the boats before releasing the fishermen.

Hundreds of women took to the streets in a torch rally, demanding a complete ban on public smoking. Local residents joined the protest in solidarity, urging strict enforcement of Bangladesh’s Tobacco Control Act (2005). Protesters called for a nationwide smoking ban in public places and strict measures against illegal drug dealers. They also voiced concerns over the rampant spread of drugs in the Lalmatia area, where young boys and girls are openly using narcotics, leading to a rise in juvenile delinquency.

Zahirul Islam, a leader of the Volunteer League in Barguna, has been arrested on charges of extorting Tk 20,000 from local watermelon farmers. A case was filed at Taltoli Police Station by farmer Rakib Bhaddar, accusing Islam and seven others of extortion. On Wednesday afternoon, police produced Islam before the Amtali Magistrate’s Court, which ordered him to be held in jail pending further investigation.

In a late-night operation in Rangpur, police arrested Afatab Uddin Sarkar, a former MP from Nilphamari and a veteran freedom fighter. Sarkar had been in hiding due to multiple charges, including illegal possession of firearms, use of force, and attempted murder related to his efforts to suppress anti-discrimination protests. Law enforcement officials confirmed the arrest was based on intelligence reports. He will be presented in court on Thursday.

Mushfiqur Rahim has officially retired from international cricket, marking the end of an era. Former captain and longtime teammate Tamim Iqbal shared an emotional midnight message following Mushfiq’s retirement announcement. “Today, a man retired with whom I’ve shared a journey of almost 20 to 25 years,” Tamim said in a heartfelt video message. “No status can truly express what I feel for him. From U-15 cricket, I’ve witnessed how hard he worked. He has pushed himself beyond limits, enduring more than any player possibly could.”

Seven months after the fall of the government, Kishoreganj’s Shaheed Syed Nazrul Medical Hospital is still issuing tickets bearing the Mujib Year logo. This has sparked outrage among students and activists involved in the July Revolution. They argue that despite the autocratic regime’s downfall, its loyalists remain embedded in various institutions. On Tuesday, the logo was spotted on emergency department tickets. Hospital authorities claim they are using leftover printed tickets and have not yet received approval to issue new ones.

Sargis Alam, a key organizer of NCP North, was reportedly injured following an attack by private university students in Bashundhara Residential Area. Both Alam and a group of students have filed complaints at Vatara Police Station. Videos circulating online show a heated verbal altercation escalating into physical clashes. Alam accused a group led by Chhatra Dal’s Shakil of attacking his supporters with sharp weapons, leaving several injured with severe wounds to the head and back.

On Wednesday, Shahadat Hossain (27), a leader of the anti-discrimination student movement, was brutally attacked in Tongi over a minor dispute. The victim has filed a formal complaint at Tongi East Police Station. Shahadat stated that his motorcycle was rear-ended by a pickup van, and when he protested, the driver and a group of garage owners launched an armed attack on him. He sustained serious injuries to his hands, back, and head and is currently receiving medical treatment.

A devastating fire broke out late at night in a slum near the Shahi Mosque in Gabtali. Eight fire service units have been deployed to control the blaze. Fire service officer Rakibul Hasan confirmed the incident, stating that they received the fire alert at 3:08 AM at Abdullah Slum in Gabtali. Immediate response teams rushed to the scene and worked tirelessly to contain the flames. The cause of the fire and details on casualties remain unknown. According to the latest reports, the fire has been extinguished.

On August 5, Sheikh Hasina fled to India, initially assumed to be a brief six-to-seven-hour visit. However, she remains there as a guest while Bangladesh’s government continues to press for her extradition. Analysts argue that turning away a guest contradicts Indian traditions. Under extradition treaties, political cases can be exempted from repatriation. While Hasina has not been given a state platform in India, she has been allowed to speak online. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval reportedly meet her only when necessary, with limited access to others. As a UN official, her close aide, Putul, is also restricted from staying with her.