Police have arrested six people, including the Upazila Volunteer League secretary, in Thakurgaon for distributing Awami League leaflets. Reports suggest that when locals questioned the police about the reason for the arrests, they were beaten by law enforcement. Several individuals, including a Jatiya Party leader, were injured. The OC claimed that the arrested individuals had attempted robbery, and the police had to intervene to prevent it.

Police have arrested Nazrul Shikdar and Anup Bagchi in connection with the theft of three skeletons, including that of a local council member, from a cemetery in Kotalipara, Gopalganj. Six graves had been dug up, and villagers discovered that three were missing their skeletons. Describing the incident as tragic and unprecedented, the cemetery authorities confirmed that a case had been filed with the police.

Police have arrested dismissed lecturer Tabassum Tamanna following a case filed by a leader of the anti-discrimination student movement. Previously, Tamanna staged a hunger strike in front of the Burimari police station, demanding the removal of the principal and the Upazila Executive Officer. During the protest, she allegedly assaulted the Officer-in-Charge (OC) and attacked a police vehicle. In response, students surrounded the police station demanding her arrest.

Jaima Rahman has arrived in Washington, D.C., from London to attend the National Prayer Breakfast in the United States. She is the granddaughter of the martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, as well as the daughter of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, whom she will be representing at the event. Other invitees include Mirza Fakhrul Islam and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. The event will feature speeches from Donald Trump and the presence of U.S. senators and congress members.

Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of BNP, has called for Sheikh Hasina’s swift trial for the killings of 2,000 people during the July-August movement and the persecution of thousands of party leaders and activists over the past 16 years. Speaking at a rally in Feni, he criticized the autocratic regime and urged unity for a people’s government through elections. The rally also provided financial aid to families of martyrs from the 2024 student-citizen movement across Feni, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur.

On the eve of receiving the report from the Commission on Judicial and Public Administration Reforms, the Chief Advisor stated that future generations will judge what actions were taken or not taken. Expressing gratitude to the commission members, he further mentioned that these reports would be published after reaching a consensus with political parties and stakeholders. Implementation will also be based on this consensus. He emphasized that all citizens of Bangladesh, regardless of wealth or status, are intricately connected to these reports and assured that everyone’s civil rights would be protected. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity and importance of publishing the report in English.

Hasnat Abdullah referred to Sheikh Hasina as a butcher, stating, “Hasina and Chhatra League are now a ‘death chapter.’ On August 5, we closed this chapter. In post-uprising Bangladesh, despite differences in opinion and politics among anti-fascist parties, discussions will take place at the same table. But one thing is clear—there will be no rehabilitation of Hasina and fascism.” He also criticized the media for not referring to Hasina as a fascist and a murderer, accusing them of maintaining Hasina’s fascist media structure. Additionally, he warned that any media outlet broadcasting Hasina’s speeches would be identified as her collaborator.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has detained a Bangladeshi cattle trader at the Naogaon border. On Tuesday night, a group of 8-10 cattle traders crossed the Adatla border into India to bring back cattle. While returning, the BSF patrol chased them, and while the others managed to escape, Sirajul Islam was captured. Lieutenant Colonel Sadikur Rahman, commander of the 16 BGB Battalion, stated that efforts are underway to bring back the detained youth.

The Administrative Reform Commission has proposed dividing Bangladesh into four provinces and creating separate divisions for Comilla and Faridpur. It also recommends the formation of a Greater Dhaka Capital City with Dhaka and Narayanganj, along with a separate police unit for immigration. Additionally, the commission suggests establishing three Public Service Commissions. The Judicial Reform Commission has also recommended the recruitment of attorneys via a service exam to ensure judicial independence. The recommendations were submitted to the Chief Advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

The Public Administration Reform Commission has proposed allowing government employees to retire with full pension benefits after 15 years of service. The recommendation, made by the commission, aims to provide an option for employees who wish to transition in their careers. Currently, government employees are eligible for retirement benefits, including pensions, after 25 years of service. The proposal seeks to offer more flexibility and career options to public sector workers.

Hasnat Abdullah, convenor of the anti-discrimination student movement, and Sargis Alam, chief organizer of the Citizen Committee, have posted on their verified Facebook pages seeking public opinions on a new political party. The party, which will be led by students and youth, is expected to be launched this month. In their post, they ask the public to share their preferences for the party’s structure through a short form, taking only five minutes to complete.

The Public Administration Reform Commission has recommended the formation of a ‘Capital City Government,’ federally controlled like New Delhi, to manage the sprawling Dhaka Metropolitan Area. The proposal, presented to the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, includes additional reforms such as dividing the country into four provinces and changing the titles of deputy commissioners. This comes as part of the broader state reform efforts, with six commissions submitting their reports so far.

The Home Affairs Advisor has stated that efforts are underway to arrest those involved in the July uprising murders who have fled abroad. Among the 105 accused in the International Crimes Tribunal, 35 have been arrested, which has caused some anger. When asked about the public’s satisfaction with the law and order situation, the advisor said that the public can answer that, and the media colleagues can compare the current situation with when they took on their responsibilities. Efforts are being made to bring back foreign criminals through Interpol’s red alerts.

The National Revenue Board has exempted VAT on the fees, hotel charges, and hospitality expenses of foreign doctors who came to treat those injured in the anti-discrimination student movement. This exemption has been granted under the powers conferred by Section 23 of the Income Tax Act.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has declared that Awami League should be banned from Bangladeshi politics, citing alleged genocide and crimes against humanity. He criticized what he described as contradictions in government actions—calling for Awami League’s prohibition while still allowing their programs and using police to suppress opposition activities. Salahuddin emphasized that BNP had previously proposed amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act to prosecute Awami League as an organization. He warned that any political or administrative decision to regulate Awami League’s activities without a formal trial would be a weak move.