Policy adviser Asif Mahmud confirmed that Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum has long been battling cancer and is undergoing treatment in Singapore. He stressed that such medical issues should be approached from a humanitarian perspective: “One cannot simply change hospitals after assuming office. Continuity of treatment is crucial, especially for cancer patients.” Asif called on policymakers to strengthen the domestic healthcare system so that Bangladeshis no longer have to travel abroad for treatment of critical diseases. Nurjahan Begum flew to Singapore on a midnight flight yesterday.

BNP leader Ruhul Kuddus Talukdar Dulu has said that students, equipped with books and pens, will play a leading role in creating a terror-free Bangladesh. Referring to Tarique Rahman’s 31-point agenda, Dulu noted that the future of the country’s education system is clearly outlined within it—aiming to produce a skilled and self-reliant generation that can raise Bangladesh’s profile globally. He also celebrated the achievement of Natore’s student activist Rifad Mahmud, who was elected Vice President of the Commonwealth Students Association for the next three years, defeating candidates from India, Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. “This is a matter of unique pride for the nation,” he said.

Bangladesh Bank has decided to appoint administrators in five banks undergoing a merger process. The administrators will work in coordination with the existing management, central bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan announced after a special board meeting chaired by Governor Ahsan H. Mansur. As per the decision, First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Union Bank, and EXIM Bank will be merged to form a new state-owned entity, tentatively named United Islami Bank. The central bank is expected to issue its license soon.

Nahid Islam, convener of the Nationalist Citizen Platform (NCP), appeared at the International Crimes Tribunal to testify against Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and another accused in a case of crimes against humanity. However, as the cross-examination of journalist Mahmudur Rahman was not concluded, Nahid’s deposition was postponed. Speaking to reporters, Nahid said: “I may well be the last witness in Sheikh Hasina’s case. Once my testimony is recorded, the tribunal will proceed to judgment.” He added that so far his party was satisfied with the tribunal’s proceedings and called for a coordinated national roadmap to ensure all such trials move forward seriously. He urged political parties to commit in their manifestos that the trial of the July massacre will continue after the election.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that seeking elections under proportional representation (PR) for political gain could have “disastrous consequences” for the nation. He argued that such moves would undermine national unity and allow “fallen autocrats” to exploit the situation. Salahuddin emphasized that BNP will respond politically if any group agitates for PR-based polls despite the Consensus Commission not including it in its agenda. On calls for banning the Jatiya Party and the 14-party alliance, he remarked, “Some movements may push for more party bans simply to secure undue advantage.” He made it clear that BNP does not support banning political parties through executive orders; instead, such matters should be addressed through proper judicial processes. Salahuddin stressed that failing to form a stable government through timely elections would jeopardize both national and regional security. He added that BNP supports constitutional amendments passed through parliament but will oppose any move that may plunge the country into future anarchy. “Any problem can be resolved at the dialogue table,” he concluded.

Police in Shyamoli have alleged that supporters of the banned Awami League faction freed several detained activists by detonating crude bombs during a clash on Tuesday morning. Around 11 am, Awami League activists began a march from Shishu Mela intersection toward Agargaon. Police detained five to six participants, but soon after, another group of 25–30 motorcyclists from the party launched an attack, exploding several crude bombs and forcibly pulling the detainees away from police custody. Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station’s OC confirmed the incident, saying police could not hold the detainees due to the “backup team.” He added that six people, along with a motorcycle, were later detained from the attacking group.

Jamaat-e-Islami has called for holding the next general election under the Proportional Representation (PR) system “at least once.” Speaking after a meeting with a high-level European Parliament delegation, Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said discussions covered the upcoming election and the country’s current political situation. He revealed that during the Consensus Commission’s meeting, 26 out of 31 political parties expressed support for PR. While some favored it only for the upper house, Jamaat and others supported PR for both chambers. Taher stressed the urgent need to move away from the mindset of “forcibly seizing polling centers and entering parliament through rigging.” Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman described the meeting with the EU delegation as “fruitful.”

NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain reaffirmed that the party remains committed to contesting under the lotus symbol, dismissing talk of alternatives. He cited statements from over a hundred lawyers asserting there is no legal barrier to the symbol’s allocation. Speaking on broader political reforms, Akhtar argued that elections without structural changes would only restore outdated systems. He emphasized that future elected representatives must adhere to proposed reforms before assuming power. NCP leader Ariful Islam Adib added that the party is prepared for elections and sees the Constituent Assembly as the key to resolving Bangladesh’s political crisis. While NCP has not engaged in alliance talks, it believes a new political equation centered on the youth generation could soon emerge.

Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed described the dispute over constituency boundaries in Faridpur-2 and 4 as “unfortunate” but stressed it must not escalate into harmful actions. He acknowledged public grievances but urged resolution through dialogue, noting that final demarcation decisions have already been made and are now under judicial review. The controversy began when Algi and Hamirdi unions of Bhanga upazila were shifted from Faridpur-4 to Faridpur-2, prompting protests by local residents.

A UN investigative commission has found evidence of genocide committed by Israel in Gaza, directly implicating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Israeli leaders. The 72-page report accuses Israel’s top officials—including the prime minister, president, and former defense minister—of inciting and orchestrating atrocities. The findings cite mass killings, blocking humanitarian aid, forced displacement, and the destruction of fertility clinics as evidence supporting the genocide claim. So far, nearly 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza due to Israeli attacks, the report states.

Luxembourg has announced it will officially recognize Palestine as an independent state, joining France and the United Kingdom in declaring the move at the upcoming UN General Assembly. Luxembourg’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister confirmed the decision, which follows similar announcements by France, Belgium, and other European nations. Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would extend recognition in September if Israel failed to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and commit to long-term peace. Currently, 147 countries—representing 75% of the world—recognize Palestine as a sovereign state.

The “All-Party United Committee” staged a sit-in on Tuesday morning in front of the Bagerhat District Election Office, demanding the restoration of four parliamentary constituencies in the district. The protest, which ran from 10 am to 1 pm, drew participation from leaders and activists of BNP, Jamaat, and other political groups, as well as people from diverse professions. Speakers stressed that the district’s population, industrial zones, and the importance of Mongla Port justify reinstating four seats. On Monday, a writ petition was also filed in the High Court seeking the same demand.

Four coaches of the Padmarag Mail train derailed Tuesday afternoon at Pirgacha station in Rangpur, disrupting train services across the region. According to the station master, the Lalmonirhat-bound train departed Santahar and reached Pirgacha around 12:45 pm. Shortly after leaving the station, a broken line separator caused four coaches behind the engine to derail. No casualties were reported, though some passengers complained of missing belongings during the chaos. A relief train has been dispatched from Lalmonirhat to clear the tracks.

BUET students have alleged that diploma engineers, having failed at the negotiation table, are now preparing for violent agitation. In a statement Tuesday, BUET students firmly declared they would not blockade streets or hold the public hostage in pursuit of their demands. They reiterated their three-point demand, which includes: Ensuring that recruitment for Grade-9 positions is limited to BSc engineering graduates. Abolishing the 100% quota for diploma holders in Grade-10 posts. Enforcing strict legal action against anyone without a BSc degree using the professional title “Engineer.”

Relief Adviser Faruq-e-Azam has announced that the government is working to ensure every citizen receives timely early warnings during natural disasters. As part of this initiative, a unified national volunteer force will be established to extend immediate assistance to affected communities. Speaking at a national dialogue, he stressed the importance of strong coordination between government and non-governmental organizations to ensure effective disaster preparedness. "Through proper coordination, we can work together more efficiently for vulnerable populations in disaster-prone areas," he said. The dialogue brought together representatives from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the Red Crescent Society, international aid organizations, and other key stakeholders, reflecting a collaborative approach to building resilience against natural calamities.