The Supreme Court on Sunday dismissed a defamation case filed in Mymensingh against Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The appeal by the state against a prior High Court verdict was rejected. The case dates back to 2010, when Dr. Yunus, then Managing Director of Grameen Bank, was sued over a public comment. He sought dismissal of the case in 2011, and in October 2023, the High Court quashed the proceedings.

Political analyst Professor Ali Riaz announced that a draft of the political commitments charter has been prepared by the commission and will be sent to all political parties for review by tomorrow. “We won't be discussing the draft within the commission again unless there are major, fundamental objections,” he said. “Public feedback will be incorporated, and the final charter will include key principles, processes, and areas of political commitment.” Today’s session also covered governance principles, citizen rights, and proposals for a police reform commission.

At a rally in Kishoreganj, National Constitution Party (NCP) convenor Nahid Islam accused the current regime of failing to protect basic rights. “The people of Kishoreganj once gave the country a president, but they never got access to proper education or healthcare,” Nahid said. He alleged that the former "fascist" president dismantled democracy and handed it over to Sheikh Hasina. Echoing this sentiment, Hasnat Abdullah added, “The days of corrupt leaders are numbered. If we can unite, corruption will be eradicated permanently. No one should be spared, not even if it's your own father.”

Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, has sparked controversy by saying that to keep Dhaka's rivers—especially the Buriganga—clean, mayors, administrators, and politicians should be required to bathe in the river at least twice a year. In response, environmental activist Rizwana Hasan remarked, “I must admit, this idea never crossed my mind. With all due respect, it is ultimately the responsibility of politicians to solve the nation’s problems. If our political system worked as it should, civil society wouldn't need to intervene during times of crisis. But in the end, lasting solutions must come from the political leadership.”

Iraq’s most prominent Shia religious leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, has voiced grave concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In a statement, he said, “In nearly two years of relentless killing and destruction, hundreds of thousands have been killed or wounded. Cities and residential areas have been devastated.” Al-Sistani warned that famine in Gaza has reached critical levels, stating, “No age group or social class is being spared from the effects of hunger and deprivation.” He emphasized that the brutality of Israeli occupation forces in displacing Palestinians is not new, but part of a continued pattern of aggression. He also underscored the importance of international involvement in ending the crisis. “It is the moral and religious duty of the global community, particularly Arab and Muslim nations, to ensure that this humanitarian disaster does not continue,” the cleric said.

The United States has accused Hamas of lacking genuine intent to reach a ceasefire agreement, but Hamas has pushed back, calling the allegations misleading and inconsistent with mediator evaluations. In a statement on Saturday, Izzat al-Rishq, a senior member of Hamas’s political bureau, responded: “We are stunned by the remarks from U.S. President Trump and his special envoy Whitkoff. These claims contradict the assessments of the mediators and misrepresent Hamas’s position.” On Friday, President Trump blamed Hamas for derailing ceasefire talks and warned that the group would now "face consequences." A day earlier, U.S. envoy Whitkoff said the group lacked “sufficient goodwill,” prompting the U.S. to scale back its involvement in the negotiations. Al-Rishq, however, argued that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government remains the real obstacle to peace and is being deliberately overlooked. Hamas also accused Israel of stealing humanitarian aid meant for civilians in Gaza.

At least 71 people have been killed in Gaza in the past 24 hours due to Israeli military strikes, according to Al Jazeera. Of the casualties, 42 individuals died while waiting for humanitarian aid. Five more deaths were reported due to starvation caused by the Israeli blockade. Since the war began, 127 people—including 85 children—have reportedly died from malnutrition. On Saturday night, Israel announced a temporary pause in attacks on civilian zones and aid corridors starting Sunday. However, Israel blamed the UN for failing to distribute aid effectively—an accusation the UN denies. Israel said it has conducted airdrops of relief supplies and that the UAE is expected to do the same, despite the high risks involved.

Armenia has rejected a U.S.-backed proposal for a land corridor through its southern Syunik Province that would allow Azerbaijan to connect its mainland with the Nakhchivan exclave. The proposal included leasing the corridor for 100 years, with a U.S. company managing it. Armenia has strongly opposed the plan, viewing it as a threat to its sovereignty. Opposition parties argue that the initiative is part of a broader effort by Azerbaijan and Turkey to isolate Armenia by severing its land link with Iran. Critics say the so-called “peace corridor” is a strategic project that aligns with long-standing geopolitical ambitions of Azerbaijan and Turkey.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Thailand and Cambodia to implement an immediate ceasefire amid rising border tensions. Trump confirmed he had spoken to the leaders of both nations and that they agreed to engage in peace talks. Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed the ceasefire agreement but stressed, “Thailand wants to see genuine sincerity from the Cambodian side.” Trump further stated, “Once peace is established, I look forward to completing trade deals with both nations.” Malaysia’s Prime Minister had earlier expressed interest in mediating between the two countries.

French President Emmanuel Macron held discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Macron revealed that he also addressed an upcoming France-hosted summit in New York, which aims to promote a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. In his call with Erdogan, Macron stated, “Everything must be done to ensure peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.” Speaking about his conversation with El-Sisi, he emphasized, “We cannot accept that so many people, including children, are dying of hunger.” Previously, Macron announced France's intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state.

Two major international squash tournaments have begun in Dhaka, featuring professional players from Bangladesh, Iran, India, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, and Malaysia. The competitions were officially inaugurated on Saturday at the Dhaka Cantonment Squash Complex by Major General Md. Hasan Uz-Zaman, Chief of Army Engineering and President of the Bangladesh Squash Federation. In the women’s satellite tour, top Bangladeshi female players including Marzan, Chandni, Nabila, Urdu, Meghna, Jui, Manika, and Pooja Rani are competing. Notably, Malaysian twin sisters and professional squash players Vinika and Vartika have also joined the tournament.

Significant labor rights violations continue in many sectors of Bangladesh, especially in wage distribution and working hours, according to A.H.M. Shafiuzzaman, Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Employment. Speaking recently, he stated, “There are numerous irregularities involving wages and working conditions. We are drafting a new labor law that will broaden the definition of ‘worker.’” The law is being developed following directives from the Prime Minister’s chief adviser and is set to be reviewed internationally. “We are aligning with the European Union’s roadmap and the U.S. Eleven-Point Agreement,” he added. The cabinet recently approved the ratification of three international labor conventions. One of them emphasizes ensuring occupational health and safety. Additionally, a national hotline (16357) will be available for workers to report wage-related complaints. On the issue of journalists' wages, the Secretary said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of both the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Information, and discussions are ongoing to resolve disputes related to the Wage Board for journalists.

During a rally in Bhairab, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Akhtar Hossain declared, “We overthrew Hasina in July—not to replace her with another dictator, but to restore justice.” He emphasized that the long-standing demand to declare Bhairab a district remains unmet. “This demand must now be fulfilled,” he added. Akhtar condemned the widespread corruption under previous governments, citing massive embezzlement in the name of infrastructure projects and illicit financial outflows. He also honored those injured or killed during mass uprisings, stating, “Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.” He warned that any opposition to the new vision for Bangladesh will be met with resistance from the people of Bhairab.

Ferry services between Teknaf and St. Martin’s Island in Cox’s Bazar have been suspended for the past three days due to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. As a result, the island is experiencing shortages of daily necessities. The depression has caused tidal waters to rise 1 to 3 feet above normal levels, leading to flooding in coastal homes and damage to vegetation. Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer Sheikh Ehssan Uddin stated that vessel movement on the Teknaf-St. Martin route has been halted since Thursday due to adverse weather. Services will resume once conditions improve.

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam addressed the children of police personnel, emphasizing the importance of resilience, honesty, and hard work. “Life does not always follow a straight path. Success and failure are both parts of life — failure should never break you, but rather strengthen your resolve,” he said. He praised the efforts of police families in nurturing successful children despite the demanding nature of the job. “This scholarship initiative is not just a reward — it's a symbol of hope and commitment from the Bangladesh Police,” the IGP added.