According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) 2024 quarterly labor force survey, the number of unemployed people in the country has increased by 160,000 compared to 2023. The total now stands at 2.62 million, up from 2.46 million. Male unemployment rose to 1.8 million from 1.64 million, while female unemployment remained unchanged at 820,000. The BBS defines unemployed individuals as those who did not work for at least one hour in the past week but were actively seeking paid work within the last 30 days.

Police have rescued a 65-year-old domestic worker, Mariam Bibi, who had been confined for five years in the Faridpur apartment of one Abdul Kader. She was reportedly subjected to abuse and completely cut off from contact with her family. Her son appealed to the court, which ordered her rescue. Mariam is now under police protection at Kotwali Police Station and will be produced in court on Monday.

A murder suspect named Jewel Khan (27) escaped from police custody while being brought to court in Jessore on Sunday. Jewel is the prime accused in the 2021 killing of an auto-rickshaw driver named Al-Amin in Bagharpara. Jewel and his associates allegedly lured the victim under the pretense of hiring his vehicle before killing him. On December 15, 2021, a RAB special team arrested Jewel and three others. Authorities are currently conducting a manhunt.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned the Indian Navy for allegedly forcing 40 Rohingya refugees, equipped with life jackets, into the Andaman Sea from a naval vessel. In a statement, Jamaat said India’s actions violate international law, human rights conventions, and UN charters. The party called on the international community to speak out against such inhumane behavior and urged India to prevent similar future incidents.

M.A. Malik, President of the UK chapter of the BNP, has said that a final decision regarding the return of the party's acting chairman Tarique Rahman will be made after Eid-ul-Azha. Speaking to reporters, Malik emphasized that the next national election should be held by December and called for a free, fair, and impartial electoral process. He welcomed the recent ban on political activities by the ruling Awami League, stating that there are allegations of massive money laundering involving billions of dollars against the current government, all of which must be investigated. Malik also announced his intention to run for parliament from Sylhet-3 in the upcoming general election.

Students of Rajshahi University held a human chain protest demanding the announcement of a full election schedule for the RAKSU (Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union), alongside three other demands: publishing the election code of conduct, releasing a draft voter list, and ensuring 100% residential facilities for students. Protester Mehedi Hasan Sojib said although an election commission was formed, no concrete steps have been taken. “The deadlines have passed, yet the authorities have failed to publish even the voter list or code of conduct,” he added.

Rezaul Karim, leader of the Islami Andolon, has criticized successive governments—including the current one—for allocating minimal funds to essential sectors like education and healthcare while prioritizing flashy infrastructure projects. “We have shiny roads and bridges, yet our youth have become burdens rather than assets, and access to healthcare remains dire,” he said. He urged the government to revise the development budget, allocating at least 6% of GDP to education to ensure progress in infrastructure, quality, and research.

Israeli airstrikes have killed 125 more Palestinians in the past 24 hours, including 36 people who were in so-called "safe zones," according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The total death toll has now reached 53,339, with 121,034 reported injured. The Government Media Office estimates that the actual number of fatalities exceeds 61,700, with thousands still believed to be buried under rubble.

Pakistan’s Minister for Defence Production, Mohammad Raza Hayat, has reaffirmed that Islamabad will never recognize the occupying Israeli regime. He accused Israel of fueling tensions in South Asia and stressed that the people, government, and armed forces of Pakistan remain steadfast in their support for Kashmir. “We are aware of Israeli attempts, in collaboration with certain countries, to harm Pakistan. But the people of Pakistan will resist all such conspiracies,” he said. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly canceled his Vatican visit due to fears of being arrested.

The 706th annual Urs of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) began Sunday in Sylhet, marked by the ceremonial placing of the sacred gilaaf (cover) on the saint’s shrine. Devotees from across Bangladesh flocked to the dargah area, filling the air with chants of "Lal-e-Lal, Baba Shahjalal." Strict security measures were enforced, and the event will conclude today (Monday) with the final prayer (Akheri Munajat). Authorities remained vigilant to prevent any indecency or antisocial behavior during the spiritual gathering.

Members and supporters of the National Consensus Party (NCP) staged a protest in Rangpur after its Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain received an anonymous death threat via postal mail, targeting him and his family. The demonstration began at 5:30 PM in front of Rangpur Press Club, with speakers demanding that the perpetrators be identified and brought to justice. The protest march, organized under the banner of "Anti-Fascist Students and Citizens," concluded at the same venue after parading through the city.

Election Commissioner Md. Abdur Rahman Mashiud reaffirmed that national elections will be held within the timeframe set by the Chief Adviser—between December this year and June next year. When asked about preparations, he stated, “We are always prepared. As the implementing authority, our readiness is ongoing.”

Following discussions with the National Consensus Commission, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher proposed a national referendum to legally validate the 'July Charter' and other key national issues. He said the referendum should encompass both agreed and unresolved matters of national importance. Jamaat also suggested amending current laws to ensure former election commissioners remain accountable post-retirement. While agreeing with the NCC proposals in principle, Jamaat excluded the inclusion of the President and Chief Justice under these provisions. Taher emphasized that no single person should hold absolute power, stating that one cannot simultaneously be Prime Minister and party chief.

In a statement, the Local Government Division (LGD) said that protests outside the Nagar Bhaban by a political group have been disrupting official work. The ministry urged protesters not to create public inconvenience over a sub-judice matter. LGD stated that any official decision regarding Ishraque Hossain will be taken based on legal counsel from the Ministry of Law and through due administrative procedures. A writ petition has already been filed in the High Court citing irregularities and requesting that Ishraque be barred from taking oath.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen admitted that corruption persists within the organization. He remarked, “After independence, fake freedom fighters emerged. Now, we see fake coordinators. Let’s begin our anti-corruption drive by addressing these fakes—starting with any bogus ACC chairmen.” He acknowledged that corruption starts with lies and noted that the commission lacks adequate manpower. He emphasized tackling the ‘supply side’ of corruption first—those who offer bribes—before addressing the demand side.