Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafulzaman Siddiqui announced intensified operations along the Sundarbans border to curb piracy and banditry. He confirmed the Coast Guard is conducting parallel operations in a joint effort to maintain security. Speaking after inaugurating a safe drinking water project in Kaikhali, Shyamnagar upazila, the BGB chief said coastal communities suffer from acute water shortages, often forced to drink unsafe pond and rainwater. The Tk 5.6 million project, he said, is a humanitarian initiative by the BGB. He urged locals to provide credible intelligence to aid security forces and later distributed food and medical aid to over a hundred residents.

Lead investigator Md. Alamgir testified for the third consecutive day in the case against Sheikh Hasina and two others, stating that during the July–August uprising, killings took place at 438 locations across 41 districts, with lethal weapons used in over 50 districts. His testimony, broadcast live on BTV and the tribunal’s Facebook page, alleged that over the past 15 years, murders, disappearances, abductions, rigged elections, and staged militancy incidents all served to prolong Awami League’s grip on power. Alamgir added that security forces fired 305,000 rounds of ammunition during the July protests alone, based on official records. Meanwhile, the tribunal adjourned testimony in the Abu Sayeed martyrdom case as the witness fell ill, rescheduling for next Monday.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said the people of Bangladesh are now focused on elections, and those attempting to disrupt voting will be identified and rejected by the public. Rejecting religion-based political divides, Salahuddin stressed that BNP stands for inclusive politics across all faiths and communities. He called for unity among political parties to safeguard democracy, while warning that both domestic and foreign conspiracies would be resisted by the people. Criticizing the proportional representation (PR) system, he said it perpetuates hung parliaments and instability—something the people of Bangladesh firmly oppose.

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam revealed that 1,350 police firearms that went missing have yet to be recovered. Authorities suspect the weapons have been trafficked into hill regions and possibly reached groups such as ARSA. The IGP assured efforts are underway to retrieve them and pledged stricter policing ahead of the 13th National Election. “We are prepared to ensure a free and fair election. Around 150,000 police officers are receiving training on professionalism and neutrality,” he said. He also warned that any attempts to destabilize Puja celebrations nationwide will be met with a strong response.

At least 50 more Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza within the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll since the conflict began nearly two years ago to 66,055, with 168,346 injured. Many victims remain trapped under rubble or on the streets, inaccessible to rescue workers. During the same period, Israeli forces opened fire on civilians gathering aid supplies, killing five and injuring 48. Since May 27 alone, 2,571 Palestinians have been killed and at least 18,817 injured while trying to collect humanitarian relief.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologized to Qatar after an airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha killed a Qatari national. The apology was conveyed during a phone call with Qatar’s Prime Minister while Netanyahu was meeting former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. According to a White House statement, Netanyahu expressed “deep regret” that a Qatari soldier was unintentionally killed in the missile strike. He also admitted that targeting Hamas leaders during hostage negotiations violated Qatar’s sovereignty and pledged such actions would not be repeated. Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed the apology was accepted. The Qatari leadership also thanked U.S. President Trump for reaffirming Washington’s commitment to Qatar’s defense partnership and for assurances that further aggressions would be prevented.

Facing mounting protests by Gen Z demonstrators over acute shortages of electricity and water, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has dissolved his government. “I apologize for the failures of my government,” Rajoelina said. “If ministers did not fulfill their duties, we admit our shortcomings and express regret. I understand the anger, suffering, and daily struggles caused by these shortages.” Earlier, he had dismissed the energy minister for negligence, but protesters demanded the resignation of the president and the entire cabinet. On Monday, after thousands once again rallied in the streets, Rajoelina announced he had dismissed the prime minister and dissolved the government. Applications for the next prime minister will be accepted within three days, followed by the formation of a new cabinet. Meanwhile, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the “unnecessary use of force” by security forces, reporting at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries.

Despite a partial withdrawal of blockades by Jumma student groups, no long-haul or local transport has resumed in Khagrachhari. Section 144 remains enforced for the third consecutive day. Authorities confirmed no cases have yet been filed over attacks, vandalism, and the assault on BGB personnel in Ramgarh. Thirteen injured from clashes in Guimara have been shifted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, while the bodies of three deceased have been handed over to their families. Life in Bandarban and Rangamati, however, remains normal. The unrest began last Saturday when protests under the banner of Jumma students erupted over the alleged rape of an indigenous woman, sparking violent clashes.

Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, a leader of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, has claimed the upcoming 13th national election will divide the nation into two camps: one aligned with Islam and the country, and the other “against Islam, aligned with India.” He argued proportional representation (PR) would ensure a balanced parliament, noting 91 countries have adopted the system without repeal. Karim also declared Bangladeshis would reject corrupt leaders, extortionists, and rapists: “People no longer want the corrupt to hold power.”

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has rejected allegations of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, calling them false and fueled by India’s growing “fake news industry.” In an interview, Yunus said: “There is no anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh. One of India’s most notable exports now is fake news.” He admitted he was initially reluctant to accept the role of Chief Adviser but agreed after appeals from protest leaders: “If you can sacrifice so much, I can reconsider my decision.” He also discussed election delays, the Rohingya crisis, and the ban on Awami League activities.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has tabled a 20-point plan to end hostilities in Gaza, receiving immediate approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump warned that if Hamas rejects the terms, the U.S. will fully back Israel’s military actions. Key provisions include: Immediate ceasefire upon mutual agreement. Israeli troops to pull back to designated lines for prisoner exchanges. Suspension of all military operations, including airstrikes and artillery fire. Hamas must release all hostages—alive or dead—within 72 hours. In exchange, Israel to release 250 prisoners serving life terms and 1,700 detainees held since October 7, 2023. Amnesty for Hamas members who surrender arms and accept coexistence, while safe passage will be arranged for those wishing to leave Gaza. Massive humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza once the deal is signed. The plan also proposes a temporary transitional administration led by a non-political Palestinian technocratic committee, overseen by a new international body, the Board of Peace. Trump would serve as chairman, joined by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and other leaders.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the nation’s upcoming elections, ongoing reforms, and the Rohingya crisis. Dr. Yunus briefed the UN chief on the state of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh, while highlighting progress on institutional reforms. Guterres, in turn, expressed full support and solidarity with Bangladesh’s democratic transition.

A sweeping crackdown is underway at Islami Bank, resulting in the dismissal of 200 employees and the demotion of 4,971 staff to special duty (OSD) status over alleged misconduct and rule violations. The shake-up follows a controversial hiring spree after S. Alam Group assumed control of the bank in 2017, when thousands were recruited without exams—many from Patiya, leading to nearly half of today’s workforce hailing from the same area. A senior bank official admitted: “Unqualified appointments under S. Alam’s management ruined the bank. We are now verifying merit for the institution’s survival.” Bangladesh Bank and court directives led to a mass competency test last Saturday, but of 5,385 summoned, only 414 appeared and continue regular duties. The 4,971 absentees were made OSD the next day, while 200 employees accused of spreading misinformation or opposing the test were terminated. Bangladesh Bank Executive Director Arif Hossain Khan noted this was the first time in the country’s history an exam was used to justify layoffs: “Recruitment and evaluation are under a bank’s jurisdiction, but must comply with law and policy.”

Islamic Chhatra Shibir president Muhammad Jahidul Islam has said that the student organization is actively working to counter the challenges of modern-day “Jahiliyyah” (ignorance). Speaking at an induction ceremony for new Alim students at Tongi’s Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa, he said, “From this institution will emerge future leaders who will carry forward the legacy of Hazrat Umar (RA) and lead the world, Inshallah.”

Popular content creator Ashraful Alom, widely known as Hero Alom, was attacked by unidentified assailants on Monday night in Dhaka’s Aftabnagar area. Witnesses said several youths on motorcycles launched the assault, leaving Alom with visible injuries. Locals rescued him and took him to a hospital. His wife, Ria Moni, confirmed the incident to the media.