BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu stated that Tarique Rahman, son of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, is his rightful successor, and one should perform ablution before uttering his name. Speaking at Cumilla BNP’s conference, he criticized remarks questioning Tarique’s leadership. He asserted that Tarique Rahman will return to Bangladesh and lead. Bulu also credited Awami League’s oppression for BNP’s growth and emphasized unity against conspiracies. He reaffirmed BNP’s commitment to forming a national government, even if it wins a majority.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed the launch of a ‘Hajj Management Center’ to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient Hajj services. He emphasized clear guidelines for agencies, a call center for real-time issue resolution, and an online platform to assist lost pilgrims. He also ordered training-based categorization of agencies, the introduction of a Hajj credit card, and improved luggage management. Strict actions, including license revocation, will be taken against non-compliant agencies. The government aims to simplify and enhance the entire Hajj process.

The National Citizens’ Committee has lauded Nahid Islam, the recently resigned interim government Information Adviser, for setting an unprecedented example in 53 years of political history by stepping down and joining the ranks of the people. In a verified Facebook post, the committee noted that Nahid not only declared a single-point demand but also gave up his official car, government residence, VIP protocol, and power to stand with the masses. Explaining his decision, Nahid stated, “The government is now stable, and I feel it is time to go among the people and work with them.”

Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan has emphasized that post-July uprising, reforms must go beyond the state to include personal, political, and social transformation. Speaking at an event marking National Local Government Day, he expressed deep concern over the spread of misleading information by political leaders. Mahmud urged politicians to adopt a more refined and respectful tone, as the people of post-uprising Bangladesh expect positive changes on all fronts. Acknowledging the current complexities surrounding local elections, he stressed the need to hold at least city corporation elections in the interest of the people.

Recently resigned interim government Information Adviser Nahid Islam has been hailed as a future prime minister by Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir. In a social media post, Jahangir stated, “You can bet that Nahid will one day become the Prime Minister.” Earlier, the Press Secretary had described Nahid, 26, as one of the sharpest political minds in the country’s recent history. He expressed confidence that Nahid, who played a pivotal role in the downfall of the notorious Hasina regime, will have a major impact on national politics in the coming decades and could eventually become the prime minister.

Despite reports of robbery and sexual harassment on a moving bus traveling from Dhaka to Rajshahi, Tangail Police Superintendent Mizanur Rahman has stated that no rape occurred. However, one of the victims had previously claimed otherwise in media reports. The police superintendent mentioned that multiple police teams have spoken to the woman in question, and she denied being raped. He assured that if any complaints are filed regarding rape, the police will conduct a prompt investigation. According to passengers, the robbery and harassment took place over approximately three and a half hours, from 12:30 AM to around 4 AM, as the criminals drove the bus to various locations. Three suspects were initially arrested but later granted bail by the court. Another suspect has since been detained for further investigation.

Nahid Islam, Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, has resigned from his advisory position to join a new political party. When asked whether Asif and Mahfuz would follow suit, Nahid stated that the government was formed with a commitment to justice and reforms, and they believe it is still necessary for them to remain in their roles. He emphasized that they have tried to fulfill their responsibilities diligently and are confident that the public will eventually recognize and evaluate their contributions positively.

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition filed by an ISKCON leader requesting the Indian government to take immediate and effective action against alleged violence and persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar ruled that the court cannot interfere in the internal affairs of another country. The judges remarked that judicial intervention in such matters would be highly unusual. The petitioner had also sought an extension of the citizenship application deadline for Hindus fleeing Bangladesh due to alleged violence, a request the court ultimately rejected.

The European Union has reaffirmed its stance that a two-state solution is the only viable resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Following the EU-Israel Association Council meeting on Monday, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated, “We support the Palestinian Authority’s return to Gaza and back the right of every displaced Palestinian to return to their homes.” She also emphasized that the EU would work with regional partners to facilitate Gaza’s reconstruction when the time comes. Meanwhile, the EU has urged Israel’s foreign minister to agree to a ceasefire and reconsider its military operations in the West Bank.

According to Israeli media outlet Ynet News, Israel has proposed releasing 602 Palestinian prisoners if Hamas immediately returns the bodies of four hostages. Israel has stipulated that Hamas must return the bodies without any formal handover ceremonies, similar to how they returned the bodies of Bibas and Oded Lifshitz last week. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv has refused to release over 600 Palestinian detainees under the latest prisoner exchange agreement, citing alleged misconduct by Hamas during past handovers. In response, Hamas has stated that it will not engage in any further negotiations until all Palestinian prisoners are freed.

Mike Amesbury, a 55-year-old independent MP in the UK Parliament, has been sentenced to 10 weeks in prison for punching a voter. A video of the incident recently went viral on social media, showing the MP engaging in a heated argument with a voter before suddenly punching him. The victim, 45-year-old Paul Fellows, filed a complaint, leading to Amesbury’s conviction. Following the verdict, Amesbury’s political career now hangs in uncertainty as calls for his resignation grow.

In a Facebook post, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that steps are being taken to introduce Elon Musk’s Starlink service in Bangladesh, aiming to permanently eliminate the possibility of government-imposed internet shutdowns. He criticized the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina, stating that she repeatedly resorted to internet blackouts over the past sixteen years to suppress movements. He further explained that internet shutdowns are a key tool for dictatorships. With Starlink’s satellite-based service, industries such as BPOs, call centers, and freelancers will greatly benefit, he added.

Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus paid solemn tribute to all martyrs on National Martyred Soldiers Day. In a statement, he said that the government has officially designated this day to commemorate the brutal massacre that took place in Pilkhana in 2009. Emphasizing solidarity with the families of the fallen soldiers, the Chief Adviser acknowledged their enduring wait for justice. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their loved ones.

A group of Awami League and BNP leaders, along with notorious criminals, are allegedly trying to seize Swadhin Bangla Market in Mirpur-1, Dhaka. Following violent clashes on Sunday, police have arrested a BNP-affiliated leader. The market manager has filed a case against 16 people, including Awami League leaders Litu and Iqbal Hossain Titu, Jubo Dal leader Raju Ahmed, and top gangster Shahadat Hossain, accusing them of attempting to seize control after shopkeepers refused to pay extortion money.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing of Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam’s review petition against his death sentence for war crimes on Wednesday. The hearing, led by a five-member bench headed by the Chief Justice, began today. Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman represented the prosecution, while Jamaat’s lawyer Shishir Monir appeared for the defense.