The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a notification reassigning 82 police officers, including an Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP), as Officers on Special Duty (OSD). The list includes AIGP Abdul Alim Mahmood, 13 DIGs, 49 Additional DIGs, and 19 Police Superintendents. A source from the ministry revealed that these officials were involved in security operations during the controversial 2018 national elections.

During a courtesy meeting with Maldivian High Commissioner Sheunine Rashid on Tuesday, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus requested the Maldivian government to legalize undocumented Bangladeshi expatriates and recruit more Bangladeshi workers. Many Bangladeshis are currently employed in the country’s tourism and healthcare sectors. The High Commissioner thanked the Chief Adviser, highlighting that Maldivian students are pursuing higher education in Bangladesh, particularly in medical studies. She also acknowledged the growing number of Bangladeshi tourists and trade relations. This was the first time she formally expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s role in addressing climate change.

Abdur Rahman, Secretary of the Internal Resources Division and Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), has stated that no other nation in the world pays as little tax as Bangladesh. “We have become a debt-ridden nation,” he said, adding that the country has expanded its budget every year for the past 52-53 years by taking on more loans. The burden of repaying those loans, along with accumulating interest, has now become overwhelming. He emphasized the need for increasing internal revenue through automation, revealing that out of 11.2 million TIN holders, only 4 million file tax returns, and 2.5 to 2.6 million contribute little to no tax. The NBR is now focusing on stricter enforcement to collect outstanding taxes.

Police have arrested 13 muggers in Dhaka’s Uttara area within the last 24 hours, recovering machetes, knives, iron rods, and pipes from their possession. Additionally, RAB has detained student leader Sakibul Hasan Rony, also known as “Lara De Sunny” (24), who was involved in attacks on students. The officer-in-charge of Uttara West Police Station confirmed the arrests on Tuesday. Sakibul, a leader of the banned Chhatra League’s East Thana branch and head of the Kishoregang “Lara De” gang, had allegedly led attacks in Uttara and Azimpur under instructions from former MPs Khosru Chowdhury and Habib Hasan during the July uprising.

Following his election victory, Germany’s Chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz has called for Europe to break free from US influence. According to an Al Jazeera report, preliminary results show his party secured 28.6% of the vote—the highest, but still requiring coalition partners to form a government. In an interview after the results, Merz declared that his top priority is strengthening Europe to achieve true independence from the US. He added that he did not intend to make such a strong statement initially. Previously, Elon Musk had controversially endorsed the far-right AfD party, which received 20% of the vote—something Merz did not take well.

Nahid Islam has announced that his fight is not over—it’s taking a new shape. In a Facebook post on Tuesday following his resignation as Information Adviser, he shared his resignation letter and emphasized that his battle continues in a different form. Rumors had been circulating for days about his departure, signaling the rise of a new political party. Nahid had previously stated that he would step down before joining the new party. By resigning from his roles in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and IT, the uprising leader has paved the way for his next move.

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.