Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has directed all relevant agencies to reveal how some individuals have plundered the nation’s resources. At a meeting with NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan and CIC Director General Ahsan Habib, it was reported that nearly BDT 40,000 crore has been illicitly transferred abroad, traced across seven cities in five countries since January. Coordinated action by the ACC, CIC, police, and other authorities is required to identify culprits and ensure such wealth plundering is prevented in the future.

In a major political development, the interim government has announced the withdrawal of 16,429 cases it described as “false and politically motivated.”

According to officials, thousands of ordinary citizens and political opponents were deliberately entangled in fabricated lawsuits, which not only caused immense suffering for the accused and their families but also undermined both the political and judicial systems.

The government said the move aims to put an end to unjust harassment, ease political tensions, and create a level playing field ahead of the upcoming national elections.

It added that the decision would encourage broader participation in the polls, rebuild public trust in state institutions, and pave the way for a more peaceful and democratic process.

The Dhaka University administration has extended the deadline for the collection and submission of nomination papers for the 2025 DUCSU elections.

Chief Returning Officer Prof. Mohammad Jasim Uddin confirmed on Monday that, in light of overwhelming enthusiasm among students, many were unable to collect nomination forms within the scheduled time due to long queues at halls and the central office.

To ensure equal opportunity for all candidates, the deadline has been extended by one day:

Collection of nomination papers: Now open until Tuesday, 5 PM

Submission of nomination papers: Extended until Wednesday, 5 PM

So far, 565 nomination forms have been sold for 28 DUCSU central positions, while 1,226 forms have been collected for elections across 18 hall unions.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has temporarily suspended four tax officials for obstructing office work during protests against the government’s Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025. The order, issued by the Internal Resources Division and signed by IRD Secretary and NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman, cited their involvement in halting colleagues’ duties. The suspended officers include Sadhan Kumar Kundu, Abul Ala Mohammad Amimul Ihsan Khan, Sanowarul Kabir, and Saidul Islam. They will receive allowances during suspension, as per regulations.

In response to allegations of harassment during the distribution of nomination forms, the DUCSU election authority has formed a four-member probe committee.

Chief Returning Officer Prof. Mohammad Jasim Uddin announced on Monday that the committee will investigate the incident at Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, where a Chhatra Dal leader was reportedly mistreated while trying to collect nomination papers.

The committee is headed by Assistant Proctor Prof. Dr. Md. Robiul Islam and includes Prof. Dr. S.M. Arif Mahmud (Department of Anthropology), Dr. A.K.M. Nur Alam Siddiqui (Assistant Proctor), and Assistant Proctor Atia Sanzida Shormi.

They have been instructed to submit urgent recommendations by 12 noon on Tuesday.

Tensions flared ahead of the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections as leaders of the Bangladesh Chhatra Dal (JCD) alleged that one of their female leaders was obstructed from collecting a nomination form at Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall.

At a press conference on Monday, JCD leaders claimed that a mob was mobilized to stop their representative, effectively confining her inside the hall premises. As a result, students were reportedly forced to leave without being able to obtain nomination papers.

They warned that a free and fair DUCSU election will not be possible unless the current law-and-order situation and intimidation on campus are brought under full control.

The student group further alleged that a section of their rivals, “envious of Chhatra Dal’s growing popularity,” has been attempting to sabotage the election process since the very beginning.

Former Home Minister Mokha Alamgir, known as Mokha, is under scrutiny for massive corruption, loan fraud, and money laundering tied to Padma Bank (formerly Farmers Bank). Investigations reveal nearly BDT 5,000 crore misappropriated, 33 accounts used by him, his wife, and family-controlled firms, and multiple fake companies involved. While associates face prison sentences, Alamgir remains abroad. A forensic audit and legal action are recommended. Government intervention partially stabilized the bank, but irregularities persist. Efforts continue to recover funds for depositors.

An Iranian missile hit Israel’s Bazan oil refinery on June 17, killing three people trapped in debris and fire. The attack caused significant damage to fuel and lighting infrastructure, forcing a complete shutdown. Israel had earlier conducted airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, prompting immediate Iranian counterattacks, including 22 missile strikes across Israeli-occupied territory and strikes on a U.S. base in Qatar. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire began on June 24, ending the intense 12-day conflict.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam reported that mob justice has decreased around Dhaka but continues in other regions. Ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, 25,871 law enforcement personnel have been deployed. On allegations against the Chairman of MyTV, Alam clarified that courts would handle cases independently and ensure the innocent are not harassed. He emphasized that while major offenders are being apprehended, small-scale offenders are also being monitored and accountability maintained.

The Election Commission (EC) will conduct hearings from August 24 to 27 on 1,760 claims and objections regarding constituency boundary revisions ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Hearings will cover all major regions, including Comilla, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Faridpur, and Sylhet. The EC previously published a draft delimitation for 300 constituencies on July 30, proposing adjustments in 83 constituencies. Following the hearings, the commission will review the claims and finalize the constituency boundaries.

The government has formed a nine-member committee to review applications from retired military officers who faced deprivation, injustice, or persecution between 2009 and August 2024 under the Awami League government. Chaired by Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, the committee will assess applications, set submission deadlines, and provide formal recommendations within two months. The Armed Forces Division will offer secretarial support, and retired committee members will receive honorariums from the Defence Ministry. The order is effective immediately.

The Meteorological Department has warned of moderate to heavy rainfall in many parts of Bangladesh over the next 24 hours. Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra sea ports are advised to display Signal No. 3, while river ports in Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Comilla, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar should show Signal No. 1. Gusty or squally winds may affect coastal and northern Bay of Bengal areas, with fishing boats urged to navigate cautiously near the coast.

Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission, stated that a plan for the upcoming parliamentary election has already been drafted and submitted for approval. It will be made public later this week. The EC will conduct hearings on 82 boundary objections over four consecutive days starting August 24 and finalize decisions swiftly. Approximately 80,000 initially rejected NID correction requests will be reconsidered. The scanning of remaining voter registration forms is underway, ensuring a richer database. While the number of polling stations will not increase, adjustments will be made for voter distribution, potentially increasing voter capacity per booth from 500 to 600. Verification of applications from 22 political parties is ongoing.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could end the war with Russia immediately if he wished. Speaking ahead of their meeting in Washington, Trump also dismissed Ukraine’s NATO membership prospects and recalled Crimea’s 2014 annexation under the Obama administration. Writing on Truth Social, he emphasized that “some things never change.” Trump added that the White House meeting with Zelensky would be significant, with numerous European and NATO leaders expected to join the discussions.

Cox’s Bazar Airport is expected to start partial international flight operations by mid-October, according to CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Mostafa Mahmud Siddique. During an inspection of the airport’s second terminal and the sea-runway, he observed that preparations are nearly complete, making it feasible to launch international services soon. While he did not specify the exact percentage of work finished, officials expressed confidence that the airport would be ready to handle international flights. Key airport authorities joined the inspection.