Adviser for Industry Affairs, Adilur Rahman Khan, announced that the Ministry of Industries, in collaboration with other government bodies, has initiated efforts to modernize the leather industry. These include environmental infrastructure development, capacity building for certification, and technical support.

“To enhance skill development, a training and design center is being established in the Tannery Estate,” he said. “Adopting new technologies, modernizing production processes, and ensuring environmental compliance are crucial for improving global competitiveness in this sector.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X (formerly Twitter) warning those who frequently issue threats regarding India’s Siliguri corridor, also known as the “Chicken Neck.” He stated that Bangladesh has two such corridors, both far more vulnerable. The first is an 80-kilometer strip in northern Bangladesh stretching from South Dinajpur to the southwestern Garo Hills. If compromised, it could sever Rangpur Division from the rest of the country. The second is a 28-kilometer corridor from South Tripura to the Bay of Bengal, known as the Chattogram Corridor. Sarma pointed out that this corridor is shorter and more sensitive than India’s own.

Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam told the International Crimes Tribunal that, in the face of a mass uprising, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5 and fled to India. However, prior to her resignation, she attempted to suppress the student-led movement with force. “Even as the situation spiraled out of control, she was unwilling to step down,” Tazul stated. “It was Sheikh Rehana who, on August 5, pleaded at Ganabhaban, even holding her sister’s feet, urging her to resign.”

Tazul further claimed that on August 4, from 10:30 AM for nearly an hour, Hasina pressured top officials of state security forces to take action, refusing to accept that the situation was beyond control. “Eventually, after persuasion from her family members, she agreed to step down,” he added. The prosecutor also mentioned that key figures including Obaidul Quader, Salman F Rahman, Anisul Huq, and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal had advised her against resignation.

Amid ongoing protests at the Secretariat, the government has issued the ‘Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025,’ introducing provisions for dismissal based on four categories of misconduct. The ordinance stipulates that any civil servant who instigates insubordination, disrupts discipline, obstructs duties, is absent without leave or valid reason, or incites others to do the same, will be deemed guilty of misconduct. Disciplinary actions may include demotion, dismissal, or termination. The ordinance was approved by the advisory council last Thursday, sparking unrest among government employees.

Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki announced plans to produce a biopic on the life of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and to translate his literary works into multiple languages. He emphasized Nazrul’s enduring relevance, especially during the July uprising, stating that even a century later, his poetry and songs continue to inspire the nation. “Nazrul’s legacy has long been neglected. We begin commemorations but fail to preserve his memory properly. That needs to change—and we’re committed to it,” Farooki said. Additionally, Nazrul-related landmarks in Cumilla will be protected and restored.

Addressing a street rally in Chattogram’s Number 2 Gate area on Sunday afternoon, Hasnat Abdullah strongly criticized attempts to label the advisers of the movement with political party affiliations. “This is a deliberate effort to undermine their dignity and question the universal nature of our movement,” he said. “We firmly reject such propaganda. These two advisers are not political figures; they represent a people’s movement that transcends party lines.”

He added that a clear message has been delivered to the Chief Adviser, demanding fundamental reforms such as judicial restructuring, a new constitution, elections to the Constituent Assembly and Legislature, and rehabilitation for the families of those injured or martyred in the ongoing movement. “We’ve begun our public dialogue campaign from South Chattogram and will travel across the country to gather public opinion,” he added.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the party aims to educate tea workers and include them in modern garden management. “We do not discriminate based on religion. We want to build a society based on friendship and equality,” he said. Speaking to tea workers, he assured them of prompt support once called upon. “You are still deprived of your basic rights. If we are elected through public vote, we will ensure you live with dignity and support the development of your children’s talents.” He also mentioned that during a recent meeting with the Chief Adviser, election issues were discussed, with a promise of a historic and credible vote.

Addressing the Chief Adviser, BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu remarked, “Childish sulking doesn’t suit you. You’re 84 years old; this isn’t the time for such ego.” He added, “We’re with you. We never asked you to resign. Why then did you express such dismay after meeting Nahid?” This comes after NCP’s convenor Nahid Islam revealed that the Chief Adviser expressed concerns about continuing in his role. However, Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud later confirmed the Chief Adviser is not resigning.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman reiterated the party’s demand for national elections to be held by December during a meeting with the Chief Adviser. He emphasized that citizens must retain the right to constructively criticize any government—whether elected, interim, or caretaker. “The people are not charity cases of the government. Their legitimate demands must be respected. There’s no room for ego or resentment here,” he said. Tarique also blamed the interim government for economic instability, stating that its last-minute NBR reform has created a deadlock in revenue collection.

A court has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate a case filed against three former Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) chairmen and one former secretary for allegedly harassing Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman with false corruption charges. The plaintiff, Harunur Rashid, named Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury, Habibur Rahman, Abul Hasan Manzur, and former secretary Mokhlesur Rahman as the accused.

On Sunday afternoon, Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus held an emergency meeting with Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed to discuss the country's overall situation. Meanwhile, the Chief Adviser has been holding discussions with leaders of various political parties and organizations. On Saturday night, he met with BNP, NCP, and Jamaat-e-Islami representatives.

BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said, “If we announce a street protest tomorrow, Dr. Yunus won’t last 24 hours. But we want him to succeed, because his success would also mean the success of the July-August movement.” Criticizing frequent visits by certain figures to government offices, he added, “Why do they visit the Secretariat and DC offices so often?” Roy also condemned corruption, saying that many corrupt officials from Hasina’s era still remain untouched. “How many have been arrested or tried? The government hasn’t even taken any initiative.”

Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to Begum Khaleda Zia, has warned all stakeholders in Bangladesh’s state and political arena to abandon the path of confrontation and instead pursue dialogue and consensus. “Stop trying to present yourselves as the ruling or opposition side of the interim government. If this interim administration fails, forming another consensus government will be nearly impossible, potentially plunging the country into anarchy,” he wrote. Expressing cautious support for BNP, he also warned against the rise of extremist factions within the party and emphasized the need for democratic and nationalist forces to treat foreign powers as friends—not masters.

The International Crimes Tribunal has ordered a public notice to be published in national newspapers summoning Sheikh Hasina to explain her alleged contempt of court. The notice must be published in both a Bengali and an English daily within seven days. The prosecution stated that the charge was filed in response to Hasina’s reported comment, “We have received a license to kill 226 people.”

Officials and employees of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) observed a full-day work stoppage for the second day, protesting the ordinance to dissolve the institution and pressing four key demands. The two main gates of the NBR building remained locked, rendering operations effectively inoperative. According to the announced program, all tax, customs, and VAT offices except for export and international passenger services were shut from 9 AM to 5 PM. On Monday, the full work stoppage will continue across all tax departments, excluding international passenger services.