Pakistan’s Minister for Defence Production, Mohammad Raza Hayat, has reaffirmed that Islamabad will never recognize the occupying Israeli regime. He accused Israel of fueling tensions in South Asia and stressed that the people, government, and armed forces of Pakistan remain steadfast in their support for Kashmir. “We are aware of Israeli attempts, in collaboration with certain countries, to harm Pakistan. But the people of Pakistan will resist all such conspiracies,” he said. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly canceled his Vatican visit due to fears of being arrested.

The 706th annual Urs of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) began Sunday in Sylhet, marked by the ceremonial placing of the sacred gilaaf (cover) on the saint’s shrine. Devotees from across Bangladesh flocked to the dargah area, filling the air with chants of "Lal-e-Lal, Baba Shahjalal." Strict security measures were enforced, and the event will conclude today (Monday) with the final prayer (Akheri Munajat). Authorities remained vigilant to prevent any indecency or antisocial behavior during the spiritual gathering.

Members and supporters of the National Consensus Party (NCP) staged a protest in Rangpur after its Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain received an anonymous death threat via postal mail, targeting him and his family. The demonstration began at 5:30 PM in front of Rangpur Press Club, with speakers demanding that the perpetrators be identified and brought to justice. The protest march, organized under the banner of "Anti-Fascist Students and Citizens," concluded at the same venue after parading through the city.

Election Commissioner Md. Abdur Rahman Mashiud reaffirmed that national elections will be held within the timeframe set by the Chief Adviser—between December this year and June next year. When asked about preparations, he stated, “We are always prepared. As the implementing authority, our readiness is ongoing.”

Following discussions with the National Consensus Commission, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher proposed a national referendum to legally validate the 'July Charter' and other key national issues. He said the referendum should encompass both agreed and unresolved matters of national importance. Jamaat also suggested amending current laws to ensure former election commissioners remain accountable post-retirement. While agreeing with the NCC proposals in principle, Jamaat excluded the inclusion of the President and Chief Justice under these provisions. Taher emphasized that no single person should hold absolute power, stating that one cannot simultaneously be Prime Minister and party chief.

In a statement, the Local Government Division (LGD) said that protests outside the Nagar Bhaban by a political group have been disrupting official work. The ministry urged protesters not to create public inconvenience over a sub-judice matter. LGD stated that any official decision regarding Ishraque Hossain will be taken based on legal counsel from the Ministry of Law and through due administrative procedures. A writ petition has already been filed in the High Court citing irregularities and requesting that Ishraque be barred from taking oath.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen admitted that corruption persists within the organization. He remarked, “After independence, fake freedom fighters emerged. Now, we see fake coordinators. Let’s begin our anti-corruption drive by addressing these fakes—starting with any bogus ACC chairmen.” He acknowledged that corruption starts with lies and noted that the commission lacks adequate manpower. He emphasized tackling the ‘supply side’ of corruption first—those who offer bribes—before addressing the demand side.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch detained 11 Awami League activists during a sudden demonstration in the Gulistan area. Their identities were not immediately confirmed. Last August, the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus banned all political activities of the ousted Awami League and its affiliate organizations.

India has imposed a restriction on importing readymade garments and other Bangladeshi products through the Akhaura land port, affecting trade with Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. The ban covers fruit, fruit-flavored drinks, soft drinks, processed foods, plastic products, yarn and its by-products, and furniture. As a result, exports from Bangladesh via this route have dropped dramatically, with only three trucks carrying fish entering India on the day the restrictions took effect. The sudden halt has caused anxiety among exporters and port businesses.

Md. Shahjahan Mia, Additional Secretary in the Local Government Division and current Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Dhaka WASA. Upon receiving the appointment, Shahjahan Mia stated, “I’ve been given the responsibility, and now it’s time to get to work. Once entrusted, there’s no room for negligence, regardless of where the responsibility lies.”

The court has once again postponed the submission deadline for the investigation report into the Bangladesh Bank reserve heist. The new date has been set for July 2. On February 5, 2016, hackers fraudulently transferred $81 million from Bangladesh Bank’s account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York via SWIFT codes. The stolen funds were later funneled to the Philippines. Investigators believe a local network may have aided the cybercriminals in laundering the money abroad.

The Chattogram Protection Committee held a sit-in protest from 10 AM to 1 PM on Sunday, opposing any plans to hand over management of the Chattogram Port to foreign companies. Speakers called for dismantling syndicates formed under successive Awami League governments and emphasized that while they are not against foreign investment, there is no justification for outsourcing the management of facilities that the country can operate independently. Tarique Rahman also stated that handing over the port is beyond the mandate of an interim government. Several political and religious groups, including Hefazat-e-Islam, Gano Adhikar Parishad, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the 12-party alliance, have also expressed opposition, asserting that such a decision cannot be made unilaterally by the government.

Dr. Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmed, President of the Liberal Democratic Party, met with BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia at her residence on Sunday evening. The meeting began at 7:22 PM and lasted for about 45 minutes. Oli’s adviser confirmed that the meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, during which Colonel Oli inquired about Khaleda Zia’s health. It is worth noting that he also met her prior to her last trip to London for medical treatment.

Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has assured that the upcoming national budget will be responsible and sustainable. “It will not burden the next fiscal year,” he said. While the size of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) has been reduced, allocations will be increased in health and education. Around 2,500 doctors and healthcare workers will be recruited, and operating funds for the health sector will be adjusted accordingly. Provisions for repaying teacher welfare dues and other debts have also been included. The budget aims to control inflation, increase revenue collection, reduce foreign debt, improve implementation capacity, and ensure a sustainable economic framework.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has assured that the investigation into the murder of Dhaka University student Shahriar Alam Samya will be handed over to the Detective Branch (DB). A delegation led by DU Vice Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan met the adviser at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Following the meeting, Professor Hosne Ara Begum stated that they demanded swift and fair justice. Samya’s friend, SS Nahin Islam, said they had given Shahbagh police a 48-hour deadline but saw no significant progress. The adviser assured them that the DB would take over the investigation and that a special tribunal would be set up for trial.