Since November 2023, more than 113,000 Rohingya refugees have entered Bangladesh from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, with the majority arriving after May-June last year. Rohingya arrivals continue almost daily in 2024. With these new arrivals, the total Rohingya population taking shelter in Bangladesh now exceeds 1.313 million. UNHCR has sent a letter requesting Bangladesh to arrange accommodation for the new refugees. Most of the new Rohingya are currently living with relatives in 20 camps in Cox’s Bazar. The government has not yet authorized identity verification for the new arrivals via the Iris system.

In a press statement, the BNP announced that despite facing severe oppression, disappearances, killings, and harassment during the fascist era, they led the movement to restore democracy. Aiming to establish democracy, accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance, the BNP and its affiliated organizations are actively reaching out to the people across the country. Youth organizations like Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal are working jointly. They have divided the country’s ten organizational divisions into four major regions and planned an integrated and dynamic campaign. Each region will host a two-day program: the first day will feature a seminar titled “Youth’s Vision for the Future Bangladesh,” and the second day will hold a rally to establish the political rights of the youth.

Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, stated that the reforms finalized through discussions must be implemented under the current government. He emphasized that everyone must remain committed and work forcefully to implement effective reforms in the greater interest of the nation. National interests should take precedence over personal, party, or group interests. Nur added that while many individuals protested in their own capacities, the political reality limited what could be achieved. However, the July Uprising created a new political context. It is reported that Gono Odhikar Parishad has expressed written agreement on 127 out of the 166 proposals from the National Consensus Commission, partial agreement on 23, and disagreement on 15 proposals.

The Indian Army reported that on Sunday night, the Pakistan Army fired at the Line of Control in the Kupwara and Poonch districts. In response, the Indian forces delivered a swift and effective counterattack. This marks the fourth consecutive night of gunfire at the border. No casualties have been reported so far. Tensions have been high at the border since a gun attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed.

Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul shared a heartbreaking incident in which the daughter of a martyr, who was raped during the July popular movement, committed suicide. He expressed the profound pain this event has caused and assured that justice would be served swiftly. Two suspects have been arrested and are currently in custody, and the news about their bail is false. He confirmed that DNA samples have been taken from the suspects, and the police are expected to submit the charge sheet within a few days. Following this, the trial will begin, with a legal obligation to deliver a verdict within 90 days, as per the amended law. If the DNA samples are favorable, the trial should conclude much earlier. Nazrul also mentioned that the trial in the Asiya case began last Wednesday and expressed hope that the case will be concluded within seven working days. He added that any delay in the trial would be painful, but emphasized that if the process isn’t thorough, the verdict may not hold up on appeal.

Professor Ali Riaz emphasized that the goal of the Consensus Commission is to create a national charter. Discussions are ongoing as part of the collective effort to establish a democratic state. He mentioned that the report, opinions, and recommendations of the reform commission alone are not sufficient. Only through the unity of all political and democratic forces, representing the people, can Bangladesh move towards the vision of a New Bangladesh. Ali Riaz further stated that the fearless struggle of the leaders of the People’s Rights Council initiated a new phase in the anti-fascism movement. This momentum continued with the 2024 quota reform movement and later led to an unprecedented and unexpected popular uprising.

Amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam attack, China has urged both parties to exercise restraint. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a phone conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, reaffirmed China’s full understanding of Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and pledged support for its efforts to safeguard sovereignty and security interests. Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance against terrorism and opposition to any steps that could escalate tensions. During a separate conversation with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Dar condemned India’s false allegations, baseless propaganda, and the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as a blatant violation of India’s international obligations.

While the US and Iran, mediated by Oman, have held three rounds of negotiations aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a more aggressive approach. Netanyahu argued that the only “good deal” would involve completely dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, similar to the 2003 agreement made with Libya. However, reports suggest that former US President Donald Trump does not support such aggressive action.

Sarada Bai, a woman from Odisha, faces deportation despite living in India for 35 years and having a voter ID. Born in Pakistan, she was never granted Indian citizenship. Following rising tensions after a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities canceled her visa and ordered her to leave. Sarada, who has a husband, children, and grandchildren in India, pleaded not to be separated from her family, but police warned of legal action if she stays beyond the deadline.

At least 53 more Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza within a single day. Following more than 15 months of continuous operations, a ceasefire had been brokered under pressure from the United States and other mediators starting January 19. However, hostilities resumed on March 18 before the two-month ceasefire could fully hold. In this second wave of military operations, more than 2,000 people have been killed and over 5,000 injured.

The Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) organized a torch rally and protest assembly under Shyampur-Kadamtali police station, demanding the banning of the Awami League and an end to extortion activities. Protesters chanted slogans warning Awami League supporters and extortionists that such practices would no longer be tolerated. Leaders from Shyampur, Jatrabari, and Kadamtali units were present. The NCP vowed to continue its movement until the Awami League is officially banned.

Hundreds of Indians protested outside Pakistan’s High Commission in London, with a section launching an attack that broke windows and defaced the building with saffron-colored paint. Police arrested two individuals on charges of violence during the unrest. Supporters of Pakistan also organized a counter-protest. The incident comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. Both countries have since suspended key agreements and trade relations in retaliation.

A fire broke out outside the RNPL 1320 MW coal-fired power plant in Kalapara, Patuakhali, around 10:30 PM on Sunday night. Units from the Kalapara and Amtali fire services, along with three units from the power plant, swiftly responded and successfully brought the fire under control. Officials confirmed that the fire was confined to discarded scrap materials outside the plant premises and did not affect the main facility. Firefighters and local residents worked together to contain the situation.

Majibur Rahman Manju, Chairman of the AB Party, stated, “We are all ashamed over Lamia’s suicide, and the government should be held responsible and sued for it.” Manju explained that amid the fascist regime in Bangladesh, while political parties were busy debating over liberation and governance theories, the need for a new political force became evident. In this context, the platform ‘People’s Aspiration of Bangladesh’ was founded on April 27, 2019, which later evolved into today’s ‘Amar Bangladesh Party’ (AB Party). He further mentioned that the party’s ideology is inspired by two global leaders: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus has stated that observing the current situation in Bangladesh, many believe that an interim government would still be the best solution for the people. He added that citizens are not demanding the government’s immediate departure but are expecting it to ensure a credible election. Yunus emphasized that whether the Awami League will be allowed to contest in the upcoming election partly depends on the party itself — it must first decide if it will participate. So far, no official announcement has been made. He also noted that the Election Commission’s stance and other factors could influence the situation. Moreover, he pointed out that several political parties may argue that, under the new law, the Awami League should not be allowed to contest.