Israeli forces demolished multiple Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank on Monday, targeting properties in Ramallah and Hebron governorates, and destroying a residential building. They also damaged vehicles, olive trees, and other properties. Attacks were reported in Safarkha and Bidya towns. According to the UN, since Israel launched a new military campaign on January 21, nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced.

In a mass wedding ceremony organized by WAAMI for 60 underprivileged and fatherless couples, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain highlighted the spiritual and moral significance of marriage. He said marriage is a safeguard against immoral behavior and is essential for building ideal families, fulfilling natural needs, and attaining peace of mind.

He added, “According to a Hadith, when a person gets married, they complete half of their faith; for the other half, they should fear Allah.” Dr. Hossain underscored that marriage is an unparalleled institution for preserving one’s character.

Rights group VOiD has demanded the withdrawal of all false cases against victims of enforced disappearances, along with their safety, compensation, and justice against those responsible. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam called for the prosecution of everyone involved in such cases. VOiD also demanded the repeal of the 2013 Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, transparency in state records, and a public apology from state forces to the victims and the nation.

More than 100 travelers, including 47 Bangladeshis, were detained at a South African airport on Sunday. Despite clearing immigration and collecting baggage, many were stopped by border guards. The reason for their detention remains unclear, and authorities are holding them at the airport. There is a possibility that they may be deported.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuz Alam announced the formation of a taskforce to improve the quality of newspapers. The taskforce will focus on verifying actual circulation figures, implementing the wage board, and setting fair ad rates. He stressed that newspapers following government guidelines will be eligible for state advertisements and benefits. The adviser emphasized the need for transparency at all stages of newspaper publication and hinted at tighter scrutiny on tax compliance.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix commended Bangladesh’s contribution to global peacekeeping during a courtesy meeting with IGP Baharul Alam. The IGP affirmed that Bangladeshi peacekeepers have consistently demonstrated professionalism and expressed readiness to deploy more personnel to UN missions in the future.

To protect the fragile ecosystem, the government has decided to ban new industrial establishments within 10 kilometers of the Sundarbans. A formal notification will soon be issued by the Ministry of Environment. Additional decisions include revising the Climate Change Trust regulations and collecting inter-ministerial feedback to combat noise pollution. Proposals have also been made to increase risk allowances for forest workers and mandate 30% block use in all new buildings by 2025.

Polytechnic students in Chattogram blocked roads demanding cancellation of a 30% promotion quota for craft instructors applying for junior instructor posts. They argue that many craft instructors lack the technical background required for teaching roles. Most only have education up to class 8 or SSC, traditionally serving as lab assistants. Students announced they would continue protests, including hunger strikes, until their demands are met.

A delegation from the National People’s Front, led by Comrade Tipu Biswas, held discussions with the National Consensus Commission. Commission members included Professor Ali Riaz (Vice President), Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haidar. The commission has so far held preliminary discussions with 15 political parties.

Tuhin Farabi, personal officer to Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, has been relieved of his duties and instructed not to report to the office. Various allegations have emerged against him. Farabi is known for his role in the quota reform movement and was a member of the central medical wing of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali has directed crime and intelligence units to carry out home raids and arrest active Awami League members involved in recent violence and killings. Protest marches continue across the capital, with many participants facing murder charges. Authorities have been instructed to update citizen information forms to track residents’ movements. The commissioner also expressed frustration over the low number of arrest warrants executed and unresolved cases.

Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the Nationalist Citizens’ Platform (NCP), has welcomed the apology from the Dhaka University Chhatra Dal president for describing the July movement as “so-called.” Abdullah praised the president’s courage to admit his mistake rather than defend it, calling such humility commendable.

He further remarked that despite the passage of several months since the July-August uprising, there has been no official declaration or constitutional acknowledgment of it. Referring to global precedents such as Nepal and Bolivia, where revolutions were ratified through constitutional amendments, Abdullah emphasized the need for a similar approach in this case. He warned that in the absence of formal recognition, statements provoking fresh unrest may continue to emerge.

On Monday afternoon in Cumilla, angry protestors hurled rotten eggs at pro-Awami League lawyers while they were being escorted to a prison van. Among the targeted were the former president and secretary of the Cumilla Bar Association. This incident stems from a violent crackdown on students on August 3, during which shots were fired. A case was later filed on February 12 by Inzamamul Haque Rana, accusing 261 individuals, including 26 lawyers.

Following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, Islamic Unity Alliance leader Sakhawat Hossain Raji emphasized the need for swift electoral reforms and early elections. He stated, “The government and the Election Commission must ensure elections are held promptly once reforms are complete. True reform can only come through an elected government.” Raji also highlighted the need to eliminate the political “garbage” accumulated over the past 16 years, which he believes is crucial for free and fair elections. He noted that the difference between holding elections in June versus December is minimal, but reforms must come first.

BNP’s liaison committee met with representatives from the Nationalist-Like-Minded Alliance and the Labour Party. They reached a consensus on holding the national elections by December this year and stressed the urgency of publishing a clear electoral roadmap.