NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah emphasized the importance of recognizing positive government actions alongside criticisms. In a Facebook post, he praised Adviser Faizul Kabir Khan for reducing outstanding dues in the power and energy sector from $3.2 billion to $800 million. He also noted significant improvements in Eid transportation and uninterrupted power supply across the country. Highlighting Khan’s decision to commute by train and open railway hospitals to the public, Hasnat applauded his humility and leadership. He further commended Khan’s rare practice of taking responsibility for road accidents and his development initiatives in Sandwip without seeking personal credit.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed clarified that the July movement was not a revolution but a mass democratic uprising driven by students and citizens. Criticizing the interim government as unelected, he asserted that the public will be reminded daily of this fact. He accused the administration of manipulating electoral narratives while suppressing democratic rights.

The Pahela Baishakh celebration at DC Hill in Chattogram was abruptly canceled after unknown individuals vandalized the event stage on Sunday evening. According to organizer Sucharit Das Khokon, 30 to 40 youths stormed the venue shouting slogans like “Beware of the dictator’s accomplices.” They tore down banners and decorations. Police detained six suspects, but organizers claimed they received no immediate help and called off Monday’s event.

In an interview with TRT World, Advisor Mahfuz Alam stated that the interim government is actively working toward Bangladesh’s democratic transition. The administration is focused on repairing institutions destabilized during the Hasina regime and ensuring justice for enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Institutional reform, accountability, and fair elections remain the top priorities.

The draft protocol for seamless passenger and cargo movement among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) has been finalized, a decade after the original agreement was signed. This is South Asia’s first such initiative aimed at strengthening cross-border trade and connectivity. However, observers worry that India’s recent revocation of transshipment benefits to Bangladesh may hinder the agreement’s implementation.

Over 100 students of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) entered the campus on Sunday after 52 days of closure and began a sit-in in front of the administrative building demanding dormitories be reopened by 8 PM. Despite a university ban, the students bypassed restrictions, prompting the administration to deploy additional security. After negotiations, students were allowed in upon ID verification. However, university authorities clarified that reopening dorms requires a Syndicate meeting decision. Students warned of stricter protests if their demand is unmet.

On Sunday morning, 11 coaches of the Dhaka-bound Kalni Express became detached while the train was passing through Mominchhara Tea Garden area on the Fenchuganj-Kulaura railway line. Stationmaster Abu Sayeed confirmed the incident and said it took two hours to reattach the carriages. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the train resumed its journey toward Dhaka from Bhatera station around 9 AM.

Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA, announced that the recent investment summit attracted preliminary proposals worth BDT 3,100 crore. While the government spent around BDT 1.5 crore, partners contributed BDT 3.5 crore. Ashiq noted that the summit should not be evaluated by cost alone and emphasized that many deals were built on prior negotiations. Delegates from 50 countries participated, with foreign investors making up 58% of attendees. Meanwhile, ten proposed economic zones have been canceled.

To reduce confusion among worshippers, the Islamic Foundation has instructed all mosques in Bangladesh to hold Jummah prayers at 1:30 PM. Currently, mosques observe different timings—ranging from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM—causing difficulties for devout Muslims, especially travelers. The unified schedule aims to create consistency and ease of worship.

Health Advisor Nurjahan Begum announced that China will fund the construction of a 1,000-bed hospital in Rangpur as a gift to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. Additionally, China is providing a rehabilitation center equipped with robotic physiotherapy facilities, which will be installed at the Bangladesh Medical University. The equipment has already arrived at Chattogram Port and will initially serve victims of the July uprising before being made available to the general public.

Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) leader Abu Raihan stated that any call for elections without addressing war crimes and structural reforms will be rejected by the people. He warned that premature elections could lead to renewed instability and accused certain parties of using elections for personal gain. Abu Raihan emphasized that foreign prescriptions for governance are no longer acceptable and stressed the importance of recognizing the July uprising as a second independence movement. During an event, 180 July movement victims were issued health cards by the Civil Surgeon’s Office in Cumilla.

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck near Meiktila in central Myanmar on Sunday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. No casualties or damages have been reported yet. This tremor comes amid ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating 7.7-magnitude quake on March 28, which killed 3,649 people and injured over 5,000, as reported by Myanmar’s military government spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed gratitude for the successful “March for Gaza” campaign. He apologized for any mistakes during the implementation of the program and condemned attacks on business establishments in Gazipur, urging authorities to identify and punish those involved. He emphasized that organizers repeatedly warned participants against engaging in such acts, and those responsible, regardless of their intent, must be held accountable.

Deputy Secretary of the Security Services Division, Neelima Afroze, confirmed that the “Except Israel” clause has been reintroduced in Bangladeshi passports. A gazette notification has also been issued in this regard. The National Revolutionary Council had demanded its reinstatement, launching a movement and submitting a memorandum to the Home Affairs Advisor on March 18. Several groups including Shibir, Dhaka University faculty, and participants in the “March for Gaza” also raised this demand. The advisor called it a logical step.

Dhaka University Proctor Prof. Saifuddin Ahmed has confirmed that the individual responsible for setting fire to two decorative motifs prepared for the Pahela Baishakh procession at the Faculty of Fine Arts has been identified. The accused is Rabiul Islam Rakib, a student of the Arabic department and a former activist of the now-banned Chhatra League faction. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sajjad Ali announced that Rakib will be arrested before the start of the New Year’s procession on Monday.