Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya, criticized the proposed national budget for 2026–27, saying it lacks direction on reducing inequality, resolving industrial and gas crises, reforming financial, administrative, and judicial systems, creating employment, and ensuring healthcare. He made these remarks on Sunday at a seminar titled “Populist Budget Review; Welfare State Perspective on Budget 2026–27,” organized by Nagorik Oikya at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital.

Manna argued that the budget offers no concrete measures for the middle and lower-income groups and fails to ensure any real benefits for citizens. He warned that without reform, the government would lose public support. He also highlighted the need for structural changes in the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to meet revenue targets, noting that last year’s deficit remained unresolved. He further called for improving the quality of the National Parliament and its members to ensure meaningful budget discussions.

Other speakers at the seminar included former senior secretary Abu Alam Mohammad Shahid Khan, researcher Altaf Parvez, former acting vice-chancellor of IBAIS University Dr. Arifur Rahman, and journalist Hasan Mamun.

Islami Chhatra Shibir has strongly condemned the killing of its Bonarpara Union president Saifullah in Gaibandha’s Saghata upazila, alleging that armed BNP activists carried out a brutal attack on Sunday afternoon. In a joint statement sent to the media, Shibir’s central president Nurul Islam and secretary general Sibgatullah said the incident occurred following a dispute over forming a school governing committee. Saifullah was reportedly stabbed to death at Bonarpara intersection, while another person named Salahuddin was seriously injured and hospitalized.

The Shibir leaders described the killing as a violation of the rule of law and human values, claiming it reflected a broader pattern of violence by BNP activists after a recent mass uprising. They accused BNP members of engaging in extortion, land grabbing, and intimidation across the country, alleging that the government’s failure to maintain law and order has worsened the situation.

They demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in Saifullah’s murder and announced a protest march in Dhaka from the Central Shaheed Minar to Shahbagh on Sunday night.

Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) Vice President Mostakur Rahman Zahid emphasized that patriotic youth should focus on building a beautiful nation by developing their talents and achieving strong academic results. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while addressing an HSC examinees’ prayer and farewell event organized by the Islami Chhatra Shibir branch of Baraigram Government Honors College in Natore.

During his speech, Zahid highlighted that success in life requires a combination of morality, perseverance, and self-confidence. He added that both academic and moral education are essential for personal development and for contributing to national progress. The event was presided over by college unit president Suman Hossain and featured Professor Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun of Rajshahi University’s Islamic Studies Department as the main speaker.

Other guests included district and upazila leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jamaat-e-Islami. The program concluded with the distribution of gifts to the participating students by the chief guest.

A local leader of Islami Chhatra Shibir was killed and another activist critically injured in a daylight knife attack in Bonarpara area of Saghata upazila, Gaibandha, on Sunday afternoon. The deceased, Saifullah, was president of Bonarpara Union Chhatra Shibir, while the injured, Salauddin, was admitted to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura. Witnesses said the attack occurred around 2:45 p.m. near Bonarpara intersection.

According to local sources, the incident followed an earlier dispute at the upazila premises over forming the managing committee of Kochua Government Primary School. The argument involved Bonarpara Union Jubo Dal convener Mukul Mia and the school’s head teacher, which was later settled through mediation by local leaders including Saifullah. About ten minutes after the settlement, Mukul Mia, his brother Palash, BNP member Robiul Islam, and several others allegedly attacked Saifullah and Salauddin with sharp weapons.

Police confirmed one death and said an investigation is underway to determine the motive and identify those responsible. Authorities stated that legal action will follow once the investigation is complete.

US Vice President JD Vance has indicated that relations between the United States and Iran may be entering a new phase after years of tension and hostility. Following a peace-focused meeting, Vance said both nations now see opportunities to work together for peace and prosperity. He described the discussions as having made 'significant progress' but also blamed Iran for contributing to regional instability over the years.

Vance added that President Donald Trump has urged his administration to begin a 'new chapter' in relations with the Iranian people, emphasizing Washington’s desire to move beyond past conflicts and reshape bilateral ties. The statement reflects a cautious optimism about the potential for cooperation despite lingering mistrust.

Analysts cited in the report noted that this positive message could help ease long-standing tensions between the two countries. However, they warned that lasting improvement would depend on resolving complex issues such as regional security, Iran’s nuclear program, and mutual distrust.

Bangladesh’s Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain said that the country’s greatest opportunity for advancement lies in effectively utilizing technology. Speaking as the chief guest at the opening of a two-day seminar titled “Evaluation of Research Progress and Acquired Knowledge of Science and Technology Fellowship Trust Fellows” at the National Science and Technology Complex in Agargaon, Dhaka, he emphasized the need to harness the nation’s intellectual and innovative capacity.

The secretary noted that while many countries possess wealth and resources, they often lack the necessary human capital. In contrast, Bangladesh has a young population, with about 65 percent under the youth category, which he described as a major strength. He stressed that this demographic advantage must be used productively to drive national development.

Hossain also remarked that artificial intelligence cannot solve all problems, as it can only suggest but not make decisions. He expressed confidence that Bangladesh’s young scientists will achieve significant success in the future.

Police in Chowgacha, Jessore recovered the throat-slit body of a security guard named Atiar Rahman, aged 40, on Sunday afternoon. The body was found under water hyacinths in a canal beside the Ber Gobindapur Baor area. Atiar, a physically disabled man from Laskarpur village in Chowgacha Sadar Union, worked as a guard at the Baor and also operated an electric motor to irrigate nearby farmland.

According to police and family sources, Atiar left home for work on Saturday but did not return. His family began searching for him, and locals later discovered his body in the canal. Police arrived at the scene and recovered the body, noting multiple sharp weapon injuries on different parts of his body.

Chowgacha Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mamunur Rashid confirmed the incident and said that police are working to uncover the motive and circumstances behind the killing.

During the national parliament session on Sunday, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed asked ruling party reserved seat MP Nilufar Chowdhury Moni to conclude her speech within two minutes as her allotted time had expired. The incident occurred during the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year.

Earlier in her speech, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni criticized opposition members for their remarks about the budget, particularly claims that no allocation was made for Qawmi madrasas. She defended her party, saying the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) works for the entire nation under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. She also accused some MPs of making false claims about being children of freedom fighters.

In response, Speaker Hafiz Uddin clarified that the MP previously mentioned had made an unintentional mistake, describing it as a slip of the tongue that had already been addressed in parliament.

A man named Mohammad Harun allegedly hacked his younger brother Nazrul Islam, 42, to death inside a mosque in the Kazirhat area of Mehendiganj upazila, Barishal, on Sunday afternoon. The attack reportedly stemmed from a long-running dispute over family land. Local residents and police sources confirmed that the brothers had argued several times before the fatal incident.

According to police, Harun attacked Nazrul with a sharp weapon while performing prayers, leaving him critically injured. Locals rescued the victim and took him to Muladi Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. The Kazirhat Police Station officer-in-charge, Md Siddiqur Rahman, said police quickly reached the scene and brought the situation under control.

Police stated that Harun fled after the killing, and efforts are underway to apprehend him soon.

Bangladesh’s National Parliament witnessed heated exchanges on Sunday during discussions on the proposed 2026–27 national budget after NCP lawmaker Hannan Masud accused the Prime Minister of making false statements. Masud alleged that the Prime Minister had delivered misleading remarks about opposition protests over price hikes of alcohol and cigarettes, and about loan-related issues. Members of the ruling party strongly objected, demanding that his comments be expunged from the record.

Opposition lawmakers countered by asking the government to specify which parts of Masud’s remarks were false, arguing that criticism of the Prime Minister’s statements was a democratic right. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, presiding over the session, said he would review the matter before making a decision. The debate also saw interventions from BNP MP Zainal Abdin Faruk, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, each defending their respective positions.

The Deputy Speaker later urged members to maintain parliamentary decorum and assured that all disputed remarks would be examined before any ruling is issued.

A national seminar titled “Feasibility Study on Legislation for Determining the Degree of Criminal Punishment” was held on Sunday at the Law Commission’s conference room in Dhaka. Organized by the Law Commission, the event aimed to develop a unified, transparent, and fair framework for determining sentencing levels in Bangladesh’s criminal justice system. Speakers discussed ways to resolve inconsistencies in verdicts under the same law and emphasized the need for clear sentencing guidelines.

Law Minister Md. Anisul Huq, attending as chief guest, said stakeholder consultations are held at the start of any lawmaking process and their opinions are valued. He highlighted that laws undergo detailed review at multiple levels before finalization, which helps make them more effective and acceptable. The minister also stressed the importance of studying sentencing guidelines from countries like the United Kingdom to build a suitable model for Bangladesh.

Speakers noted that the absence of clear legal guidance currently leads to variations in sentencing for similar offenses, undermining public trust in justice. They argued that a dedicated sentencing law could enhance transparency, consistency, and confidence in the judicial system.

Police in Nilphamari’s Jaldhaka upazila arrested Saiful Islam (Mukul), chairman of the 2 No. Dauyabari Union Parishad and president of the local Awami League, in connection with a case related to an anti-discrimination movement. The arrest took place on Sunday afternoon at the Dauyabari Union Parishad office, where police conducted an operation to detain him.

According to police sources, Saiful Islam was a named accused in the GR 12/24 case concerning the anti-discrimination movement. The case had been under judicial process for a long time, prompting the operation to bring him under legal custody. Jaldhaka Police Station’s officer-in-charge Nazmul Alam confirmed that Saiful was arrested from the Union Parishad office and later sent to court under tight security after completing legal formalities.

Local sources added that Saiful Islam is also facing trial in a separate 2013 murder case, but police clarified that the current arrest is solely related to the anti-discrimination movement case.

State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque has assured that the bodies of five Bangladeshi workers killed in a road accident in Qatar will be brought back to Bangladesh as soon as possible. He described the deaths of these expatriates, who contributed to the national economy, as deeply tragic. The statement was issued through a press release from the ministry on Sunday.

According to the ministry, the labor wing of the Bangladesh Embassy in Qatar has been instructed to prioritize financial compensation for the victims’ families. The government has pledged to stand by the bereaved families during this difficult time. The accident occurred on Sunday morning in Qatar’s Shahaniya area, claiming the lives of five expatriate Bangladeshis from Kanaighat upazila in Sylhet. The incident has cast a shadow of grief over their home community.

The ministry’s assurance aims to ensure swift repatriation and support for the affected families, reflecting the government’s commitment to the welfare of overseas workers.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday night at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. His flight landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 8:45 p.m. local time. At the VVIP terminal, he was received by Malaysia’s Minister for Religious Affairs Zulkifli Hasan and his spouse, along with Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury. Earlier in the day, Rahman departed Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a special Bangladesh Biman flight at 2:45 p.m.

According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, Rahman was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman. Several senior officials, including LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, and foreign diplomats, were present at the airport to see him off. This marks Rahman’s first foreign trip since assuming office as Prime Minister on February 17.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to complete his two-day official visit to Malaysia and begin a state visit to China on Monday night.

Rashed Khan Menon, a local Awami League leader in Barishal, died after jumping from the roof of his house on Sunday afternoon to avoid arrest. The incident occurred in Ward No. 1 of Barishal City Corporation. Menon served as the general secretary of the ward-level Awami League and was known as a follower of former mayor and city Awami League general secretary Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah.

According to police, Menon was a banned Awami League leader accused in multiple cases and allegedly involved in anti-government activities. When police arrived at his residence to arrest him, he reportedly jumped from the roof. Kawniya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sanjit Nath stated that police failed to detain him and later received news of his death after the fall.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding banned political activities in Barishal, though further details about the investigation or official response were not provided in the report.