The '36 July Memorial' in Chattogram’s New Market area, built to honor the martyrs of the July Revolution, has turned into a garbage dump less than three months after its inauguration on February 5, 2026. The site, located on railway land behind a police box, is now surrounded by waste, weeds, and debris. Locals report that the area has become a hub for drug users and muggers at night, while nearby traders and drivers use it as a dumping ground and parking space, creating noise, pollution, and foul odor.

Local activists, July Revolution veterans, and civic groups have expressed outrage, calling the neglect a sign of government disregard for the movement’s legacy. They accuse various authorities—including the district administration, railway, and public works department—of shifting responsibility instead of maintaining the site. Activists also criticized the memorial’s hidden location and lack of visibility.

Chattogram’s Additional Deputy Commissioner Sharif Uddin acknowledged the problem, citing public irresponsibility and promising sustainable cleaning measures through a coordination committee involving relevant agencies.

A severe shortage of safe drinking water has persisted for years in the hilly border areas of Durgapur upazila in Netrokona. Thousands of residents in Kullagora and Sadar unions, including villages such as Gopalpur, Bhabanipur, Fanda, Baromari, Bharatpur, and Gazikona, are forced to collect and drink dirty water from mountain streams. Locals, including elderly residents like Minati Hajong, described the daily hardship of fetching water from muddy sources, often leading to illness.

Community members expressed frustration that despite repeated appeals, no permanent solution has been implemented. Leaders from the Hajong community, including the president of the Bangladesh National Hajong Organization, urged the government to launch a large-scale project to supply clean water through pipelines. Public Health Engineering Department officials acknowledged the challenge of installing deep tube wells due to rocky soil but said a project has been proposed and will begin once approved.

Local authorities, including the upazila executive officer and the area’s member of parliament, stated that deep tube wells are being allocated and installed gradually to ensure safe water access for all affected villages.

More than 60 countries have jointly condemned recent Israeli attacks on United Nations peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon. The coordinated statement, initiated by Indonesia, described the assaults as unacceptable and called for immediate measures to ensure the safety of peacekeeping personnel. The joint declaration followed a series of incidents that left peacekeepers from France, Ghana, Indonesia, Nepal, and Poland injured.

The coalition of nations also expressed deep concern over Lebanon’s worsening humanitarian situation, citing widespread civilian casualties, infrastructure destruction, and the displacement of over one million people. The United Nations reported that preliminary findings indicated one peacekeeper was killed by Israeli tank fire on March 29, while two others died the following day from an explosive device that the UN assessed was likely planted by Hezbollah.

The statement urged all parties involved to respect international law and take immediate steps to protect UN personnel operating in the conflict zone.

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, has refused India’s proposal to move to a third country such as Qatar. She fled to India on August 5, 2024, following a nationwide uprising that forced her from power and has remained in Delhi since then. Despite repeated requests from the Bangladeshi government for her repatriation, New Delhi has declined, creating a diplomatic dilemma for the Modi administration.

Analysts note that India’s stance has become contradictory. While the government publicly campaigns against illegal immigration from Bangladesh, it continues to shelter Hasina and other former Bangladeshi leaders who entered without proper documentation. This inconsistency, they argue, undermines India’s credibility both domestically and in its relations with Dhaka.

Diplomatic sources suggest India initially sought to reorganize Bangladesh’s Awami League leadership through intermediaries but failed due to Hasina’s firm refusal to cooperate. Observers believe her continued stay has turned into a political burden for India, complicating its efforts to balance regional diplomacy and internal policy narratives.

Bangladesh’s interim government has introduced major reforms in Hajj management for 2025 and 2026, focusing on transparency, cost reduction, and administrative efficiency. Under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the government enforced strict anti-corruption measures, cancelled licenses of errant agencies, and enhanced oversight. The ‘Labbayk’ mobile app was launched to streamline registration, flight information, and emergency support. Around 87,000 pilgrims successfully completed Hajj in 2025, with improved services including trained guides, medical centers, and digital tracking.

Financial transparency was strengthened through refunding surplus funds to pilgrims and recovering about 380 million taka from Saudi accounts of Hajj agencies. The government reduced airfare by about 40,000 taka over two years and set the 2026 minimum Hajj package at 467,167 taka, significantly easing financial pressure on pilgrims. It also decided not to send anyone on government expense, ensuring fairness and cost control.

A sudden Saudi decision to cut Bangladesh’s Hajj quota from 80,000 to 60,000 was later reversed through diplomatic engagement, restoring the full quota. Officials described the 2026 preparations as disciplined, technology-driven, and among the most successful in the country’s history.

Iran and the United States agreed to a temporary ceasefire late Tuesday, 39 days after their conflict began, with Pakistan mediating the deal. A key goal was reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, but Iran has kept it closed after Israel, backed by the U.S., continued attacks in Lebanon. Tehran has instead released an alternative shipping route to avoid mines and requires vessels to coordinate with its navy. Iranian officials insist the strait’s reopening depends on U.S. restraint and regional stability.

Disagreement persists over whether Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire. Israel’s airstrikes in Lebanon have killed at least 303 people and injured over 1,165, prompting condemnation from Lebanese and Iranian leaders. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that continued Israeli attacks would render talks meaningless, while Hezbollah retaliated with rocket fire into northern Israel. U.S. and Iranian delegations are set to meet in Islamabad on Saturday to discuss the truce.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard imposed a one-dollar-per-barrel toll on oil shipments through Hormuz, payable in cryptocurrency or Chinese yuan, during the ceasefire period. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for further negotiations.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Thursday sentenced two police officers to death for the murder of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, recognized as the first martyr of the July 24 Revolution. The tribunal also handed life imprisonment to three others, ten-year sentences to five, five-year sentences to eight, and three-year sentences to eleven individuals. Those convicted include police officials, university teachers, administrators, doctors, and student leaders. The verdict was delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury.

The tribunal found the 30 accused guilty of crimes against humanity, including targeted and systematic killings, political persecution, and joint criminal responsibility. Six of the accused are currently in custody, while 24 remain fugitives. The prosecution expressed satisfaction with the verdict but may appeal after reviewing the full judgment. In contrast, the defense announced plans to appeal, claiming unfair sentencing.

Abu Sayeed’s family and fellow students expressed dissatisfaction, saying more perpetrators deserved capital punishment. The prosecution and victims’ families called for the swift execution of the death sentences and the arrest of those still at large.

An eleven-party alliance in Rangpur city distributed leaflets on Thursday evening demanding the implementation of the recent referendum verdict. The campaign took place around the Rangpur Press Club and Jahaj Company intersection, with leaders from various parties including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party participating.

During the event, Rangpur city Jamaat-e-Islami chief ATM Azam Khan alleged that despite the February 12 election result supporting the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council, the government has ignored the public mandate. He accused the authorities of betraying the people by disregarding the referendum outcome and obstructing state reform efforts. Khan further claimed that the government’s unilateral decisions undermine democratic values and weaken judicial independence and constitutional neutrality.

He warned that if the government delays implementing the referendum verdict, a mass movement will be launched. The alliance leaders urged citizens to unite for the realization of the referendum’s mandate through continued public awareness efforts.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North unit held a leaflet distribution program at Moghbazar intersection in the capital on Thursday afternoon. The event was inaugurated by Mohammad Selim Uddin, a central executive council member and the unit’s amir. He stated that the people had spontaneously given a historic public mandate in favor of implementing the July Charter and demanded that the government fully implement it, including every detail. He warned that otherwise, the people would be compelled to enforce the mandate themselves.

The campaign was part of an 11-party initiative aimed at raising public awareness under the slogan calling for the immediate convening of the Constitutional Reform Council, implementation of the referendum verdict, and resolution of the energy crisis. Several central and local Jamaat leaders attended the event. Selim Uddin criticized the government for allegedly ignoring the referendum results, claiming that about 70 percent of voters had supported it. He accused the authorities of attempting to undermine the public verdict through authoritarian means.

He urged the government to act wisely and return to a positive course before it is too late, emphasizing that conscious citizens would resist any attempt to subvert the people’s will.

Farmers in northern Bangladesh, particularly in Bogura, Joypurhat, and Rangpur, are facing severe financial losses despite a bumper potato harvest this season. Wholesale prices have dropped to 8–12 taka per kilogram, far below the production cost of 14–18 taka. As a result, farmers are losing 15,000–25,000 taka per bigha, with total regional losses estimated between 1,200 and 1,500 crore taka over the past two seasons.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, potato cultivation and yields have increased by 10–15 percent in recent years, but the lack of minimum price protection has left farmers vulnerable. High transportation costs and limited access to cold storage—where rental fees reach 300–400 taka per maund—have forced many to sell their crops at low prices. Cold storage owners confirmed that corporate buyers and middlemen often book space in advance, leaving little room for small farmers.

Agricultural officials acknowledged that market pricing falls under the jurisdiction of the marketing department. Experts suggested introducing a minimum support price system for potatoes to prevent recurring losses and discourage farmers from abandoning the crop.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it would be “dumb” for the United States to let Israel jeopardize the regional ceasefire by continuing its attacks on Lebanon, which have killed hundreds since the truce began. Araghchi linked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions to his upcoming corruption trial, suggesting the Israeli leader has personal motives for prolonging the conflict. He warned that if Washington allows Netanyahu to “kill diplomacy,” it would harm the US economy, adding that Tehran is prepared for such an outcome.

The dispute over whether Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire has become a major threat to the truce’s survival. Iranian officials and media have hinted at possible military responses or even blocking the Strait of Hormuz if the ceasefire is not enforced in Lebanon. Meanwhile, US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have urged restraint, and former President Donald Trump said he told Israel to scale back operations.

Despite these calls, Israeli strikes have intensified, killing more than 300 people in Lebanon, including rescuers in Borj Qalaouiye, and prompting displacement orders in Beirut’s Jnah area.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that his government is ready to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon, following Israeli airstrikes that killed more than 300 people across Lebanon a day earlier. Netanyahu said the talks would focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between the two countries. The announcement came amid escalating violence that has endangered a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said he was pursuing a diplomatic track viewed positively by international actors, while Lebanon’s cabinet ordered security forces to restrict weapons in Beirut to state institutions. Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad rejected direct talks with Israel, insisting that a ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal must precede any negotiations. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported at least 303 deaths and over 1,000 injuries from Israeli strikes, prompting a national day of mourning.

The ongoing conflict, which began on March 2, has displaced more than 1.2 million people, according to the United Nations. Iran has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, while the US maintains Lebanon is not covered by the truce. Delegations from the US and Iran are expected to meet in Islamabad on Saturday to discuss ending the war.

Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, declared a “final victory” in the war with Israel and the United States, as a fragile ceasefire faces renewed strain from Israeli attacks on Lebanon. In a televised statement marking 40 days since the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israeli strike, Khamenei said Iran had “astonished the world” during the conflict. He emphasized that Tehran was not seeking war but defending its legitimate rights, vowing to punish those responsible for attacks on Iran and to seek compensation for damages and casualties.

The statement came a day after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, aimed at opening negotiations following weeks of hostilities that disrupted Gulf shipping and nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz. Under the deal, Iran allowed shipping to resume through the strait, reportedly with plans to impose tolls to fund reconstruction.

However, Israeli air strikes in Lebanon that killed more than 300 people have cast doubt on the truce, as the parties dispute whether Lebanon was included in the agreement. Delegations from Iran and the US are expected to meet in Pakistan on Saturday for talks on ending the war.

Police in Chattogram’s Bayezid area have arrested Sadeq Abdullah, a leader linked to the July Movement, in connection with a case filed by the Muniria Youth Tabligh, a religious organization based in Raozan. The case involves allegations of bribing a prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal. Bayezid police said Abdullah was wanted under a court warrant issued in the case and would be handed over to Raozan police.

The Muniria Youth Tabligh, associated with the Awami League, has long faced criticism for alleged land grabbing, intimidation, and militant activities under a religious guise. Its leader, Munir Ullah, has been accused of various irregularities. Abdullah, a student of Haji Muhammad Mohsin College and linked to Islami Chhatra Shibir, was an active participant in the 2024 July–August student movement.

Family members and political figures, including a senior official of the National Citizen Party, condemned the arrest, calling it politically motivated and demanding Abdullah’s release within 24 hours. Police maintained that the arrest was carried out strictly under judicial orders.

The South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) has warned that Bangladesh’s economy could face negative impacts if global energy markets become unstable due to the ongoing military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran. In a statement issued on Thursday, SANEM said rising energy prices could reduce GDP growth, exports, imports, garment sector output, and agricultural production, while inflation would increase and real incomes decline.

According to SANEM’s analysis, if global crude oil prices rise by about 40 percent and LNG prices by 50 percent, Bangladesh’s real GDP growth could fall by around 1.2 percent. Exports might drop by 2 percent and imports by 1.5 percent. Consumer prices could rise by up to 4 percent, and real wages might decline by 1 percent, reducing purchasing power. The report also warned that a prolonged closure of the Hormuz Strait could cause a severe energy crisis, as 72 percent of Bangladesh’s imported LNG comes from Qatar and the UAE.

SANEM noted inconsistencies between government austerity and energy rationing policies and their implementation. It recommended boosting renewable energy investment, infrastructure development, tax-free equipment supply, and low-interest loans to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and stabilize the economy in the long term.