An investigative report by international outlet Muslim Mirror has revealed that more than 23 mosques, madrasas, eidgahs, and dargahs were demolished or partially removed across several Indian states in the past 45 days. The report noted that most incidents occurred in states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Authorities stated that the demolitions were part of drives to clear government land, remove unauthorized structures, and implement development projects.

Local Muslim communities, however, alleged that long-established religious sites were also targeted under these operations. Residents and affected individuals said that several mosques and dargahs had served as religious and social centers for years, and their sudden demolition caused anxiety and discontent in many areas. Community representatives described the incidents as alarming and called for impartial investigations, accountability, and rehabilitation for those affected.

Administrative officials reiterated that the actions were not aimed at any specific religious group but were part of broader urban development and anti-encroachment measures. Human rights and minority rights observers expressed concern and urged transparent investigations and protection of religious freedom and minority rights.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, paid a courtesy call on Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon at the Secretariat on Sunday. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between the two countries in education, particularly in technical and vocational training. Both sides discussed various initiatives aimed at improving educational development.

During the meeting, Minister Milon highlighted the government’s efforts to transform the population into skilled human resources by integrating technical education into the national curriculum. He noted that there are opportunities for Bangladesh and Pakistan to work together in this area. High Commissioner Haider emphasized Pakistan’s willingness to collaborate in educational advancement and invited the minister to visit Pakistan’s technical and vocational training programs.

At the end of the meeting, the Pakistani envoy presented 1,000 footballs as gifts for school and college students. Senior officials from both countries, including the education secretary and the director general of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, were present.

At a roundtable titled “Four Months of the Current Government: Expectations, Achievements and Tasks” held at the National Press Club on Sunday, Citizens for Good Governance (Sujan) stated that the government has yet to take any concrete steps to implement the July Charter or the referendum verdict. The organization said the implementation remains confined to formal speeches and political courtesies, warning that ignoring the spirit of the mass uprising could overshadow the government’s visible achievements.

Sujan observed that the government’s stance does not reflect respect for the 2024 mass uprising, noting silence on issues such as forming an upper house of parliament based on proportional representation or establishing a National Constitutional Council. Sujan Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar said that under the 1972 Constitution, the next national election should be held in 2029, but many constitutional aspects have changed following the uprising. He criticized the ousted administration of Sheikh Hasina as authoritarian, citing suppression of voting rights, free speech, and institutional collapse.

Sujan leaders emphasized that reforms must ensure employment, youth engagement, and institutional integrity, warning that failure to uphold the uprising’s spirit could erode public trust.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has strongly condemned Supreme Court lawyer Chaitali Chakraborty for allegedly making separatist and inflammatory remarks calling for a separate province for Hindus. In a joint statement issued to the media on Sunday, the group’s Amir Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Shaikh Sajidur Rahman demanded her immediate arrest and exemplary punishment under the law. They also urged the Bangladesh Bar Council to permanently revoke her legal license.

The statement accused Chakraborty’s comments of being an act of treason and a threat to the country’s sovereignty. Hefazat leaders claimed that such remarks were part of a deeper international conspiracy to destabilize Bangladesh and undermine its communal harmony. They also criticized the construction of what was described as “Asia’s largest Ram statue” in Palashbari, Gaibandha, alleging it was provoking local unrest.

Hefazat called on the government’s intelligence agencies to identify those behind the alleged plot and urged local authorities to take firm legal action to prevent any further communal tension in the area.

A large-scale International Yoga Day event on Kolkata’s historic Red Road, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drew both enthusiasm and political controversy. The event, held on Sunday with thousands of participants, also featured West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose and opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari. Preparations for the program included setting up a large stage and closing the road for several days.

The main controversy centered on the use of Red Road, with critics alleging unequal treatment in granting permission for public events. They pointed out that while permission for Eid prayers at the same location had previously been denied, the road was closed for an extended period for the yoga celebration. Social and political figures argued that uniform policies should apply to all religious and social gatherings held in public spaces.

During the event, Modi described yoga as a symbol of holistic well-being, mental peace, and social unity. Despite similar programs across West Bengal, the debate over Red Road’s use dominated public discussion that day.

State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari has announced that the viva or oral examination in Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) recruitment will continue with a total of 100 marks instead of the previous 200. He made the statement on Sunday during the 11th day of the second session of the 13th National Parliament in response to a question from Noakhali-6 MP Abdul Hannan Masud.

According to the minister, the rule was implemented through a special gazette notification (S.R.O. No. 412-I/2024) issued on December 11, 2024, by the Ministry of Public Administration. The revised system has already been applied from the ongoing 47th BCS examination. The 48th and 49th special BCS exams also followed the 100-mark viva format under the amended 2014 BCS regulations published on May 27, 2025.

The minister stated that this decision aims to make the BCS recruitment process more transparent, dynamic, and free from discrimination. The 100-mark viva system will remain in effect for the upcoming 50th BCS and all subsequent examinations.

US Vice President JD Vance declined to respond when journalists asked if he had a message for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting with Pakistani mediators in Switzerland. The bilateral meeting took place at the Burgenstock Resort near Lucerne, where Vance thanked the Pakistani delegation for attending but made no formal remarks. He is also scheduled to hold important discussions with Iranian officials later in the day.

The report notes that the Trump administration has recently expressed growing dissatisfaction with Israel’s ongoing military operations in Lebanon. Washington believes the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is undermining fragile ceasefire and diplomatic efforts with Tehran. In a Fox News interview, Vance acknowledged differences between the United States and Israel over how to achieve the goal of ending the Iran war.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that Vance’s recent comments highlight emerging policy divergences between Washington and Tel Aviv over strategies to manage the Middle East crisis.

Talks between Iran and the United States have begun in Switzerland, according to a statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions are being mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, with the aim of addressing key issues between the two nations.

Qatar’s foreign ministry said it hopes the meetings will help both sides reach a comprehensive and lasting agreement covering all matters outlined in a memorandum of understanding. The ministry added that the goal is to create an accord that resolves disputes and ensures long-term stability between Iran and the United States.

The discussions are expected to focus on bilateral relations, regional security, sanctions, and economic matters, which are considered central to the ongoing dialogue, according to the report.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has announced that Bangladesh is reviewing existing treaties and agreements related to transboundary water sharing. Speaking in the National Parliament on Sunday, he said the government is committed to securing the country’s fair share of water from international rivers and has included this issue in its election manifesto. The review aims to strengthen the Joint Rivers Commission and promote integrated management with India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.

The minister acknowledged that upstream infrastructure in neighboring countries has reduced water flow into Bangladesh during the dry season. He also cited natural and climate change factors as contributing to declining water availability. In response to parliamentary questions, he detailed ongoing and planned projects, including excavation or re-excavation of 366 kilometers of canals by June under a 180-day program and a five-year plan to excavate or re-excavate 9,046 kilometers of waterways nationwide.

Anee further emphasized the importance of the Padma Barrage Project for national interests, water resource management, agriculture, fisheries, environment, and regional economic development, noting that it has been approved after thorough evaluation.

A section of the Teesta embankment near Mahipur Bridge in Gangachara, Rangpur, began collapsing after India opened the gates of the Gajoldoba barrage, causing the river’s water level to approach the danger mark. Between Saturday afternoon and Sunday noon, about 50 meters of the embankment were washed away, creating a hole over 70 meters deep. Local residents warned that without urgent protective measures, the second Teesta Bridge and the Rangpur–Lalmonirhat regional road could face severe damage.

Around 30,000 to 35,000 people use the Mahipur Teesta road bridge daily, and the sudden erosion has caused widespread fear among locals. Over a thousand families in three villages of Lakshmitari Union are now at direct risk of isolation due to potential road disconnection. Lakshmitari Union Parishad Chairman Abdullah Al Hadi blamed previous negligence by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) for the worsening situation, saying earlier bamboo piling works had failed.

Gangachara Upazila Executive Officer Jesmin Akter said the site had been inspected and LGED was informed for necessary action.

Authorities have frozen three bank accounts of India’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) containing about ₹440 crore, placing them under a ‘debit freeze’ that prevents any withdrawals or outward transfers. The move followed a formal complaint by ten rebel TMC legislators demanding an investigation into the source of the funds. A senior police officer confirmed that the accounts, held in a private bank, remain operational only for deposits.

The freeze comes amid escalating internal conflict within the TMC after its recent assembly election defeat. Rival factions led by former minister Aroop Biswas and opposition leader Ritabrata Banerjee have been contesting control over the party’s finances and organization. The rebel legislators alleged that the funds may have originated from illegal activities such as misuse of public money or unauthorized collections, urging a full criminal investigation.

Party insiders said they are awaiting official notice of the freeze. Analysts noted that the suspension of account operations could severely disrupt TMC’s routine expenses and political activities until the leadership dispute and investigation are resolved.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that under a preliminary agreement with the United States aimed at ending conflict, $6 billion in Iranian funds frozen in Qatar will be returned. Citing Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Pezeshkian said all clauses of the memorandum of understanding favor Iran and that the results of the negotiations will soon become clear.

He added that US President Donald Trump, who had previously spoken of imposing restrictions on Iran, has now recognized those same issues as the rights of the Iranian people. Pezeshkian also remarked that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be the most dissatisfied person with the outcome of the talks held in Switzerland.

According to Pezeshkian, the only condition set by the United States is that Iran must not possess a nuclear bomb. He reiterated that Iran has long opposed developing nuclear weapons, citing a religious decree issued by the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian said Iran accepted and signed the written condition presented by the US.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced 13 individuals to death in seven cases related to crimes against humanity committed in July 2024. A total of 59 accused were convicted, with the remaining defendants receiving life imprisonment or varying prison terms. The information was presented by Law Minister Anisul Huq during a parliamentary question session on Sunday, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

Responding to a question from Jamaat-e-Islami MP Masum Mostafa of Netrakona-5, the minister stated that 80 cases had been filed over the July 2024 atrocities. Of these, verdicts have been delivered in seven cases, while proceedings in 73 others are ongoing. Among the ongoing cases, 22 are at the testimony stage and 51 remain under investigation.

According to the minister, a total of 463 individuals have been accused in these crimes against humanity cases. Of them, 174 have been arrested, 288 remain fugitives, one has died, and one has been acquitted.

Former Member of Parliament for Lakshmipur-4 (Ramgati-Kamalnagar), freedom fighter, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) leader Mosharraf Hossain passed away early Saturday night at a private hospital in Dhaka. He was 78 years old. His death was confirmed Sunday morning by Professor Mahbube Elahi Sani of Lakshmipur Government College, who said the deceased was his uncle-in-law. Family sources said Hossain had been suffering from age-related illnesses and was admitted to LabAid Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment.

According to the family, his funeral prayer will be held Sunday after Asr at Alexander Pilot High School field in Ramgati upazila, followed by burial at the family graveyard. He is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters, and numerous relatives and admirers.

Mosharraf Hossain was a valiant organizer during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, serving as the zonal commander of the Joy Bangla Bahini (BLF) in Noakhali and Hatiya. He was a former vice president of Dhaka University’s Shahidullah Hall Students’ Union and later became JASAD’s central vice president. Elected to parliament in 1988, he contributed to local development and contested again in the 2024 national election. His death has drawn widespread mourning across political, social, and cultural circles.

Bangladesh has formally begun work on its first integrated National Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), marking a major step in long-term aviation sector planning. The initiative was launched on Sunday at a workshop titled “Civil Aviation Master Planning Overview” held at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka. Organized by the ICAO Gold-certified Civil Aviation Academy under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and with technical support from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the event was inaugurated by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita).

According to the workshop, the proposed master plan will outline development goals, priorities, and strategic directions for the next 20 to 30 years or more. It will cover airport infrastructure upgrades, modernization of air navigation services, airline expansion, human resource development, safety improvements, and environmental sustainability. Minister Afroza Khanam said the government aims to make Bangladesh a leading aviation hub in South and Southeast Asia by 2034 under its “Bangladesh First” election manifesto.

Officials stated that the plan is expected to be finalized within the next one to one and a half years, with the workshop’s guidance contributing to sustainable aviation growth, trade, tourism, and economic progress.