Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ekushey Padak-winning artist Mustafa Zaman Abbasi. In a condolence message, he said Abbasi’s contributions to Bangladeshi music will be forever remembered. “As a multi-talented artist from a legendary musical family, his songs and research will continue to inspire creativity in our cultural sphere,” Yunus stated. Abbasi passed away early Saturday morning at a hospital in Banani.

Bangladeshi potato farmers are urging the Ministry of Agriculture to revise seed potato pricing, claiming they are forced to sell produce at prices far below production costs. In FY 2023–24, farmers bought foundation seeds from BADC at Tk 48–54 per kg but had to sell the harvested seed potatoes to BADC for only Tk 35–37 per kg, despite open market prices ranging between Tk 70–80. Bound by contract, they couldn't sell elsewhere, leading to significant losses. The same issue has resurfaced in FY 2024–25, prompting renewed calls for price revision.

The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is currently operating under an acting Director General, as the top position remains officially vacant. Despite its critical role in promoting arts and culture, the academy has not seen a permanent appointment for some time, raising concerns about its operational continuity and strategic direction.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam announced that the licensing of media outlets during the former government’s tenure will undergo investigation. He accused the previous administration of manipulating media to justify abductions, extrajudicial killings, and other abuses. Alam also urged media outlets not to produce content that supports fascism. He criticized some outlets for labeling the July uprising as a movement and for referring to the current government as a transitional regime. “More people were killed in Bangladesh between July 19 and August 5 last year than in Gaza during the same period,” he said.

Food adviser Ali Imam Majumder noted that rice prices are now becoming more affordable, but emphasized that prices shouldn't drop excessively, to ensure farmers receive fair value. “Fair pricing will encourage production,” he said. Highlighting a bumper Boro harvest, he discussed improvements in storage infrastructure, including the conversion of the Narayanganj port warehouse into a silo. Majumder also mentioned that Bangladesh consumes 7 million tons of wheat annually, while domestic production remains at just 1 million tons—making imports essential.

The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, under the Ministry of Industries, awarded Geographical Indication (GI) certificates during a special event marking World Intellectual Property Day 2025. Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Fouzia Khan, received the GI certificates on behalf of the district for Rata Boro rice and Austagram cheese. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Kishoreganj’s agricultural and food industries and is expected to enhance the reputation and market value of these local products.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen visited mango orchards in Nachole, Chapainawabganj, and expressed keen interest in importing Bangladesh’s premium mangoes. Impressed by the agricultural practices, he stated China aims to import up to 120,000 metric tons of mangoes this year, praising the fruit’s taste and quality.

Commenting on the recent lawsuit against actor Iresh Zaker, cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said he personally knows Iresh Zaker and confirmed his support for the July Movement. He clarified that the case against Zaker was filed by an individual, not the state. Farooki stated that while freedom must be respected, its misuse must also be addressed and expressed faith in a fair police investigation. He also mentioned that despite the cultural ministry’s efforts, it has received little media coverage, citing the recent recovery of library books in Tangail as an example.

Home and Agriculture Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Industry and Housing Advisor Adilur Rahman visited farmers engaged in paddy harvesting and threshing in Arial Beel, Munshiganj. They participated in harvesting activities and pledged to stop illegal soil excavation in the beel area. They also announced plans to dredge local canals and build two cold storage facilities for preserving vegetables, emphasizing that curbing corruption would accelerate national development.

Food and Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumder said the government will monitor rice markets to prevent syndicates from exploiting farmers. “Farmers must receive fair prices,” he stated, adding that previous harvest seasons were free of syndicate interference. “We aim to ensure a smooth system again this season.”

The Rakhine community in Cox’s Bazar has kicked off their traditional three-day water festival to mark the start of the new year 1387, as per their calendar. Young men and women, dressed in cultural attire, joyfully splash water on each other, symbolizing the washing away of sorrow and the welcoming of prosperity. Decorated bamboo drums, colorful pavilions, and festive cheer fill the air in this vibrant celebration rooted in tradition and unity.

Dr. Jalal Uddin, the provost of Khaleda Zia Hall at Islamic University, has come under fire for halting lunch for residential students who did not participate in the Boishakhi rally on Wednesday. A special traditional meal of panta bhaat was arranged at noon to celebrate the Bengali New Year. However, only seven students from the hall joined the morning rally. Angered by the low turnout, the provost canceled the meal and also withheld regular lunch service in the dorm’s dining hall. This left many students in distress and sparked protests. Frustrated residents gathered in front of the provost’s office, chanting slogans and demanding accountability.

Young members of the Marma community celebrated the Sangrai Water Festival in Bandarban’s Kuhalong Union with vibrant splashes and cultural performances. Tradition holds that this joyful water-play fosters romantic connections that often lead to marriage. Regional Council member KS Mong inaugurated the event by the Sangu River, featuring traditional dances, boat races, and greasy bamboo climbing contests. Across the hill tracts, communities also observed religious rituals and held traditional cake-making competitions throughout the night.

The formal celebrations of Bengali New Year 1432 concluded with a dramatic protest in Uttara at 12:30 AM on Monday night. Demonstrators threw shoes and set fire to a portrait representing authoritarianism, chanting slogans such as “Hit Hasina’s cheeks with shoes, in rhythm!”—signaling defiance against the current regime.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan extended Bengali New Year greetings to the nation and remarked that despite various obstacles and attempts to create disruption, the celebration was a success thanks to united efforts. He praised the team for organizing such a major event within just 8 days. Highlighting the goals behind the UN’s international recognition of the celebration, he emphasized showcasing Bangladesh’s diverse ethnic and cultural identity. “This year’s procession was the most vibrant and diverse ever,” he added, urging people not to lose the promise ignited by the mass uprising of 2024.