The Combined Non-MPO Unity Council has issued a three-day ultimatum to the government to include state-recognized institutions under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme. Chief Coordinator Principal Selim Mia stated that although an assurance was given on March 11 by education advisors and relevant authorities, no action has followed. If the demand is not met within the deadline, the group plans to resume continuous sit-in demonstrations in front of the National Press Club starting Saturday.

China has called on all parties involved to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions between Iran and Israel, urging a return to dialogue and diplomacy.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, “We urge all sides to act responsibly, prevent further instability in the region, and create favorable conditions for resolving the issues through dialogue and consultation.” Earlier on Sunday, another spokesperson stated that China is ready to play a constructive role in easing tensions.

Amid escalating attacks between Iran and Israel, Pakistan has indefinitely closed its border with Iran.

Senior official Qadir Bakhsh Pirkaani from Balochistan told AFP that cross-border activities in Chagai, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, and Gwadar districts have been suspended. “No one is allowed to enter Iran until further notice,” he said. However, trade activities remain unaffected, and Pakistani citizens currently in Iran are permitted to return home. Reports indicate that Pakistanis from Iran are already making their way back across the border.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dhaka has strongly condemned Israel’s deadly assault on Iranian territory, which killed several senior military commanders, renowned scientists, and innocent civilians, including women and children. In a statement, the embassy said Israel’s aggression constitutes a blatant violation of Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter and is a direct military attack on Iran’s sovereignty. The embassy asserted that Iran retains the legitimate right to respond decisively under Article 51 of the UN Charter. It also called on the United Nations, Islamic countries, and member states of the Non-Aligned Movement to take effective action against the Israeli aggression.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, stating that all diplomatic efforts to halt Tehran’s nuclear program have so far failed. Speaking with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq via phone, Merz emphasized that preventing further escalation between Iran and Israel is now the top priority. The German leader thanked Oman for its diplomatic initiatives and mediation efforts in nuclear negotiations.

A Bangladeshi cattle trader, Raju Islam (34), has died after being shot near the Ghagra border in Panchagarh. The incident reportedly occurred late Saturday night when Raju and a group of 4–5 men went near the Jhuli Para area of the border to bring in cattle from India.

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel from Kanchanjungha BOP allegedly opened fire after chasing them. While the others managed to flee, Raju was struck in both legs. He succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.

However, conflicting reports suggest he may have died from a heart attack. Family sources confirmed he had previously suffered two heart attacks, raising questions about the exact cause of death.

Amid continued Iranian missile attacks, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has advised its employees to take shelter in safe locations. Staff have also been given the option to send family members out of Israel. Though the country’s international airport remains closed, embassy officials confirmed that emergency services are still operational. For those considering leaving, traveling to Jordan by land remains an option.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a stern warning to Israel during a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani. Pezeshkian stated that Iran would deliver a "stronger response" if Israeli attacks do not cease. He warned that continued aggression could jeopardize the security of other Middle Eastern countries and called on Islamic nations to adopt a firm stance. He emphasized that Iran did not initiate the conflict but responded "with determination" to Israeli assaults.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented that the Iran-Israel conflict should be resolved through a peace agreement, likening the need to the resolution of India-Pakistan tensions.

Law enforcement agencies have identified 23 Bangladeshi nationals who were pushed back into the country through the Thakurgaon border by Indian Border Security Force (BSF). The group includes five men, twelve women, and six children.

The incident occurred at around 1:30 AM on Saturday night via the Chapsara border. Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) patrol units responded promptly, detaining the individuals and transferring them to Haripur Police Station. The returnees were later handed over to their families on Sunday afternoon.

According to their statements, they were expelled without any of their belongings. "We weren’t even allowed to bring a single thread," said one of the returnees, adding, “The BSF warned us not to look back or we’d be shot.”

In response to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant and rising dengue cases, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has issued six key health directives for all educational institutions across Bangladesh:

Frequent handwashing with soap for at least 20 seconds.

Avoiding large gatherings and wearing face masks in public.

Maintaining a minimum distance of 3 feet from infected individuals.

Refraining from touching the face with unclean hands.

Covering nose and mouth with a tissue, cloth, or elbow while coughing or sneezing.

Launching awareness campaigns involving teachers and students to prevent the spread of dengue nationwide.

The DSHE emphasized strict adherence to these measures to safeguard public health in schools and colleges.

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has issued a warning that foreign nationals who travel to the United States on tourist visas with the intention of giving birth may face serious complications when renewing their visas. The embassy noted that such activities often result in U.S. taxpayers covering medical expenses, as costs sometimes fall on the U.S. government. It also emphasized that this could be seen as a violation of U.S. visa policy. If consular officers suspect that childbirth in the U.S. is the applicant’s main intent, the visa will be denied.

Fifteen cattle that inadvertently crossed the border into India through the Akhaura region of Brahmanbaria were seized by India’s Border Security Force (BSF). The animals were later returned to Bangladesh following a flag meeting between the border forces of the two nations.

Lt. Colonel Ziaur Rahman, commander of the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB), confirmed the incident and expressed appreciation for the BSF’s cooperation. “We retrieved the cattle through a cordial discussion between the two border forces. We thank BSF for their assistance,” he said.

Brazil’s National Supply Company (Conab) projects a record 336.1 million tonnes of grain production for the 2024–25 marketing year, up 13% from the previous year. Soybean output is expected to reach 169.6 million tonnes, while corn production could rise to 128.3 million tonnes. Favorable weather and advanced farming technologies contributed to improved yields. The cultivated area grew by 2.3%, totaling 81.8 million hectares. These optimistic forecasts highlight Brazil’s growing dominance in global grain and oilseed markets.

A deadly accident involving five vehicles on the Dhaka-Khulna highway in Gopalganj killed a highway traffic police officer and a bus helper late Saturday night. At least 20 others were injured in the multi-vehicle collision near the Gopinathpur bus stand. The injured include passengers from several districts, some of whom were hospitalized while others received first aid. The accident occurred when a speeding bus lost control and hit a parked truck, triggering a chain-reaction crash involving other vehicles.