Over 100 students of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) entered the campus on Sunday after 52 days of closure and began a sit-in in front of the administrative building demanding dormitories be reopened by 8 PM. Despite a university ban, the students bypassed restrictions, prompting the administration to deploy additional security. After negotiations, students were allowed in upon ID verification. However, university authorities clarified that reopening dorms requires a Syndicate meeting decision. Students warned of stricter protests if their demand is unmet.

Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yusuf W.Y. Ramadan, praised the “March for Gaza” rally in Dhaka as a moment of historical significance. “From the refugee camps of Gaza to the olive groves of the West Bank, your solidarity is deeply felt,” he stated. The ambassador highlighted the unity and resilience of the Bangladeshi people, regardless of age or gender, in standing up for justice in Palestine.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi stated that the first round of indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. took place in a “constructive and friendly environment.” The goal was to pave the way toward a fair and binding agreement. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff attended the two-and-a-half-hour session. Though productive, concerns remain that any impulsive remark by former President Trump could derail progress.

Speaking from Mexico, Bangladesh’s Ambassador Mushfiqur Fazal described the July Uprising against dictatorship as a beacon of renewed hope. “The government is working with courage and transparency to realize this hope through reforms in the constitution, electoral process, judiciary, police, and anti-corruption efforts,” he said. Fazal emphasized that the dream of an inclusive, democratic Bangladesh remains alive over five decades after independence. He also highlighted March 26 as a day of national pride and referenced the war of liberation not only as a struggle against foreign domination, but also against oppression and injustice. He concluded by mentioning economic progress and plans to strengthen bilateral ties with Mexico on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain emphasized the need for a reliable partner in space technology during a meeting with Turkish Aerospace President Mehmet Demiroğlu. He stated that collaboration between Bangladesh and Turkey in this field could yield mutual benefits. Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam was also present. Both parties agreed to explore investment opportunities and facilitate technology transfer for human resource development in Bangladesh. A high-level Turkish delegation, led by the CEO of Turkish Aerospace, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh soon to discuss further cooperation in space technology.

National University Vice-Chancellor Dr. A.S.M. Amanullah has said that wealthy students generally avoid attending National University. Speaking about reforms, he emphasized introducing practical training like outsourcing, cooking, and technical courses, as well as promoting cultural activities such as debates and sports through dedicated funding. Dr. Amanullah also raised concerns over political influence in college governing bodies, stating that if the situation persists, the very need for such bodies could be questioned. He expressed frustration over teachers’ salaries and blamed the decline in Dhaka University’s standards on poor governance and political interference. He also called for new strategies to increase student attendance in classrooms.

Prominent academic Dr. Salimullah Khan has urged the government to allocate a minimum of 6% of the national income to the education sector. He referenced Sri Lanka’s new government, which has pledged 10% for education, noting that while Bangladesh may not reach that figure, 6% is the least that should be done. Dr. Khan criticized economists like Hossain Zillur Rahman, who argue such funding would be wasted on infrastructure. “Allocate a separate budget for buildings if needed,” he said. “But don’t ignore ongoing educational expenses while talking about democracy—it’s contradictory.”

Professor Dr. Nazmul Hossain, Director General of the Directorate of Health Education, clarified that there is no decision to shut down any medical colleges in the country. Of the 37 colleges, six are relatively new and still lack full infrastructure, particularly Nilphamari Medical College. He criticized the previous government for establishing these institutions without proper planning and said that the 2022–23 expansion of 1,030 additional seats has placed a heavy burden on resources. However, he warned, “If the quality of education cannot be ensured, strict measures will be taken. We cannot allow the emergence of incompetent doctors.”

The Department of Prisons has denied recent rumors of an attack in the VIP zone of Keraniganj Jail, calling reports by YouTube channel ‘Taufiq Maruf Journal’ misleading and baseless. “No such incident has occurred in Keraniganj or any other jail in the country,” said an official statement. Authorities assured that the safety of all inmates, including VIP prisoners, is strictly maintained.

US President Donald Trump has excluded smartphones, computers, and various tech devices from new reciprocal tariffs, including a steep 125% levy on Chinese goods. The decision follows warnings from US tech companies about potential price surges, with iPhones and other devices possibly tripling in cost. Many gadgets, especially Apple’s, are manufactured in China, though companies are shifting production to India and Vietnam. The exemptions serve as a temporary relief while the US negotiates better trade terms. China remains subject to higher tariffs.

Information Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam met with Turkish Minister of Trade, Prof. Dr. Ömer Bolat, to discuss key aspects of bilateral trade and economic relations. Adviser Alam invited Turkish investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh’s economic zones. Minister Bolat expressed Turkey’s interest in strengthening economic ties with Bangladesh and showed enthusiasm about holding the next Bangladesh-Turkey Joint Economic Commission meeting in Dhaka later this year.

Bangladesh has proposed the recruitment of a significant number of workers in Slovakia’s automotive and other sectors, along with easing visa procedures for Bangladeshi citizens. Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain made the appeal during a meeting with Slovak Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Juraj Blanár. Emphasizing the importance of enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation, Adviser Hossain urged deeper engagement. Minister Blanár agreed to send a Slovak business delegation to Bangladesh to explore B2B opportunities and potential investment avenues.

Border Guard Bangladesh detained three Bangladeshi nationals — Parimal Shahji (33), Santosh Shahji (25), and Bipasha Sarkar (18) — at the Dharmaghar border in Brahmanbaria while they attempted to cross into India illegally. They were reportedly trying to enter Agartala via a trafficker named Kamrul Islam. Two men were seeking employment at a sweet shop, while the woman was seeking medical treatment. Mobile phones, SIM cards, Indian rupees, and Bangladeshi currency were seized from them.

The Secretary-General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Kairat Sarybay, praised Bangladesh’s active role in fostering regional trust. In a meeting with the Foreign Affairs Advisor, the two sides discussed enhancing cooperation and increasing CICA’s engagement with Bangladeshi officials. The Foreign Advisor also lauded Sarybay’s efforts in transforming CICA into a comprehensive regional organization. Information Advisor Mahfuz Alam was also present at the meeting.

Border guards arrested professional smuggler Sabjul Hossain while he was returning from India with undeclared cosmetics. He was apprehended at Baliaghat checkpoint in Tahirpur along with a large quantity of Indian-branded products. His accomplice Abdul Qadir managed to flee. A case has been filed under the Special Powers Act.