Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus has stated that observing the current situation in Bangladesh, many believe that an interim government would still be the best solution for the people. He added that citizens are not demanding the government’s immediate departure but are expecting it to ensure a credible election. Yunus emphasized that whether the Awami League will be allowed to contest in the upcoming election partly depends on the party itself — it must first decide if it will participate. So far, no official announcement has been made. He also noted that the Election Commission’s stance and other factors could influence the situation. Moreover, he pointed out that several political parties may argue that, under the new law, the Awami League should not be allowed to contest.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh at 3 a.m. on Sunday night after attending the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Earlier on Sunday afternoon (Bangladesh time), he departed Rome. Professor Yunus joined other world leaders in paying their final respects to the late Pope.

Citing an “unexpected situation,” United International University (UIU) has suspended all academic activities indefinitely. This follows the resignation of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kashem Mia and 11 other officials amid student protests on Saturday night. Authorities announced that all academic and administrative activities will remain halted until new appointments are made. Students have clarified they seek the resignation of only the Vice Chancellor and the head of the CSE department, not all faculty members.

The death toll has risen to 40 following a massive explosion at Iran’s largest commercial port, Shahid Rajaei, near Bandar Abbas. Over 1,000 people have been injured. The explosion shattered windows and rooftops of nearby buildings and destroyed numerous vehicles. Residents reported hearing the blast from up to 50 kilometers away. Authorities confirmed that six people are still missing.

Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid stated that the government is firmly committed to ensuring justice. “We want to see criminals apprehended and punished,” she said. Speaking at an event marking World DNA Day in Bangladesh, she highlighted the 2025 theme: “The Use of DNA Technology: A New Horizon for Women’s Justice and Safety.” She noted that since 1986, DNA technology has revolutionized forensic science and criminal justice systems worldwide, significantly strengthening Bangladesh’s judiciary.

A court has ordered an Interpol arrest warrant against Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in connection with a land allocation corruption case. Previously, on April 10, the court issued arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina and Saima Wazed in the same case. On April 13, the court also issued warrants against Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana’s daughter Tulip Siddiq, her son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, and 21 others in three separate land corruption cases.

Ali Ahsan Junaid wrote that the daughter of martyr Jasim was raped and later committed suicide. He emphasized that it is the interim government’s responsibility to ensure justice for the victim and the safety of martyr families. He further stated, “If protests are necessary to achieve this, the interim government should step down and join the people.” He made it clear: “There can be no political settlement in this country without justice. We demand legal resolutions for the murders of the Pilkhana, Shapla, and July martyrs, along with proper accountability for 16 years of fascist rule.”

Advisor Asif Mahmud announced that the government is considering forming two separate Public Service Commissions—one for cadre posts and another for non-cadre positions. Discussions are ongoing, and a final decision will follow the meeting resolutions.

Lamya, 17, daughter of martyred Jasim Uddin, was laid to rest beside her father’s grave after her funeral at Pangashia Girls’ High School field. She had taken her own life in her room in Dhaka’s Shekhertek area on Saturday night and was declared dead at Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital.

The Bangladesh Catholic Church will organize an interfaith dialogue in September. Cardinal George Jacob Kouvakad of the Vatican’s Interreligious Dialogue Office conveyed this during a meeting in Rome with Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to religious harmony and the protection of all citizens’ rights.

Md. Akhter Hossain, Director General of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), has confirmed that an investigation has been launched against Moazzem Hossain, former APS to adviser Asif Mahmud, and Tuhin Farabi, personal officer to adviser Nurjahan Begum, over allegations of corruption.
The ACC’s intelligence unit is actively pursuing inquiries, and updates on the probe’s progress will be announced soon.
Additionally, allegations have surfaced against Dr. Mahmudul Hasan, a personal officer to the Health Adviser.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has suspended the written examinations for the 46th BCS, initially scheduled to start on May 8. The announcement came from PSC Chairman Prof. Dr. Mobasher Monem after job seekers staged a blockade at Shahbagh, demanding reforms. The protest halted traffic in the area.

Aspiring government job candidates blocked Shahbagh intersection for two and a half hours demanding eight reforms, including changes to the PSC. Mohammad Bin Yamin Molla, President of the Student Rights Council, alleged that the preliminary exam of the 46th BCS was leaked, questioning the validity of holding a written exam. Some candidates have also been on hunger strike for over 80 hours at Raju Sculpture. Molla stated they would continue protesting until all demands are met.

Donald Trump has called for U.S. military and commercial ships to be allowed free passage through the Panama and Suez Canals. He wrote, “I have instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to immediately address this issue.” Trump also hinted that he would not rule out using economic or military force to regain control of the Panama Canal if necessary. Historically, the United States completed construction of the canal in the early 20th century but handed over control to Panama in 1999.

Pakistan’s Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi has claimed that his country has 130 nuclear-capable missiles, including Shaheen and Ghaznavi missiles, ready to counter India. He asserted, “These missiles are not kept for display; you cannot even imagine where they have been deployed.” Abbasi warned that if India violates the Indus Waters Treaty and disrupts the flow of rivers into Pakistan, the country is fully prepared for a “full-scale war.”