Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus has left Qatar for the Vatican to attend Pope Francis’s funeral. He departed Doha at 12:25 PM Bangladesh time and is expected to arrive in Rome at 2:15 PM local time. The Bangladeshi ambassadors to Italy and the Vatican will receive him upon arrival.

Shahana Khatun, 40, died after a C-section at Dr. Ratan Clinic in Rajbari, although her newborn son survived. The operation, conducted under Dr. Raisul Islam, turned critical due to complications from eclampsia. After transferring her to Faridpur Medical College, she passed away. A settlement was reached for Tk 4 lakh after negotiations with the clinic.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is “deeply concerned” over rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, emphasized the need for maximum restraint and urged both countries to resolve issues through meaningful dialogue and mutual engagement.

Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar claimed Islamabad possesses evidence and intelligence proving that armed tourists entered Srinagar. He challenged India’s assertion of Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam attack and urged the country to share proof with the global community. Dar also warned that Pakistan’s armed forces are prepared to respond to any Indian aggression.

Bangladesh achieved a significant diplomatic victory at the 81st session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok. Aide to the Economic Adviser was elected vice-president, while Bangladesh secured three-year terms in the governing councils of the APCICT and APDIM. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus addressed the session via video, calling for stronger regional and global cooperation.

Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa stated that the Matarbari deep sea port will be operational by 2029. “In today’s competitive global market, we must expand our port’s capacity,” he said. He noted that trade agreements with various countries are opening new opportunities. The port is expected to handle 5 million TEUs annually in five years. Construction agreements have been signed for terminal and bay-terminal facilities at Matarbari. In the first nine months of the 2024–25 fiscal year, the port generated revenue of Tk 3,745.23 crore—10.56% higher than the same period last year, with an 8.77% surplus. He also stated that efforts to improve service quality are ongoing.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has urged citizens to stop using illegal battery-powered rickshaws and to refrain from buying from unauthorized street vendors. “We consistently receive complaints about these two issues during public hearings,” he said. “However, the public continues to use these services, worsening the problem. If people stop using illegal rickshaws, the drivers will lose motivation.” He added that the DNCC is conducting regular drives and emphasized that public awareness is key to better urban management.

Mahathir Hasan, one of the accused in the murder of Zahidul Islam Parvez, a student at Prime Asia University and a leader of Chhatra Dal, has confessed to the crime. Earlier, on Wednesday, another suspect, Md. Al Kamal Sheikh, also gave a confessional statement in court. Parvez was fatally stabbed on April 19. According to the case statement, Mehraj and his associates attacked Parvez with sticks, knives, and machetes, leading to his death.

Following months of protests and a 57-hour hunger strike, the Vice Chancellor and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) have stepped down. While students celebrated the resignations, KUET Teachers’ Association expressed disappointment, calling it a setback for justice since the decision came without any formal investigation.

Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman has called for the introduction of a licensing examination for medical professionals to ensure consistent standards of care. He also proposed periodic renewal exams to maintain public trust. “Medicine is one of the few professions where the term ‘practice’ applies. Continuous learning must be verified through a structured system,” he said.

Following the deadly attack in Pehelgam that killed 26 people, Kashmiri students across India are facing harassment and threats. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said his government is in touch with officials in affected states. Former CM Mehbooba Mufti reported contacting Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students. Videos of student abuse have been widely circulated on social media.

After months of legal and logistical challenges, a sea-track service has been successfully launched between Maheshkhali and Cox’s Bazar, announced Maritime Affairs Adviser M. Shakhawat Hossain. The project faced numerous lawsuits and delays before finally being inaugurated. Professor Dr. Salimullah Khan praised the government’s initiative, calling it a “historic breakthrough” for Maheshkhali residents. However, he criticized the reintroduction of tolls and encouraged public opposition to them.

Prominent lawyer Shishir Monir criticized Article 116 of the Constitution, claiming it obstructs the establishment of an independent judiciary and a separate judicial secretariat. He alleged that the Ministry of Law exerts undue influence on lower courts and even intimidates judges. He cited an incident involving Sajeeb Wazed Joy’s court appearance, where the magistrate broke protocol to escort him—demonstrating the influence on the judiciary. Monir has legally challenged the article and called for structural reforms.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that Bangladesh’s struggling economy has recovered thanks to the contributions of expatriates. “We will ensure VIP services at airports for them,” he said, adding that travel to and from Bangladesh should be smooth and joyful. The government is also working on reducing cargo fees and improving logistics at Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet airports. All passport and consular services are being moved online, and Yunus urged expats to offer suggestions for improvements.

Two students from the University of Scholars have been arrested in connection with the murder of Zahidul Islam Parvez. The suspects are Fatema Tahsin Oishi from the Business Administration department and Faria Haque Tina from the English department. The university had previously suspended both students temporarily. Parvez was allegedly killed after an altercation involving the two students, who claimed he and his friends were laughing at them.