Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has directed authorities to take robust and proactive steps to prepare for Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. “We must ensure no sector suffers losses during the transition while also maximizing the benefits of graduation,” his press secretary stated. A dedicated team will be formed to monitor the process. Special Assistant Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury added that protecting key export sectors like garments is a top priority. Implementing reform commission recommendations could also help meet international labor compliance standards swiftly.

The shutdown of 170 madrasas in India’s Uttarakhand state has drawn strong condemnation from the Young Ulema Society, known for leading the July uprising. In a statement, they described the move as a blow to India’s secularism and a systematic attempt to marginalize Muslim education and culture. They said, “If 170 temples were shut down in Bangladesh, the world would erupt in protest.” They also criticized the rising state-sponsored suppression of Muslim institutions, prayer practices, and religious attire in India, calling for global accountability.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that if Iran does not abandon its nuclear ambitions, the U.S. will launch military strikes on its nuclear facilities. Trump emphasized that Iran must completely give up the idea of developing nuclear weapons. Despite indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman—described as “constructive”—Trump accused Iran of using the talks to stall. He reiterated that a future agreement must clearly prohibit Iran from possessing any nuclear weapons, stating, “Iran is dangerously close; immediate action is required.”

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has announced new prices for soybean oil, effective immediately. Bottled soybean oil will now cost BDT 189 per liter, an increase of BDT 14. Loose soybean oil will sell at BDT 169 per liter, up by BDT 12. A five-liter bottle will now retail at BDT 922. To increase local supply, two oil companies have resumed production, with six to seven more expected to follow. The last price hike occurred on December 9, 2023, when bottled oil was set at BDT 175 per liter.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has officially banned the import of yarn via land routes from India, including ports such as Benapole, Bhomra, Sonamasjid, Banglabandha, and Burimari. However, yarn imports will still be allowed via sea or other non-land routes. The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association had earlier demanded a halt to land-route imports, citing unfair competition. Reports suggest yarn imported via land was being under-invoiced compared to declared prices at Chattogram Customs, undermining local manufacturers.

Sheikh Bashir Uddin, currently serving as adviser to the interim government’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Textiles & Jute, has now also been given charge of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. This reshuffle was confirmed through a cabinet notification issued on Tuesday. The new responsibilities were assigned by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Sheikh Bashir, the Managing Director of Akij Bashir Group, was sworn in as an adviser to the interim cabinet on November 10.

As a mark of solidarity with Palestinians, the Maldives has officially banned the entry of Israeli citizens through legislation passed by its parliament on Tuesday. President Mohamed Muizzu immediately ratified the law, which takes effect without delay. In a statement, President Muizzu said the move reflects his government’s “firm stance against Israel’s ongoing atrocities and genocide against the Palestinian people.” He reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle. This comes after President Muizzu had previously indicated in June last year that such a ban was being considered.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has clarified that he never claimed the government would remain in power for five years. “That’s what the people have said,” he noted. As for the timing of the next general election, he stated, “The Chief Adviser has already addressed that. I have nothing to add.”
Referring to the attack that took place the day before the Pahela Baishakh event at Chattogram’s DC Hill, he assured the public that steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Regarding the recent transfer of the Detective Branch chief, he said the move had no connection to the Meghna Alam case. “It was a routine administrative change—officials come and go,” he explained. He also announced that police uniforms and logos would gradually be updated.
Jahangir Alam highlighted that this year’s Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh festivities saw successful participation from people of all communities for the first time.

Khoda Bux Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, has stated that no unlawful action has been taken against model Meghna Alam. He emphasized that all actions have been carried out in accordance with existing laws, and where necessary, special legal provisions have been invoked. “This does not constitute any illegal activity,” he clarified. Regarding the allegations and ongoing developments, he added, “The matter is currently under judicial consideration in the High Court. Since it is sub judice, it would be inappropriate to comment further. We’ll wait and see what the court decides.”
Notably, a legal adviser had earlier raised concerns about the arrest procedure, calling it improper.

For the 118th time, the submission of the investigation report into the high-profile murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi has been delayed. The court has extended the deadline to May 21. The PBI has already interrogated six individuals, including a retired Supreme Court judge, former military officers, and suspects in other homicide cases. Despite high-profile detentions, the case remains unresolved over a decade after the brutal double murder.

Harvard University has refused to comply with demands from the Trump administration regarding alleged antisemitism on campus. In a strongly worded letter, Harvard’s legal team accused the administration of undermining university autonomy and misrepresenting efforts to combat bigotry. The administration had threatened to review $9 billion in federal funding and contracts over the university’s response to pro-Palestinian protests. Already, $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts have been suspended, sparking a national debate over academic freedom and government overreach.

Students at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) have forcefully entered residential halls, demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Muhammed Machusud. Citing the VC’s failure to ensure student safety, allegedly cutting off water and internet, and encouraging legal action against protestors, the students declared a one-point demand: his immediate removal. They also called for a neutral investigation under a new VC. The students, in a show of defiance, broke through locked gates and re-entered the dormitories.

China has suspended exports of certain rare earth minerals and magnets, crucial for manufacturing electric vehicles, drones, aerospace components, and military technology. The move has raised concerns across global industries, especially in the US, which relies heavily on Chinese imports for these materials. Shipments have already been blocked at major Chinese ports. Analysts believe the decision may be a retaliatory response to increased tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump.

The University of Dhaka has announced plans to hold student union (DUCSU) elections and is set to form an Election Commission and finalize the voter list by mid-May. In an official statement, the administration emphasized the significance of DUCSU in university governance and assured stakeholders of their commitment to a free and fair election. Consultations with various stakeholders began in December, and a roadmap for the election process has been made public.

In a shocking incident in Telangana’s Kamareddy district, police were seen dragging a Dalit activist nearly naked during a protest on Ambedkar Jayanti. The activist, associated with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), was attempting to put up a banner featuring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar when clashes erupted. A viral video shows the man being forcibly pulled away wearing only his undergarments. Police later claimed the protestors blocked roads and ignored warnings, prompting their intervention.