The Home Ministry has issued a stern warning against any attempts to create unrest in the garment industry under the pretext of unjustified demands. In an official statement, the ministry asserted that obstructing transportation, enforcing blockades, and engaging in violence would not be tolerated.

The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing workers’ legitimate concerns and urged both factory owners and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to ensure stability. Authorities are closely monitoring developments to maintain law and order.

Gautam Adani’s Adani Power has resumed full-scale electricity supply to Bangladesh. Previously, partial disruptions occurred due to outstanding payments.

BPDB Chairman Rezaul Karim stated, "We are making regular payments to Adani and receiving power as needed." The outstanding debt, initially at $850 million, has been reduced to $800 million, with full repayment expected within the next six months.

Businessman Golam Kibria Shamim, also known as GK Shamim, has been sentenced to five years and six months in prison for amassing wealth beyond known sources of income. His mother, Ayesha Akter, was acquitted in the same case.

Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation of his illegally acquired assets worth BDT 2.97 billion. Earlier, on February 17, the case was scheduled for a verdict. His mother, who was initially on the run, later surrendered and secured bail.

Police have arrested six members of a notorious gang who posed as RAB officers to carry out a daring robbery in Dhanmondi. The suspects are: Farhad Bin Mosharraf (33), Yasin Hasan (22), Mobashwer Ahmed (23), Wakil Mahmud (26), Abdullah (32), and Suman (29).

On March 26, a group of 20-25 individuals, some dressed as RAB officers, magistrates, and students, entered a residence claiming to be on official duty. The gang then looted valuables. However, the homeowners quickly called emergency services (999), prompting law enforcement to respond immediately.

Despite a continuous nine-day Eid holiday, Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed assured that the country’s economy would not face any stagnation. Speaking at the Secretariat after a government procurement advisory meeting, he stated that most advisory council members would remain in Dhaka. While some secretaries are traveling abroad, he emphasized that decision-making would not be disrupted, as digital systems allow for remote governance. His remarks aim to dispel concerns about potential economic slowdowns during the extended holiday period.

Sudanese Army Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan announced on Wednesday that the military has regained control of Khartoum International Airport and declared the capital “liberated.” For the past two years, the airport had been under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), but it has now been reclaimed by Sudanese armed forces. Last Friday, the Sudanese army also took full control of the presidential palace in Khartoum, which had similarly been under RSF occupation for the past two years.

Speaking at the BFA International Convention Center, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that the world is witnessing Bangladesh’s united stand against corruption. While building a new Bangladesh comes with challenges, efforts are being made to regain public trust through necessary reforms. He also warned that civilization is at risk, urging greater emphasis on grant-based financing to combat the impact of climate change.

A survey conducted by the National Council of Canadian Muslims revealed that 55% of Canadians support banning arms exports to Israel due to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Additionally, 49% believe Canada should go further by restricting the sale of military equipment, services, and training to Israel. More than 56% of respondents agreed that Canada should comply with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision, meaning that if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enters Canada, he should be arrested. Support for recognizing the ICC’s warrant is particularly high among Liberal Party voters, with 70% in favor. However, Conservative voters are divided on the issue, with half supporting Netanyahu’s arrest and the other half remaining undecided.

Speaking at a World Bank side event at the WHO’s Second Global Conference on Air Pollution, environmental expert Rizwana Hasan revealed that 30-35% of Bangladesh’s air pollution originates from neighboring countries. She stressed the need for regional cooperation beyond political discussions to address this pressing issue. Hasan noted that while the implementation of Bangladesh’s 2024 National Air Quality Management Plan had faced delays due to political instability, it is now being effectively enforced. She highlighted recent crackdowns on illegal brick kilns, which have already led to slight improvements in air quality. Urging immediate action, she called for stricter measures to mitigate air pollution.

Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus is set to deliver a speech at the opening session of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025. His Deputy Press Secretary confirmed that other key speakers at the event in Hainan, China, will include Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Chinese Executive Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, Boao Forum Chairman Ban Ki-moon, and Secretary-General Zhang Jun. Additionally, Dr. Yunus will meet FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu and hold a bilateral discussion with former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

India has strongly condemned the latest report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), calling it “biased and politically motivated.” The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that USCIRF should be declared an “internationally discredited entity” due to its prejudiced assessments. The report accuses India of discriminating against religious minorities and alleges that India’s foreign intelligence agency, RAW, has attempted to assassinate Khalistani separatists abroad. The report also calls for sanctions against RAW.

Chittagong University has dismissed two faculty members and a technician. Assistant Mechanical Engineer Hadi Md. Rashid from the Science Workshop was removed for involvement in recruitment irregularities. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Shantanu Debbarman (Economics) and Assistant Professor Rifat Darina Kamal (Public Administration) were dismissed for traveling abroad without permission. According to Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Shamim Uddin Khan, there is no chance of reinstatement. Notably, the two dismissed faculty members did not respond to official communications, signaling their acceptance of the decision.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to law, justice, and human rights, Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Oxford University. In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice, Robert Hanning, the Warden of Wadham College, stated, “It is with great pleasure that I inform you that the Governing Body of Wadham College has decided to award you an Honorary Fellowship. I hope you will accept this honor.”

On December 11, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam urged those who falsely claimed freedom fighter status to return their certificates. He offered amnesty but warned of legal consequences for fraud.

In response, at least twelve individuals, including a retired government official, have applied to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs to return their certificates. The ministry has not disclosed their identities but confirmed that the applicants admitted their wrongdoing and sought forgiveness.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed concern over the rising inhumane treatment of Muslims in India. The agency also recommended imposing targeted sanctions on India’s intelligence agency, RAW, over allegations of involvement in the assassinations of Sikh separatists in the US and Canada.

The report highlighted that religious freedom in India deteriorated further in 2024, with increasing attacks and discrimination against religious minorities. It criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for spreading hate speech and misinformation against Muslims during last year’s election campaign. It also recalled Modi’s remarks in April, where he referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” who have “too many children,” linking this to opposition parties’ electoral interests.