Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin stated that the Election Commission will operate as a neutral referee in the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections. "Whoever wants to play, let them play. Whoever wins, let them win," he said during a post-Eid meeting with election officials. Nasir emphasized the EC’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field and urged staff to remain impartial, act lawfully, and prioritize a free, fair, and credible election for the nation.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his country has no involvement in the ongoing military conflict between Iran and Israel. Speaking from Seattle on his way to the G7 Summit in Canada, Albanese confirmed that no request for military assistance had been received and that the situation is being closely monitored. Meanwhile, the Australian government is providing consular support to its citizens in the region. The UK has already deployed military aircraft to the Middle East.

Amid escalating Iran-Israel tensions, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz — a vital route for global LNG and oil transport. Bangladesh, heavily reliant on Qatari LNG via this strait, may face significant gas supply disruptions if the route is blocked. Experts warn of rising energy costs, inflation, and industrial slowdowns. While current LNG imports remain unaffected, any prolonged conflict could severely impact the economy. The government is being urged to monitor the situation closely and consider alternative supply strategies.

Former US President Donald Trump clarified in a social media post that the United States had no role in Israel’s recent military strikes on Iran. This came after Tehran accused Washington of being complicit. Trump warned, “If Iran attacks us in any way, the response will be devastating. The full might of the US Armed Forces will be unleashed in a way Iran has never seen.” However, he also expressed a desire to see peace between Iran and Israel through a negotiated agreement.

Advisor Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan has said that electricity consumption in rural Bangladesh is rapidly increasing due to widespread use of air conditioners and refrigerators. “The consumption pattern has changed, leading to localized disruptions,” he noted. During the Eid holidays, national demand reached 12,000–13,000 MW. He dismissed claims that rural areas were entirely without power and assured that oil-based power plants would be activated if necessary. Khan also warned against the operation of unfit vehicles and praised overall Eid travel conditions.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, en route to the G7 summit in Canada, announced the deployment of additional Royal Air Force (RAF) jets to the Middle East. He said the move is intended to bolster emergency support efforts in the region amidst escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran. The deployment will include Typhoon fighter jets and air-to-air refueling aircraft, as part of the UK’s commitment to stabilizing the situation in the region.

A passenger helicopter crashed early Sunday in Uttarakhand, India, killing all seven onboard—one pilot and six Hindu pilgrims, including a child. The crash occurred in a forested area en route from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi. Preliminary reports suggest technical failure and adverse weather conditions may have caused the accident.

On Sunday at 10:00 AM, four individuals, including ASI Amir Hossain, were presented before the International Crimes Tribunal in connection with the killing of Shahid Abu Said. Others brought in include Constable Sujon Chandra Roy, Chhatra League leader Shafiqul Islam, and Imran Hossain. The prosecution has requested more time as the investigation is not yet complete. In a related case involving the killing of Shahid Hridoy in Gazipur, former Konabari OC KM Ashraf Uddin and four constables have also been brought before the tribunal, with further time sought for investigation.

Environment advisor Rizwana Hasan said the BNP advisory council is satisfied with the recent meeting between acting BNP chairman Tarique Rahman and the chief advisor in London. She added that any political party with objections should raise the matter directly with the chief advisor. Advisor Faozul Kabir commented on pre-Eid traffic congestion due to unfit vehicles, stating strict action will be taken moving forward. Advisor Sharmin H. Murshid noted the government is set to introduce key policies to combat violence against women. On the first working day after Eid, Advisor Farida Akhtar stated that the demand for sacrificial animals this year was met fully with domestic livestock.

A Dhaka court has found no evidence in the fraud case filed against actress Shawon's stepmother, Nishi Islam. The March 19 final police report stated that the allegations—impersonation, extortion, and intimidation—could not be substantiated. As a result, Nishi Islam and her former husband Al Mahfuz Khan have been recommended for discharge. Authorities are now seeking legal action against the complainant, Shawon’s sister Mahin Afroze Shinjon, for allegedly filing a false case. Separately, Nishi has also filed an attempted murder case against Shawon.

As the Eid holidays conclude, thousands have returned to Dhaka, leading to a surge in the city's population and activity. On the first workday after Eid, Dhaka has topped IQAir's global list of cities with the worst air quality, recording an AQI of 139, categorized as ‘unhealthy’ for residents. Cairo, Egypt ranked second.

Rawhide trading from sacrificial animals has commenced at wholesale markets in Chattogram. However, local traders allege that tannery owners in Dhaka are not purchasing hides at the government-set rates. While the official price for salted cowhide is fixed at BDT 55–60 per square foot, Dhaka-based tanneries are reportedly buying it for only BDT 38–40. This price gap has left Chattogram traders fearing significant losses. So far, an estimated 415,000 animal hides have been collected in the region. Despite acquiring them at lower costs, traders worry they won’t be able to sell them at the fixed prices.

In a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the recent Israeli attacks on Iran prove that Israel under Netanyahu is the greatest threat to regional stability.

He emphasized that Israel must be restrained to de-escalate tensions and insisted that the nuclear crisis can only be resolved through dialogue. Erdoğan warned of a potential new wave of migration if the conflict escalates. In a separate call with Iran’s new president Masoud Pezeshkian, Erdoğan claimed Netanyahu’s goal is to ignite the region and derail nuclear talks.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) reportedly opened fire again on Friday morning at Bangladeshi coal smugglers illegally crossing into India through the Sunamganj border under BGB Sylhet Sector.

Locals stated that around 40 to 45 individuals from villages like Charagaon, Bashtola, and Lalghat illegally entered India’s Meghalaya hills to smuggle coal. While some managed to escape, others were reportedly detained. No casualties have been confirmed.

Advisor Farida Akhter criticized the lack of incentives for the fisheries and livestock sectors despite other agricultural sectors receiving stimulus packages. “I hope the revised budget will include proper incentives for these sectors,” she said.

While subsidies are offered for electricity in crop farming, similar support is not extended to fisheries or livestock farmers. She noted that the proposed budget includes Tk 303 crore in subsidies for these sectors. “Without adequate support for our scientists and researchers, we’ll remain dependent on foreign innovations,” she warned.