A 100-year-old banyan tree in Madaripur was felled after being labeled an object of shirk (idolatry), sparking public outrage. The tree, located near the Kumar River, had long been a site for offerings by both Muslims and Hindus. Locals had planned a Baishakh fair and Baul music event under the tree, but protests led to its cancellation. On Monday morning, a group of local clerics and villagers cut the tree down. Authorities have inspected the incident and promised action.

The Advisory Council has approved amendments to the law governing the redrawing of parliamentary constituencies. Legal adviser Asif Nazrul said the previous fascist regime arbitrarily set boundaries for political gain. The new amendments, proposed by the Election Commission, allow boundary redistricting to begin within days of the ordinance's gazette notification. Nazrul also noted sweeping reforms in civil case proceedings—such as banning indefinite postponements and mandating that written statements submitted in court be final and binding.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, during a meeting with young political leaders from Norway, emphasized the importance of youth participation in politics for enacting real change. He criticized Bangladesh’s past electoral system, calling it fraudulent over the last 15 years, and urged youth to help build a new, reformed structure. Norwegian delegates said many Bangladeshi youths they met had never voted in their lives. Yunus stressed that institutional reform is a top priority for the new government.

Legal adviser Asif Nazrul announced that nine controversial sections from the previous Cyber Security Act have been repealed in the newly amended ordinance, which will result in the automatic dismissal of related cases—constituting 95% of all cases under the previous law. The revised ordinance, expected to be gazetted this week, for the first time recognizes internet access as a fundamental right. It also criminalizes online gambling, and classifies digital abuse and sexual harassment of women and children as punishable offenses. Only two offenses related to freedom of expression remain: dissemination of sexually exploitative content targeting women and children, and inciting religious hatred that provokes violence. Magistrates will have the authority to dismiss baseless cases within 24 hours.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched a raid at the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) following allegations of irregularities in the sale of government-supplied LPG cylinders. The operation was triggered by reports of embezzlement and manipulation of prices—where government-subsidized gas cylinders priced at Tk 690 are either vanishing from the market or being sold at inflated rates.

Advisor Asif Nazrul revealed that during his previous visit to Saudi Arabia, he requested officials to regularize undocumented Bangladeshi workers. On his latest visit, he was informed that Saudi Arabia has begun the legalization process for undocumented female workers. He also held meetings with Jordanian officials, who indicated that they too are willing to regularize Bangladeshi workers if they express interest.

The Chamber Court has suspended the High Court’s bail granted to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in a sedition case. Earlier, the Chamber Court had temporarily stayed the bail. The matter is now set for a full hearing on a later date. State lawyers argued that the Chamber Judge intends to hear the defense before making a final decision.

A court has ordered the Director General of the Department of Social Services to ensure psychological counseling for Ruma Begum, mother of Lamia, a young rape victim who later died by suicide. Police Officer-in-Charge Md. Zakir Hossain informed the court of Ruma's psychological distress. A psychosocial counselor has been instructed to coordinate with the Dumki Police Station to conduct sessions either at her home or a suitable location. The police have also been asked to submit a report, including a certification from the counselor, to the court after the sessions.

The government has declared a 10-day holiday for Eid-ul-Azha, according to Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam. Following a cabinet decision, the extended break has been confirmed. Earlier, the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays spanned nine days, from March 28 to April 5. Government employees will be required to work on two Saturdays—May 17 and May 24—to accommodate the Eid break.

Malaysian immigration authorities have detained 114 undocumented Bangladeshi migrants during a raid in the town of Bharu. One Indian national was also apprehended. The operation was carried out based on public intelligence. All the detainees are between 18 and 55 years old and were working as laborers. Authorities said the arrests were made under various violations of immigration law, including staying in the country without valid permits or documentation.

The Appellate Division has concluded the first day of hearings on the appeal filed by Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam against his death sentence for war crimes. The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday. A full bench of seven judges, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, set the date. Azhar’s defense was represented by Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir.

Controversial internet personality Hero Alom has been accused of rape and assault leading to a forced abortion, under the guise of a marriage promise. The complaint, filed in a Bogura court, includes allegations that Alom lured the plaintiff with acting opportunities and coerced her into a relationship. The woman claimed they lived together under false pretenses of marriage and that Alom borrowed Tk 1.5 million from her under the pretext of making a short film. Alom denies knowing the woman.

Turkish forces have launched electronic countermeasures and jamming operations to intercept Israeli aircraft entering Syrian airspace. The move follows a series of Israeli air raids across Syria, allegedly conducted to protect the Druze community. Days earlier, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry had warned Israel to cease its airstrikes, stating that such actions undermine Syrian sovereignty and regional stability.

To tackle worsening traffic congestion in Dhaka, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued new directives regarding vehicle parking in key areas of the capital. The move comes amid growing frustration among commuters over unregulated parking and traffic chaos during peak hours. Authorities are urging residents and vehicle owners to strictly follow the updated guidelines.

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has once again raised gold prices in the local market, marking the 28th price adjustment this year. Under the new rates, 22-carat gold will now cost BDT 171,286 per bhori (11.664 grams). The price for 21-carat gold is set at BDT 163,494, 18-carat at BDT 140,143, and traditional method gold at BDT 115,905 per bhori. BAJUS clarified that a 5% government VAT and a minimum 6% craftsmanship charge set by the association must be added to the base price. However, the final cost may vary depending on design and quality.