Allama Sultan Zawq Nadvi, Chief Adviser to Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh and founding director of Jamiya Darul Ma’arif Al-Islamia in Chattogram, has passed away. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. He died at Chattogram’s Evercare Hospital at midnight on Friday. His funeral prayer will be held at 4 PM on Saturday at the institution’s premises.

The United States has dropped two more spots in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, now ranking 57th—below conflict-torn Sierra Leone. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), global press freedom is at its lowest point in history, with half the world’s countries deemed “bad environments” for journalism. Fewer than one-quarter of countries are considered to have a “satisfactory” environment. Despite online ad revenue reaching $247 billion in 2024, a significant portion went to tech giants like Facebook, Google, and Amazon.

Faiz Ahmed Tayeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, urged government officials and employees to serve the public with integrity instead of appeasing political leaders. “Topsoil from arable land is being sold, and land grabbers must be dealt with firmly,” he said, adding that political pressure should be resisted, not accommodated. The government will support tough and decisive actions. Tayeb also issued instructions to resolve traffic congestion caused by market mismanagement on the Dhaka-Chattogram and Cumilla-Noakhali highways. Badiul Alam Majumdar emphasized the urgent need for electoral reforms to ensure free, fair, and neutral elections.

US Vice President J.D. Vance has stated that the Ukraine war is not expected to end anytime soon. He emphasized that the key question now is how the US can facilitate a resolution between Russia and Ukraine. “Ultimately, it is up to Russia and Ukraine to reach a decision to end this brutal war,” he said. “Yes, Ukrainians are understandably angry—their country has been invaded. But should we lose thousands of soldiers over a few miles of land?” Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that unless there is significant progress on the battlefield soon, President Trump may reduce his engagement with the crisis.

Azad Kashmir's Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq has instructed residents in 13 border constituencies to stockpile two months’ worth of food, anticipating possible emergencies. A 1 billion PKR fund has been established to ensure food, medicine, and essentials in those areas. Additionally, private machinery has been deployed along with government resources to maintain infrastructure near the border. Religious schools have already been closed as a precautionary measure.

More than 14,000 Bangladeshi pilgrims are still awaiting visas for the upcoming Hajj, leaving many in uncertainty. So far, 15,154 pilgrims have departed for Saudi Arabia, with one death reported. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has urged citizens not to assist unauthorized individuals holding visit visas in entering restricted Hajj areas or offering them accommodation, as it violates Hajj regulations.

The Discrimination Resistance Employees’ Unity Forum has condemned what it calls a “black law” in public administration, claiming that most top officials are corrupt and politically biased. The forum has submitted a list of such officials to the government. However, no action has been taken due to interference from certain government advisors. They also criticized the appointment of dual nationals, controversial figures, and unqualified individuals to key administrative and commission posts.

The Arakan Army has released four Rohingya individuals who were taken hostage after crossing the Naf River into Myanmar. The freed men—Arafat Ullah (21), Anis Ullah (22), Md. Jaber (14), and Anwar Sadek (27)—have returned to the Jadimura refugee camp in Teknaf. Allegedly, they had crossed the border to transport narcotics when they were abducted.

Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has arrested four individuals involved in a robbery at a Gazipur business disguised as detectives. The incident occurred on April 14 at Multi Point BD. A portion of the looted funds, amounting to BDT 2.255 million, was recovered. The arrested individuals include Md. Abdur Rahman Rajon (28), Md. Robiul Islam (30), Md. Uzzal (36), and Md. Miraj (25).

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the decision on establishing a humanitarian corridor will be made only after consultations with all parties involved, including the UN, Myanmar, and local communities in Rakhine. He acknowledged the civil war-like situation in the region that is disrupting supply chains and causing severe hardship. “There’s a genuine humanitarian crisis, and we’re open to coordinated efforts,” he said.

Abu Taher, Chairman of Chiora Union in Cumilla’s Chauddagram, has been temporarily suspended for issuing birth certificates to Rohingya women. The investigation confirmed that he had shared his official ID and password, failed to act responsibly, and issued documents to two Rohingya women posing as local residents. These documents were later used to obtain passports in an attempt to travel to Vietnam.

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has alleged that Indian media outlets are actively spreading dangerous misinformation to destabilize Bangladesh—with direct support from the Awami League. He announced that evidence of 15 years of false and unethical journalism will be submitted to the United Nations, and the government will demand an official investigation. When asked about the dismissal of three journalists, Alam clarified that the government played no role in their termination. He criticized the Digital Security Act introduced by the Awami League, saying it has suffocated journalistic freedom. However, he added that, in reality, the media currently operates freely. “No media outlet has been shut down after the July revolution,” he noted, “which stands in contrast to what happens in many other countries.”

All madrasas in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir have been closed for 10 days amid fears of possible Indian military attacks following rising tensions with New Delhi. Although the Pakistani government officially cited high temperatures as the reason, Hafiz Nazir Ahmad, Director of Religious Affairs in Kashmir, acknowledged that the shutdown is largely due to security concerns. He warned that India's military might target religious institutions at any time.

To ensure orderly Hajj operations and uphold Saudi-Bangladesh relations, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has requested pilgrims not to perform Hajj without valid permits. Pilgrims traveling on visit visas are barred from entering holy sites. Bangladeshis have been advised not to assist unauthorized pilgrims with lodging, transport, or access to restricted areas. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior warned that unauthorized pilgrims could face fines up to 20,000 riyals, with facilitators being fined as much as 100,000 riyals.

A new mineral agreement has been signed between Ukraine and the United States, granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources and promising investment in Kyiv’s reconstruction. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reacted, saying this effectively dismantles the Kyiv regime, as Ukraine will now have to finance U.S. military aid with its mineral wealth. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent stated, “This agreement sends a strong message to the Russian leadership — there is no difference between the American and Ukrainian people or their goals. It also gives President Trump a stronger position in negotiations with Russia.” The agreement now awaits approval by Ukraine's parliament.