Shahana Khatun, 40, died after a C-section at Dr. Ratan Clinic in Rajbari, although her newborn son survived. The operation, conducted under Dr. Raisul Islam, turned critical due to complications from eclampsia. After transferring her to Faridpur Medical College, she passed away. A settlement was reached for Tk 4 lakh after negotiations with the clinic.

Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar claimed Islamabad possesses evidence and intelligence proving that armed tourists entered Srinagar. He challenged India’s assertion of Pakistani involvement in the Pahalgam attack and urged the country to share proof with the global community. Dar also warned that Pakistan’s armed forces are prepared to respond to any Indian aggression.

Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa stated that the Matarbari deep sea port will be operational by 2029. “In today’s competitive global market, we must expand our port’s capacity,” he said. He noted that trade agreements with various countries are opening new opportunities. The port is expected to handle 5 million TEUs annually in five years. Construction agreements have been signed for terminal and bay-terminal facilities at Matarbari. In the first nine months of the 2024–25 fiscal year, the port generated revenue of Tk 3,745.23 crore—10.56% higher than the same period last year, with an 8.77% surplus. He also stated that efforts to improve service quality are ongoing.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has urged citizens to stop using illegal battery-powered rickshaws and to refrain from buying from unauthorized street vendors. “We consistently receive complaints about these two issues during public hearings,” he said. “However, the public continues to use these services, worsening the problem. If people stop using illegal rickshaws, the drivers will lose motivation.” He added that the DNCC is conducting regular drives and emphasized that public awareness is key to better urban management.

Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman has called for the introduction of a licensing examination for medical professionals to ensure consistent standards of care. He also proposed periodic renewal exams to maintain public trust. “Medicine is one of the few professions where the term ‘practice’ applies. Continuous learning must be verified through a structured system,” he said.

Following the deadly attack in Pehelgam that killed 26 people, Kashmiri students across India are facing harassment and threats. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said his government is in touch with officials in affected states. Former CM Mehbooba Mufti reported contacting Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students. Videos of student abuse have been widely circulated on social media.

After months of legal and logistical challenges, a sea-track service has been successfully launched between Maheshkhali and Cox’s Bazar, announced Maritime Affairs Adviser M. Shakhawat Hossain. The project faced numerous lawsuits and delays before finally being inaugurated. Professor Dr. Salimullah Khan praised the government’s initiative, calling it a “historic breakthrough” for Maheshkhali residents. However, he criticized the reintroduction of tolls and encouraged public opposition to them.

Prominent lawyer Shishir Monir criticized Article 116 of the Constitution, claiming it obstructs the establishment of an independent judiciary and a separate judicial secretariat. He alleged that the Ministry of Law exerts undue influence on lower courts and even intimidates judges. He cited an incident involving Sajeeb Wazed Joy’s court appearance, where the magistrate broke protocol to escort him—demonstrating the influence on the judiciary. Monir has legally challenged the article and called for structural reforms.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that Bangladesh’s struggling economy has recovered thanks to the contributions of expatriates. “We will ensure VIP services at airports for them,” he said, adding that travel to and from Bangladesh should be smooth and joyful. The government is also working on reducing cargo fees and improving logistics at Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet airports. All passport and consular services are being moved online, and Yunus urged expats to offer suggestions for improvements.

In the wake of a deadly attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian authorities have detained at least 1,500 individuals as part of the ongoing investigation. The attackers, armed with automatic rifles, opened fire for about 20 minutes. They were identified as members of the banned militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba’s offshoot, the Kashmir Resistance Front. Security forces have also released sketches of the suspected assailants.

A human chain was formed in front of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare, demanding the immediate reopening of the Malaysian labour market. Protesters urged the government to accept all conditions set by Malaysia and expedite the process at any cost. While 13 other countries have complied with Malaysia’s terms, Bangladesh has lagged behind, risking the loss of access to a market that requires 1.2 million workers and potential remittances worth $5 billion. A memorandum was submitted to the Adviser on Manpower Export and Overseas Employment.

The Public Administration Ministry is working on an amendment to the 2018 Civil Service Act that would allow the government to dismiss disruptive employees without an investigation, giving only an eight-day notice. The proposal was initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs to expedite the removal of unproductive or problematic staff.

The US has advised citizens to avoid travel within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border and the region of Kashmir. Caution is also advised for parts of Manipur and central/eastern India. US officials require approval to visit most parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha—except their capital cities. Prior permission is also needed for visits to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and non-capital areas of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura.

Environment Adviser Rizwana Hasan announced that 12,000 acres of forest land in Cox’s Bazar, previously allocated to various agencies, will be returned to the Forest Department. Efforts are underway to free rivers, forests, and beaches from encroachment. So far, 700 acres have been reclaimed, and lands allocated to private parties and sports academies are being recovered.

Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari termed the Pahalgam attack a ‘false flag’ operation. Warning India against any misadventure, she stated that Pakistan is fully prepared for retaliation. “Last time we served tea; this time we may not be so polite,” she said, asserting that Pakistan knows how to respond appropriately.