Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Bihar’s Madhubani, condemned the Pahalgam attack and vowed to identify and punish all terrorists and their supporters. Expressing the nation’s grief, he thanked global leaders and citizens who stood in solidarity with India during this difficult time.

In response to India’s five-step action following the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan’s National Security Committee announced the suspension of visas for Indian citizens, closure of airspace to Indian flights, and a halt to all bilateral trade. Islamabad also rejected India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any attempt to divert water would be considered an act of war.

Amid rising tensions, India has summoned the senior-most Pakistani diplomat stationed in New Delhi following a deadly militant attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 people. The Indian government blamed the deteriorating security situation on Pakistan, signaling a worsening of diplomatic ties. In the aftermath of the attack, fierce gunfights broke out between Indian security forces and separatist militants in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. One Indian soldier was reported killed during a raid based on intelligence inputs.

On the final day of his four-day visit to Qatar, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. He is also scheduled to meet the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Earlier, Dr. Yunus engaged with top Qatari investors and invited them to invest in Bangladesh.

Five students from Chittagong University (CU), abducted in Khagrachari, have been released after nine days. The Hill Students Council (Chhatra Parishad), affiliated with the Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), had blamed the UPDF from the beginning—an allegation UPDF consistently denied. CU students and progressive groups staged protests demanding their release. Under mounting public pressure, the abductors eventually freed the students in phases.

A taskforce has been formed to investigate irregularities in Bangladesh’s ICT sector and prepare a white paper. Economist Dr. Niaz Asadullah will lead the taskforce, which includes law, tech, and media experts. The report is expected by June 21.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammad Mashud and Pro-VC Prof. S.K. Shariful Alam of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology have resigned. The Education Ministry confirmed receiving their resignation letters. The decision comes after a prolonged hunger strike by students demanding justice for unfair expulsions. The university had previously revoked disciplinary actions against 37 students, though a criminal case filed by an outsider remains unresolved.

Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, said the body aims to formulate a national charter through broad consultation. He noted that the absence of democracy in the past 53 years has fostered authoritarianism. “We seek a democratic state where no one has to sacrifice their life for freedom again,” he stated. A meeting with the Aam Jonota Party followed his remarks.

Speaking at Qatar University, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus warned that modern civilization is heading toward self-destruction, generating waste at an unsustainable pace. Addressing the “Three Zeros” forum — zero carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment — Yunus emphasized the need for a radical global shift. He later met Qatar’s Prime Minister to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Adviser Asif Mahmud disclosed that his father’s locally issued contractor license has been canceled following a media inquiry. Asif confirmed the license’s existence but acknowledged the conflict of interest, as he holds a governmental position. “My father didn’t understand the implications. No work was undertaken using the license. I apologize on his behalf,” he wrote in a statement.

British MP Shaukat Adam was barred from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque via an Israeli-controlled gate during a visit to Jerusalem. Adam, an independent MP from Leicester South, and Andrew George, a Liberal Democrat MP from St Ives, were part of a delegation touring Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and East Jerusalem. Eyewitnesses reported that Adam was singled out and denied access because of his Muslim identity.

Reacting to Ukrainian President Zelensky’s statement rejecting recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Donald Trump criticized the stance. “No one’s asking him to cede Crimea. If he wanted to fight for it, why didn’t he do it 11 years ago when it was handed over without a shot?” Trump questioned. He added that peace was within reach, but Zelensky’s provocations are making it difficult to end the war.

In a meeting with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus proposed establishing a dedicated Special Economic Zone for Qatari investors. He suggested that Qatari businesses could invest in defense equipment manufacturing and other sectors. Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s vision to become a global manufacturing and economic hub, highlighting enhancements in port capacities and investment services. He added that industries set up in Bangladesh can freely export goods abroad.

The Cabinet Division has issued a notification declaring three days of national mourning from Thursday to Saturday following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and the sovereign of Vatican City.

During this period, national flags will be flown at half-mast on all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, and educational establishments, as well as in all private buildings and Bangladeshi missions abroad.

Special prayers will also be held for the departed soul of the Pope, honoring his memory and legacy.

Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said his first action after taking office was to eliminate quota-based allocations. “We aim to build a practical, livable Dhaka,” he said. He emphasized improving connectivity with nearby districts to allow easier access for commuters. Reflecting on Dhaka’s expansion, he lamented the destruction of the once-rich Bhawal forest, stressing the need to avoid unplanned urban sprawl.