Speaking on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day 2025, Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid highlighted the importance of building an inclusive society that embraces neurodiversity. Under this year’s theme — “Embrace Neurodiversity, Build a Sustainable Society” — she emphasized the need for proper support, education, and respect to unlock the creativity and potential of individuals with autism.

During a contract signing ceremony for the Matarbari Port Development Project, Labour Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain said the deep-sea port will revolutionize international trade. The port will accommodate ships with up to 100,000 DWT, easing pressure on Chattogram and other ports while boosting industrial development in Cox’s Bazar and Maheshkhali. The project positions Bangladesh as a key energy and transshipment hub in the region.

Interior Adviser Md. Jahangir Alam has stressed the need to recover arms looted during the recent mass uprising and to monitor top criminals who are out on bail. Speaking on corruption within law enforcement, he urged the public to report any attempts at influence or lobbying in his name. He also warned against plainclothes police arrests and called for increased community policing and transparency.

At least 26 tourists were killed in a gun attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, with many others injured. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the death toll is still being verified and described it as one of the worst attacks on civilians in recent memory. Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah, who has since traveled to Srinagar for an emergency meeting.

Hridoy Miazzi (23), Joint Secretary of the Banani unit of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has been arrested in connection with the murder of Zahidul Islam Parvez. According to RAB-1, Miazzi is the fifth named accused in the case and was detained in Cumilla. So far, police have identified 11 suspects, including university students, non-students, and members of local gangs. Three have already been arrested and placed under seven-day remand. Allegations have surfaced that security personnel failed to intervene to save Parvez.

Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan acknowledged that waterlogging in Bhobdaha has become a long-term crisis. She said the government is working to resolve it permanently, with 17,000 out of 20,000 affected hectares now drained through joint ministry efforts. Discussions with the Power Ministry are ongoing to address electricity billing issues for farmers. Army engineers will undertake canal dredging to improve drainage. Hasan called it a national disaster and promised decisions in the best interest of affected communities.

AIG Enamul Haque Sagar confirmed that Interpol has issued a Red Notice against former IGP Benazir Ahmed over corruption allegations. This marks the first time in Bangladesh’s history that a former police chief has faced such a notice. Although the Red Notice was issued on April 10, Benazir’s photo and details are yet to appear on Interpol’s Most Wanted list, pending further procedural steps.

The state informed the High Court that key documents related to the 2012 murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarwar and Meherun Runi were destroyed in a fire. However, both the DMP and PBI refuted this, saying the documents were not burnt. The delay in locating them is due to the transfer of many DB officials. Authorities have been granted six more months to trace the files.

Police recovered the hanging body of Pinak Ranjan Sarkar (24), a Master’s student in Drawing and Painting at Dhaka University, from a rented house in Hatirpool. Sub-inspector Md. Iqbal Hossain said the body was found hanging from a ceiling fan using a towel. The body was sent for autopsy. Sarkar’s roommate, Zahid Hasan, mentioned that he had been battling depression for over a month and had become very withdrawn.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam announced that Qatar will recruit 725 Bangladeshi soldiers within two months for various responsibilities. He highlighted this as excellent news, noting that Bangladeshi soldiers in Kuwait earn between BDT 250,000 and 300,000 per month. Bangladesh has been deploying troops to Kuwait since the Gulf War, and the government is in talks to increase the number of soldiers sent.

Ali Riaz, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, stated that 35 parties have submitted reform proposals, and discussions have been held with 15 parties, including the BNP. “We are briefing the Chief Adviser on the discussions daily, and he is guiding us accordingly,” Riaz said. He emphasized that the commission will also engage with relevant commissions to review the proposed reforms. “We believe today’s third meeting with the BNP will mark the end of the initial phase of our dialogue,” he added, calling it a historic moment.

Speaking at the Earthna Summit, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized the need to build a prosperous, green, and sustainable world for future generations, driven by innovation and technology. He called for inclusive empowerment and highlighted the transformational potential of youth. Upon arrival in Qatar, Dr. Yunus received a red carpet welcome from Protocol Chief Ibrahim Fakhro and other officials.

State prosecutors informed the High Court that vital documents related to the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi were destroyed in a fire at the Detective Branch office on August 5, 2023. While the prosecution requested a nine-month extension, the court allowed time until October 22 to submit the final investigation report. Earlier, the deadline had been extended to May 21.

The High Court has postponed the hearing on a contempt case involving the failure to compensate 10-year-old Naim Hasan, who lost an arm while working at a workshop. The factory owner, summoned to the Appellate Division, stated that a review petition had been filed and the compensation is ready. The court hopes the payment will be made by the next hearing on May 8.

The Labor Reform Commission has submitted a report recommending legal protections for all workers, fair national and sector-based wages, and safe working conditions. It also proposed establishing a comprehensive labor database and easing trade union rights to promote transparency and accountability. The commission urged the government to facilitate overseas employment and skill development, especially for youth and entrepreneurs. It further recommended state recognition for workers killed in the 2024 uprising, justice for victims of workplace negligence, and six months of maternity leave along with anti-harassment policies.