Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of violating the Constitution by freezing $2.2 billion in federal funding. The university claims this was a retaliatory move after it refused to comply with federal demands related to campus protests. Harvard says the freeze endangers vital research on childhood cancer, infectious diseases, and veterans’ health. The lawsuit argues that the government failed to establish any reasonable link between its decision and concerns over antisemitism or academic conduct.

In a mass wedding ceremony organized by WAAMI for 60 underprivileged and fatherless couples, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain highlighted the spiritual and moral significance of marriage. He said marriage is a safeguard against immoral behavior and is essential for building ideal families, fulfilling natural needs, and attaining peace of mind.

He added, “According to a Hadith, when a person gets married, they complete half of their faith; for the other half, they should fear Allah.” Dr. Hossain underscored that marriage is an unparalleled institution for preserving one’s character.

Rights group VOiD has demanded the withdrawal of all false cases against victims of enforced disappearances, along with their safety, compensation, and justice against those responsible. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam called for the prosecution of everyone involved in such cases. VOiD also demanded the repeal of the 2013 Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, transparency in state records, and a public apology from state forces to the victims and the nation.

More than 100 travelers, including 47 Bangladeshis, were detained at a South African airport on Sunday. Despite clearing immigration and collecting baggage, many were stopped by border guards. The reason for their detention remains unclear, and authorities are holding them at the airport. There is a possibility that they may be deported.

To protect the fragile ecosystem, the government has decided to ban new industrial establishments within 10 kilometers of the Sundarbans. A formal notification will soon be issued by the Ministry of Environment. Additional decisions include revising the Climate Change Trust regulations and collecting inter-ministerial feedback to combat noise pollution. Proposals have also been made to increase risk allowances for forest workers and mandate 30% block use in all new buildings by 2025.

Tuhin Farabi, personal officer to Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, has been relieved of his duties and instructed not to report to the office. Various allegations have emerged against him. Farabi is known for his role in the quota reform movement and was a member of the central medical wing of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali has directed crime and intelligence units to carry out home raids and arrest active Awami League members involved in recent violence and killings. Protest marches continue across the capital, with many participants facing murder charges. Authorities have been instructed to update citizen information forms to track residents’ movements. The commissioner also expressed frustration over the low number of arrest warrants executed and unresolved cases.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into national cricketer Shakib Al Hasan over allegations of money laundering and accumulation of illegal wealth. A two-member inquiry team led by Deputy Director Mahbubul Alam has been formed. The ACC has also sent inquiries to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission. Shakib has previously faced criticism for his alleged links to gambling promotion and stock market manipulation.

Religious Affairs Adviser praised Bangladesh as a global model for communal harmony during a press briefing, citing decades of peaceful coexistence among different faith communities in the country.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum returned an honorarium of BDT 120,000, which she had received despite not contributing to the nursing examination process. She followed the precedent set by Railway Adviser Muhammad Faojul Kabir Khan, who earlier discouraged receiving honorariums for official duties during working hours. Begum added that accepting or refusing such payments should remain a personal choice, with relevant ministries deciding on further action.

The High Court has issued a rule asking why a list of individuals granted presidential clemency over the past 33 years should not be made public. The petition was filed by Barrister Omar Faruk after sending a legal notice to the Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, and the Secretary to the President’s Office, which went unanswered.

Md. Moazzem Hossain, the Assistant Personal Secretary to Adviser Asif Mahmood, has been relieved of his duties as of April 8, according to a circular issued Monday by the Ministry of Public Administration. The circular did not mention any reason for his dismissal. Hossain was appointed on August 14, with the tenure subject to the adviser’s preference.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the government is committed to bringing back all MPs and ministers who fled abroad after committing crimes, including murder and corruption. He highlighted several upcoming meetings in Qatar focused on labor market expansion and energy cooperation. Dr. Yunus will also give an interview at Al Jazeera’s headquarters and participate in a 2.5-hour session on the Rohingya issue.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus departed Dhaka on a four-day official visit to Qatar on Monday evening via Biman Bangladesh Airlines. He will participate in the “Arthna Summit 2025” at the invitation of Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Dr. Yunus is also expected to meet with the Emir during his visit.

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Christian world, has passed away at the age of 88. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow over his death. The first non-European pope since 741 AD, Pope Francis was widely respected for his continued efforts to reform the Catholic Church. Just a day before his death, he addressed thousands at St. Peter’s Square with a “Happy Easter” message.