Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan revealed plans to establish a ‘Blue Network’ encircling Dhaka by restoring and freeing canals and rivers from encroachment and pollution. Six canals are currently under excavation, with a total of 19 targeted for restoration this year. Work will also begin to save four rivers—Buriganga, Turag, Balu, and Shitalakkhya. She appealed for World Bank assistance in this effort during a meeting with their representatives.

A Dhaka court has sentenced fugitive gold trader Rabiul Islam alias Arav Khan and seven others to life imprisonment for the 2018 murder of Inspector Mamun Imran Khan. Among the convicted are Arav’s wife Suraiya Akter Keya and five others. Arav and his wife remain at large. Inspector Mamun was murdered on July 7, 2018, and his body was later discovered in a forest in Gazipur.

Meghna Alam, accused of blackmailing Saudi Ambassador Isa bin Yusuf Al-Duhailan for $5 million, claimed in court that the ambassador is her husband. She denied allegations of aborting his child and said the ambassador was spreading false information. Meghna stated she was imprisoned without trial and denied legal representation. Meanwhile, another witness named Samir denied having any romantic relationship with Meghna, saying he was a common man who had lived abroad.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with recently freed hostage Alexander Trufanov and his family in the Kremlin. He attributed Trufanov’s release to Russia’s longstanding relationship with the Palestinian people and expressed hope for more such humanitarian successes. Putin publicly thanked Hamas’ political leadership for heeding Russia’s request and facilitating the release.

In a horrific incident, a teenage girl was raped overnight on a parked bus in Chattogram’s Chandgaon area on April 15. The culprits include the bus driver Lokman (26) and helper Hanif (26), both of whom have been arrested. The supervisor, Mobarak Hossain, remains at large. The arrested individuals confessed to the crime. The victim has been admitted to the One-Stop Crisis Centre at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

A BBC investigation has uncovered a secret “Ayna Ghar” near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem was reportedly held and tortured for eight years. He was blindfolded most of the time and could hear planes landing, helping investigators locate the facility. After demolishing a recently constructed wall behind a large building, they discovered a narrow, pitch-dark corridor leading to multiple small, windowless rooms. One of these cramped, poorly ventilated cells was used to detain Quasem. The smell and suffocation suggest inhumane conditions.

Model Meghna Alam has been shown arrested in a fraud case filed with Dhanmondi Police Station, alleging that she lured foreign diplomats into romantic traps using attractive women. She was presented in court on Thursday, where the investigating officer sought permission to officially show her arrested. Magistrate Masum Mia granted the request following a hearing. Meghna was detained by the Detective Branch (DB) from her Bashundhara residence on the night of April 9.

Students from Ta’mirul Millat Kamil Madrasa organized a protest in Tongi condemning the ongoing genocide by Israeli occupying forces in Palestine. The rally began at the madrasa’s main gate and marched through key areas of the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, including Ershadnagar, Hossain Market, and College Gate, before concluding with a brief gathering near Asia Petrol Pump.

The protest was led by Student Parliament Vice President Iqbal Kabir and General Secretary Saidur Rahman. Vice Principal Maulana Mizanur Rahman addressed the rally as the chief guest, urging the international Muslim community to unite and take decisive action for the establishment of a free and independent Palestine.

The European Union has proposed adding Bangladesh, along with six other countries—Kosovo, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia—to its list of “safe countries.” Once listed, asylum applications from these nations will be more easily rejected, as the EU will assume the applicants do not face serious threats at home. This move also aims to streamline the deportation process for migrants from these countries. Human rights organizations have strongly criticized the proposal, warning it may endanger vulnerable individuals. The EU clarified that countries applying for EU membership will also be considered “safe” by default. While EU states may add more countries to the list, they will not be allowed to exclude these seven.

Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhter has stressed the urgent need to protect all varieties of fish — especially native species that are on the brink of extinction — in order to meet the country’s protein demands. She emphasized the importance of increasing the production of fish through sustainable and scientific farming practices. “Many are engaging in commercial fish farming without proper planning,” she warned, urging fisheries officials to continue their efforts in educating and training farmers. She highlighted the superior taste and nutritional value of native fish, noting that no other country boasts such rich biodiversity in its aquatic life. Expressing concern over the sharp decline in native fish populations, she called for all development projects in this sector to meet international standards — assuring that the government is ready to provide full support.

Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid has urged the nation to embrace a renewed sense of love, unity, and commitment. “It’s time to think afresh, to love afresh, and to move forward with everyone,” she said. “Small joys create deep meaning, while chasing big achievements often brings sorrow — which we must avoid.” She emphasized the importance of holding onto a Bangladesh built by and for all its people, making this a collective vow for the New Year. Referring to the sacrifices of the younger generation during past movements, she said, “I don’t know if they saw the dream they gave their lives for, but we must dream it on their behalf.” Addressing the youth, she reminded them that they represent 51% of the population through the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, and urged them to realize their immense potential and power — power that, if recognized, would never let such a vital ministry remain sidelined.

Despite ongoing wartime turbulence, the Russian ruble has outperformed all global currencies, becoming the best-performing currency against the US dollar in 2025. According to Bloomberg data, the ruble has appreciated by 38% since the start of the year. This surge is largely attributed to declining confidence in the US dollar, exacerbated by former President Trump’s global trade conflicts.

Investment returns on the ruble have surpassed those of the Swedish krona and Swiss franc, which appreciated by 13% and 11% respectively. The British pound also recorded a modest gain of around 6%. Meanwhile, gold and silver prices have risen by 23% and 12%, respectively. The ruble’s remarkable performance has been bolstered by Russia’s high interest rates—currently set at 21% by the central bank—and restrictions on capital outflow for foreign companies.

A World Population Review study listed the top 10 most hated countries globally, with China at the top and India in 10th place. India’s rising religious tension, treatment of minorities, and internet censorship have hurt its global image. Border disputes and internal unrest further fuel this negative perception. China is widely criticized for its authoritarian rule, suppression of freedoms, and treatment of Uyghur Muslims. The U.S., Russia, North Korea, and Israel also appear in the top five.

For the first time, over 100 Jews were seen praying at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday, marking a significant deviation from long-standing agreements and customs. Historically, no more than 30 individuals were allowed to enter together, and while Jews could visit the compound, they were not permitted to pray there. This arrangement stems from a post-1967 agreement after Israel took control of East Jerusalem. Despite the agreement, Jewish groups have increasingly prayed at what they refer to as the Temple Mount, drawing criticism. Israel’s Chief Rabbinate has previously declared that only spiritually pure Jews should pray there, a stance Orthodox groups have criticized as discriminatory. Even some Israeli ministers have defied the agreement by praying at the site, raising fears of further tensions and violence.

TIME Magazine has named Nobel Laureate and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus in its 2025 list of the world’s 100 most influential individuals. The list includes global leaders, innovators, and cultural icons like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, JD Vance, Claudia Sheinbaum, and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Dr. Yunus took office on August 8, following Sheikh Hasina’s fall from power and exile in Delhi amidst a popular uprising.