A controversial audio recording of Officer-in-Charge (OC) Monowar Hossain requesting sweets (jilapi) from anti-discrimination student leader Afzal Hossain Shanto—reportedly in exchange for a tender for embankment work—went viral on Monday. Following public outcry, the OC was transferred to the police lines the next day.

After concluding their sit-in protest, candidates of the 46th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) exam marched toward the Jamuna River demanding that the written examination be held promptly. Earlier, discussions with the Public Service Commission (PSC), mediated by the army, failed to yield results. The protestors launched a “Long March to Jamuna” program in the evening. Their demands include publishing a complete viva schedule, finishing interviews by May, and releasing final results by June. They also called for the repeal of the 2023 non-cadre recruitment policy.

The BGMEA has called for maintaining the current corporate tax rate of 12% for export-oriented garment factories and 10% for LEED-certified factories until June 30, 2028. Any changes before that could undermine investor confidence, they warned. During a pre-budget discussion organized by the NBR, the association also urged for a tax regime that encourages both domestic and foreign investment in the textile sector.

More than 250 former Mossad officers and security personnel, including ex-chiefs Danny Yatom, Efraim Halevy, and Tamir Pardo, have joined the call to end the war in Gaza. They argue that continued conflict endangers hostages and soldiers. “Each passing day risks lives and tarnishes our national integrity,” their open letter states. Over 1,000 IDF reservists had previously issued a similar plea. Writers and cultural figures have also voiced opposition, calling the war politically driven rather than a matter of national security.

Chinese authorities have accused the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) of conducting a large-scale cyberattack during February’s Winter Asian Games in Harbin. The attacks allegedly targeted critical sectors in China. Police have launched an investigation and added three individuals, including NSA-linked agents and University of California affiliates, to their wanted list. China has also issued travel warnings for its citizens visiting the U.S. and suspended imports of Hollywood films.

The Election Commission has begun preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. Officials met with the Directorate of Printing and Publications to assess paper needs, estimated budgets, and timeframes for printing election materials. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said they aim to complete procurement and printing within four months prior to the polls. “We are back-calculating all tasks to align with the eventual election schedule,” he added.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has directed authorities to take robust and proactive steps to prepare for Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. “We must ensure no sector suffers losses during the transition while also maximizing the benefits of graduation,” his press secretary stated. A dedicated team will be formed to monitor the process. Special Assistant Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury added that protecting key export sectors like garments is a top priority. Implementing reform commission recommendations could also help meet international labor compliance standards swiftly.

The shutdown of 170 madrasas in India’s Uttarakhand state has drawn strong condemnation from the Young Ulema Society, known for leading the July uprising. In a statement, they described the move as a blow to India’s secularism and a systematic attempt to marginalize Muslim education and culture. They said, “If 170 temples were shut down in Bangladesh, the world would erupt in protest.” They also criticized the rising state-sponsored suppression of Muslim institutions, prayer practices, and religious attire in India, calling for global accountability.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that if Iran does not abandon its nuclear ambitions, the U.S. will launch military strikes on its nuclear facilities. Trump emphasized that Iran must completely give up the idea of developing nuclear weapons. Despite indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman—described as “constructive”—Trump accused Iran of using the talks to stall. He reiterated that a future agreement must clearly prohibit Iran from possessing any nuclear weapons, stating, “Iran is dangerously close; immediate action is required.”

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has announced new prices for soybean oil, effective immediately. Bottled soybean oil will now cost BDT 189 per liter, an increase of BDT 14. Loose soybean oil will sell at BDT 169 per liter, up by BDT 12. A five-liter bottle will now retail at BDT 922. To increase local supply, two oil companies have resumed production, with six to seven more expected to follow. The last price hike occurred on December 9, 2023, when bottled oil was set at BDT 175 per liter.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has officially banned the import of yarn via land routes from India, including ports such as Benapole, Bhomra, Sonamasjid, Banglabandha, and Burimari. However, yarn imports will still be allowed via sea or other non-land routes. The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association had earlier demanded a halt to land-route imports, citing unfair competition. Reports suggest yarn imported via land was being under-invoiced compared to declared prices at Chattogram Customs, undermining local manufacturers.

Sheikh Bashir Uddin, currently serving as adviser to the interim government’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Textiles & Jute, has now also been given charge of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. This reshuffle was confirmed through a cabinet notification issued on Tuesday. The new responsibilities were assigned by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Sheikh Bashir, the Managing Director of Akij Bashir Group, was sworn in as an adviser to the interim cabinet on November 10.

As a mark of solidarity with Palestinians, the Maldives has officially banned the entry of Israeli citizens through legislation passed by its parliament on Tuesday. President Mohamed Muizzu immediately ratified the law, which takes effect without delay. In a statement, President Muizzu said the move reflects his government’s “firm stance against Israel’s ongoing atrocities and genocide against the Palestinian people.” He reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle. This comes after President Muizzu had previously indicated in June last year that such a ban was being considered.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has clarified that he never claimed the government would remain in power for five years. “That’s what the people have said,” he noted. As for the timing of the next general election, he stated, “The Chief Adviser has already addressed that. I have nothing to add.”
Referring to the attack that took place the day before the Pahela Baishakh event at Chattogram’s DC Hill, he assured the public that steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Regarding the recent transfer of the Detective Branch chief, he said the move had no connection to the Meghna Alam case. “It was a routine administrative change—officials come and go,” he explained. He also announced that police uniforms and logos would gradually be updated.
Jahangir Alam highlighted that this year’s Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh festivities saw successful participation from people of all communities for the first time.

Khoda Bux Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, has stated that no unlawful action has been taken against model Meghna Alam. He emphasized that all actions have been carried out in accordance with existing laws, and where necessary, special legal provisions have been invoked. “This does not constitute any illegal activity,” he clarified. Regarding the allegations and ongoing developments, he added, “The matter is currently under judicial consideration in the High Court. Since it is sub judice, it would be inappropriate to comment further. We’ll wait and see what the court decides.”
Notably, a legal adviser had earlier raised concerns about the arrest procedure, calling it improper.