The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a directive requiring foreigners staying longer than 30 days to register with the authorities. Failure to do so could result in fines or imprisonment. Citing former President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the department said, “Our message to illegal immigrants is clear—leave the U.S. and return home voluntarily.” Voluntary departure is considered safer, allowing individuals to book their own flights and retain their earnings. The department also noted that voluntary returnees may later reenter the U.S. legally. In cases of financial hardship, the U.S. government may subsidize airfare. Those who defy deportation orders may face a fine of $998 per day for each day they remain.

Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that the government is taking proactive measures to ensure that limiting tourism on Saint Martin’s Island does not negatively affect local livelihoods. Efforts are underway to create alternative employment while preserving and restoring the island’s biodiversity. A working group, led by the Director General of the Department of Environment, has been formed with representatives from agriculture, fisheries, tourism, women and children’s affairs, the forest department, local administration, BRAC, and Coast Foundation. Proposed initiatives include sustainable fishing gear, branding of dried fish, cultivation of seaweed, mushrooms, and vegetables, livestock farming, content creation, blogging, and photography training. Women will receive training in sewing, crafting traditional quilts, souvenir production, and rope-making from coconut husks. Plans also include educational support, tree planting, waste management, restaurant job training, and grooming local youths to become professional tour guides.

National Security Adviser Dr. Khairul Rahman has described the Chief Adviser’s visit to China as a “historic milestone.” He stated, “Bangladesh’s foreign policy is now entirely its own. We are no longer dependent on any other nation. This reflects our strategic autonomy.” He further noted that Bangladeshi patients will soon have the opportunity to seek treatment in Kunming, China, and plans are underway to establish Chinese hospitals in Bangladesh. “Our goal is to maintain strong relationships with both China and India,” he added. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen remarked, “This visit has solidified the foundation of our bilateral ties and reflects not only government-level cooperation but also a people-to-people connection.” The Vice Chancellor of North South University stated that the MoUs signed with China will open up new opportunities for Bangladesh’s youth in sectors such as investment, technology, and healthcare.

Legal Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul revealed that 7,184 politically motivated cases filed under the previous government have been recommended for dismissal, with over 100,000 more applications pending. He acknowledged errors in the arrest of Meghna under the Special Powers Act and promised swift correction. He also clarified that bail decisions lie solely with the judiciary, not the Law Ministry. Additionally, Nazrul affirmed that expatriates deserve voting rights as a matter of citizenship.

Violent protests over India’s controversial Wakf Amendment Bill in Murshidabad led to three deaths and over 150 arrests. The central government has deployed troops in the region. Muslim communities argue the bill undermines their right to manage over $14 billion in Wakf assets and threatens India’s secular framework. Rahul Gandhi warned of wider communal implications, while West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee vowed not to implement the “black law” in her state.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced in Riyadh that a preliminary agreement is in place between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia on civilian nuclear cooperation. The partnership aims to develop Saudi Arabia’s commercial nuclear power sector, with significant progress expected this year. Wright also hailed Saudi investments in the U.S. and praised the hospitality of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz.

Two madrasa teachers from Gomastapur, Chapainawabganj have been jailed over allegations of sexually abusing residential students. The accused, Mozahidul Islam and Alauddin, were arrested after victims informed their parents, who then filed cases under the Women and Children Repression Act. Police confirmed that the court ordered the accused into judicial custody.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum stated that 864 individuals have been confirmed as martyrs in the July uprising, with over 14,000 injured. She reported that 43 wounded have already been sent abroad for treatment—26 to Bangkok, 16 to Singapore, and one to Russia—with costs as high as BDT 65 million per patient. An additional 21 will be sent to Turkey and 31 to Pakistan. Most of the recipients are civilians, with 30% being students. She praised Pakistan’s expertise in treating war-related injuries, citing special facilities in Lahore. The adviser also revealed shocking injury data: 21 lost both eyes and 450 lost one, while 17 had legs and 4 had arms amputated to save their lives.

Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhtar urged traders not to artificially inflate hilsa prices post-June. She blamed the illegal jatka (juvenile hilsa) catch on exploitative middlemen, not genuine fishermen. Akhtar announced plans for a hygienic fish market in Jatrabari and assured protection for traders in collaboration with the Home Ministry. She also cautioned that frozen hilsa being sold as fresh misleads consumers and emphasized that “panta-hilsa” is not part of Bengali New Year traditions, reiterating that no hilsa should be sold during that period.

The draft protocol for seamless passenger and cargo movement among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) has been finalized, a decade after the original agreement was signed. This is South Asia’s first such initiative aimed at strengthening cross-border trade and connectivity. However, observers worry that India’s recent revocation of transshipment benefits to Bangladesh may hinder the agreement’s implementation.

On Sunday morning, 11 coaches of the Dhaka-bound Kalni Express became detached while the train was passing through Mominchhara Tea Garden area on the Fenchuganj-Kulaura railway line. Stationmaster Abu Sayeed confirmed the incident and said it took two hours to reattach the carriages. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the train resumed its journey toward Dhaka from Bhatera station around 9 AM.

To reduce confusion among worshippers, the Islamic Foundation has instructed all mosques in Bangladesh to hold Jummah prayers at 1:30 PM. Currently, mosques observe different timings—ranging from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM—causing difficulties for devout Muslims, especially travelers. The unified schedule aims to create consistency and ease of worship.

Health Advisor Nurjahan Begum announced that China will fund the construction of a 1,000-bed hospital in Rangpur as a gift to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. Additionally, China is providing a rehabilitation center equipped with robotic physiotherapy facilities, which will be installed at the Bangladesh Medical University. The equipment has already arrived at Chattogram Port and will initially serve victims of the July uprising before being made available to the general public.

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck near Meiktila in central Myanmar on Sunday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. No casualties or damages have been reported yet. This tremor comes amid ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating 7.7-magnitude quake on March 28, which killed 3,649 people and injured over 5,000, as reported by Myanmar’s military government spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun.

Deputy Secretary of the Security Services Division, Neelima Afroze, confirmed that the “Except Israel” clause has been reintroduced in Bangladeshi passports. A gazette notification has also been issued in this regard. The National Revolutionary Council had demanded its reinstatement, launching a movement and submitting a memorandum to the Home Affairs Advisor on March 18. Several groups including Shibir, Dhaka University faculty, and participants in the “March for Gaza” also raised this demand. The advisor called it a logical step.