During an open cabinet meeting on Thursday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant emphasized the need for trade agreements to stabilize economic policy. Former President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to strike a deal with China, saying, “It would be great if we could make a deal. It seems possible to reach a beneficial agreement for both countries.” He also mentioned that tariff revenues could be used to reduce the national debt. However, he warned that if no deal is reached within 90 days, tariffs would be reinstated. Trump added that there is progress in resolving conflicts, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war.

On the Bengali New Year, metro trains will not stop at Dhaka University and Shahbagh stations. Additionally, from 5 PM, public access to the university campus will be restricted. At a press briefing at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed outlined the route of the traditional Mangal Shobhajatra procession, which will start from the Faculty of Fine Arts, pass through Shahbagh, and end back at Charukola. Comprehensive security measures will be in place throughout the event.

In a major immigration raid on Thursday, Malaysian authorities detained 288 undocumented immigrants, including 98 Bangladeshis. Immigration officials inspected documents of 1,035 individuals—785 foreigners and 250 locals. Among the detainees were 242 men and 46 women, aged between 18 and 60. The arrested individuals are nationals of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Sudan.

Brigadier General Syed Mohammad Motaher Hossain, Inspector General of Prisons, has revealed that over 300 individuals convicted in militancy-related cases have been released, though some were involved in serious crimes. “The government remains vigilant. Those involved in heinous activities have been dealt with, and several have been re-arrested,” he said. Adviser Mahfuz Alam added that while some have renounced militancy, like Jashim Uddin Rahmani who issued a public statement distancing himself from extremism, all released individuals remain under close surveillance. “The intelligence agencies and the state are extremely sensitive about their actions. Any wrongdoing will be met with swift government action,” he stated.

Heavy rainfall since Wednesday has led to the deaths of at least 100 people across parts of India and Nepal. In Bihar, the state’s disaster management department confirmed at least 64 fatalities from rain-related incidents. In Uttar Pradesh, more than 20 people have died, while Nepal reported at least 8 deaths due to lightning strikes and flooding. India’s Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days.

Dilsad Afrin Pinky, a member of the National Citizen Committee, has been sent to jail in connection with an embezzlement case involving the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation. Sub-Inspector Mohammad Kamrul Hossain, the investigating officer, presented her before the court and requested her detention. Despite her lawyer pleading for bail and claiming innocence, the court denied the bail request and ordered her imprisonment. The case was filed on Thursday by Fatema Afrin Payel, the foundation’s legal officer. Pinky is accused of collecting money from martyr families and promising financial aid to fake injured individuals in exchange for bribes.

In a recent meeting with the Bangladesh API & Intermediaries Manufacturers Association, National Professor Dr. A.K. Azad Khan, head of the Health Sector Reform Commission, emphasized the need to reduce dependency on imported pharmaceutical raw materials. He highlighted that nearly 95% of the country’s pharmaceutical raw materials are currently imported. Local production could not only boost the industry but also pave the way for exports. Industry leaders urged the government to provide incentives for local production, research, and resource development—calling for subsidies on gas and electricity, simplified registration processes, VAT and tax exemptions for permanent producers, and a dedicated BAIIMA representative in the Drug Administration’s blacklist committee.

A moderate earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar on Friday morning. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, raising fears of aftershocks. This comes just weeks after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on March 28, killing over 36,000 people and injuring more than 5,000. Hundreds remain missing under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Iran is reportedly considering a proposal for an interim nuclear agreement with the United States. The plan is seen as a way to extend the timeline beyond the two-month deadline set by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened military action if Iran didn’t halt its nuclear program. Iran believes the current timeframe is insufficient and is exploring an interim deal as a stopgap before a comprehensive agreement.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has refuted allegations of abduction in the case of model Meghna Alam. According to an official statement, she was taken into custody legally over charges involving attempts to disrupt national security, spreading false information about influential individuals, and damaging diplomatic relations. “The allegation of breaking into her home and kidnapping her is inaccurate,” DMP stated. Meghna was arrested from her home on Wednesday and later presented before a court, which ordered her 30-day detention under the Special Powers Act.

Authorities in India have sparked controversy by issuing a notice banning loudspeaker use at mosques during prayer times on the day of Hanuman Jayanti processions. The notice, signed by the SHO of Gandhinagar police station, has drawn criticism. Police later claimed the notice was “misworded” and intended as a request for cooperation rather than a directive. However, they warned that failure to comply could lead to further action.

Bangladesh Police is set to adopt a new logo, replacing the existing one. The new emblem features the national flower Shapla, along with symbols of paddy, wheat, and a jute leaf—above which the word “Police” is prominently written. Notably, the boat symbol has been removed. The design has already received official approval, pending the final government notification. Once published, all police units and districts will be required to implement the new logo across uniforms, flags, signboards, and all relevant materials.

A total of 167 irregular Bangladeshi migrants have been repatriated from Libya under the joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Among them, 16 were from Benghazi and surrounding areas, while 151 were held at the Ganfouda Detention Center. Most had entered Libya via the Mediterranean, lured by promises of reaching Europe, but instead faced abduction and abuse. Upon return, IOM provided each returnee with Tk 6,000 in cash, food, medical care, and temporary shelter if needed.

Police have recovered the decomposed body of Liton Mia, buried in the ground at Kapai Tea Garden in Chunarughat, Habiganj, a week after he went missing. One suspect has been arrested. According to police, Liton was beaten to death on suspicion of theft and then buried. Liton had been missing since April 3, and his family had filed a general diary. Based on information from arrested suspect Promod Rikman (32), police located the body. Promod confessed that after his 10 cows were recently stolen, he and others detained and beat Liton on suspicion, leading to his death.

A Volunteer League leader and a drug dealer were snatched from police custody in Kalkini, Madaripur, by a group of accomplices. Though police recovered the handcuffs, the suspects remain at large. The detainees—Rashed Khan and Al Amin Sardar—were being transported when the ambush occurred, injuring five police officers. Security around the police station has since been tightened.