Government employees opposing the "Government Jobs (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025" observed a one-hour work stoppage today. In a press conference, they announced plans to submit memorandums to three advisers on Sunday—Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder, Roads Adviser Dr. Fauzul Kabir Khan, and Environment Adviser Rizwana Hasan. On Monday, they plan to meet Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam and Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud. The Unity Forum also urged continuation of work stoppages at divisional commissioner and DC offices nationwide.

The Appellate Division has stated that the Election Commission (EC) will decide whether BNP leader Ishraq Hossain will be sworn in as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. A full bench of seven judges, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, delivered this observation on Thursday while disposing of a related petition. Earlier, the High Court had dismissed a writ seeking the cancellation of the EC’s gazette and court ruling that declared Ishraq as mayor.

Artist Farzana Wahid Sayan has announced her decision to sever ties with the newly formed political party NCP, citing their celebration of ATM Azharul Islam’s acquittal and alignment with Jamaat-e-Islami. In a social media post, she criticized the party’s alliance with Jamaat and silence over the controversial transfer of Nadira Yasmin. She wrote, “I am officially boycotting the new party from today.”

The US Court of International Trade in New York has suspended tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on imports from several countries. The court ruled that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing retaliatory tariffs. The decision follows two lawsuits filed over the issue. In response, the Trump administration has filed a notice of appeal.

An unexpected explosion occurred around 7:40 PM Wednesday behind the Diamond Harbour police station in West Bengal, where confiscated gunpowder was being stored. Fire services quickly brought the situation under control, and no casualties or significant damage were reported. Authorities believe rain may have prevented a major disaster, though the cause of the ignition remains unclear.

Elon Musk has announced the end of his term as a “special government employee,” a role he assumed under the Trump administration in January to head the Office of Government Efficiency (DoGE). “I believe this cost-cutting agency can become integral across the government,” said Musk. Thanking President Donald Trump for entrusting him with this responsibility, Musk stated he is stepping down as his official tenure ends. He expressed hope that the agency would grow stronger over time.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has dismissed claims made in the US Defense Intelligence Agency’s annual report, which suggested that China is seeking to establish military presence in Bangladesh. “The report’s information is untrue. China has no such intentions,” said the ambassador. The DIA report had listed Bangladesh among several countries—including Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—where China is allegedly exploring military footholds.

The Ministry of Education has announced the renaming of 68 government colleges across 37 districts. Nearly all of these institutions were previously named after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina or her family members. According to the official notification, the decision follows directives from the Cabinet Division’s Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Committee.

Speaking at the Nikkei Forum, Nobel Laureate and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated, “We are preparing for a free, fair, credible, and participatory general election that ensures justice, equality, freedom, and human dignity. This will usher in a peaceful and effective democratic transition.” Stressing the need to turn Asia’s interdependence into cooperation, he added, “Asia’s strength lies in the diversity of its economies, cultures, and political systems.” Dr. Yunus also expressed concern over the vast amounts spent on war while millions face hunger, and highlighted the humanitarian crises in Myanmar caused by civil war and natural disasters.

A violent clash erupted at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital between hospital staff and relatives of injured freedom fighters who were protesting alleged mistreatment and lack of proper care. Army personnel intervened and used batons to disperse the crowd. The hospital staff have since gone on strike, leading to canceled surgeries and suspended services. Protesters have been demanding better treatment for days and have even attempted suicide in desperation.

A Bangladeshi laborer, Asad Mia (50), died while illegally extracting coal in a quarry deep in India’s Meghalaya hills. His body was brought back to his village in Chanpur, Tahirpur. In the past year, at least 18 Bangladeshi workers have died under similar circumstances, often due to unsafe conditions in unregulated coal pits operated by Indian coal exporters or smugglers.

Detective Branch (DB) police in Dhaka have arrested eight individuals for running Facebook pages that advertised Hilsa fish sales to scam customers. The accused—Anas Sheikh, Kamal Sheikh, Yanur Molla, Zubair Hossain, Rubel Sheikh, Sagar Hossain, Alinoor Islam, and Shariful Islam—created pages like “Ilisher Bari Chandpur Online Shop” and “Chandpur Ilish Ghat” to lure unsuspecting buyers with flashy ads. Victims paid large sums but never received any fish. Police recovered 25 mobile phones and 70 illegal SIM cards from the suspects.

To ensure transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections in Bangladesh, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a three-year project in collaboration with the Economic Relations Division and the Election Commission. Signed on Wednesday, the 2025–2027 project will be implemented in two phases: the first focusing on urgent electoral support, including technical preparation and voter outreach, and the second on post-election democratic institution strengthening and electoral reform.

Azizul Haque, Joint Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam, has called for the trial of activists from the Gonojagoron Mancha, labeling them "Shahbaghis" and supporters of the 2013 Shapla Square massacre. He alleged that in 2013, anti-Islamic forces backed by India attempted to destroy Bangladesh's sovereignty and justice system through the Shahbagh movement. According to him, Hefazat thwarted this conspiracy, which led to a brutal nighttime crackdown on their rally at Shapla Chattar. Haque claimed over 84 madrasa students and teachers were martyred, and that those supporting the massacre must also be held accountable.

Due to turbulent weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal and heightened sea activity, authorities have temporarily suspended all maritime transportation to the coastal island upazila of Hatiya in Noakhali from Wednesday. Passenger and cargo movement between Hatiya and mainland areas including Chattogram, Dhaka, and Noakhali has been halted. All fishing trawlers have been instructed to return to safe harbor immediately.