Adviser Asif Mahmud disclosed that his father’s locally issued contractor license has been canceled following a media inquiry. Asif confirmed the license’s existence but acknowledged the conflict of interest, as he holds a governmental position. “My father didn’t understand the implications. No work was undertaken using the license. I apologize on his behalf,” he wrote in a statement.

British MP Shaukat Adam was barred from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque via an Israeli-controlled gate during a visit to Jerusalem. Adam, an independent MP from Leicester South, and Andrew George, a Liberal Democrat MP from St Ives, were part of a delegation touring Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and East Jerusalem. Eyewitnesses reported that Adam was singled out and denied access because of his Muslim identity.

Reacting to Ukrainian President Zelensky’s statement rejecting recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Donald Trump criticized the stance. “No one’s asking him to cede Crimea. If he wanted to fight for it, why didn’t he do it 11 years ago when it was handed over without a shot?” Trump questioned. He added that peace was within reach, but Zelensky’s provocations are making it difficult to end the war.

In a meeting with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus proposed establishing a dedicated Special Economic Zone for Qatari investors. He suggested that Qatari businesses could invest in defense equipment manufacturing and other sectors. Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s vision to become a global manufacturing and economic hub, highlighting enhancements in port capacities and investment services. He added that industries set up in Bangladesh can freely export goods abroad.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Bangladesh will see an increase in dollar inflows during the current fiscal year, which is expected to ease pressure on the country’s current account deficit. According to the IMF, the growing size of the country’s GDP will contribute to an improvement in foreign currency inflows, helping to narrow the deficit in external accounts.

The report also notes that this improvement trend may continue into the next fiscal year, with the deficit likely remaining stable. Due to a dollar crisis, Bangladesh’s current account deficit had previously surged to 4% of GDP in the 2021–22 fiscal year. However, it decreased to 2.6% in 2022–23, and further declined to just 1.4% of GDP in the 2023–24 fiscal year.

The Cabinet Division has issued a notification declaring three days of national mourning from Thursday to Saturday following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and the sovereign of Vatican City.

During this period, national flags will be flown at half-mast on all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, and educational establishments, as well as in all private buildings and Bangladeshi missions abroad.

Special prayers will also be held for the departed soul of the Pope, honoring his memory and legacy.

Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said his first action after taking office was to eliminate quota-based allocations. “We aim to build a practical, livable Dhaka,” he said. He emphasized improving connectivity with nearby districts to allow easier access for commuters. Reflecting on Dhaka’s expansion, he lamented the destruction of the once-rich Bhawal forest, stressing the need to avoid unplanned urban sprawl.

A day after 26 tourists were killed in Pahalgam, a gunfight broke out in Kulgam between Indian forces and separatist fighters. Two men were shot dead while allegedly attempting to cross into India. Indian Express reports at least seven attackers were involved in the earlier massacre, four or five of whom reportedly spoke Urdu and may be Pakistani nationals. Pakistan denied any involvement, blaming local resentment and minority repression instead.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus praised Qatar Charity’s humanitarian work during a meeting with Acting Head Nawaf Abdullah Al Hammadi. He requested support in launching tech education programs for madrasa students across Bangladesh. Qatar Charity has already supported vocational training in some madrasas and will seriously consider the proposal.

Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam stated that the government is undertaking various initiatives to strengthen the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC). With a large domestic market, he said the film industry must be revitalized. He called on stakeholders to work together and emphasized the importance of the modern film city under construction in Kabirpur.

DNCC demolished a two-story building in Mohammadpur’s Katasur area built on canal land. A portion of a mosque’s toilet and boundary wall built on the canal was also removed, with more demolition planned. Administrator Mohammad Ejaz said religious and political institutions had long encroached public land. “The era of grabbing canals and sleeping soundly is over,” he said, promising no notice—just action. He also mentioned robust dengue-prevention efforts underway.

Labor Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain criticized factory owners for claiming financial hardship while living lavish lifestyles. “You drive luxury cars, travel abroad, and enjoy private healthcare—yet say you can’t pay workers,” he remarked. He condemned the cozy relationship previous labor ministry officials had with factory owners, saying, “This is why no one ever stood up to them.”

Education Adviser Dr. C. R. Abrar expressed grave concern over ongoing unrest at educational institutions across the country. “We have a plan to address this,” he said. Speaking about the recent tension at KUET, he mentioned that a committee has been formed and the government will act based on its recommendations. “We’ve started working. I urge students to remain calm,” he added, assuring swift resolution.

Four female students at Baufal Salehia Fazil Madrasa were reportedly penalized for refusing to remove their hijabs during a Hadith exam. The exam’s tag officer, Tural Pramanik, allegedly confiscated their answer sheets. One student’s paper was later returned after she broke down in tears, but the remaining three did not receive theirs back. Pramanik is a BRDB project officer.

The Ministry of Education has announced that the government has initiated the process to relieve Professor Dr. Muhammad Mashud, Vice Chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), and the Pro-Vice Chancellor from their responsibilities.

In an official statement, the ministry cited recent events and the need to swiftly restore normalcy and resume academic activities as the reasons behind this decision. A search committee will be formed shortly to appoint new individuals to both positions.

To ensure uninterrupted university operations during this interim period, a senior professor will be temporarily assigned the role of Acting Vice Chancellor.