Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam announced that Qatar will recruit 725 Bangladeshi soldiers within two months for various responsibilities. He highlighted this as excellent news, noting that Bangladeshi soldiers in Kuwait earn between BDT 250,000 and 300,000 per month. Bangladesh has been deploying troops to Kuwait since the Gulf War, and the government is in talks to increase the number of soldiers sent.

A fresh clash broke out between students of Dhaka College and City College today. The violence was reportedly triggered by the assault of a Dhaka College student on Monday. Witnesses said Dhaka College students gathered in front of City College, where teachers attempted to intervene. The situation escalated when Dhaka College students began throwing bricks at City College’s gate, leading to a chase and counter-chase between the groups.

The University of Scholars has temporarily expelled two female students—Fatema Tahsin Oishi (Business Administration) and Faria Haque Tina (English)—over the murder of Jahidul Islam Parvez. The university stated that a preliminary investigation indicated their possible involvement. If the allegations are confirmed, their studentship will be permanently revoked and strict action taken. Parvez was reportedly laughing with friends when the two female students and four others accused them of making fun. An altercation followed, which allegedly led to his death.

Ali Riaz, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, stated that 35 parties have submitted reform proposals, and discussions have been held with 15 parties, including the BNP. “We are briefing the Chief Adviser on the discussions daily, and he is guiding us accordingly,” Riaz said. He emphasized that the commission will also engage with relevant commissions to review the proposed reforms. “We believe today’s third meeting with the BNP will mark the end of the initial phase of our dialogue,” he added, calling it a historic moment.

Speaking at the Earthna Summit, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized the need to build a prosperous, green, and sustainable world for future generations, driven by innovation and technology. He called for inclusive empowerment and highlighted the transformational potential of youth. Upon arrival in Qatar, Dr. Yunus received a red carpet welcome from Protocol Chief Ibrahim Fakhro and other officials.

State prosecutors informed the High Court that vital documents related to the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi were destroyed in a fire at the Detective Branch office on August 5, 2023. While the prosecution requested a nine-month extension, the court allowed time until October 22 to submit the final investigation report. Earlier, the deadline had been extended to May 21.

Since 4 PM Monday, 32 students of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) have been on a hunger strike demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Machud. They accuse the administration of failing to protect students from an attack by student political groups and outsiders on February 18. No arrests have been made, and the university suspended 37 students, including protesters.

The High Court has postponed the hearing on a contempt case involving the failure to compensate 10-year-old Naim Hasan, who lost an arm while working at a workshop. The factory owner, summoned to the Appellate Division, stated that a review petition had been filed and the compensation is ready. The court hopes the payment will be made by the next hearing on May 8.

The Labor Reform Commission has submitted a report recommending legal protections for all workers, fair national and sector-based wages, and safe working conditions. It also proposed establishing a comprehensive labor database and easing trade union rights to promote transparency and accountability. The commission urged the government to facilitate overseas employment and skill development, especially for youth and entrepreneurs. It further recommended state recognition for workers killed in the 2024 uprising, justice for victims of workplace negligence, and six months of maternity leave along with anti-harassment policies.

Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of violating the Constitution by freezing $2.2 billion in federal funding. The university claims this was a retaliatory move after it refused to comply with federal demands related to campus protests. Harvard says the freeze endangers vital research on childhood cancer, infectious diseases, and veterans’ health. The lawsuit argues that the government failed to establish any reasonable link between its decision and concerns over antisemitism or academic conduct.

Bangladesh Medical University and Kunming Medical University of China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for a $138.2 million Chinese investment in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector. Professor Zhueshan highlighted the foundation laid by recent high-level meetings between the two nations for long-term collaboration in health and education. He emphasized the strengths of traditional and advanced Chinese medical education. Professor Dr. Mujibur Rahman Howlader said the agreement will significantly boost medical modernization through joint research, training, technology transfer, and infrastructure development.

In a mass wedding ceremony organized by WAAMI for 60 underprivileged and fatherless couples, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain highlighted the spiritual and moral significance of marriage. He said marriage is a safeguard against immoral behavior and is essential for building ideal families, fulfilling natural needs, and attaining peace of mind.

He added, “According to a Hadith, when a person gets married, they complete half of their faith; for the other half, they should fear Allah.” Dr. Hossain underscored that marriage is an unparalleled institution for preserving one’s character.

Rights group VOiD has demanded the withdrawal of all false cases against victims of enforced disappearances, along with their safety, compensation, and justice against those responsible. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam called for the prosecution of everyone involved in such cases. VOiD also demanded the repeal of the 2013 Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, transparency in state records, and a public apology from state forces to the victims and the nation.

More than 100 travelers, including 47 Bangladeshis, were detained at a South African airport on Sunday. Despite clearing immigration and collecting baggage, many were stopped by border guards. The reason for their detention remains unclear, and authorities are holding them at the airport. There is a possibility that they may be deported.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix commended Bangladesh’s contribution to global peacekeeping during a courtesy meeting with IGP Baharul Alam. The IGP affirmed that Bangladeshi peacekeepers have consistently demonstrated professionalism and expressed readiness to deploy more personnel to UN missions in the future.