A delegation led by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed will meet USTR representatives next week over a 37% retaliatory tariff. Adviser Bashiruddin said, “The cancellation of transshipment facilities will increase our costs by about BDT 2,000 crore. We’re engaged in round-the-clock talks.” He emphasized inflation is declining and purchasing power is improving, which may cushion families from rising product prices.

U.S. President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 245%. The White House cited China’s retaliatory actions, including a ban on exporting six heavy rare earth metals and magnets essential for military, aerospace, and semiconductor industries. The administration accused China of deliberately restricting critical materials like gallium, germanium, and antimony. The move is framed as part of Trump’s “America First” trade policy.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) conducted a raid at the Naogaon Sadar Sub-Registry Office amid allegations of rampant irregularities and bribery. A service recipient said, “Nothing gets done here without paying bribes. If ACC carries out raids weekly, we’ll all benefit.” ACC officer Mehbuba Khatun Rita stated, “Collusion between sub-registry officials and deed writers is leading to harassment and unauthorized charges. We’ve collected documents and will send a full report to the commissioner.” Sub-Registrar Md. Hasanuzzaman claimed, “ACC didn’t show us anything specific. If they do, we will take action.”

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar has said that the Election Commission (EC) is preparing for the upcoming national polls, targeting December for holding the election. The EC will announce its action plan by July. He stated that the commission plans to include all eligible voters who turn 18 before the official announcement. Law amendments may be required to facilitate this. Sarkar also mentioned planned consultations with political parties and law enforcement agencies in July and August to assess the feasibility of holding elections under current security conditions.

Students of public and private polytechnic institutes have announced a nationwide railway blockade on Thursday as part of their ongoing movement to press home six demands. While they called off today’s road blockade, their demands include cancellation of the 30% promotion quota for Craft Instructors to Junior Instructor posts, revocation of unauthorized appointments made in 2021, dismissal of those involved, reform of recruitment policies, and ending open-age admissions in Diploma Engineering courses. They also demand a four-year curriculum aligned with international standards and English as the medium of instruction, as well as the establishment of a separate Ministry for Technical and Higher Education, a Technical Education Reform Commission, and a dedicated technical university.

The Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, met with the commission investigating the BDR mutiny. He stressed the importance of uncovering the truth, stating, “The nation is looking to the commission for answers—we must succeed.” Commission head Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Alam Fazlur Rahman said the investigation is progressing, with the final report expected by June. He noted the challenge of tracking people involved in a 16-year-old case, including 23 individuals currently abroad. Eight of them have agreed to testify.

Legal adviser Asif Nazrul stated that the government is seriously considering BNP’s concerns and is committed to holding elections between December and June, as per the Chief Adviser’s promise. He stressed that elections will not be delayed beyond June and that BNP is genuinely invested in reforms. Referring to a positive meeting with BNP leaders, Nazrul dismissed allegations of government delay and reiterated the goal of conducting elections as early as possible within the declared timeframe.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has announced that a separate secretariat for the judiciary will be established soon. He stated that a thorough evaluation process is currently underway, including the review of several proposals. “Finalization is imminent,” he said, while noting that efforts are being made to address any constitutional hurdles. The Chief Justice also highlighted the infrastructural challenges faced by lawyers, especially female lawyers, and assured that these issues will be resolved soon. He called on lawyers and journalists to support the establishment of an independent judiciary.

Investigations have revealed that S. Alam Group has acquired and occupied approximately 6,231 bighas of land across various regions of Bangladesh, with 5,000 bighas located in Chattogram alone. Authorities have also identified 17 luxury apartments in Dhaka and Chattogram linked to the group. The total estimated value of these assets stands at around BDT 64,000 crore. A central bank probe has found that S. Alam Group embezzled nearly BDT 2 trillion from several banks, part of which was allegedly laundered abroad, while other portions were invested in industries and land—violating the central bank’s regulations that prohibit purchasing land with commercial loans. The Financial Intelligence Unit has also traced properties under S. Alam’s name in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Canada, and Malaysia. Authorities have seized shares worth BDT 25,366 crore across multiple companies connected to the group.

A strong earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region early Wednesday morning. Initial estimates placed the magnitude at 6.4, later revised to 5.9 by India’s National Center for Seismology. The quake, with its epicenter 75 km below the surface, was felt in Delhi and surrounding NCR areas. No casualties have been reported. Meanwhile, Tajikistan experienced a separate 5.8 magnitude quake earlier in the day—its third significant quake in the past 48 hours.

A tragic incident occurred on the Cox’s Bazar-bound Prabal Express when a fire broke out near Lohagara. In panic, a couple jumped from the moving train with their 8-month-old son, resulting in the child’s death. The injured parents—24-year-old Abdur Razzak and 18-year-old Liza Akter—are in critical condition. According to Station Master Didar Hossain, the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit and was extinguished within 15–20 minutes. However, the panic led to the fatal leap.

Responding to queries about the reported arrest warrant against British MP and former UK minister Tulip Siddiq, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of local Bangladeshi authorities. She emphasized that Bangladesh’s future must be determined by its people, noting the importance of elections and cautioning against decisions that could damage the lives of citizens. Bruce remarked, “For 20–25 years we’ve seen how bad choices can destroy lives. Now, many countries must decide which path they want to take.”

In the wake of a mass uprising, a court has ordered the seizure of shares worth Tk 17,000 crore belonging to the family of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 10 major industrial groups. Additionally, Tk 4,000 crore from various bank accounts has been frozen and travel bans imposed on 84 individuals. The task force—led by Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur—is investigating financial activities of groups including S. Alam, Beximco, Nabil, Summit, Orion, Gemcon, Nasa, Sikder, Aramit, and others. Some company heads have reportedly renounced their Bangladeshi citizenship. The task force is moving swiftly to recover illicit funds.

Md. Zobaidur Rahman Jony, founder of ‘Medico,’ has alleged that on August 2, 2023, plainclothes CID officer Jewel Chakma and several other officers forcibly entered his apartment without allowing his wife to wear her hijab. He claims he was abducted, beaten, and pictures of the assault were sent to his wife. Jony alleges the then-CID chief threatened him with crossfire if he didn’t pay Tk 5 crore. His family was later forced to sell property and paid Tk 4 crore in installments through CID officials. Jony denies allegations of exam paper leaks and has filed a case on April 15 against Jewel Chakma (now Additional SP, RAB-14), former CID chief Mohammad Ali Mia, SI Mehedi Hasan, SI Atikur Rahman, and several unidentified individuals.

The Liberty Justice Center has filed a lawsuit in the International Trade Court challenging former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. The suit argues that Trump exceeded constitutional limits by imposing broad tariffs on various countries. Filed on behalf of five U.S. businesses, the plaintiffs include a New York wine importer, a fishing gear e-commerce firm, a U.S. pipe manufacturer using imported resin, a Virginia-based electronics and musical instrument maker, and a Vermont women’s cycling apparel brand.