Beloved actress Gulshan Ara Ahmed, widely known for her roles in “Bachelor Point” as Kabila’s mother and the Chairman of Noakhali, passed away at 6:40 AM on Tuesday. She had been on life support following a heart attack. Director Kajol Arefin Ami mourned her passing, praying for her eternal peace and forgiveness from the Almighty.

British MP Tulip Siddiq has dismissed an arrest warrant issued in Bangladesh as politically driven and baseless. Speaking to journalists in London, she said the Bangladeshi authorities were conducting a “media trial” and had ignored legal correspondence from her lawyers. The Anti-Corruption Commission is reportedly investigating alleged embezzlement of $5 billion from infrastructure projects by Sheikh Hasina’s family. Bobby Hajjaj has accused Tulip of facilitating an overpriced nuclear power deal with Russia in 2013—allegations she denies.

Students of Patuakhali Science and Technology University staged protests after the death of fellow student Mainuddin, accusing Patuakhali Medical College Hospital of medical negligence. Witnesses claim he was left untreated in the ICU for an hour after drowning before a doctor attended to him—by which time he had already died. The hospital has denied any shortcomings in care. The situation was later brought under control after the deployment of police and army personnel.

The Hajj journey for 1,358 Bangladeshi pilgrims remains uncertain as 20 Hajj agencies have yet to arrange housing in Makkah and Madinah, despite the deadline expiring. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has instructed the agencies to complete the process by 8 PM Monday. Previously, agencies were supposed to finalize all service contracts by February 14, a deadline extended to April 3. With regular housing permits closed as of Sunday, only limited hotel bookings remain possible—and even those may be halted at any moment.

At least 50 people, including an Additional Superintendent of Police, were injured in violent clashes between residents of Badarpasha and West Rajoir villages in Madaripur. The conflict, rooted in a longstanding feud, erupted Sunday evening around 6 PM and lasted until 10 PM. Shops and police vehicles were vandalized and set on fire, while crude bombs were detonated during the unrest. In response, the local administration imposed Section 144 from 1 PM to 1 AM Monday. Police have filed a case naming 60 individuals and accusing another 2,000 unknown persons.

Industry Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan hailed the nationwide celebration of Bengali New Year, emphasizing the role of unity in post-fascist Bangladesh. “From the hills to the plains, there is a festive mood. Entrepreneurs are pushing the country towards another industrial revolution,” he said. He highlighted the global demand for Bangladeshi garments, handicrafts, and food products, noting that local fairs like the Bangla Academy event will help boost exports. Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki added, “We have entered a new Bangladesh post-August 5. Today’s rally symbolizes national unity.” Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque noted that celebrating Pahela Baishakh as part of national culture is a positive initiative.

A police team conducting a raid on an illegal casino in Sreepur, Gazipur, was attacked by gamblers, injuring seven officers including the Officer-in-Charge of Joydebpur Police Station. The raid led to the arrest of seven individuals including the alleged ringleader, Mosharraf Hossain. Other detainees include Selim Mia, Abu Bakkar Siddique, Nazmul Hossain, Abdur Rahman, Rubel Mia, and Sohel Rana. Additional police units were deployed from Sreepur to rescue the injured.

Police have arrested Shamim Dewan in Tongibari, Munshiganj, for allegedly raping a seventh-grade student on her way home from private tuition. The arrest was made Monday at his residence in Outshahi village. According to police, the incident occurred on Saturday when the victim was forcibly taken to an abandoned building and assaulted. Locals rushed to the scene after hearing her screams, prompting Shamim to flee. He is now in custody.

Police have arrested Md. Javed Hossain, a senior officer at Janata Bank’s Suchipara branch in Shahrasti, Chandpur, on charges of embezzling Tk 8.4 million. He was sent to court on Monday. The bank had earlier filed a complaint alleging illegal transfers between multiple accounts. Javed Hossain is a resident of Kumedpur village in Laxmipur Sadar upazila. Authorities confirmed that the case will soon be handed over to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for further investigation.

Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) has temporarily suspended 37 students following a review of incidents on February 18–19. A special syndicate meeting held on February 19 had formed a probe committee. Details of the disciplinary action and dormitory reopening were outlined in a university press release. Dormitories will reopen on May 2.

TikTok personality Toha Hossain has been arrested in Mirpur for allegedly promoting online gambling platforms. Police are also searching for his wife, Hur-e-Jannat. A cybercrime case was filed on Monday at Mirpur Model Police Station under the Cyber Security Act. According to the complaint, Toha lured youth into gambling with promises of high profits from small investments, leading many to financial ruin and criminal behavior.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam shared a delightful anecdote on Facebook, writing: “While recording Chief Adviser Yunus’s New Year address on a shaded lawn by the Jamuna, a cuckoo flew in and began singing from a nearby tree. Sir smiled and said, ‘Looks like we won’t need any background music!’ The cuckoo kept singing throughout the 3.5-minute speech.” In his address, the Chief Adviser extended New Year wishes to the nation and called for renewed energy to move forward.

At 7 p.m. Monday, Bangladesh’s largest drone show lit up the Dhaka sky with stunning images, thanks to technical support from the Chinese Embassy and collaboration with the Shilpakala Academy. Themed “New Year, New Bangladesh,” the show at Manik Mia Avenue featured aerial displays of iconic figures like Abu Sayeed, symbolic protestor Mughdho, the 2024 heroes, broken cages, and prayers for Palestine. The symbolic imagery highlighted the recent student-led protests and calls for regime change. The drone show followed a cultural performance.

Hundreds of illegal Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Monday, coinciding with the second day of the Jewish festival Passover. Backed by Israeli police, 765 settlers entered the compound through the Al-Mughrabi Gate and launched coordinated attacks inside the mosque. The previous day, nearly 500 settlers had also entered and attacked the mosque. Passover is one of the most significant Jewish religious festivals, commemorating the exodus of Israelites from Egypt under Prophet Moses.

Rabindra University in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj showcased powerful imagery at its Boishakhi fair—depicting both the 2024 mass uprising and the brutalities in Palestine under Israeli occupation. Alongside food stalls, students organized displays highlighting these issues. VC Prof. Dr. S.M. Hasan Talukder stated, “Pohela Boishakh reminds us of the richness of Bengali culture which inspires harmony across ethnic and religious lines.” He condemned global acts of imperialism, saying, “We denounce genocidal powers across the world from the new Bangladesh,” and expressed hope for a more humane and secure world in the new year.