U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced in Riyadh that a preliminary agreement is in place between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia on civilian nuclear cooperation. The partnership aims to develop Saudi Arabia’s commercial nuclear power sector, with significant progress expected this year. Wright also hailed Saudi investments in the U.S. and praised the hospitality of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz.

NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan warned that commitments made under U.S. pressure to rationalize tariffs on certain imports will reduce Bangladesh’s tax revenues, especially as the IMF demands increased collections. He added that similar rationalizations in income tax structures could further decrease revenue. While tax rates for individuals and corporations will remain unchanged this year, efforts will be made to address existing inequities in the next budget.

Two madrasa teachers from Gomastapur, Chapainawabganj have been jailed over allegations of sexually abusing residential students. The accused, Mozahidul Islam and Alauddin, were arrested after victims informed their parents, who then filed cases under the Women and Children Repression Act. Police confirmed that the court ordered the accused into judicial custody.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum stated that 864 individuals have been confirmed as martyrs in the July uprising, with over 14,000 injured. She reported that 43 wounded have already been sent abroad for treatment—26 to Bangkok, 16 to Singapore, and one to Russia—with costs as high as BDT 65 million per patient. An additional 21 will be sent to Turkey and 31 to Pakistan. Most of the recipients are civilians, with 30% being students. She praised Pakistan’s expertise in treating war-related injuries, citing special facilities in Lahore. The adviser also revealed shocking injury data: 21 lost both eyes and 450 lost one, while 17 had legs and 4 had arms amputated to save their lives.

Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhtar urged traders not to artificially inflate hilsa prices post-June. She blamed the illegal jatka (juvenile hilsa) catch on exploitative middlemen, not genuine fishermen. Akhtar announced plans for a hygienic fish market in Jatrabari and assured protection for traders in collaboration with the Home Ministry. She also cautioned that frozen hilsa being sold as fresh misleads consumers and emphasized that “panta-hilsa” is not part of Bengali New Year traditions, reiterating that no hilsa should be sold during that period.

The draft protocol for seamless passenger and cargo movement among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) has been finalized, a decade after the original agreement was signed. This is South Asia’s first such initiative aimed at strengthening cross-border trade and connectivity. However, observers worry that India’s recent revocation of transshipment benefits to Bangladesh may hinder the agreement’s implementation.

Over 100 students of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) entered the campus on Sunday after 52 days of closure and began a sit-in in front of the administrative building demanding dormitories be reopened by 8 PM. Despite a university ban, the students bypassed restrictions, prompting the administration to deploy additional security. After negotiations, students were allowed in upon ID verification. However, university authorities clarified that reopening dorms requires a Syndicate meeting decision. Students warned of stricter protests if their demand is unmet.

On Sunday morning, 11 coaches of the Dhaka-bound Kalni Express became detached while the train was passing through Mominchhara Tea Garden area on the Fenchuganj-Kulaura railway line. Stationmaster Abu Sayeed confirmed the incident and said it took two hours to reattach the carriages. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the train resumed its journey toward Dhaka from Bhatera station around 9 AM.

Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA, announced that the recent investment summit attracted preliminary proposals worth BDT 3,100 crore. While the government spent around BDT 1.5 crore, partners contributed BDT 3.5 crore. Ashiq noted that the summit should not be evaluated by cost alone and emphasized that many deals were built on prior negotiations. Delegates from 50 countries participated, with foreign investors making up 58% of attendees. Meanwhile, ten proposed economic zones have been canceled.

To reduce confusion among worshippers, the Islamic Foundation has instructed all mosques in Bangladesh to hold Jummah prayers at 1:30 PM. Currently, mosques observe different timings—ranging from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM—causing difficulties for devout Muslims, especially travelers. The unified schedule aims to create consistency and ease of worship.

Health Advisor Nurjahan Begum announced that China will fund the construction of a 1,000-bed hospital in Rangpur as a gift to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. Additionally, China is providing a rehabilitation center equipped with robotic physiotherapy facilities, which will be installed at the Bangladesh Medical University. The equipment has already arrived at Chattogram Port and will initially serve victims of the July uprising before being made available to the general public.

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck near Meiktila in central Myanmar on Sunday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. No casualties or damages have been reported yet. This tremor comes amid ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating 7.7-magnitude quake on March 28, which killed 3,649 people and injured over 5,000, as reported by Myanmar’s military government spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun.

Deputy Secretary of the Security Services Division, Neelima Afroze, confirmed that the “Except Israel” clause has been reintroduced in Bangladeshi passports. A gazette notification has also been issued in this regard. The National Revolutionary Council had demanded its reinstatement, launching a movement and submitting a memorandum to the Home Affairs Advisor on March 18. Several groups including Shibir, Dhaka University faculty, and participants in the “March for Gaza” also raised this demand. The advisor called it a logical step.

Six Myanmar nationals were arrested with 40,770 yaba pills in a joint operation by the Coast Guard and RAB near Shahpari Island in Teknaf on Saturday afternoon. The arrestees—Amir Sultan (52), Robi Alam (42), Dil Mohammad (38), Nurunnabi (28), Iman Hossain (32), and Zayed Hossain (18)—were apprehended near the sea area close to the “Jor Tower.” Legal action against them is currently underway.

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court challenging the legality of model Meghna Alam’s detention under the Special Powers Act. Advocate Kazi Zahed Iqbal, representing her, argued that if there are specific allegations against Meghna, proper legal proceedings should follow, but the vague basis for her detention is unjustified. The hearing is expected to be held before a High Court bench comprising Justice Rajik Al Jalil and Justice Tamanna Rahman Khalidi. Meghna was detained last Wednesday night from a residence in Bashundhara Residential Area.