Supradip Chakma, Advisor for the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, stated that the government remains dedicated to economic progress in the region. He emphasized ongoing efforts to uplift the local women and communities, with allocations for financial support and food security. He assured that more funding would be made available for sustained development.

During a series of joint operations conducted across various regions of the country, including Dhaka, law enforcement has arrested 341 individuals between March 27 and April 2. Authorities also seized illegal firearms, ammunition, narcotics, counterfeit currency, and cash. The detainees have been transferred to the respective police stations for further questioning and legal proceedings.

On Thursday, Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, Religious Affairs Advisor, stated that the current government is committed to ensuring a free and fair election. He assured that an interim government would be established for this purpose and expressed confidence that power would be peacefully transferred to an elected government through a transparent election process.

A violent confrontation occurred in Rangpur during the rescue of four abducted children from the railway station. 22 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, and a case has been filed against them at Kotwali police station. The police were attacked by an angry mob during the rescue operation, which hindered their efforts to apprehend the kidnappers and secure the children’s release.

Md. Yasin Sheikh, hailing from Gouripur, joined the Russian army in pursuit of his father’s wishes and tragically died in the war on March 27. His family received the news on April 1. His mother is bed-ridden, devastated by the loss. Yasin had gone to Russia in September 2024 for a job offer, and after working for three months, he enlisted in the Russian army. The local municipal administrator, Sunanda Sarkar, visited his family to offer condolences, while the Upazila Nirbahi Officer assured that all necessary legal steps would be taken.

Lokman Hossain, from Mathbaria, returned to Bangladesh after being freed from captivity in Libya. Lokman shared that he had paid 3.5 lakh Taka to a broker, Shah Alam, to help him travel to Italy. However, Alam sold him to another broker in Libya. Lokman paid 10 lakh Taka to another broker named Shiru Islam to reach Italy, but instead faced severe abuse. To escape, he sold his home and paid 12 lakh Taka to another broker in Madaripur. Lokman’s wife, Rimi Akter, stated that her husband returned home after 11 months.

On Thursday afternoon, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor, met with Thailand’s Minister for Social Development and Human Security, Baravut Silpa-archa, and the Minister of State at the Prime Minister’s Office, Jiraporn Sindhupray. Later, Dr. Yunus attended an official dinner as part of the BIMSTEC summit, where he was photographed with Thailand’s Prime Minister, Phaetongtarn Shinawatra.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is set to hold a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, according to his press secretary, Shafiqul Alam. This will be the first official meeting between the heads of the two neighboring governments since the interim administration took office. The two leaders already met briefly at the summit’s welcome dinner and exchanged greetings.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, who is currently visiting Thailand for the BIMSTEC summit, will meet with Thailand’s Prime Minister, Phaetongtarn Shinawatra, and Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Shering Tobgay. According to a press secretary, BIMSTEC, a regional grouping around the Bay of Bengal, has yet to achieve its desired goals even after two decades. As the new Chairperson, Dr. Yunus will focus on strengthening the organization. Shafiqur Alam, one of his advisors, mentioned that Dr. Yunus aims to rejuvenate both SAARC and BIMSTEC to enhance regional cooperation and promote trade and investment.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has expressed strong optimism about resolving the tariff issue with the United States through discussions. “We are reviewing the matter. Since it is negotiable, we will engage in talks, and I am confident we can reach the best possible solution,” said Dr. Yunus. His press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, further stated from Bangkok on Thursday that the government is working towards a solution that ensures a win-win situation for both parties.

The results of the 1446 Hijri academic year Dawra-e-Hadith examinations, held under Al-Hayatul Ulya Lil Jamiatil Qawmia Bangladesh, have been published. The overall pass rate stands at 85.48%.

According to office manager Md. Ashiur Rahman, this year, 32,714 students appeared for the exams—17,743 male and 14,972 female candidates. A total of 27,963 students passed, while 4,751 failed, and 735 were absent.

Among the successful candidates, 15,948 were male, and 12,015 were female. As per examination regulations, merit rankings were separately prepared for male and female students. For every 500 candidates, one has been placed on the merit list, meaning 35 male students and 30 female students have secured merit positions.

The United States has imposed new tariffs on at least 12 countries, including Bangladesh. However, the majority of Americans do not support Trump’s “aggressive” trade policies. According to a Marquette Law School poll, 58% of Americans believe Trump’s tariff policies will hurt the U.S. economy, while only 28% think they will be beneficial. The poll also found that 43% of Americans hold a negative opinion of Trump. Additionally, 64% believe that closing institutions like USAID and the Department of Education is beyond a president’s authority. Furthermore, 70% of respondents said judges who rule against Trump’s decisions should not be removed.

Kamal Uddin Haider, the coordinator of the Inter-Education Board Examination Control Committee, has ruled out any possibility of postponing the upcoming SSC exams. He stated that all necessary preparations have been completed. “Most students are in favor of taking the exams as scheduled,” he said, dismissing calls for a delay as a conspiracy by certain individuals on social media. Education board officials emphasized that the April 10 exam date was announced 8-9 months in advance, giving both students and institutions ample preparation time. They described last-minute calls for postponement as unreasonable and a deliberate attempt to disrupt the exams. Meanwhile, some students have requested a rescheduling, citing difficulties in preparing while fasting during Ramadan and demanding at least a three-day gap between each exam.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam has identified extortion as the primary cause of violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He stated that unless extortion is eradicated, peace in the region will remain elusive. “Well-dressed individuals make grand speeches while keeping extortion alive,” he remarked, vowing zero tolerance for extortion-related terrorism. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to crack down on these activities with an iron hand. He also revealed that on August 5, a large number of weapons were looted, many of which remain unrecovered. Efforts are underway to retrieve them. Additionally, he accused sections of the Indian media of spreading false propaganda against Bangladesh, urging Bangladeshi media outlets to counter such misinformation with the truth.

The White House has dismissed reports that Elon Musk is stepping down from his role in the Trump administration, calling them “completely baseless” and “nonsense.” White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt stated on X, “Both Musk and Trump have publicly confirmed that Musk will continue as a special government employee until he completes his ‘incredible work’ at the Department of Government Efficiency.” Earlier, Politico, citing discontent among party activists and sources close to the U.S. president, reported that Musk was expected to step down soon.