Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government will begin the fifth five-year Primary Education Development Program on July 1. He made the statement in the National Parliament on Wednesday morning while responding to a question from a member of parliament. The program marks the continuation of the government’s long-term efforts to strengthen the country’s primary education system.

In addition to the education initiative, the Prime Minister said the government has undertaken a ‘Marine Spatial Planning’ program to utilize the resources of Bangladesh’s vast maritime area. Responding to another question, he added that work is underway to formulate a national tourism plan aimed at developing the country’s tourism sector.

These initiatives reflect the government’s focus on education, maritime resource management, and tourism development as part of its broader national development agenda.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to raise the festival allowance for MPO-listed teachers from 50 percent to 100 percent of their basic salary. He made the announcement on Tuesday while speaking as the chief guest at an event, describing the move as part of the government’s responsibility to improve the education system and elevate teachers’ social and professional status.

The minister noted that previous administrations had taken partial steps to increase the allowance, but full implementation had not been achieved. The current government, he said, plans to continue that process and address existing challenges in the education sector gradually. He emphasized that ensuring teachers’ financial and professional security is essential for building a humane and educated citizenry.

Dr. Milan also highlighted the government’s integrated approach to advancing agriculture, education, and health, noting that measures have been taken to protect farmers’ rights and dignity. He expressed optimism that ongoing initiatives would bring positive change to the education system and fulfill teachers’ long-standing demands.

National Youth Power has strongly condemned the mob violence and harassment against Hasnat Abdullah, Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4 and leader of the July uprising, in Chattogram. The organization described the incident as disgraceful and contrary to democratic values.

According to the report, Hasnat Abdullah had gone to meet former Chattogram mayor and ex-BNP leader Monjur Alam. Monjur, who was elected mayor in 2010 and nominated again in 2015 by the BNP, had previously served as an adviser to Begum Khaleda Zia and organized events during her illness. National Youth Power stated that while such activities had not faced protest before, labeling Monjur as an “associate” and attacking an elected representative now reflects political intolerance and double standards.

The organization called for a fair investigation, quick identification of those involved, and exemplary punishment. It also urged all political groups in the country to uphold tolerance and democratic conduct.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited a dispute with Pope Leo over Iran’s nuclear program and the reported number of deaths in the country’s anti-government protests. In a statement on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump declared that Iran possessing a nuclear bomb would be unacceptable. He criticized Pope Leo, claiming Iran had killed at least 42,000 unarmed protesters in the past two months and ended his message by asserting, “America is back.”

Two days earlier, Trump had accused Pope Leo of being weak on crime and disastrous in foreign policy. Pope Leo, the first American-born pontiff, had recently condemned U.S. and Israeli military operations in Iran and Lebanon. In response, he said he was not afraid of the Trump administration and would continue to speak against the horrors of war.

Trump’s claim of 42,000 protester deaths has been questioned. Iran’s government reported 3,117 deaths, while human rights groups estimated around 7,007. The UN’s special envoy to Iran suggested the toll could range between 5,000 and 20,000. The International Atomic Energy Agency stated it has no evidence that Iran is developing nuclear weapons.

Immigration police detained Lion Swapon, former joint convener of the banned Chhatra League in Chatkhil upazila of Noakhali, at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon. He was taken into custody upon arrival from Saudi Arabia, where he had been staying with his brothers.

According to police and local sources, Swapon had gone into hiding after the fall of the government on August 5 and later left for Saudi Arabia. He faces multiple cases filed with Chatkhil Police Station, including one for murder and another related to an attack on students and protesters during an anti-discrimination movement. The airport police informed Chatkhil police about his detention.

Chatkhil Police Station’s officer-in-charge Abdul Monnaf said Swapon is accused in two cases and will be handed over to Chatkhil police after legal procedures are completed. Authorities are verifying details before providing further information.

Law Minister Md. Anisul Huq has called on the Bar Council to ensure that the current bar examination system does not become an undue obstacle for English-medium and foreign-educated law graduates. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the Supreme Court Auditorium in Dhaka during an event marking the completion of the first phase and the start of the second phase of a six-month internship program organized by the Attorney General’s Office with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The minister noted that many talented students who studied in English-medium institutions or abroad face difficulties because the bar exam questions are in Bangla. He urged the Bar Council to consider modernizing the system. He also emphasized enhancing the social status of the legal profession and improving its quality. Praising the internship program, he said it inspired him to propose to the Prime Minister that each Member of Parliament be assigned an intern from a university to assist in research and legislative work.

The minister further mentioned budgetary instructions for modernizing the Attorney General’s Office and expressed concern over the limited implementation of the Law Commission’s recommendations despite significant expenditure.

US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the American delegation in a possible second round of direct talks with Iranian officials before the current ceasefire expires, according to multiple sources cited by CNN. The discussions aim to explore diplomatic solutions to end the ongoing Iran war.

Sources also indicated that President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner may attend the meeting. Kushner has reportedly been involved in diplomatic efforts since before the conflict began. Trump has tasked these three senior advisers with finding a diplomatic path out of the war and has expressed full confidence in them.

Following a 21-hour marathon meeting last Saturday, Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner have maintained close contact with Iranian representatives and mediators in pursuit of a potential agreement, the sources added.

The Trump administration is stepping up efforts to initiate direct talks with Iran before the current ceasefire period ends, according to a CNN report citing a source familiar with the discussions. The push for renewed dialogue comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing diplomatic activity between the two nations.

Last week, officials from Iran and the United States met in Islamabad for a 21-hour marathon negotiation session but failed to reach an agreement to end hostilities. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that something significant might happen in Pakistan within the next two days, though no further details were provided.

The report also noted that Gulf countries have expressed interest in assisting Pakistan’s efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table, while the U.S. Navy recently turned back eight Iranian oil tankers.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to hold direct talks at a designated time and place following discussions in Washington. The agreement was reached after a trilateral meeting in the United States, according to a Reuters report citing the U.S. State Department. The development marks a significant step toward easing tensions along the border between the two countries.

The understanding emerged after diplomatic efforts led by the United States, which hosted the meeting involving representatives from Israel and Lebanon. The talks are viewed as part of a broader initiative to reduce hostilities and promote stability in the region. The U.S. role in facilitating the dialogue underscores its continued involvement in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Observers consider the upcoming direct talks an important move toward de-escalation, though the exact schedule and venue have not yet been disclosed.

A new poll by the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) found that 61 percent of Israelis oppose the US-Iran ceasefire announced last week, while 73 percent expect fighting with Iran to resume within a year. The ceasefire, declared shortly before a US deadline for potential strikes, has sparked frustration among Israelis who had anticipated a decisive victory against Iran. Despite the truce, Israel has continued military operations in Lebanon, killing more than 300 people in the past week and drawing international condemnation.

Analysts and political figures say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu oversold the war’s potential outcomes, including regime collapse in Iran and the destruction of its nuclear and missile programs. Critics such as Yair Lapid and Yair Golan accused Netanyahu of strategic failure and subservience to US decisions, while former diplomat Alon Pinkas said the backlash stems from unmet expectations Netanyahu himself helped create. Netanyahu, however, insists Israel remains in close coordination with Washington and supports the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Observers suggest the political fallout could deepen as Netanyahu faces renewed scrutiny over his handling of both the Iran conflict and the earlier October 7 attacks, which continue to shadow his leadership.

Italy has suspended its defence agreement with Israel, which covers the exchange of military equipment and technology research, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Tuesday in Verona. The decision halts the automatic renewal of the pact, which was approved by Israel in 2006 and renewed every five years. The agreement includes cooperation in defence industries, military training, research and development, and information technology.

The move comes as relations between Italy and Israel have become strained following recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Although Meloni’s right-wing government has been one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe, it has recently voiced criticism of Israeli military actions. Tensions escalated after Italy accused Israeli forces of firing warning shots at a convoy of Italian peacekeepers in Lebanon, prompting Rome to summon Israel’s ambassador in protest.

In response, Israel summoned Italy’s ambassador after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned what he called “unacceptable attacks” on Lebanese civilians. Tajani, who visited Beirut for talks with Lebanese leaders, expressed solidarity with Lebanon following the incidents.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) organized a colorful procession in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year. The event began at 3:40 p.m. from Navy Goli in Banglamotor, circled the Intercontinental Hotel intersection, and returned to its starting point. The NCP’s cultural cell arranged the procession, where participants in traditional attire carried placards promoting unity and harmony. A Baishakhi fair featuring traditional crafts and food stalls was also held at Navy Goli.

The cultural program began at 4:30 p.m., inaugurated by NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud, who pledged to uphold justice and fairness in the new year. Senior leaders including convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam attended the event. Performances were given by several artists, including Ashik and his team, and Baul Kajol Dewan.

During the fair, Nahid Islam urged the ruling BNP government to fulfill its reform commitments under the July Charter and respect the referendum’s verdict, accusing it of leaving key reforms pending despite forming a new government.

At a discussion marking Pahela Baishakh in Dhaka, Majibur Rahman Manju, chairman of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, sharply criticized the ruling BNP, alleging that it repeatedly deceives citizens after securing votes through promises of reform. He said that despite pledges to reform the judiciary and banking sectors, the government has abandoned those commitments. Manju remarked that the ink on voters’ fingers has barely dried, yet memories of repression and remand have already faded.

Speaking as chief guest at the event organized at the party’s Bijoynagar office, Manju accused the authorities of exploiting the people’s simplicity and warned that public patience could give way to mass uprisings, citing past movements in 1952, 1971, and 1990. He further claimed that the government disregarded a 70 percent referendum verdict and used votes for its own interests instead of respecting them.

Manju urged citizens to unite and become aware to overcome the current crisis, noting that many are under economic pressure and disillusioned after the failed 2024 movement. He concluded by expressing hope for restoring democracy and people’s rights in the new year.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that the United States and Iran may engage in discussions within the next two days. He made the comment in an interview with the New York Post, suggesting that some development could occur soon and noting an interest in visiting Pakistan.

Earlier, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance met with Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and other officials in Islamabad over the weekend. That meeting concluded without any agreement. Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday that Tehran and Pakistan had exchanged messages but stated there was no information confirming any agreement to hold further talks with the United States.

The statements indicate ongoing diplomatic movement but no confirmed schedule or venue for a new round of U.S.–Iran negotiations.

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad announced that the distribution of farmer and family cards will be conducted without any political bias. He made the statement on Tuesday afternoon while attending a farmer card distribution event at Bairati High School field in Paikpir Union of Boda upazila, Panchagarh. The minister said that all eligible citizens, regardless of political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity, will receive government assistance.

As part of a pilot project, 2,000 farmers in Paikpir area have received agricultural cards, while another 1,592 farmers in Kamalapur block of Dhakkamara Union under Sadar upazila were given cards. The minister emphasized that the selection process involved three levels of verification led by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Upazila Executive Officer to ensure fairness. He also mentioned plans to bring four crore families under the family card program, with 50 lakh more cards to be distributed within two to three months.

Local farmers expressed satisfaction after receiving the cards, noting that such assistance had not always been properly distributed in the past.