The University of Scholars has temporarily expelled two female students—Fatema Tahsin Oishi (Business Administration) and Faria Haque Tina (English)—over the murder of Jahidul Islam Parvez. The university stated that a preliminary investigation indicated their possible involvement. If the allegations are confirmed, their studentship will be permanently revoked and strict action taken. Parvez was reportedly laughing with friends when the two female students and four others accused them of making fun. An altercation followed, which allegedly led to his death.

Ali Riaz, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, stated that 35 parties have submitted reform proposals, and discussions have been held with 15 parties, including the BNP. “We are briefing the Chief Adviser on the discussions daily, and he is guiding us accordingly,” Riaz said. He emphasized that the commission will also engage with relevant commissions to review the proposed reforms. “We believe today’s third meeting with the BNP will mark the end of the initial phase of our dialogue,” he added, calling it a historic moment.

Speaking at the Earthna Summit, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized the need to build a prosperous, green, and sustainable world for future generations, driven by innovation and technology. He called for inclusive empowerment and highlighted the transformational potential of youth. Upon arrival in Qatar, Dr. Yunus received a red carpet welcome from Protocol Chief Ibrahim Fakhro and other officials.

State prosecutors informed the High Court that vital documents related to the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi were destroyed in a fire at the Detective Branch office on August 5, 2023. While the prosecution requested a nine-month extension, the court allowed time until October 22 to submit the final investigation report. Earlier, the deadline had been extended to May 21.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stated that reform discussions have caused confusion, but the party is examining each proposal thoroughly. He emphasized that state reforms require national consensus, not rushed decisions. The party is finalizing its stance on constitutional reform and initiating discussions on judiciary independence, judicial appointments, and the creation of a separate secretariat for the judiciary.

The appeal hearing of Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam, sentenced to death for war crimes, has been deferred to May 6. The decision was made by a four-judge Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed. Azhar’s lawyers Ehsan Abdullah Siddiqui and Shishir Monir requested the delay.

Despite a decision to suspend nine Jahangirnagar University teachers for allegedly supporting attacks during the July uprising, no official notice has been issued even after a month. While 289 students have received suspension letters, the accused teachers face no formal action. Rumors suggest a possible internal settlement. Investigations into ten more teachers have also seen little progress.

Since 4 PM Monday, 32 students of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) have been on a hunger strike demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Machud. They accuse the administration of failing to protect students from an attack by student political groups and outsiders on February 18. No arrests have been made, and the university suspended 37 students, including protesters.

The High Court has postponed the hearing on a contempt case involving the failure to compensate 10-year-old Naim Hasan, who lost an arm while working at a workshop. The factory owner, summoned to the Appellate Division, stated that a review petition had been filed and the compensation is ready. The court hopes the payment will be made by the next hearing on May 8.

During a meeting with EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley, Adviser Jahangir Alam requested the establishment of visa centers in Dhaka for EU countries that currently don’t issue visas from Bangladesh. The ambassador expressed the EU’s willingness to assist Bangladesh with skills development and training. He stressed the importance of accurate public information to counter misinformation, while the adviser accused a neighboring country of spreading false narratives about Bangladesh.

Following an Anti-Corruption Commission petition, a court has frozen 12 bank accounts, 18 company shares, and two vehicles owned by former minister Tipu Munshi and his wife Malbika Munshi. The court also ordered the seizure of properties in Uttara, Rangpur, and Gulshan. The ACC alleges the couple amassed Tk 59 million in assets disproportionate to known income sources, abusing public office for personal gain.

Labour Party MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq once told a journalist in 2017, “I am not Bangladeshi; I’m a British MP.” However, official records show otherwise. Tulip holds a Bangladeshi National ID card, passport, and Tax Identification Number (TIN), and has submitted tax returns, confirming her Bangladeshi citizenship. Her NID, issued on January 3, 2011, lists Sudha Sadan—Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s residence—as her address. Recently, her NID has been locked.

The Labor Reform Commission has submitted a report recommending legal protections for all workers, fair national and sector-based wages, and safe working conditions. It also proposed establishing a comprehensive labor database and easing trade union rights to promote transparency and accountability. The commission urged the government to facilitate overseas employment and skill development, especially for youth and entrepreneurs. It further recommended state recognition for workers killed in the 2024 uprising, justice for victims of workplace negligence, and six months of maternity leave along with anti-harassment policies.

Bangladesh Medical University and Kunming Medical University of China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for a $138.2 million Chinese investment in Bangladesh’s healthcare sector. Professor Zhueshan highlighted the foundation laid by recent high-level meetings between the two nations for long-term collaboration in health and education. He emphasized the strengths of traditional and advanced Chinese medical education. Professor Dr. Mujibur Rahman Howlader said the agreement will significantly boost medical modernization through joint research, training, technology transfer, and infrastructure development.

In a mass wedding ceremony organized by WAAMI for 60 underprivileged and fatherless couples, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain highlighted the spiritual and moral significance of marriage. He said marriage is a safeguard against immoral behavior and is essential for building ideal families, fulfilling natural needs, and attaining peace of mind.

He added, “According to a Hadith, when a person gets married, they complete half of their faith; for the other half, they should fear Allah.” Dr. Hossain underscored that marriage is an unparalleled institution for preserving one’s character.