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.

Dhaka University Proctor Prof. Saifuddin Ahmed has confirmed that the individual responsible for setting fire to two decorative motifs prepared for the Pahela Baishakh procession at the Faculty of Fine Arts has been identified. The accused is Rabiul Islam Rakib, a student of the Arabic department and a former activist of the now-banned Chhatra League faction. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sajjad Ali announced that Rakib will be arrested before the start of the New Year’s procession on Monday.

At the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the ‘Harmony Building’ at the International Buddhist Monastery, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman reiterated the vision of building a non-violent, inclusive, and loving Bangladesh. Citing the teachings of Gautama Buddha, he said the armed forces are committed to preserving communal harmony and ensuring peace, particularly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. “This country belongs to all—Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims alike,” he said, pledging continued efforts to make the nation a beacon of peace and unity.

In Gaibandha’s Sundarganj, six BNP and affiliate activists were injured in a reported attack by ruling Awami League supporters. The clash erupted after BNP activist Shafiqul Islam allegedly hit a bench in front of a shop owned by a former Chhatra League leader, leading to a heated argument. Later, Shafiqul was assaulted by AL leader Nazmul Master and his associates. When BNP and Jubo Dal members tried to rescue him, they too were attacked. Police arrested three individuals, including Nazmul Master and his brother, from the scene.

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.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has described the International Buddhist Monastery as a powerful symbol of Bangladesh’s communal harmony. Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony for the monastery’s new ‘Harmony Building,’ he emphasized the historic role of Buddhist monasteries as centers of education and culture. Citing the teachings of Buddha, Yunus said that peace and compassion must extend to all beings, without exception. He invited people of all faiths to join in the celebration of the inclusive Pahela Baishakh festival.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refat Ahmed has emphasized the urgent need for a separate secretariat for the Supreme Court, citing the dual administrative nature of the current judicial system. He highlighted that a 12-point reform initiative is underway to enhance transparency and eliminate difficulties faced by litigants. Upon completion, the reforms aim to establish a sustainable, efficient judiciary with greater accountability for all stakeholders. The Chief Justice called on the judiciary, legal community, and media to play active roles in this transformation.

A violent clash broke out between residents of two villages in Rajair, Madaripur, following a long-standing dispute. The incident, which occurred in the Beparipara area, left at least 25 people injured, including eight police officers—two of whom are Officers-in-Charge (OC). The conflict escalated after an altercation between youths over fireworks during Eid celebrations. Retaliatory attacks led to a nighttime clash involving homemade weapons, vandalism of shops, and explosions of crude bombs.

To ensure public safety during the Bengali New Year 1432 celebrations, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has deployed extensive security measures across the country. A total of 2,449 RAB personnel, including 346 patrol teams and 413 plainclothes intelligence officers, will remain on duty until the festivities conclude. Key celebration zones such as TSC, Shahbagh, Suhrawardy Udyan, Hatirjheel, Manik Mia Avenue, Shishu Academy, and Ramna Batamul have been equipped with check-posts, observation posts, and patrol units. Bomb disposal squads and canine units will sweep sensitive locations, staying on standby for any potential threats. Special arrangements have also been made to ensure women’s safety, and a cyber monitoring team will work to counter misinformation and rumors.

Zakir Khan, the former president of Narayanganj District Chhatra Dal, has been released from prison after completing a five-year sentence in an anti-terrorism case. He was warmly welcomed with flowers by his family and a large number of supporters upon his release. His lawyer stated that Zakir Khan had faced 33 cases, of which he has been acquitted in 32. He is currently out on bail in the remaining case. Notably, he was arrested by RAB-11 on September 3, 2022, after remaining absconding for a long time. He gradually secured bail in various cases and was acquitted on January 7 this year in the high-profile Sabbir Alam murder case.

Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yusuf W.Y. Ramadan, praised the “March for Gaza” rally in Dhaka as a moment of historical significance. “From the refugee camps of Gaza to the olive groves of the West Bank, your solidarity is deeply felt,” he stated. The ambassador highlighted the unity and resilience of the Bangladeshi people, regardless of age or gender, in standing up for justice in Palestine.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus unveiled the foundation stone for the “Harmony Center” at the International Buddhist Monastery on Sunday. After visiting the prayer hall, he met with Buddhist community leaders in Merul Badda, where he was welcomed by the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation. Army Chief General Waqar-Uz-Zaman was also present. The monastery plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the cultural and religious heritage of the Buddhist community in Bangladesh.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sajjad Ali has reassigned Additional Commissioner (Detective Branch) Rezaul Karim Mallik to DMP headquarters. This follows criticism over the controversial arrest of model Meghna Alam under the Special Powers Act. Law Advisor Asif Nazrul commented that the arrest process was flawed, sparking further debate over due process and police overreach.

A court has issued arrest warrants against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, former UK MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, Radwan Mujib Siddiq, and Azmina Siddiq in a corruption case related to RAJUK plot allocations. Other accused include several top bureaucrats, former RAJUK officials, and engineers. This follows another arrest warrant issued last week against Hasina and 17 others, including Saima Wazed Putul.