NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has criticized the country’s corrupt officials, noting that many of them are highly educated but morally compromised. “They’ve studied at top universities and earned good grades, yet failed to receive the right values,” he said. Over the past 16 years, corruption has seeped into every sector, he claimed, adding that ministers and MPs from the ruling Awami League have laundered billions overseas. Addressing students preparing for their SSC exams, he emphasized integrity, saying, “It’s not the same to avoid corruption because there’s no opportunity versus resisting it when you do have the chance. The latter defines true character.”

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin expressed optimism regarding the letter recently sent to the US administration, which aims to include 100 additional Bangladeshi products in the duty-free category to reduce trade deficit. “We haven’t received a response yet, but the intention is clear—we’re working to minimize the trade gap,” he said. Financial Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed that the Chief Adviser sent the letter to the Trump administration just yesterday. “We’re expecting a positive outcome. Both sides are willing to cooperate for a win-win situation,” he added.

After visiting the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC), Adviser Mahfuz Alam said the government is working to transform BFDC into a profitable entity. He emphasized that all filmmaking activities—from shooting to editing—should be facilitated within BFDC. With its central location in Dhaka, the corporation has the potential to become a hub for the film industry, he added, urging stakeholders to make the most of available opportunities.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain stated that despite Myanmar’s junta government identifying 180,000 Rohingya from Bangladesh for repatriation, the current situation in Rakhine makes it unfeasible. “Of the 250,000 names reviewed, they cleared 180,000 and are reviewing the rest,” he said. He emphasized that approval of the list doesn’t mean immediate return. Bangladesh has urged the junta to expedite the verification of the remaining 700,000–800,000 Rohingya. The adviser stressed the need for creating a conducive environment for voluntary repatriation with dignity and safety, in cooperation with the international community.

Bangladesh has officially joined the Artemis Accords as the 54th signatory, marking a significant step toward peaceful and sustainable space exploration. The non-binding multilateral agreement, initiated by NASA in October 2020, promotes transparency and cooperation in outer space activities. With this move, Bangladesh is committing to responsible space resource utilization, heritage preservation, and global collaboration aligned with its national development goals. Chowdhury Ashiq stated, “This marks a new chapter in Bangladesh–US space cooperation and will accelerate our own space research initiatives.”

Jamaat-e-Islami leaders in Sylhet visited several businesses that were damaged during recent attacks and looting in the city. On Tuesday afternoon, they inspected vandalized shops including Bata Shoe Store, Bonoful, Pioria, and Hotel Royal Mark in Mirabazar. Expressing solidarity with the affected business owners, the leaders condemned the violence and stated, “Those involved in vandalism and looting are nothing but criminals; they cannot be considered part of the devout public.” They urged authorities to swiftly arrest the perpetrators using CCTV footage available from the attacked locations.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has accused the previous Awami League government of indirectly recognizing Israel through fascist policies. Speaking at a student protest against the ongoing genocide and military aggression in Gaza and Rafah, he announced that BNP will soon unveil a central action plan to oppose Israeli atrocities. He called on the Muslim world to unite and take concrete steps against nations supporting Israel militarily and politically. Salahuddin also criticized the UN for its ineffective role, stating that Israel has consistently defied UN resolutions, undermining international justice. He urged both the citizens of Bangladesh and the global community to take a stand against Israeli aggression.

Another landmine explosion has occurred at the Naikhongchhari border, resulting in the severe injury of a Bangladeshi youth. The victim, 35-year-old Mohammad Tayeb, lost his right ankle after stepping on a mine reportedly planted by the Arakan Army in the no-man’s land near the Jarulchhari border pillar. Locals rushed him to the hospital following the explosion. Similar incidents have been reported in the past along the same border.

Police have arrested an imam, Ebadul Islam Faridi, for making derogatory comments about BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Facebook. He was produced in court Tuesday morning from Ashulia police station. The complainant had posted a photo of Khaleda Zia, to which Faridi responded with an offensive comment on April 5. A cybercrime case was filed under the Digital Security Act following the incident, citing harm to the party’s reputation.

A court has fined Nasima Akter (44) for lodging a false dowry complaint against her ex-husband SM Golam Mostafa. She has been fined Tk 1,000 or face one month’s imprisonment in default. Nasima filed the case in 2022, but the court found the allegations to be baseless and filed with malicious intent. Her ex-husband has been acquitted of all charges.

PSC Chairman Mobasher Monem stated that efforts are underway to conclude the 44th BCS recruitment process promptly. All viva voce interviews are expected to end by June 17, with the final results published by June 30. The 44th BCS aims to recruit 1,710 officers across various cadres, including 250 in Administration, 50 in Police, 10 in Foreign Affairs, 14 in Ansar, 30 in Audit and Accounts, and 776 in Education. The exam received 350,716 applications.

The Arakan Army has abducted 11 fishermen along with five fishing trawlers from the estuary of the Naf River while they were returning from a fishing expedition in the Bay of Bengal. Two of the trawlers and the 11 fishermen have been located, but the fate of the remaining three vessels and their crew is still unknown. Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) confirmed the ownership of the recovered trawlers as belonging to Md. Kalam and Md. Shawon from Teknaf. Efforts are ongoing to collect information about the missing trawlers and their crew. Local union leaders have appealed for immediate action to bring the abducted fishermen back safely.

Bangladesh has secured the 47th position in the list of the world’s most powerful countries, according to the US News global power rankings. The top five spots are held by the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Germany. India is ranked 12th, while countries like Pakistan, North Korea, Bhutan, and the Maldives were not included in the 89-nation list. Despite ongoing conflict, Ukraine ranks 14th, and Israel takes the 10th spot. Among Middle Eastern nations, Saudi Arabia ranks 9th, the UAE 11th, Iran 16th, Turkey 17th, Qatar 19th, Kuwait 25th, Egypt 32nd, and Jordan rounds out the top 50. The 2024 rankings are based on leadership, economic and political influence, military strength, international alliances, and global exports.

A Dhaka court has approved a four-day remand for former International Crimes Tribunal prosecutor Barrister Turin Afroz in a case involving the attempted murder of student Abdul Jabbar during recent mass protests. According to the case, Jabbar was shot near the BNS Center in Uttara on August 5. He received treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The investigating officer initially sought a 10-day remand.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that security measures are being intensified ahead of Pohela Boishakh celebrations. Responding to recent vandalism in foreign-owned stores like Bata, he said, “It’s my duty to ensure national security—action will be taken against those responsible.” When asked about public satisfaction with law enforcement during the government’s 8-month tenure, he replied, “I’m as satisfied as the people are.” Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki added that Dhaka University will decide on April 10 whether the traditional rally will retain the name ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’. This year’s festivities will see large crowds and participation from 26 ethnic communities.