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.

Rights group VOiD has demanded the withdrawal of all false cases against victims of enforced disappearances, along with their safety, compensation, and justice against those responsible. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam called for the prosecution of everyone involved in such cases. VOiD also demanded the repeal of the 2013 Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, transparency in state records, and a public apology from state forces to the victims and the nation.

More than 100 travelers, including 47 Bangladeshis, were detained at a South African airport on Sunday. Despite clearing immigration and collecting baggage, many were stopped by border guards. The reason for their detention remains unclear, and authorities are holding them at the airport. There is a possibility that they may be deported.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuz Alam announced the formation of a taskforce to improve the quality of newspapers. The taskforce will focus on verifying actual circulation figures, implementing the wage board, and setting fair ad rates. He stressed that newspapers following government guidelines will be eligible for state advertisements and benefits. The adviser emphasized the need for transparency at all stages of newspaper publication and hinted at tighter scrutiny on tax compliance.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix commended Bangladesh’s contribution to global peacekeeping during a courtesy meeting with IGP Baharul Alam. The IGP affirmed that Bangladeshi peacekeepers have consistently demonstrated professionalism and expressed readiness to deploy more personnel to UN missions in the future.

To protect the fragile ecosystem, the government has decided to ban new industrial establishments within 10 kilometers of the Sundarbans. A formal notification will soon be issued by the Ministry of Environment. Additional decisions include revising the Climate Change Trust regulations and collecting inter-ministerial feedback to combat noise pollution. Proposals have also been made to increase risk allowances for forest workers and mandate 30% block use in all new buildings by 2025.

Polytechnic students in Chattogram blocked roads demanding cancellation of a 30% promotion quota for craft instructors applying for junior instructor posts. They argue that many craft instructors lack the technical background required for teaching roles. Most only have education up to class 8 or SSC, traditionally serving as lab assistants. Students announced they would continue protests, including hunger strikes, until their demands are met.