Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir met with European Union Ambassador Michael Miller on Tuesday at the minister’s office in the Secretariat. The meeting focused on bilateral trade relations, investment opportunities, and the removal of existing non-tariff barriers between Bangladesh and the European Union. Both sides emphasized the importance of making the trade environment more transparent, business-friendly, and efficient.

The commerce minister described the EU as one of Bangladesh’s key trading partners and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding trade ties. He highlighted ongoing policy and institutional reforms aimed at boosting exports, attracting investment, and simplifying trade procedures. The minister also mentioned that the draft import policy order had been published online for public feedback.

Ambassador Miller expressed the EU’s interest in strengthening trade cooperation with Bangladesh and praised the government’s initiatives to improve the business climate. He noted that while some complex issues may take time to resolve, the EU and its business community are ready to share expertise and collaborate toward sustainable solutions.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadiq Kayem announced that new international opportunities will soon open for Bangladeshi youth. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he said that during a bilateral dialogue at Tsinghua University in China, he proposed launching a “Dhaka–Beijing Youth Fellowship.” The meeting involved DUCSU, Tsinghua University administration and student representatives, and Chinese government officials.

The dialogue focused on youth participation and campus governance, youth development and artificial intelligence, and youth missions and opportunities. Both sides emphasized bilateral cooperation, cultural exchange, technological and intellectual collaboration, people-to-people connectivity, and youth leadership development. Participants also highlighted the need for joint efforts to address global challenges such as climate change, technological transformation, inequality, and social instability.

Tsinghua University’s student union president invited Dhaka University to join the Global Youth Dialogue, while DUCSU invited Tsinghua representatives to visit Bangladesh for the upcoming Second International July Conference. Both universities reached consensus on enhancing academic cooperation and expanding higher education and research opportunities for Bangladeshi students in China.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced new guidelines for adding money from bank cards to personal mobile financial service (MFS) accounts. According to a circular issued on Tuesday, users must now complete a token transaction of up to 500 taka when linking a card to an MFS account for the first time. Regular transactions using that card can begin 24 hours after the token transaction is successfully completed.

The central bank stated that this is a temporary measure. Starting August 1, the token transaction will no longer be required if the MFS account is verified to be registered under the same name as the cardholder. In that case, users can directly link their cards for add-money transactions.

Additionally, all add-money transactions from cards to MFS accounts must be categorized as fund transfers rather than merchant payments. Card issuers must also ensure that the beneficiary wallet number is visible during transactions. If these requirements are not implemented by July 31, the add-money feature via cards will be suspended from August 1.

Bangladeshi DJ and singer Sonika has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Banani, Dhaka. The news comes shortly after the death of content creator and actress Karina Kaisar, who also suffered from the same illness. On the night of May 18, Sonika shared her condition with fans through social media, posting a photo from her hospital bed and writing that it would be her home for the next few days.

Following her announcement, fans, followers, and colleagues expressed their wishes for her speedy recovery on social media. Sonika began her career as a professional DJ in 2007 and quickly gained prominence in Bangladesh’s music scene. She performed at the opening ceremony of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and was honored in 2013 as the best Bangladeshi female DJ. She also showcased her acting talent in television dramas such as “Last Sequence” and “Triple F” in 2015.

The entertainment community remains concerned as two prominent figures have recently been affected by Hepatitis A, prompting widespread attention to health issues within the industry.

Unplanned and unauthorized housing projects are rapidly expanding across Khulna city, making it increasingly unfit for habitation. These developments, often built on agricultural land without proper roads, drainage, water, or electricity connections, are being viewed as a looming crisis for the city’s future. Experts have urged immediate coordination among relevant agencies to ensure planned and environmentally sustainable urban development.

The concerns were raised at a seminar titled “Housing Projects and Urban Management in Khulna: Actions for Environmental Protection,” organized by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) at a city hotel on Tuesday morning. The keynote paper was presented by Dr. Ahsanul Kabir of Khulna University, with Professor Anwarul Kadir moderating. Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju attended as chief guest, alongside senior officials from KCC, KDA, KUET, and BELA.

Representatives from KCC, WASA, KDA, and the Department of Environment participated in the seminar, emphasizing the need for integrated planning to prevent further environmental degradation in Khulna.

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease among cattle has been reported in several upazilas of Kurigram district, causing severe concern among farmers and cattle rearers. Over the past two weeks, twelve cows have died from foot-and-mouth disease and two from lumpy skin disease in Kurigram Sadar, Ulipur, and Rajarhat. Hundreds more cattle have been infected, prompting the Department of Livestock to begin field operations and awareness campaigns in affected areas.

Officials have advised farmers on treatment and hygiene measures, including cleaning infected areas with antiseptic solutions and preventing mosquito bites that spread lumpy skin disease. The outbreak comes just before Eid al-Adha, when local farmers traditionally raise cattle for sale. Due to restrictions, infected cattle cannot be taken to markets, and even recovered animals are fetching lower prices because of weakened health.

The district livestock office reported that 116,000 cows and 180,000 goats and sheep have been prepared for Eid markets. Despite the outbreak, officials believe the overall cattle market will remain stable and are monitoring markets to prevent the sale of infected animals.

Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that several individuals facing legal cases under the guise of journalists were actually Awami League leaders involved in acts of abuse. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a press briefing marking three months of the current government, held at the Department of Information’s conference room. The minister said these individuals used fake media identities to evade accountability following the July uprising.

Swapan explained that a review committee, formed during the previous interim government under adviser Nahid Islam, had sought information from journalists about harassment cases. Ninety-two journalists responded, but analysis showed that not all cases were filed by the government; some stemmed from personal disputes, and many accused were not genuine journalists. He added that some held positions in the Awami League or its affiliates and had misused media credentials for personal gain.

The minister said a media commission would be formed soon to address irregularities in the sector, with a draft proposal expected by July. The commission will also explore ways to make the Press Council more active.

Chief Whip of the National Parliament Md. Nurul Islam emphasized that the country's desired development depends on the sincere performance of administrative officials. Speaking to journalists after the monthly meeting of the Barguna District Law and Order Committee on Thursday, he said that the government formulates development plans while officials are responsible for implementing them. He stressed that effective and accountable roles of officials are crucial for executing government policies and projects.

He cited examples from the United States and Singapore to illustrate the importance of coordinated governance and political consensus in achieving rapid development. The Chief Whip also called for the formation of a separate ministry or special development authority for coastal districts, noting their potential in sectors such as economic zones, wind power, tourism, deep-sea ports, fisheries, and shipbuilding. He assured support for anyone working toward coastal development.

During the meeting, he instructed strict measures against drugs, acid violence, and smuggling, and highlighted the government’s welfare initiatives including farmer and family cards, loan waivers, and allowances for religious leaders. Later, he inaugurated the Agriculture and Technology Fair 2026 in Barguna.

State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan conducted an unannounced inspection of several government offices in Barishal on Tuesday morning. Arriving around 9:30 a.m., he found that most officers and employees were absent, and many did not recognize him. The minister expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of attendance and questioned the regularity of office operations.

During the visit, Ahsan toured various rooms of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) offices but did not find any senior officials present. He gathered information on attendance and noted the situation. Although some staff members were present, he inquired about how services were being managed without officers on duty.

Speaking briefly to journalists afterward, the minister remarked that he had observed the same situation they witnessed. He indicated that such surprise inspections would continue in the future to ensure discipline and accountability in government offices. After completing his inspection at the launch terminal, he departed for Mehendiganj by speedboat.

Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur has temporarily expelled four students for alleged involvement in unethical and antisocial activities that violated institutional discipline. The decision was confirmed on Tuesday through an office order signed by Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Abu Hasan. The expelled students are from the Faculty of Fisheries and the Department of Finance and Banking.

According to the order, three of the students were found engaging in antisocial behavior on May 16 at the nearby Haven City student hostel, an act deemed damaging to the university’s reputation. The administration cited Section 15 of the University Ordinance of Students Discipline as the basis for the temporary expulsion.

Professor Dr. S. M. Emdadul Hasan, Director of the Student Counseling and Guidance Department, stated that the action followed demands from general students. He added that if the allegations are proven in the investigation, the students may face permanent expulsion.

A murder case has been filed in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, 48 hours after a woman was killed while trying to save her son from an attack. The case names ten accused, including local leaders of the BNP and Chhatra Dal, as well as seven to eight unidentified individuals. The complaint was lodged on Monday night by the victim’s son, Abdur Rahman, at Ukhiya Police Station. The deceased, 55-year-old Chhoyeda Khatun, was a resident of the Rajapalong Union’s Taipalong village and wife of Sabbir Ahmed.

According to the case statement, the incident occurred on Saturday night when a group of men attacked Abdur Rahman over a previous dispute. When his mother intervened to protect him, the attackers allegedly beat her to death. The named accused include several BNP and Chhatra Dal leaders, a government ambulance driver, and other local figures.

Ukhiya Police Station’s officer-in-charge Mujibur Rahman confirmed that the case was accepted based on the written complaint and that operations are underway to arrest the suspects.

Singapore has expressed its intention to expand trade and investment in Bangladesh. The announcement came during a courtesy meeting between Singapore’s non-resident High Commissioner Derek Loh and Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Discussions covered reducing the bilateral trade deficit, increasing Singaporean investment, cooperation in renewable energy, agricultural exports, food security, and environmentally friendly industries.

Minister Muktadir said Bangladesh is eager to strengthen trade and investment relations with Singapore, highlighting the country’s investment-friendly environment, improved infrastructure, skilled workforce, and export-oriented industries. He noted that there are significant opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, logistics, port infrastructure, and green industries.

High Commissioner Loh emphasized Singapore’s interest in major projects such as the Bay Terminal, describing it as a key initiative involving an investment of around USD 800 million to 1 billion. He said the project would enhance port efficiency, reduce demurrage costs, and create new opportunities for exporters, while also helping to attract further foreign investment.

The Burimari land port in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat will remain closed for all import and export activities for eight days due to the Eid-ul-Azha holidays and weekly closures. The suspension will be in effect from May 25 to June 1, halting trade between Bangladesh, India, and Bhutan. However, immigration services for passport-holding travelers will continue as usual through the Burimari check post, according to port officials.

The Burimari C&F Agents Association issued a notice on Monday confirming the closure. Mustafa Salauddin Opel, president of the Burimari Importers and Exporters Association, stated that trade operations will resume on June 2. Saifur Rahman, the immigration police officer-in-charge, reiterated that passenger movement will not be affected. Assistant Commissioner of Customs Motlubur Rahman added that the National Board of Revenue has directed all customs houses and land customs stations to remain partially open, except on Eid day, to ensure continuity of national trade.

Limited internal administrative work will continue at the Burimari customs station during the closure period, following the NBR directive.

An eight-year-old girl named Ramisa was found murdered in her home in Dhaka’s Pallabi area on Tuesday. Police said the child was alone when she was killed by having her throat slit, allegedly by a neighbor identified as Sohel Rana, aged 32. The incident occurred between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. at a house on Road No. 7 near Millat Camp in Mirpur-11, Block B. Police recovered the body and sent it for autopsy after completing legal procedures.

According to preliminary investigation, Sohel Rana, a resident of the adjacent house, fled the scene after committing the crime. The victim, Ramisa, was the daughter of rickshaw mechanic Hannan and Parvin from Shialdi village in Sirajdikhan, Munshiganj. Police have detained Sohel Rana’s wife, Swapna, for questioning. The motive behind the killing remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.

The incident has caused shock in the local community, and police have launched an operation to arrest the fugitive suspect.

A Sirajganj court has sentenced two men to life imprisonment for the murder of cloth trader Jafar Pramanik in Enayetpur. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday afternoon by Md. Nazrul Islam, judge of the Sirajganj Additional District and Sessions Judge Court-3. Both convicts, Shah Ali of Dattabari in Sirajganj municipality and Manjil Hossain of Talgachi village in Shahjadpur, were also fined Tk 20,000 each, with one year of imprisonment in default. The convicts were absent during the verdict, and arrest warrants have been issued against them.

According to the case documents, Jafar Pramanik, a resident of Goprekhi village and owner of a handloom factory, was attacked on November 4, 2011, while returning home from Bogura after selling cloth. The assailants attempted to snatch his money and fatally injured him with sharp weapons, taking Tk 16,000 before fleeing. Police later found him injured by the roadside, but he was declared dead at Sirajganj General Hospital.

Police arrested Manjil Hossain first using technology, followed by Shah Ali based on his information. Both confessed to their involvement, leading to the court’s life sentence after a lengthy trial.