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.

Donald Trump has threatened to impose up to 50% tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting a fierce response from Beijing, which warned that it will “fight to the end.” The escalating trade war has caused turmoil in global markets and increased fears of a recession. In retaliation, China announced a 34% tariff on US goods effective Thursday. Trump then raised the stakes further, stating total tariffs on Chinese imports could reach 104% if Beijing does not back down. A Chinese spokesperson criticized the US for its “blackmailing tactics.”

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.

During a routine patrol in the deep sea, the Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Durjoy intercepted a vessel attempting to travel illegally to Indonesia, carrying 125 women and children. According to a statement from ISPR, further details regarding the incident will be disclosed later.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met with Ki-Hak Sung, Chairman of South Korea’s Youngone Corporation, who is leading a delegation of South Korean investors attending a four-day investment summit in Dhaka. Foreign investors have already visited several key economic zones including Anwara, Korean EPZ, and Mirsarai. On Tuesday, 36 investors from countries including China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the US, and India, as well as NRBs, toured the Japanese Economic Zone in Narayanganj to assess facilities, work environments, and discuss logistics and energy concerns.

Dr. Md. Hemayetul Islam Arif of Rajshahi University penned an open letter to Railway Adviser Mohammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, expressing concern that even after 54 years of independence, direct rail connectivity between all divisions has not been achieved. Despite advancements like metro rails and high-speed trains, Rajshahi still lacks direct rail access to Chattogram. The professor emphasized that constructing a dual gauge rail line in select areas could unlock immense potential in trade, agriculture, education, and tourism in the region.