The Trump administration is set to lay off over 1,500 scientists and researchers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce government spending. A congressional report reveals that only a few may be transferred to other agencies, while most will lose their jobs. The EPA currently employs around 1,700 scientists, but Trump has proposed cutting 65% of its workforce. Democratic lawmakers have strongly criticized the move, accusing Trump of trying to dismantle science after previously politicizing it. Source: AP

Authorities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport have detained 45 foreign nationals, including 36 Bangladeshis, for failing to meet entry requirements. According to an official statement, immigration officers screened 115 foreigners, out of which 45 individuals failed to meet the necessary entry criteria. Among them, 36 were Bangladeshi citizens, while the remaining 9 were Pakistanis. The detainees were not allowed to disembark and have been transferred to the monitoring unit for further investigation.

India has significantly reduced medical visa approvals for Bangladeshis, creating an opportunity for China to expand its medical services in the country, according to a Reuters report. In 2023, a majority of Indian visas issued to Bangladeshis were for affordable private medical treatment. However, following Hasina’s ouster, India is now granting fewer than 1,000 medical visas per day, a steep decline from the previous 5,000–7,000 daily approvals. Meanwhile, at least 14 Chinese firms have invested over $230 million in Bangladesh since the interim government took office. India has yet to respond to Bangladesh’s extradition request regarding Hasina. The Chief Adviser is set to visit China later this month.

Israeli forces launched intense airstrikes across Gaza overnight and into the early morning, killing at least 27 Palestinians. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported on Wednesday that Israel’s ongoing assault has so far resulted in 48,577 Palestinian deaths and 112,041 injuries. Meanwhile, Gaza’s government media updated the total death toll to over 61,700, stating that thousands of missing individuals buried under the rubble are presumed dead. On Tuesday, Israel violated the ceasefire in Gaza, killing 404 people in a single day.

Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus met with Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman today. During the meeting, the Army Chief briefed the Chief Adviser on his recent visit to the Central African Republic and discussed measures to ensure justice for deprived military officers. Additionally, the Army Chief informed the Chief Adviser about various military roles, including medical assistance provided during the recent mass uprising. The Chief Adviser praised the army’s contributions and provided guidance on future initiatives.

Adviser Asif Mahmud clarified in a Facebook post that no decision has been made regarding appointing administrators to local government wards. The government is still considering local government elections, making any discussion about administrator appointments irrelevant at this stage. He added that the absence of elected representatives in city corporations, municipalities, district councils, and upazila councils is hindering public service delivery. He reiterated that holding elections and ensuring democratically elected representatives is the best way forward for local governance.

Jagannath University students have seized ten buses of Gabtoli Link (Pvt.) Limited in protest after a fellow student was assaulted. The incident occurred when Rabi Das boarded a No. 8 Gabtoli bus from Gulistan to Kalyanpur. Due to delays and the approaching iftar time, an altercation ensued between the student and the bus driver. Later, while all passengers disembarked at different stops, Rabi Das was forcibly detained inside the bus at Kalyanpur. The bus staff verbally abused, overcharged, and later physically assaulted him, gathering additional staff members for the attack.

The Government of Bangladesh has expressed strong condemnation and deep concern over Israel’s renewed military aggression in Gaza. The attacks have resulted in significant civilian casualties, particularly among women and children. Bangladesh considers this cycle of violence a blatant violation of international human rights laws and a serious disregard for established ceasefire agreements. The government calls on Israel to immediately halt all military operations, exercise maximum restraint, and respect international humanitarian laws.

In a statement from the Chief Adviser’s press wing, Dr. Muhammad Yunus has directed swift action on several issues concerning the welfare of grassroots police personnel. His directives include: 1. Reviewing the removal of the existing ceiling on risk allowances. 2. Procuring 364 new pickup trucks and 140 prison vans for police use. 3. Allocating funds for police construction projects that are less than 70% complete. 4. Funding the acquisition of land for 65 police stations currently operating in rented buildings. 5. Considering interest-free loans for purchasing motorcycles for SI and ASI-ranked officers.

Israel has resumed its brutal military offensive in Gaza, killing over 400 Palestinians despite the previous ceasefire. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his outrage over the renewed violence. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Guterres urged all parties to respect the ceasefire, ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid, and unconditionally release the remaining hostages. Governments worldwide, along with numerous humanitarian organizations, have condemned Israel’s fresh wave of bombings in Gaza.

Unidentified attackers set fire to the home of Central Chhatra Dal’s Assistant General Secretary Zubaida Islam Zerin in Matlab Uttar. The fire quickly spread to multiple rooms, reducing everything to ashes before firefighters could bring it under control. Locals reported that after the Taraweeh prayer, a group of unidentified individuals arrived on five motorcycles, and shortly after, the house was set ablaze. Zubaida Islam Zerin accused local Awami League members of orchestrating the attack.

While BNP acknowledges the need for constitutional and electoral reforms to ensure a free, fair, and credible election, the party has made it clear that it will not support any changes that could delay the electoral process. The party plans to align its stance with the 31-point framework and assess the five proposed reform commissions accordingly. BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stated that while general feedback has been sought on various reforms, the party may refrain from commenting on those deemed unnecessary at this stage. The party’s views on the National Consensus Commission’s proposals have been prepared and are currently being discussed with allied parties before submission.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has issued an official notice imposing a 58-day ban on fishing in Bangladesh’s maritime waters from April 15 to June 11. The prohibition applies to all types of fishing vessels and fish species. Fishermen, however, have raised concerns that during Bangladesh’s fishing ban, Indian fishermen continue to enter Bangladesh’s waters for about 39 days, causing significant losses to local fishermen. To address this, the government has adjusted the ban period, ensuring that Bangladesh’s restriction ends two days before India’s fishing ban begins.

Education Advisor C.R. Abrar has stated that the government is committed to governance and reforms in the education sector to overcome challenges. He emphasized that science-based education will be introduced in madrasas. Abrar also noted that in the past, people were falsely labeled as militants based on their attire, and those responsible must be held accountable. He added that while bad actors can exist in any profession, generalizing an entire group is unjust. Any criminal activity in madrasas should be properly investigated, and those involved must face justice.

Transport workers have suspended bus services between Bogura and the rest of the country following the stabbing of two labor leaders on Wednesday. Reports indicate that on Tuesday evening, motor labor union leaders Anwar Hossain Rana and Hazrat Ali were assaulted and stabbed. Both are currently receiving treatment at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital (Shajimec). The incident occurred near the Mitali Pump, where CNG auto-rickshaw drivers were picking up and dropping off passengers, leading to a dispute with motor labor union leaders. The altercation escalated, resulting in the stabbing of the two leaders.