Former State Minister Zakir Hossain allegedly manipulated the planning of a new Primary Teachers’ Training Institute (PTI) in his constituency to sell his own land to the government at a price above market value. Once this plot was uncovered, the project was abruptly halted. However, as is often the case, officials involved in the scheme remain untouched. The Planning Commission stated that the government has tightened scrutiny in project approval and fund allocation, under which this project—“Establishment of PTI in Roumari, Kurigram”—was flagged. The project had an estimated cost of Tk 43.9 crore.

The Ministry of Housing and Public Works has ordered a full audit of the National Housing Authority’s income and expenditures from 2009 to 2024. The ministry directed that detailed information about the pre-formed audit team be submitted prior to the commencement of the review. The National Housing Authority must be kept informed of the audit process, which is to be completed within three months. Upon completion, the Internal Audit Directorate will submit a comprehensive report to the ministry secretary.

The political platform 'July Unity' has called for a ban on the 14-party alliance, including the Jatiya Party, and the cancellation of their political registration. Organizer Mosaddek Ali stated that the Awami League cannot evade responsibility for decades of oppression and wrongdoing. The leaders emphasized that the true reflection of public sentiment would come only when the Awami League is permanently banned from politics. They also demanded that the July declaration be adopted within 30 working days. Additionally, July Unity proposed a meeting with ICT prosecutors to assess progress on trials related to the Awami League. Other demands include freeing the media and cultural space from fascist influence, ensuring justice for all genocides and corruption cases, and bringing collaborators within the secretariat under the law.

The scheduled foreign secretary-level meeting between Bangladesh and Japan, originally set for May 15, has been postponed, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussion will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient time. The ministry has requested the Japanese Embassy to communicate the matter to the appropriate authorities. Notably, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is expected to visit Japan later this month to attend the Nikkei Conference and hold a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister.

With the dissolution of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), two new departments—Revenue Policy Division and Revenue Administration Division—have been formed. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the move was strategic and would not hamper revenue collection. “At the very least, we expect collection to be on par with last year,” he said, noting that separating policy and administration is a common practice globally. He also emphasized a more cautious fiscal approach, saying, “We won’t take loans for mega projects or print money to implement the budget. Whether the budget is large or small will become clear soon.”

In the Romna Batamul bombing case, the High Court has commuted the death sentences of convicts Maulana Tajuddin and Shahadat Ullah Jewel to life imprisonment. Nine other convicts have been sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined Tk 50,000 each. The bombing occurred during the Pahela Baishakh celebrations organized by Chhayanaut on April 14, 2001, killing nine people on the spot and one more later in hospital.

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that 11 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 78 others injured while defending the country against what they described as India’s “unprovoked and cowardly aggression.” The offensive also resulted in the deaths of 40 civilians, including 7 women and 15 children, and injured 121 more. Meanwhile, the Indian Army confirmed that at least five of their soldiers were killed in Pakistani attacks.

Sheikh Shaira Sharmin, the wife of BJP Chairman Andalib Rahman Partha, was prevented from boarding a flight to Thailand on Tuesday afternoon by immigration officials at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Shaira is the daughter of Sheikh Helal Uddin, a cousin of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the sister of former MP Sheikh Tanmoy.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam clarified that “mass murder” refers to mass killings, whereas “genocide” implies ethnic cleansing. He asserted that what occurred in Bangladesh in July was a mass murder—not genocide. “Please don’t spread confusion,” he urged. Earlier, Chinese authorities also commented that the crimes committed in Bangladesh constituted crimes against humanity, not genocide, categorizing them as mass killings or massacres.

Health Adviser Noorjahan Begum stated that access to healthcare services—from admission to treatment—is still not easily available to the general public. “Many doctors fail to arrive on time. Reforms must begin internally, or else changing leadership will make no difference,” she said. She emphasized the need to assign responsibilities to competent professionals and to post qualified doctors to remote areas, even with higher salaries if necessary. The adviser added that the government plans to introduce advanced technology-based services such as robotic physiotherapy to reduce the need for citizens to seek treatment abroad. A proposal to increase doctors’ salaries has been made and is expected to be implemented soon.

Amid ongoing tensions, the US State Department has imposed fresh sanctions on Iran. The sanctions target three senior officials and one organization associated with Iran’s military arms research. Their assets in the US have been frozen, and they are barred from entering the country or engaging in financial transactions with any US entities. US Secretary of State remarked, “Iran is the only country in the world without nuclear weapons that possesses a stockpile of 60% enriched uranium.”

Following a ceasefire, senior military officials from Pakistan and India held discussions via a hotline to explore the possibility of immediate troop withdrawals from border and forward areas. According to the Indian Army, both sides committed to avoiding gunfire and aggressive conduct. Notably, Sunday marked the first peaceful night along the border in recent days.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation regarding ‘Operation Sindoor,’ emphasizing that the operation has only been suspended, not concluded. “Pakistan must understand—our strikes are not over,” Modi warned. He stated that future assessments of Pakistan’s actions will depend on its sincerity in tackling terrorism. “If Pakistan backtracks or deceives, we will act again,” he added. Modi said India’s targeted strikes not only dismantled terror infrastructure but also broke enemy morale. “Wherever terrorists hide, India will strike—and respond forcefully to any attack on our soil,” he concluded.

The Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, has scheduled a fresh hearing tomorrow on Jamaat-e-Islami’s appeal to reinstate its party registration and electoral symbol. The appeal was previously dismissed on November 19, 2023, due to the absence of legal representation. A revival petition was later filed, and on October 22, the court allowed the appeal to proceed after excusing the delay.

Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam stated that recent incidents in Bangladesh constitute mass killings or massacres, but not genocide. Regarding the Awami League, he noted that a legal amendment was made last night. If the investigative agency deems the party responsible for crimes against humanity, a formal investigation will follow. He also confirmed that reports against Sheikh Hasina, Kamal, and Al Mamun have already been submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal.