Bangladesh’s interim government has introduced major reforms in Hajj management for 2025 and 2026, focusing on transparency, cost reduction, and administrative efficiency. Under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the government enforced strict anti-corruption measures, cancelled licenses of errant agencies, and enhanced oversight. The ‘Labbayk’ mobile app was launched to streamline registration, flight information, and emergency support. Around 87,000 pilgrims successfully completed Hajj in 2025, with improved services including trained guides, medical centers, and digital tracking. Financial transparency was strengthened through refunding surplus funds to pilgrims and recovering about 380 million taka from Saudi accounts of Hajj agencies. The government reduced airfare by about 40,000 taka over two years and set the 2026 minimum Hajj package at 467,167 taka, significantly easing financial pressure on pilgrims. It also decided not to send anyone on government expense, ensuring fairness and cost control. A sudden Saudi decision to cut Bangladesh’s Hajj quota from 80,000 to 60,000 was later reversed through diplomatic engagement, restoring the full quota. Officials described the 2026 preparations as disciplined, technology-driven, and among the most successful in the country’s history.

Iran and the United States agreed to a temporary ceasefire late Tuesday, 39 days after their conflict began, with Pakistan mediating the deal. A key goal was reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, but Iran has kept it closed after Israel, backed by the U.S., continued attacks in Lebanon. Tehran has instead released an alternative shipping route to avoid mines and requires vessels to coordinate with its navy. Iranian officials insist the strait’s reopening depends on U.S. restraint and regional stability. Disagreement persists over whether Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire. Israel’s airstrikes in Lebanon have killed at least 303 people and injured over 1,165, prompting condemnation from Lebanese and Iranian leaders. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that continued Israeli attacks would render talks meaningless, while Hezbollah retaliated with rocket fire into northern Israel. U.S. and Iranian delegations are set to meet in Islamabad on Saturday to discuss the truce. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard imposed a one-dollar-per-barrel toll on oil shipments through Hormuz, payable in cryptocurrency or Chinese yuan, during the ceasefire period. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for further negotiations.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Thursday sentenced two police officers to death for the murder of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, recognized as the first martyr of the July 24 Revolution. The tribunal also handed life imprisonment to three others, ten-year sentences to five, five-year sentences to eight, and three-year sentences to eleven individuals. Those convicted include police officials, university teachers, administrators, doctors, and student leaders. The verdict was delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The tribunal found the 30 accused guilty of crimes against humanity, including targeted and systematic killings, political persecution, and joint criminal responsibility. Six of the accused are currently in custody, while 24 remain fugitives. The prosecution expressed satisfaction with the verdict but may appeal after reviewing the full judgment. In contrast, the defense announced plans to appeal, claiming unfair sentencing. Abu Sayeed’s family and fellow students expressed dissatisfaction, saying more perpetrators deserved capital punishment. The prosecution and victims’ families called for the swift execution of the death sentences and the arrest of those still at large.

An eleven-party alliance in Rangpur city distributed leaflets on Thursday evening demanding the implementation of the recent referendum verdict. The campaign took place around the Rangpur Press Club and Jahaj Company intersection, with leaders from various parties including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party participating. During the event, Rangpur city Jamaat-e-Islami chief ATM Azam Khan alleged that despite the February 12 election result supporting the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council, the government has ignored the public mandate. He accused the authorities of betraying the people by disregarding the referendum outcome and obstructing state reform efforts. Khan further claimed that the government’s unilateral decisions undermine democratic values and weaken judicial independence and constitutional neutrality. He warned that if the government delays implementing the referendum verdict, a mass movement will be launched. The alliance leaders urged citizens to unite for the realization of the referendum’s mandate through continued public awareness efforts.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North unit held a leaflet distribution program at Moghbazar intersection in the capital on Thursday afternoon. The event was inaugurated by Mohammad Selim Uddin, a central executive council member and the unit’s amir. He stated that the people had spontaneously given a historic public mandate in favor of implementing the July Charter and demanded that the government fully implement it, including every detail. He warned that otherwise, the people would be compelled to enforce the mandate themselves. The campaign was part of an 11-party initiative aimed at raising public awareness under the slogan calling for the immediate convening of the Constitutional Reform Council, implementation of the referendum verdict, and resolution of the energy crisis. Several central and local Jamaat leaders attended the event. Selim Uddin criticized the government for allegedly ignoring the referendum results, claiming that about 70 percent of voters had supported it. He accused the authorities of attempting to undermine the public verdict through authoritarian means. He urged the government to act wisely and return to a positive course before it is too late, emphasizing that conscious citizens would resist any attempt to subvert the people’s will.

Farmers in northern Bangladesh, particularly in Bogura, Joypurhat, and Rangpur, are facing severe financial losses despite a bumper potato harvest this season. Wholesale prices have dropped to 8–12 taka per kilogram, far below the production cost of 14–18 taka. As a result, farmers are losing 15,000–25,000 taka per bigha, with total regional losses estimated between 1,200 and 1,500 crore taka over the past two seasons. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, potato cultivation and yields have increased by 10–15 percent in recent years, but the lack of minimum price protection has left farmers vulnerable. High transportation costs and limited access to cold storage—where rental fees reach 300–400 taka per maund—have forced many to sell their crops at low prices. Cold storage owners confirmed that corporate buyers and middlemen often book space in advance, leaving little room for small farmers. Agricultural officials acknowledged that market pricing falls under the jurisdiction of the marketing department. Experts suggested introducing a minimum support price system for potatoes to prevent recurring losses and discourage farmers from abandoning the crop.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it would be “dumb” for the United States to let Israel jeopardize the regional ceasefire by continuing its attacks on Lebanon, which have killed hundreds since the truce began. Araghchi linked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions to his upcoming corruption trial, suggesting the Israeli leader has personal motives for prolonging the conflict. He warned that if Washington allows Netanyahu to “kill diplomacy,” it would harm the US economy, adding that Tehran is prepared for such an outcome. The dispute over whether Lebanon is covered by the ceasefire has become a major threat to the truce’s survival. Iranian officials and media have hinted at possible military responses or even blocking the Strait of Hormuz if the ceasefire is not enforced in Lebanon. Meanwhile, US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, have urged restraint, and former President Donald Trump said he told Israel to scale back operations. Despite these calls, Israeli strikes have intensified, killing more than 300 people in Lebanon, including rescuers in Borj Qalaouiye, and prompting displacement orders in Beirut’s Jnah area.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that his government is ready to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon, following Israeli airstrikes that killed more than 300 people across Lebanon a day earlier. Netanyahu said the talks would focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between the two countries. The announcement came amid escalating violence that has endangered a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said he was pursuing a diplomatic track viewed positively by international actors, while Lebanon’s cabinet ordered security forces to restrict weapons in Beirut to state institutions. Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad rejected direct talks with Israel, insisting that a ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal must precede any negotiations. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported at least 303 deaths and over 1,000 injuries from Israeli strikes, prompting a national day of mourning. The ongoing conflict, which began on March 2, has displaced more than 1.2 million people, according to the United Nations. Iran has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, while the US maintains Lebanon is not covered by the truce. Delegations from the US and Iran are expected to meet in Islamabad on Saturday to discuss ending the war.

Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, declared a “final victory” in the war with Israel and the United States, as a fragile ceasefire faces renewed strain from Israeli attacks on Lebanon. In a televised statement marking 40 days since the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israeli strike, Khamenei said Iran had “astonished the world” during the conflict. He emphasized that Tehran was not seeking war but defending its legitimate rights, vowing to punish those responsible for attacks on Iran and to seek compensation for damages and casualties. The statement came a day after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, aimed at opening negotiations following weeks of hostilities that disrupted Gulf shipping and nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz. Under the deal, Iran allowed shipping to resume through the strait, reportedly with plans to impose tolls to fund reconstruction. However, Israeli air strikes in Lebanon that killed more than 300 people have cast doubt on the truce, as the parties dispute whether Lebanon was included in the agreement. Delegations from Iran and the US are expected to meet in Pakistan on Saturday for talks on ending the war.

Police in Chattogram’s Bayezid area have arrested Sadeq Abdullah, a leader linked to the July Movement, in connection with a case filed by the Muniria Youth Tabligh, a religious organization based in Raozan. The case involves allegations of bribing a prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal. Bayezid police said Abdullah was wanted under a court warrant issued in the case and would be handed over to Raozan police. The Muniria Youth Tabligh, associated with the Awami League, has long faced criticism for alleged land grabbing, intimidation, and militant activities under a religious guise. Its leader, Munir Ullah, has been accused of various irregularities. Abdullah, a student of Haji Muhammad Mohsin College and linked to Islami Chhatra Shibir, was an active participant in the 2024 July–August student movement. Family members and political figures, including a senior official of the National Citizen Party, condemned the arrest, calling it politically motivated and demanding Abdullah’s release within 24 hours. Police maintained that the arrest was carried out strictly under judicial orders.

The South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) has warned that Bangladesh’s economy could face negative impacts if global energy markets become unstable due to the ongoing military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran. In a statement issued on Thursday, SANEM said rising energy prices could reduce GDP growth, exports, imports, garment sector output, and agricultural production, while inflation would increase and real incomes decline. According to SANEM’s analysis, if global crude oil prices rise by about 40 percent and LNG prices by 50 percent, Bangladesh’s real GDP growth could fall by around 1.2 percent. Exports might drop by 2 percent and imports by 1.5 percent. Consumer prices could rise by up to 4 percent, and real wages might decline by 1 percent, reducing purchasing power. The report also warned that a prolonged closure of the Hormuz Strait could cause a severe energy crisis, as 72 percent of Bangladesh’s imported LNG comes from Qatar and the UAE. SANEM noted inconsistencies between government austerity and energy rationing policies and their implementation. It recommended boosting renewable energy investment, infrastructure development, tax-free equipment supply, and low-interest loans to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and stabilize the economy in the long term.

Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed has directed the initiation of a national-level integrated survey to determine the actual manpower demand across various sectors. He issued the directive on Thursday during a meeting at the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project office in the Copyright Building, Dhaka. The chairman emphasized that higher education should prepare students for the job market, but a lack of reliable data on sectoral skill needs and graduate output has created a gap between universities and industries. Dr. Ahmed stated that the revised HEAT project proposal should include the manpower demand survey to bridge this gap, while also stressing transparency and efficiency in project expenditures. He advised against purchasing duplicate scientific equipment without verification and suggested a separate study to prevent waste in research spending. The chairman also called for the establishment of a modern university teacher training academy under the HEAT project and urged stronger academic engagement between teachers and students. Officials present at the meeting noted that the proposed survey could help identify skill mismatches between higher education and the job market, aiding future policy formulation.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has described the verdict in the Abu Sayeed murder case as a significant advancement in the judicial process. The party made the statement on Thursday, emphasizing that the ruling marks progress in addressing the killing of students and civilians during the July uprising. It also urged the government to swiftly arrest the fugitives still at large. Party joint secretary general and spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman said only two of the 25 accused have been arrested, while the rest remain absconding. The tribunal sentenced two police officers to death and handed various prison terms to 25 individuals, including a former assistant police commissioner, a former metropolitan police commissioner, and the vice-chancellor of Begum Rokeya University. Rahman noted that the tribunal’s verdict represents only the first stage of the legal process, with further hearings expected in higher courts. He added that the government must act more sincerely to apprehend the convicts and ensure justice. Rahman also expressed concern over the lack of visible progress in arresting the political masterminds behind the July killings.

An agreement was signed on Thursday at the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) headquarters in Agargaon between BEZA and the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). The deal outlines joint efforts to construct, operate, and share revenue from jetties in the Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar regions. Under the agreement, jetties and related facilities will be built at the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Mirsarai and at the Sabrang Tourism Park in Teknaf, on 6.18 acres and 5 acres of land respectively. The project is part of a broader initiative titled “Construction of Jetties and Ancillary Facilities in Mirsarai and Sandwip of Chattogram and Sonadia Island and Teknaf of Cox’s Bazar.” Net profits from the completed jetties will be shared between BEZA and BIWTA in a 45:55 ratio. Officials from both organizations attended the signing ceremony and described the initiative as a milestone for the country’s industrial and tourism sectors. According to BEZA officials, the project will help transform NSEZ into a self-sufficient industrial zone and open new tourism opportunities at Sabrang Tourism Park. BIWTA expressed strong optimism about successful implementation.

Two parliamentary by-elections in Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3 concluded under the BNP government with BNP candidates winning both seats. In Bogura-6, BNP’s Rezaul Karim Badsha secured 133,516 votes, defeating Jamaat’s Abidur Rahman Sohel by 76,611 votes. In Sherpur-3, BNP’s Mahmudul Haque Rubel won by a margin of 118,966 votes, while Jamaat’s candidate Masudur Rahman withdrew midday citing irregularities. The Sherpur-3 election had been postponed earlier following the death of a Jamaat candidate during the campaign. Voting in both constituencies was largely peaceful, though isolated incidents occurred. In Sherpur, six individuals were detained for alleged fake voting, and two police officers were injured while controlling unrest. Jamaat’s Masudur Rahman alleged ballot fraud and the expulsion of his polling agents, claims denied by BNP’s Rubel, who said the election was fair and well-secured. Election officials reported no written complaints regarding the boycott. In Bogura, minor irregularities were reported, including a presiding officer collecting early signatures on result sheets, later deemed a procedural mistake. Authorities described the overall voting process as peaceful and orderly.