Teachers, officials, and staff of the National University held a silent protest wearing black badges in solidarity with the people of Palestine, denouncing the ongoing genocide and grave human rights violations by Israel in Gaza. The demonstration was led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah. The protest aimed to express solidarity with the Palestinian cause and condemn the continued atrocities.

Seventeen individuals have been arrested in Sylhet in connection with vandalism, looting, and attacks that occurred during an anti-Israel protest. The arrests were made after police discovered an online advertisement offering looted shoes for sale. Acting as buyers, police detained the seller and recovered some of the stolen items. Subsequent raids—guided by CCTV footage and viral social media videos—led to the arrest of the following individuals: 1. Md. Rajon (19), son of Md. Raja Mia, Kazitula 2. Imon (19), son of Arab Ali, Kazitula 3. Md. Rakib (19), son of Din Islam 4. Mizan Ahmed (30), son of Sad Ahmed 5. Md. Abdul Motaleb (35), son of the late Abul Bashar Mia, Saudagartula 6. Sabbir Ahmed (19), son of Liakat Ali, Goyatula 7. Junaid Ahmed (19), son of Farid Mia, Companiganj 8. Md. Robin Mia (20), son of the late Mostafa Mia, Mirer Moydan 9. Mostakin Ahmed Tuhin (19), son of Mohsun Ahmed, Shahi Eidgah 10. Md. Delwar Hossain (30), son of Abdul Sattar, Dargah Gate 11. Riyad (24), son of Shamim Ahmed, Shekghat 12. Md. Tuhin (24), son of Dulal Mia, Baluchar Natun Bazar 13. Al Nafiu (19), son of Selim Reza, Bateshwar Bazar 14. Syed Al Amin Tushar (29), son of Syed Altaf Manik, Noakhali 15. Md. Sohel Khan (42), son of the late Yusuf Ali, Gobindrashri, Beanibazar 16. Suman Mia Rupom (35), son of Shah Noor Mia, Siddorpasha, Jagannathpur, Sunamganj 17. Arun Malakar (35), son of the late Nondon Malakar, Janaiya, Bishwanath The operation began on Monday night and continued into Tuesday. Authorities confirm that a case has been filed regarding the incident, and further operations are ongoing to identify and arrest others involved. Surveillance efforts have also extended to online platforms to prevent the resale of looted goods and to track digital evidence of the violence.

Adviser Farida Akhtar revealed that a proposal has been submitted to establish a Fisheries and Livestock Bank to protect fishermen from exploitative lending practices. “Once operational, the bank will free fishing communities from dependency on informal moneylenders,” she said. Addressing local fishermen, she emphasized their responsibility: “You are the custodians of hilsa. If you protect the young fish (jatka), the rivers will replenish.” She highlighted that 65.88% of the country’s hilsa comes from Barisal Division and reaffirmed the ongoing conservation program running until June 30. Districts showing success in jatka preservation will be officially recognized. Various demands were also submitted to the adviser during her visit.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah has criticized the country’s corrupt officials, noting that many of them are highly educated but morally compromised. “They’ve studied at top universities and earned good grades, yet failed to receive the right values,” he said. Over the past 16 years, corruption has seeped into every sector, he claimed, adding that ministers and MPs from the ruling Awami League have laundered billions overseas. Addressing students preparing for their SSC exams, he emphasized integrity, saying, “It’s not the same to avoid corruption because there’s no opportunity versus resisting it when you do have the chance. The latter defines true character.”

Two Microsoft employees, Ibtihal Abusad and Baniya Agarwal, have been fired after staging a protest during the company’s 50th-anniversary event. Their protest targeted the use of Microsoft’s AI technology in Israeli military operations. As Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of AI at Microsoft, was presenting features of the company’s chatbot Co-Pilot, Ibtihal Abusad interrupted the session, walking toward the stage and shouting: “Mustafa, you should be ashamed. You claim to be using AI for the betterment of humanity, but in reality, you’re empowering Israel’s weaponry and fueling the war machine. Over 50,000 people have died, and yet you continue to aid and support this brutality!” She threw a keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian resistance, and continued, “Stop using AI to carry out genocide in our region!” Baniya Agarwal, another employee, joined in, yelling, “Shame on you! You are hypocrites!” Both employees were immediately dismissed following the incident.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin expressed optimism regarding the letter recently sent to the US administration, which aims to include 100 additional Bangladeshi products in the duty-free category to reduce trade deficit. “We haven’t received a response yet, but the intention is clear—we’re working to minimize the trade gap,” he said. Financial Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed that the Chief Adviser sent the letter to the Trump administration just yesterday. “We’re expecting a positive outcome. Both sides are willing to cooperate for a win-win situation,” he added.

After visiting the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC), Adviser Mahfuz Alam said the government is working to transform BFDC into a profitable entity. He emphasized that all filmmaking activities—from shooting to editing—should be facilitated within BFDC. With its central location in Dhaka, the corporation has the potential to become a hub for the film industry, he added, urging stakeholders to make the most of available opportunities.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain stated that despite Myanmar’s junta government identifying 180,000 Rohingya from Bangladesh for repatriation, the current situation in Rakhine makes it unfeasible. “Of the 250,000 names reviewed, they cleared 180,000 and are reviewing the rest,” he said. He emphasized that approval of the list doesn’t mean immediate return. Bangladesh has urged the junta to expedite the verification of the remaining 700,000–800,000 Rohingya. The adviser stressed the need for creating a conducive environment for voluntary repatriation with dignity and safety, in cooperation with the international community.

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.