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.

Following the expiration of his anticipatory bail, Manikganj District Awami League President Golam Mohiuddin surrendered to court seeking bail. However, the court denied his request and ordered him into custody. Reports allege that Mohiuddin orchestrated attacks on protesters during the recent uprising using cadres from Jubo League and Chhatra League, and directed an arson attack on the district BNP office.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has uncovered that several candidates used forged Freedom Fighter certificates to secure government jobs, including in the 38th to 43rd BCS exams. Initial investigations confirm that multiple individuals benefited from the Freedom Fighter quota under false pretenses. Currently, 89,235 individuals are employed under this quota, most of whom were appointed during the Awami League’s tenure. Notably, over the past 15 years, 29,485 were recruited in primary and mass education, while 23,063 joined the police force.

Islamic scholar Maulana Mizanur Rahman Azhari condemned the recent looting during protests, calling it “petty and disgraceful.” In a Facebook post, he wrote, “Those engaging in such acts are honest only due to a lack of opportunity. They derail good initiatives and shift focus from smart movements to irrelevant chaos.” He emphasized that a believer’s protest must be rational and intelligent.

Former US President Donald Trump has made it clear that he is not considering suspending tariffs, although he indicated openness to negotiations. “Many countries are coming to us for deals, and they will make fair agreements. In some cases, they will pay significant tariffs,” Trump said. After speaking with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, he added, “You have to open up your markets—we don’t sell cars in Japan, but Japan sells millions of cars in our country.” Trump also stated that even Israel, despite receiving $4 billion in US aid annually, won’t be exempt from tariffs.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has stated on X (formerly Twitter) that it was advised about the discontinuation of new American aid for 14 countries. While it didn’t specify the nations affected, the agency warned that, if implemented, “this would amount to a death sentence for millions facing extreme hunger and starvation.” The Trump administration has also informed the UN Population Fund that two programs will be terminated—one in Afghanistan and another linked to Syria. USAID, which once had an annual budget of $42.8 billion and accounted for 42% of global aid, has been severely impacted.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Mazumder announced that Swedish firm Nilorn has signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a factory in the special economic zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj. The signing took place on the second day of BIDA’s four-day investment summit. Nilorn Bangladesh Ltd. Managing Director Mohammad Abdul Kaiyum and Bangladesh Special Economic Zone Managing Director Taro Kawachi signed the MoU.

At least five people were killed and 35 injured when a local bus lost control and crashed into a ditch after hitting an electric pole in Bakunda, Faridpur, around 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday. According to police, the victims include three men and two women. Identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed. Senior Fire Officer Md. Nazrul Islam verified the incident.