Harvard University has refused to comply with demands from the Trump administration regarding alleged antisemitism on campus. In a strongly worded letter, Harvard’s legal team accused the administration of undermining university autonomy and misrepresenting efforts to combat bigotry. The administration had threatened to review $9 billion in federal funding and contracts over the university’s response to pro-Palestinian protests. Already, $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts have been suspended, sparking a national debate over academic freedom and government overreach.

Students at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) have forcefully entered residential halls, demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Muhammed Machusud. Citing the VC’s failure to ensure student safety, allegedly cutting off water and internet, and encouraging legal action against protestors, the students declared a one-point demand: his immediate removal. They also called for a neutral investigation under a new VC. The students, in a show of defiance, broke through locked gates and re-entered the dormitories.

China has suspended exports of certain rare earth minerals and magnets, crucial for manufacturing electric vehicles, drones, aerospace components, and military technology. The move has raised concerns across global industries, especially in the US, which relies heavily on Chinese imports for these materials. Shipments have already been blocked at major Chinese ports. Analysts believe the decision may be a retaliatory response to increased tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump.

The University of Dhaka has announced plans to hold student union (DUCSU) elections and is set to form an Election Commission and finalize the voter list by mid-May. In an official statement, the administration emphasized the significance of DUCSU in university governance and assured stakeholders of their commitment to a free and fair election. Consultations with various stakeholders began in December, and a roadmap for the election process has been made public.

In a shocking incident in Telangana’s Kamareddy district, police were seen dragging a Dalit activist nearly naked during a protest on Ambedkar Jayanti. The activist, associated with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), was attempting to put up a banner featuring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar when clashes erupted. A viral video shows the man being forcibly pulled away wearing only his undergarments. Police later claimed the protestors blocked roads and ignored warnings, prompting their intervention.

Ali Riaz, Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission, stated that there is broad agreement on the need for state reform, despite some differences on implementation strategies. Speaking at a meeting with the National Democratic Movement, he expressed optimism that a National Charter could be finalized soon. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, as the commission’s tenure ends in mid-July, and initial discussions are expected to conclude by mid-May. Bobby Hajjaj added that these reforms aim to create a people-centric government and eliminate fascist forces like the ruling League from Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Three former police officers have been brought before the International Crimes Tribunal for their alleged involvement in a brutal crackdown during a mass uprising in Ashulia, where six young men were killed and their bodies set on fire. The accused are former Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Abdullahil Kafi, Shahidul Islam, and ex-Detective Branch inspector Arafat Hossain. According to testimony, one of the victims was reportedly still alive when officers poured petrol over him and set him ablaze. The incident has sparked demands for justice for crimes against humanity.

A disturbing incident in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked public outrage after a Muslim woman was forcibly stripped of her hijab and harassed in public. The victim, Farheen, was traveling on a motorcycle with her Hindu companion, Sachin, when a group of men stopped and assaulted them. A viral video shows a man forcibly removing her hijab, while others hurled abuses and physically assaulted both individuals. Six people have been arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred on Monday and rapidly gained traction on social media.

Students from Dhaka City College and Dhaka College clashed violently near Science Laboratory intersection in Dhaka. Both sides were seen hurling stones and bricks at each other. The reason behind the conflict remains unclear. City College students gathered under the Science Lab footbridge while Dhaka College students positioned themselves near the Government Teachers’ Training College. Additional police forces were deployed, and DMP Ramna Division DC Masud Alam was observed coordinating efforts to control the situation.

Egypt has proposed a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, contingent on the disarmament of Palestinian factions. Hamas has firmly rejected the offer. According to a senior official, Egypt emphasized that no deal with Israel is possible without full disarmament. Hamas maintains that any agreement must prioritize an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza and a full withdrawal from Palestinian territories. Israel, on the other hand, insists that Hamas must be defeated, including the surrender of all weapons, before any ceasefire can be considered.

At least 39 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, pushing the death toll to nearly 51,000 since the conflict began. An additional 118 people were injured, raising the total number of injured to 116,274. Since March 18, when Israel resumed intensified air raids, 1,574 Palestinians have been killed and 4,115 injured, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The UN reports that around 85% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with 60% of the region’s infrastructure either damaged or destroyed.

Meghna Alam is facing serious allegations of blackmail involving high-profile diplomats and wealthy businessmen. According to investigators, she strategically developed intimate relationships with influential individuals and secretly recorded compromising footage of these encounters. Later, she and her accomplices allegedly used these videos to demand large sums of money. Among her key collaborators is Md. Dewan Samir (58), reportedly a leader of a human trafficking ring. Their most recent target was Isa bin Yousuf Al Duhailan, the outgoing Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh. The group allegedly demanded $5 million from him. The diplomat sought assistance from the Saudi foreign ministry, prompting a case to be filed at Bhatara Police Station. Samir is currently on a 5-day remand while Meghna Alam remains in custody. Investigators confirm that evidence gathered during interrogation supports the allegations.

The formal celebrations of Bengali New Year 1432 concluded with a dramatic protest in Uttara at 12:30 AM on Monday night. Demonstrators threw shoes and set fire to a portrait representing authoritarianism, chanting slogans such as “Hit Hasina’s cheeks with shoes, in rhythm!”—signaling defiance against the current regime.

Beloved actress Gulshan Ara Ahmed, widely known for her roles in “Bachelor Point” as Kabila’s mother and the Chairman of Noakhali, passed away at 6:40 AM on Tuesday. She had been on life support following a heart attack. Director Kajol Arefin Ami mourned her passing, praying for her eternal peace and forgiveness from the Almighty.

British MP Tulip Siddiq has dismissed an arrest warrant issued in Bangladesh as politically driven and baseless. Speaking to journalists in London, she said the Bangladeshi authorities were conducting a “media trial” and had ignored legal correspondence from her lawyers. The Anti-Corruption Commission is reportedly investigating alleged embezzlement of $5 billion from infrastructure projects by Sheikh Hasina’s family. Bobby Hajjaj has accused Tulip of facilitating an overpriced nuclear power deal with Russia in 2013—allegations she denies.