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.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, has appealed her three-year sentence in a corruption case. The High Court has condoned a 587-day delay in filing the appeal. In August 2023, both Tarique and Dr. Zubaida were convicted for acquiring unexplained wealth, with the former receiving a nine-year sentence and the latter three years.

The court has scheduled May 17 as the verdict date for the rape and murder case of schoolgirl Achiya. Testimonies concluded on May 7, including that of two doctors involved in the autopsy. Achiya, a third-grade student from Jaria Government Primary School in Magura's Sreepur Upazila, passed away on March 13 while undergoing treatment at Dhaka’s Combined Military Hospital.

Students of Barisal University have begun an indefinite hunger strike demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Sucharita Sharmin. Student leader Sujoy Shuvo declared the VC “unwanted” on campus, claiming she has been absent throughout 28 days of protests and only appeared on Facebook Live at the last moment. “We don’t want a fascist VC like her,” Shuvo stated. Although exams in 25 departments were held throughout the day, no classes took place. Faculty members have also expressed solidarity through statements and press conferences.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has remarked that this is the first time in Bangladesh’s history that a political party's registration has been canceled by a High Court verdict. He made the statement during the appeal hearing on Jamaat-e-Islami’s registration case, which was being reviewed by a four-member Appellate Division bench led by him. Senior lawyer Ehsan A. Siddiq represented the petitioner, with lawyer Shishir Monir also present.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has flown to Bangkok for urgent eye surgery. According to BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan, Fakhrul was rushed to United Hospital in Gulshan on Monday after sudden eye complications. Doctors advised immediate retinal surgery. His wife, Rahat Ara Begum, is accompanying him. Fakhrul expressed gratitude to the people of Bangladesh and prayed for a swift recovery, seeking Allah's mercy.

The Press Wing of the Chief Adviser clarified that the government’s ban on the activities of the Awami League (AL) does not infringe on freedom of expression. The statement emphasized that constructive, legal, or rational opinions or analyses regarding the party or government actions toward it are not restricted under the notification. It further added that the AL and its affiliated organizations face serious allegations of enforced disappearances, murders, torture, terrorism, and crimes against humanity—especially during the last 15 years, including the recent uprising. The temporary suspension of AL's activities prior to judicial review does not limit other political parties or individuals' rights to free expression.

A total of 40,608 Bangladeshi pilgrims have reached Saudi Arabia so far this year to perform Hajj, according to official data. They travelled via 101 flights—20,514 of them flew with Biman Bangladesh Airlines on 51 flights, 13,336 with Saudi Airlines on 34 flights, and 6,758 pilgrims were carried by Flynas on 16 flights. Tragically, six pilgrims have died during the journey so far—five men and one woman.

The Officers Club has suspended the memberships of six high-profile individuals, including Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, over corruption and unethical conduct. The decision follows ongoing cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against them. The suspended members include: Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, former secretaries M A Kader and Sirajul Haque Khan, former senior secretary S M Golam Farooq, former ACC commissioner Zahirul Haque, and former secretary and election commissioner Anisur Rahman. The club stated that the suspensions were made in accordance with its rules, following proof of their involvement in corruption and misconduct.

The government has issued a new ordinance late Monday night, enacting the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance without any amendments. The move officially dissolves the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and divides it into two separate divisions. Administrative roles in the new Revenue Management Division will include officers from both the administrative cadre and the tax/customs cadre. Several income tax and customs officers confirmed that the ordinance fulfills most of the long-standing demands of their respective cadres. Under the new structure, tax officers will report to tax cadre leadership, while customs officers will report to customs cadre leadership. Protests erupted throughout the day Monday at the Agargaon Revenue Building, opposing the dissolution of the NBR.