The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has once again raised gold prices in the local market, marking the 28th price adjustment this year. Under the new rates, 22-carat gold will now cost BDT 171,286 per bhori (11.664 grams). The price for 21-carat gold is set at BDT 163,494, 18-carat at BDT 140,143, and traditional method gold at BDT 115,905 per bhori. BAJUS clarified that a 5% government VAT and a minimum 6% craftsmanship charge set by the association must be added to the base price. However, the final cost may vary depending on design and quality.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, during his visit to Dhaka, expressed interest in hiring more Bangladeshi workers and ensuring safe migration. In his meeting with Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Matteo stated that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni may visit Bangladesh before September to boost bilateral ties. He praised the Bangladeshi community in Italy and called for more such responsible migrants. Prof. Yunus assured Italy of Bangladesh’s commitment to combat illegal migration and human trafficking through joint efforts.

In Rajshahi, a borrower named Zahurul Islam (55) allegedly faced severe mental abuse by employees of Rural Reconstruction Foundation (RRF) after failing to pay loan installments. Unable to cope with the pressure, Zahurul consumed poison inside the NGO’s Baneshwar office on April 29. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and instead of taking him to the hospital, some RRF staff allegedly abandoned him on the roadside. Relatives rushed to the scene and later admitted him to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital in critical condition. He is currently fighting for his life.

Adviser Farida Akhtar emphasized the need to ensure both food security and fair treatment of farmers. She criticized import policies that hurt local agriculture and called for market analysis before importing food products. Akhtar also raised concerns about the over-mechanization of agriculture, which reduces livestock use and impacts rural livelihoods. “Consumers deserve safe food, but farmers must also be able to earn a profit,” she said.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. According to the Pakistan High Commission, Dar briefed the adviser on India’s “baseless allegations” and “unilateral actions” contributing to growing regional tensions. He particularly criticized India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a reckless move. Adviser Hossain expressed concern over the current situation and emphasized the need for restraint by all parties to de-escalate tensions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and stressed the importance of maintaining regular high-level contacts. They also explored opportunities for greater cooperation in regional and multilateral forums.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam announced that the licensing of media outlets during the former government’s tenure will undergo investigation. He accused the previous administration of manipulating media to justify abductions, extrajudicial killings, and other abuses. Alam also urged media outlets not to produce content that supports fascism. He criticized some outlets for labeling the July uprising as a movement and for referring to the current government as a transitional regime. “More people were killed in Bangladesh between July 19 and August 5 last year than in Gaza during the same period,” he said.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam announced that the licensing of media outlets during the former government’s tenure will undergo investigation. He accused the previous administration of manipulating media to justify abductions, extrajudicial killings, and other abuses. Alam also urged media outlets not to produce content that supports fascism. He criticized some outlets for labeling the July uprising as a movement and for referring to the current government as a transitional regime. “More people were killed in Bangladesh between July 19 and August 5 last year than in Gaza during the same period,” he said.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that 54 individuals have been detained in connection with the attack on Hasnat Abdullah. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for political violence and said efforts are underway to preempt future incidents. Gazipur’s Basan Police Station confirmed the filing of a case naming 100 individuals, with 43 formally arrested and sent to court custody.

The Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP) claims that the government-initiated Women’s Reform Commission operates without political consensus and lacks inclusive representation. NCP argues that some of the Commission’s recommendations conflict with Bangladesh’s social and religious values, setting up a confrontation between state and society, and between religion and women. They urge for constructive dialogue with all stakeholders. The party also condemned public insults aimed at women during rallies against the commission’s proposals.

Israeli attacks and unexploded ordnance are leaving Gaza’s children blind and traumatized. Seven-year-old Mohammad Hijazi lost vision in one eye after a sudden blast while playing outside. Fourteen-year-old Maysa al-Ghandour, once aspiring to become a doctor or teacher, lost her eyesight in an Israeli airstrike. “We’re not living in Gaza anymore—we’re just waiting to die,” she said. The ongoing conflict continues to devastate young lives.

Screenshots circulating online reveal that several Chhatra Dal activists are planning attacks on Rajshahi University students they describe as part of the “Bot Bahini.” The messages, exchanged in a WhatsApp group named “RU Chhatra Dal,” involve leaders like Tushar Sheikh, expelled leader Ahsan Habib, and activist Hasibul Islam. The conversations include threats to physically assault targeted students both on and off-campus. Hasibul confirmed the authenticity of the screenshots. The group accused these students of posting defamatory and false content online.

On Monday afternoon, Tarique Rahman drove his mother, Khaleda Zia, to Heathrow Airport. Family members and local BNP activists gathered to see her off. Khaleda Zia smiled while speaking to her son before departure, kissed him goodbye, and said to the well-wishers, “Please take care of Bhaiya (Tarique Rahman).” She is accompanied by her daughters-in-law, Dr. Zubaida Rahman and Syeda Shamila Rahman.

To prevent traffic congestion linked to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s return to Bangladesh, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has requested all Hajj pilgrims to arrive at the Hajj Camp by 6:00 AM on Tuesday. Khaleda Zia’s air ambulance departed from Heathrow at 9:35 PM (Bangladesh time) on Monday and is expected to land at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:30 AM on Tuesday. She will proceed directly to her Gulshan residence ‘Firoza.’

BNP leader Shairul Kabir Khan announced that party Chairperson Khaleda Zia is expected to arrive at Dhaka’s airport on Tuesday at 10:30 AM. As her return coincides with the SSC examinations, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged party activists to remain on the sidewalks and avoid gathering on the streets. He also appealed to law enforcement agencies to ensure that no one disrupts public movement on the roads during that time.

BNP senior leader Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has remarked that the court has become a "second home" for BNP leaders due to the frequency of legal proceedings. “We are constantly summoned. Even today’s Chief Adviser faced numerous cases in the past, and we protested against those back then. Now, all cases against him have been withdrawn, and he sits comfortably in office. Yet I, Goyeshwar, continue to appear in court,” he said. Roy emphasized that the BNP has never practiced vindictive politics. He also criticized the media landscape, stating, “Many believe it’s safest to speak or write against the BNP. Journalists used to say there was no press freedom under the Awami League, yet criticism of the BNP was widespread. But true press freedom lies not with journalists, but with the owners and publishers. Some media owners have cozy ties with the government and avoid publishing critical news. Despite having financial strength, many outlets fail to pay their journalists properly.”