Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, will attend the funeral of Roman Catholic spiritual leader Pope Francis, according to the Press Secretary. The ceremony will see the presence of numerous global dignitaries, including U.S. President Donald Trump.

Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88 after serving as the supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years. Heads of state from Argentina, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Ukraine, Belgium, Poland, and Hungary are also expected to attend the funeral. The United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the European Commission will be present as well.

The Nationalist Civic Platform (NCP) has declared solidarity with the students of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), who began a hunger strike on Monday demanding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor. NCP stated, “On February 18, KUET students were attacked with local weapons by members of Chhatra Dal and outsiders, but no proper action was taken against the perpetrators. Instead, the university expelled 37 students.” According to Saleh Uddin Sifat, although the administration has not publicly disclosed the names of the expelled students, a central leader of a student political organization claimed that seven of them belong to his party. “This raises serious questions about the administration’s neutrality,” said Sifat. NCP also demanded an impartial investigation into allegations of physical harassment against the Vice-Chancellor during the February incident. The platform criticized the government for inaction despite receiving a memorandum on the issue.

Speaking on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day 2025, Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid highlighted the importance of building an inclusive society that embraces neurodiversity. Under this year’s theme — “Embrace Neurodiversity, Build a Sustainable Society” — she emphasized the need for proper support, education, and respect to unlock the creativity and potential of individuals with autism.

At a bilateral meeting with South Korea’s Vice Minister of Fisheries, Chol Young-See, Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhtar emphasized Bangladesh’s potential in deep-sea fishing, marine aquaculture, and related technologies. She sought South Korea’s support in combating illegal fishing, enhancing tuna fishing capabilities, developing value-added seafood products, and providing training opportunities for Bangladeshi researchers in South Korea.

BNP has announced a major rally in front of its central office in Nayapaltan on May 1 to mark International Workers’ Day. The event, organized by the party’s labor wing, will feature Acting Chairman Tareq Rahman as the chief guest. Senior leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, attended a preparatory meeting for the rally.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has said that elections without comprehensive reforms will not be accepted by the people. He stressed that those responsible for corruption in the sports sector over the last 17 years must be brought to justice by an elected government. He criticized any attempts to delay elections under the pretense of judicial reform and reiterated that the elections must be held by December.

Polytechnic students have temporarily suspended their protest after the Education Ministry assured them of action on their six-point demands. A committee has been formed under the Technical and Madrasa Education Division to draft an implementation roadmap. The ministry has requested three weeks for this process. Students warned that if progress stalls, they will resume the movement with greater intensity.

Revolutionary Workers Party leader Saiful Haque criticized the Election Commission (EC), saying that even angels couldn’t ensure fair polls under its current form. He advocated for an accountable EC and stated that an interim government could deliver meaningful elections. Haque confirmed they have submitted 31 written recommendations and urged the EC to consult with political parties before finalizing the election code of conduct.

Nine students at Chittagong University have completed 33 hours of hunger strike demanding the return of the Fine Arts Institute to the main campus. Despite multiple negotiation attempts by university officials, students remain steadfast. Two students fell ill on Tuesday afternoon and were administered IV fluids. Although the Vice-Chancellor had promised relocation by March 31, the process has stalled, pending final syndicate approval.

During a contract signing ceremony for the Matarbari Port Development Project, Labour Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain said the deep-sea port will revolutionize international trade. The port will accommodate ships with up to 100,000 DWT, easing pressure on Chattogram and other ports while boosting industrial development in Cox’s Bazar and Maheshkhali. The project positions Bangladesh as a key energy and transshipment hub in the region.

Prof. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, the Education Adviser, has urged KUET students to end their hunger strike and return to class, citing health concerns amid extreme heat. He assured them that a high-level delegation will soon visit the campus to assess the situation and work toward a solution in collaboration with faculty and students. The adviser also spoke directly with students over the phone, requesting them to prioritize their well-being.

Students at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) have continued their hunger strike demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. M. Masud. The strike began Monday at 3:30 PM, and five students have since fallen ill and received treatment at local clinics. Although university officials have held several rounds of talks, no resolution has been reached. Protesters rejected a delegation sent by Adviser Mahfuz Alam and insist on their demands.

Interior Adviser Md. Jahangir Alam has stressed the need to recover arms looted during the recent mass uprising and to monitor top criminals who are out on bail. Speaking on corruption within law enforcement, he urged the public to report any attempts at influence or lobbying in his name. He also warned against plainclothes police arrests and called for increased community policing and transparency.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Commissioner Hafiz Ahsan Farid has confirmed that steps are underway to bring Sheikh Hasina and Tulip Siddiq back to Bangladesh. He stated that a Mutual Legal Assistance Request has been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which will be forwarded to foreign missions through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Farid emphasized that Tulip Siddiq is being treated as a Bangladeshi citizen and not a foreign national, and international anti-corruption agencies will be involved in Hasina’s case.

At least 26 tourists were killed in a gun attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, with many others injured. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the death toll is still being verified and described it as one of the worst attacks on civilians in recent memory. Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah, who has since traveled to Srinagar for an emergency meeting.