Health Advisor Nurjahan Begum announced that China will fund the construction of a 1,000-bed hospital in Rangpur as a gift to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. Additionally, China is providing a rehabilitation center equipped with robotic physiotherapy facilities, which will be installed at the Bangladesh Medical University. The equipment has already arrived at Chattogram Port and will initially serve victims of the July uprising before being made available to the general public.

Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) leader Abu Raihan stated that any call for elections without addressing war crimes and structural reforms will be rejected by the people. He warned that premature elections could lead to renewed instability and accused certain parties of using elections for personal gain. Abu Raihan emphasized that foreign prescriptions for governance are no longer acceptable and stressed the importance of recognizing the July uprising as a second independence movement. During an event, 180 July movement victims were issued health cards by the Civil Surgeon’s Office in Cumilla.

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck near Meiktila in central Myanmar on Sunday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. No casualties or damages have been reported yet. This tremor comes amid ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating 7.7-magnitude quake on March 28, which killed 3,649 people and injured over 5,000, as reported by Myanmar’s military government spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed gratitude for the successful “March for Gaza” campaign. He apologized for any mistakes during the implementation of the program and condemned attacks on business establishments in Gazipur, urging authorities to identify and punish those involved. He emphasized that organizers repeatedly warned participants against engaging in such acts, and those responsible, regardless of their intent, must be held accountable.

Deputy Secretary of the Security Services Division, Neelima Afroze, confirmed that the “Except Israel” clause has been reintroduced in Bangladeshi passports. A gazette notification has also been issued in this regard. The National Revolutionary Council had demanded its reinstatement, launching a movement and submitting a memorandum to the Home Affairs Advisor on March 18. Several groups including Shibir, Dhaka University faculty, and participants in the “March for Gaza” also raised this demand. The advisor called it a logical step.

Dhaka University Proctor Prof. Saifuddin Ahmed has confirmed that the individual responsible for setting fire to two decorative motifs prepared for the Pahela Baishakh procession at the Faculty of Fine Arts has been identified. The accused is Rabiul Islam Rakib, a student of the Arabic department and a former activist of the now-banned Chhatra League faction. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sajjad Ali announced that Rakib will be arrested before the start of the New Year’s procession on Monday.

At the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the ‘Harmony Building’ at the International Buddhist Monastery, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman reiterated the vision of building a non-violent, inclusive, and loving Bangladesh. Citing the teachings of Gautama Buddha, he said the armed forces are committed to preserving communal harmony and ensuring peace, particularly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. “This country belongs to all—Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims alike,” he said, pledging continued efforts to make the nation a beacon of peace and unity.

In Gaibandha’s Sundarganj, six BNP and affiliate activists were injured in a reported attack by ruling Awami League supporters. The clash erupted after BNP activist Shafiqul Islam allegedly hit a bench in front of a shop owned by a former Chhatra League leader, leading to a heated argument. Later, Shafiqul was assaulted by AL leader Nazmul Master and his associates. When BNP and Jubo Dal members tried to rescue him, they too were attacked. Police arrested three individuals, including Nazmul Master and his brother, from the scene.

Six Myanmar nationals were arrested with 40,770 yaba pills in a joint operation by the Coast Guard and RAB near Shahpari Island in Teknaf on Saturday afternoon. The arrestees—Amir Sultan (52), Robi Alam (42), Dil Mohammad (38), Nurunnabi (28), Iman Hossain (32), and Zayed Hossain (18)—were apprehended near the sea area close to the “Jor Tower.” Legal action against them is currently underway.

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court challenging the legality of model Meghna Alam’s detention under the Special Powers Act. Advocate Kazi Zahed Iqbal, representing her, argued that if there are specific allegations against Meghna, proper legal proceedings should follow, but the vague basis for her detention is unjustified. The hearing is expected to be held before a High Court bench comprising Justice Rajik Al Jalil and Justice Tamanna Rahman Khalidi. Meghna was detained last Wednesday night from a residence in Bashundhara Residential Area.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has described the International Buddhist Monastery as a powerful symbol of Bangladesh’s communal harmony. Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony for the monastery’s new ‘Harmony Building,’ he emphasized the historic role of Buddhist monasteries as centers of education and culture. Citing the teachings of Buddha, Yunus said that peace and compassion must extend to all beings, without exception. He invited people of all faiths to join in the celebration of the inclusive Pahela Baishakh festival.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refat Ahmed has emphasized the urgent need for a separate secretariat for the Supreme Court, citing the dual administrative nature of the current judicial system. He highlighted that a 12-point reform initiative is underway to enhance transparency and eliminate difficulties faced by litigants. Upon completion, the reforms aim to establish a sustainable, efficient judiciary with greater accountability for all stakeholders. The Chief Justice called on the judiciary, legal community, and media to play active roles in this transformation.

Two Israeli missiles struck a major hospital in Gaza, severely damaging the emergency and reception departments and causing widespread destruction. Photos circulating on social media show displaced families leaving the hospital, some dragging ailing relatives on hospital beds. Hamas’s government media office condemned the attack as a “heinous and despicable crime,” claiming it is part of Israel’s systematic plan to dismantle Gaza’s healthcare sector. They allege that 34 hospitals have been deliberately destroyed to deprive civilians of essential medical services.

A violent clash broke out between residents of two villages in Rajair, Madaripur, following a long-standing dispute. The incident, which occurred in the Beparipara area, left at least 25 people injured, including eight police officers—two of whom are Officers-in-Charge (OC). The conflict escalated after an altercation between youths over fireworks during Eid celebrations. Retaliatory attacks led to a nighttime clash involving homemade weapons, vandalism of shops, and explosions of crude bombs.

To ensure public safety during the Bengali New Year 1432 celebrations, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has deployed extensive security measures across the country. A total of 2,449 RAB personnel, including 346 patrol teams and 413 plainclothes intelligence officers, will remain on duty until the festivities conclude. Key celebration zones such as TSC, Shahbagh, Suhrawardy Udyan, Hatirjheel, Manik Mia Avenue, Shishu Academy, and Ramna Batamul have been equipped with check-posts, observation posts, and patrol units. Bomb disposal squads and canine units will sweep sensitive locations, staying on standby for any potential threats. Special arrangements have also been made to ensure women’s safety, and a cyber monitoring team will work to counter misinformation and rumors.