The draft protocol for seamless passenger and cargo movement among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) has been finalized, a decade after the original agreement was signed. This is South Asia’s first such initiative aimed at strengthening cross-border trade and connectivity. However, observers worry that India’s recent revocation of transshipment benefits to Bangladesh may hinder the agreement’s implementation.

Over 100 students of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) entered the campus on Sunday after 52 days of closure and began a sit-in in front of the administrative building demanding dormitories be reopened by 8 PM. Despite a university ban, the students bypassed restrictions, prompting the administration to deploy additional security. After negotiations, students were allowed in upon ID verification. However, university authorities clarified that reopening dorms requires a Syndicate meeting decision. Students warned of stricter protests if their demand is unmet.

On Sunday morning, 11 coaches of the Dhaka-bound Kalni Express became detached while the train was passing through Mominchhara Tea Garden area on the Fenchuganj-Kulaura railway line. Stationmaster Abu Sayeed confirmed the incident and said it took two hours to reattach the carriages. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the train resumed its journey toward Dhaka from Bhatera station around 9 AM.

Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA, announced that the recent investment summit attracted preliminary proposals worth BDT 3,100 crore. While the government spent around BDT 1.5 crore, partners contributed BDT 3.5 crore. Ashiq noted that the summit should not be evaluated by cost alone and emphasized that many deals were built on prior negotiations. Delegates from 50 countries participated, with foreign investors making up 58% of attendees. Meanwhile, ten proposed economic zones have been canceled.

To reduce confusion among worshippers, the Islamic Foundation has instructed all mosques in Bangladesh to hold Jummah prayers at 1:30 PM. Currently, mosques observe different timings—ranging from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM—causing difficulties for devout Muslims, especially travelers. The unified schedule aims to create consistency and ease of worship.

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.