On April 8, 2025, during an investment summit, Bangladesh became the 54th country to sign the Artemis Accords, a set of international agreements focused on peaceful space exploration. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tracy Jacobson was present at the signing, with Bangladesh’s Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Mohammad Ashraf Uddin representing the government. The U.S. Department of State affirmed its commitment to the long-standing partnership with Bangladesh, stating, “For over 50 years, the U.S. and Bangladesh have enjoyed a strong relationship, and we remain committed to its continuation.” The Artemis initiative, launched in 2020 by the U.S. and seven other countries, now includes 54 member nations.

Brigadier General Syed Mohammad Motaher Hossain, Inspector General of Prisons, has revealed that over 300 individuals convicted in militancy-related cases have been released, though some were involved in serious crimes. “The government remains vigilant. Those involved in heinous activities have been dealt with, and several have been re-arrested,” he said. Adviser Mahfuz Alam added that while some have renounced militancy, like Jashim Uddin Rahmani who issued a public statement distancing himself from extremism, all released individuals remain under close surveillance. “The intelligence agencies and the state are extremely sensitive about their actions. Any wrongdoing will be met with swift government action,” he stated.

A Bangladeshi national named Kuti Mia (50) was shot dead by Indian Khasi tribesmen near the Mokanchhara border in Doarabazar, Sunamganj. The incident occurred seven kilometers inside Indian territory, in Nothrai Punji under Mosharam police station of Meghalaya’s Shillong district on Thursday afternoon. Six other villagers from the same area managed to escape unharmed. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local police claim the group had crossed the border to steal betel nuts.

Heavy rainfall since Wednesday has led to the deaths of at least 100 people across parts of India and Nepal. In Bihar, the state’s disaster management department confirmed at least 64 fatalities from rain-related incidents. In Uttar Pradesh, more than 20 people have died, while Nepal reported at least 8 deaths due to lightning strikes and flooding. India’s Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days.

In a meeting held on Thursday, newly appointed Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alexander Grigorievich Khodzine, and Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The ambassador discussed various facets of the Bangladesh-Russia relationship and explored opportunities for mutual support in elections to international bodies, including UN agencies. The foreign secretary assured that Bangladesh will maintain constructive engagement with Russia in multilateral forums in line with its national interests and established diplomatic principles.

A disturbing incident has surfaced from the SSC examination center at Bamni High School in Companiganj, where a student alleges that her answer script and MCQ sheet were forcibly taken and tampered with. Student Shanjida Afrin filed a written complaint with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), claiming that two teachers—assistant hall supervisor Shah Kamal Sabuj and hall guard Nurul Karim—delayed the distribution of her MCQ sheet and then snatched her answer script before the time ended. When she protested, one of the accused allegedly filled in random answers on her MCQ sheet and verbally abused her near the exam room. Afrin believes she was targeted for not taking private tuition from them.

Dilsad Afrin Pinky, a member of the National Citizen Committee, has been sent to jail in connection with an embezzlement case involving the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation. Sub-Inspector Mohammad Kamrul Hossain, the investigating officer, presented her before the court and requested her detention. Despite her lawyer pleading for bail and claiming innocence, the court denied the bail request and ordered her imprisonment. The case was filed on Thursday by Fatema Afrin Payel, the foundation’s legal officer. Pinky is accused of collecting money from martyr families and promising financial aid to fake injured individuals in exchange for bribes.

In a recent meeting with the Bangladesh API & Intermediaries Manufacturers Association, National Professor Dr. A.K. Azad Khan, head of the Health Sector Reform Commission, emphasized the need to reduce dependency on imported pharmaceutical raw materials. He highlighted that nearly 95% of the country’s pharmaceutical raw materials are currently imported. Local production could not only boost the industry but also pave the way for exports. Industry leaders urged the government to provide incentives for local production, research, and resource development—calling for subsidies on gas and electricity, simplified registration processes, VAT and tax exemptions for permanent producers, and a dedicated BAIIMA representative in the Drug Administration’s blacklist committee.

The death toll from the nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, has climbed to at least 221. The tragedy occurred early Tuesday during a concert by popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez at the ‘Jet Set’ nightclub. Presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa confirmed the end of the rescue operation in a video statement, saying, “Now is the time to understand and explain what truly happened.” Emergency crews successfully rescued nearly 200 people from the debris.

A moderate earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar on Friday morning. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, raising fears of aftershocks. This comes just weeks after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on March 28, killing over 36,000 people and injuring more than 5,000. Hundreds remain missing under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Iran is reportedly considering a proposal for an interim nuclear agreement with the United States. The plan is seen as a way to extend the timeline beyond the two-month deadline set by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened military action if Iran didn’t halt its nuclear program. Iran believes the current timeframe is insufficient and is exploring an interim deal as a stopgap before a comprehensive agreement.

From contesting elections under the banner of the autocratic Awami League to promoting online gambling platforms, Shakib Al Hasan has often found himself in controversial waters. Currently in self-imposed exile in the United States following the fall of the Awami League government, Shakib was recently seen socializing with leaders of the banned U.S. chapter of the Chhatra League. A Facebook post by Chhatra League leader Swapnil Khan, showing Shakib in casual conversation with these individuals, has gone viral. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation against him.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has refuted allegations of abduction in the case of model Meghna Alam. According to an official statement, she was taken into custody legally over charges involving attempts to disrupt national security, spreading false information about influential individuals, and damaging diplomatic relations. “The allegation of breaking into her home and kidnapping her is inaccurate,” DMP stated. Meghna was arrested from her home on Wednesday and later presented before a court, which ordered her 30-day detention under the Special Powers Act.

Authorities in India have sparked controversy by issuing a notice banning loudspeaker use at mosques during prayer times on the day of Hanuman Jayanti processions. The notice, signed by the SHO of Gandhinagar police station, has drawn criticism. Police later claimed the notice was “misworded” and intended as a request for cooperation rather than a directive. However, they warned that failure to comply could lead to further action.

Bangladesh Police is set to adopt a new logo, replacing the existing one. The new emblem features the national flower Shapla, along with symbols of paddy, wheat, and a jute leaf—above which the word “Police” is prominently written. Notably, the boat symbol has been removed. The design has already received official approval, pending the final government notification. Once published, all police units and districts will be required to implement the new logo across uniforms, flags, signboards, and all relevant materials.