DHAKA, May 07, 2026 — The North South University (NSU)Department of Architecture is currently hosting its 19th biannual architectural exhibition, themed "First Step Towards Architecture."
The exhibition was officially inaugurated on May 3 by Department Chairman Shahriar Iqbal Raj, alongside a distinguished group of faculty mentors.
The event celebrates the transformation of abstract student ideas into sophisticated architectural expressions, a process guided by instructors including:
A staple of the NSU academic calendar, this semester-end tradition provides a vital platform for students to engage with the wider architectural community.
The 2026 exhibition has already drawn significant attention from students of other architectural schools in the region, who visited the hall to appreciate the logical and empathetic design solutions on display.
The projects reflect months of intense labor and creative problem-solving, offering visitors a glimpse into the rigorous dedication required by the discipline.
Beyond the technical designs, the event fosters a spirit of socialization, allowing budding architects to begin building their professional networks early in their academic careers.
Visit Information:
Exhibition Dates: May 3 – May 9, 2026
Daily Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Venue: NSU Exhibition Hall, North South University
NEW DELHI / DHAKA — In a major diplomatic recalibration, the Indian government has named veteran politician and former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi as its next High Commissioner to Bangladesh.
This rare move—appointing a seasoned political figure over a career diplomat—comes as New Delhi seeks to stabilize its "neighborhood first" policy following the recent political transition in Dhaka.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the appointment on Monday, stating that Trivedi, 75, is expected to assume the role shortly. He replaces Pranay Verma, who has completed his tenure and is heading to Brussels to serve as India’s Ambassador to the European Union.
A New Kind of Diplomacy
Trivedi’s appointment is being viewed by analysts as a signal that India wants a direct, high-level political channel to the new administration in Bangladesh. Unlike bureaucratic envoys, Trivedi brings decades of legislative experience and personal rapport with leadership across the political spectrum in the subcontinent.
Key Career Milestones:
Executive Experience: Served as India’s Union Minister for Railways and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.
Political Journey: A long-time representative of West Bengal (Barrackpore), Trivedi moved from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2021.
Navigating a Restructuring Relationship
The timing of Trivedi’s arrival is critical. The bilateral relationship faced significant headwinds during the 2024–2025 interim period led by Muhammad Yunus. However, since Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government took office in early 2026, both capitals have expressed a renewed commitment to a "Conditional Reset."
Observers note that Trivedi’s deep ties to West Bengal politics could be an asset in resolving sensitive trans-border issues, including:
Economic Integration: Finalizing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Security Cooperation: Addressing border stability and minority rights concerns that have surfaced in recent months.
A "Political Envoy" in Action
While the choice of a non-IFS (Indian Foreign Service) officer is rare for the Dhaka post, it is not unprecedented for India to use political appointees for vital neighboring missions when a "human touch" is required.
Trivedi’s immediate priority will likely be preparing for a potential high-level summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, as both nations seek to move past recent tensions and focus on regional energy security and trade connectivity.
The bill, presented by Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman, effectively rescinds the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, 2025 and its 2026 amendment. The move returns the administrative and budgetary control of the judiciary to the executive branch.
Administrative Transition
Following the passage of the bill, the specialized secretariat is abolished. The transition involves several key structural changes:
Jurisdictional Shift: All budgets, projects, and administrative programs previously managed by the independent secretariat are transferred to the Law and Justice Division of the government.
Staff and Resources: While the physical infrastructure, vehicles, and office equipment for the Registry and subordinate courts remain in place, they will now operate under the Law Ministry’s authority.
Personnel Reversion: Judicial officers who were assigned to the secretariat will see their service terms revert to the legal framework that existed prior to the 2025 reforms.
Government Rationale
According to the objectives stated in the bill, the government maintains that the necessity and specific structure of a separate secretariat require further comprehensive scrutiny and consultation with stakeholders. The Law Minister stated that the repeal aims to avoid "administrative complexities" while the government evaluates the best path forward for judicial administration.
To maintain continuity, a legal protection clause was included in the bill. This ensures that all official actions and measures taken while the independent secretariat was active remain legally valid and binding.
DHAKA — A sweeping law enforcement drive targeting prominent political figures has gathered pace in Bangladesh, with former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury now officially shown arrested in a Lalbagh Police Station case linked to unrest, alongside multiple high-profile detentions across the capital.
Shirin Sharmin Detained After Weeks Out of Public View
Officials from the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB) confirmed that Shirin Sharmin was taken into custody early Tuesday from a residence in Dhanmondi, where she had reportedly been staying quietly. Investigators say she is facing several cases tied to violence during the mass uprising, including serious criminal allegations that remain under investigation.
Authorities are preparing to produce her before the court in connection with the Lalbagh case, as scrutiny over her alleged role during the unrest continues.
Tuku, Palak and BCL Leader Arrested in Dhaka Operation
In a separate operation, police detained Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku, former ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, and Bangladesh Chhatra League leader Tanvir Hasan Saikat.
According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the three were arrested from the Nikunja residential area under Khilkhet Police Station limits following intelligence reports. Police said they had been in hiding and were wanted in connection with a case filed at Paltan Police Station.
Earlier High-Profile Arrests
A few days earlier, authorities also detained former Law Minister Anisul Huq and industrialist Salman F Rahman near Sadarghat while they were reportedly attempting to leave the city.
They were shown arrested in a murder case linked to the death of a vendor during clashes near Dhaka College on July 16, during a student-led protest movement.
Court Allows Extended Interrogation
On Wednesday, investigators presented Anisul Huq and Salman F Rahman before Dhaka’s Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court, requesting remand for questioning. The court approved a 10-day remand for both, allowing further interrogation.
Investigation Ongoing
Law enforcement agencies say the investigation is ongoing, focusing on the alleged roles of political leaders and affiliated organization members in incidents of violence. More arrests and legal developments are expected as authorities continue their operations.
The decision was finalized during a cabinet meeting led by Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Thursday night, according to an official briefing released on Friday.
The move comes as part of a broader national effort to manage rising energy demand and reduce public expenditure amid global uncertainties. Authorities have set an ambitious goal of saving approximately 3,100 megawatts of electricity per day through coordinated government initiatives.
As part of the plan, all decorative lighting will be discouraged nationwide for the next three months. The government will also launch awareness campaigns across media platforms, while enforcement may include mobile courts if needed.
New Timings for Offices and Businesses
Revised schedules have been introduced across sectors. Government and private offices will operate from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Banking institutions will follow the same hours, with customer services available between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
All non-essential office buildings, shopping centres, and commercial establishments must close by 6:00 PM under the new directive.
Focus on Education and Green Transport
The Education Ministry is expected to consult relevant stakeholders to design an energy-efficient operational plan for schools and colleges, which will be submitted in the next cabinet meeting.
In a move to promote environmentally friendly transport, the government has approved duty-free import of electric buses for registered educational institutions, while other sectors will benefit from a reduced 20 percent duty. Authorities also plan to gradually remove outdated and polluting vehicles from roads.
Extensive Cuts in Government Spending
The austerity measures extend across multiple government sectors. All foreign training programs funded by the government have been suspended. Domestic training costs, along with meeting, seminar, and hospitality expenses, will be significantly reduced.
Travel expenditures will be cut by 30 percent, while the purchase of vehicles, vessels, aircraft, and computers in the public sector has been completely stopped. Fuel consumption in government offices will also be reduced by 30 percent.
In addition, spending on beautification of residential and non-residential buildings will be reduced, and land acquisition costs have been fully halted as part of the wider cost-control strategy.
Officials said implementation will now proceed through relevant ministries in phases nationwide.
A devastating measles outbreak is tearing through Bangladesh, exposing a critical "protection gap" that has left the country’s youngest citizens defenseless.
New data from major medical centers reveals a heartbreaking trend: the majority of new victims are infants too young to have even qualified for their first scheduled vaccination.
At Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), the pediatric unit has reached a breaking point. An emergency isolation ward, recently established to contain the spread, is already operating beyond capacity.
The "Under-Nine-Month" Trap
Standard health protocols in Bangladesh schedule the first measles vaccine at nine months of age. However, the virus isn’t waiting.
The 65% Statistic: Clinical data from RMCH indicates that 65% of hospitalized children are under nine months old.
The 6-Month Peak: The highest concentration of infections is occurring in babies around the six-month mark.
The Death Toll: At least 38 children have died nationwide this year, with 21 of those fatalities occurring in March alone.
"We are seeing a shift where the virus is hunting the most vulnerable," said a senior health official. "Because these infants haven't reached their vaccination date, they have zero internal defense against a virus this aggressive."
A Systemic Collapse in Immunity
Experts point to a decade of declining vigilance as the root cause. While Bangladesh once boasted high immunization rates, the current crisis is fueled by:
Zero Campaigns: No nationwide measles-rubella catch-up campaigns have been conducted in eight years.
Resource Depletion: Reports indicate that central vaccine stores have faced significant depletions, and there is a critical shortage of field-level health workers to reach rural areas.
The Malnutrition Factor: Widespread malnutrition, particularly in districts like Chapainawabganj, is turning a manageable illness into a fatal one.
Global Context: A Resurging Threat
The tragedy in Bangladesh is part of a larger, alarming global pattern. Following the disruption of routine healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, measles has staged a comeback across the globe:
Region
Current Status
Europe
Romania has declared a national epidemic; cases are rising in the UK and Austria.
Africa
Ethiopia and Nigeria face massive outbreaks among "zero-dose" (entirely unvaccinated) children.
The Americas
Localized outbreaks in the US and Canada are being linked to international travel and vaccine hesitancy.
Urgent Medical Advice for Parents
Measles is highly contagious—one person can infect up to 18 others. Health authorities are urging parents to look for the "Three Cs": Cough, Coryza (runny nose), and Conjunctivitis (red eyes), followed by a high fever and the signature red rash.
Immediate Actions:
Isolate: Keep symptomatic children away from others immediately.
Vitamin A: High-dose Vitamin A is the gold standard for reducing measles mortality.
Hydration: Aggressive fluid intake is vital to fight off secondary complications like pneumonia or encephalitis (brain swelling).
No Aspirin: Never give aspirin to a child with a viral fever; use Paracetamol instead.
As the UN Security Council and international health bodies monitor the situation, the message from the wards in Rajshahi is clear: without an immediate, massive vaccination "mop-up" campaign, the death toll among the nation's infants will continue to climb.
The examination process began with the Unit-C (Business Studies) test, held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at designated centers nationwide. The centralized admission system, covering 20 public universities, continues to attract a large number of candidates each year.
Huge Turnout of Applicants
According to official data, a total of 284,480 students have applied for around 13,500 seats, making the competition highly intense. For today’s Unit-C exam alone, more than 25,000 candidates are taking part.
The overall unit-wise breakdown shows:
Unit-A (Science): 166,162 applicants
Unit-B (Humanities): 93,102 applicants
Unit-C (Business Studies): 25,216 applicants
Authorities have also continued the opportunity for second-time applicants, allowing previous HSC candidates to sit for the exams alongside fresh examinees.
Exam System and Marking Rules
The GST admission tests are being conducted under a uniform MCQ format. Each exam carries 100 marks, with a minimum pass mark of 30.
A negative marking system is also in place, where 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer, adding an extra layer of challenge for candidates.
Only those who pass will be eligible to apply for subject allocation in participating universities, based on merit and institutional criteria.
Upcoming Exam Schedule
Candidates appearing in the remaining units should take note of the following dates:
Unit-B (Humanities): April 3, 2026
Unit-A (Science): April 10, 2026
Architecture Practical (Drawing): April 10, 2026 (afternoon session)
Tight Security and Support Measures
To manage the large number of students and guardians, authorities have implemented strict security arrangements across exam centers. Law enforcement agencies, along with BNCC and Rover Scouts, are actively assisting in maintaining discipline.
Help desks, medical support, and waiting areas have also been arranged to ensure a smooth experience for candidates.
Participating Institutions
The GST cluster includes 20 universities, featuring well-known institutions such as Islamic University (Kushtia), Jessore University of Science and Technology, and Begum Rokeya University (Rangpur), along with several newer science and technology universities.
Results to Be Published Soon
Officials informed that results for each unit will be published shortly after the exams through the official GST admission portal, allowing successful candidates to proceed with subject choice and final admission steps.
NCP Spokesperson Asif Mahmud reveals a proposed "roadmap" to sideline major political parties through judicial delays.
DHAKA – In a revelation that has sent ripples through the political landscape, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, a former adviser to the interim government, disclosed on Thursday that "powerful institutional forces"—often referred to as the Deep State—offered a deal to keep the interim administration in power until 2029.
Speaking at a discussion organized by the National Citizen Party (NCP) in the capital’s Banglamotor area, Mahmud claimed that these entities proposed the government complete the remainder of the ousted regime's term.
The "Judicial Strategy" to Sideline Rivals
According to Mahmud, the proposal came with a detailed roadmap designed to maintain the status quo by exploiting the legal vulnerabilities of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
"They suggested that because BNP leaders have existing convictions, they would be unable to contest elections. The plan was to use the judiciary to keep these cases 'lengthy'—stretching out court dates—to ensure they remained disqualified," Mahmud stated.
He specifically noted that even Tarique Rahman’s legal status was part of this calculated negotiation, intended to ensure his exclusion from any potential electoral process.
Rejecting the "Status Quo"
Mahmud emphasized that the interim government’s refusal to accept these terms was rooted in a commitment to democratic restoration. He argued that the administration chose to step down and facilitate elections rather than enter into a compromise with non-elected power brokers.
"We never wavered from our commitment to democracy. To ensure the election remained beyond question, we even took the step of resigning from our positions," he told the audience during the seminar titled "From Blood-Soaked Independence to Reform and Referendum."
A Warning to the Current Administration
The NCP spokesperson did not hold back in his critique of the current BNP-led government. He pointed out the irony of individuals who held key roles during the interim period now serving as ministers, suggesting this crossover has compromised the "level playing field."
Mahmud concluded with a stern warning to the ruling party, urging them not to violate the "July Mandate"—the core principles of the student-led uprising.
Key Allegation: Deep State offered a 5-year extension to the interim government.
The Condition: Facilitating certain institutional interests and neutralizing political opposition.
The Outcome: The interim government rejected the deal to prioritize a transition to elected rule.
The event featured several prominent NCP leaders, including Sarwar Tushar and Tarikul Islam, who echoed the call for maintaining the integrity of the reforms won during the July uprising.
In a move that has sent ripples through global energy markets, the Iranian government has officially declared that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will remain accessible to a select group of "friendly nations."
During a high-stakes televised interview on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that vessels from Bangladesh, India, China, Russia, and Pakistan are being granted safe passage, despite the ongoing military conflict involving Israel and the United States.
A Selective Blockade Amid Regional Conflict
The Strait of Hormuz, often called the "world’s energy jugular," is a narrow waterway through which nearly 20% of the world's oil and a massive share of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) transit daily.Since the escalation of hostilities in late February 2026, maritime traffic has plummeted by nearly 95%, leaving hundreds of tankers stranded or rerouted.
Foreign Minister Araghchi clarified that while the region is a "war zone," the strait is not entirely closed.
"Many shipowners and governments have contacted us requesting safe transit.For those we consider friendly, or where we have formal coordination, our armed forces are ensuring their security," Araghchi stated.
Why Bangladesh and These 4 Nations Were Chosen
The inclusion of these five specific countries reflects Iran's current geopolitical strategy to maintain economic lifelines with non-Western partners:
Bangladesh: Inclusion in this "safe list" provides a critical sigh of relief for Dhaka.Bangladesh is heavily dependent on imported energy to fuel its power plants and ready-made garment (RMG) factories.
India: New Delhi has maintained a nuanced diplomatic stance.Reports confirm that two Indian-flagged vessels recently transited the strait successfully after direct coordination with Tehran.
China & Russia: As Iran’s primary global allies, their inclusion ensures that major energy exports and military cooperation remain uninterrupted.
Pakistan: Given the shared border and recent maritime coordination, Pakistan remains a key partner in regional stability.
Economic Implications for South Asia
For an energy-importing nation like Bangladesh, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz would be catastrophic.Domestic gas demand in Bangladesh stands at approximately 4,200 mmcfd, while local production only covers about half.
The "green signal" from Iran helps mitigate immediate fears of:
Fuel Price Hikes: Preventing a domestic surge in diesel and petrol costs.
Industrial Productivity: Ensuring the RMG sector, which accounts for 84% of Bangladesh's exports, continues to receive necessary power.
Inflation Control: Stabilizing transportation and irrigation costs for the agricultural sector.
Strict Prohibitions for Adversaries
While the door is open for "friends," it is firmly shut for others. Iran has imposed a total ban on vessels flying the flags of the United States and Israel.Additionally, certain Gulf nations perceived as supporting the "Axis of Aggression" against Iran face restricted access.
"There is no reason to allow the passage of enemy ships or their allies," Araghchi warned, emphasizing that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is using advanced drone and missile surveillance to monitor every vessel.
Global Market Outlook: $120 Oil and Beyond
Despite the "safe passage" for these five nations, global oil prices remain volatile. Brent crude has hovered near $120 per barrel this month as insurance premiums for maritime shipping reach record highs.
Analysts suggest that while this selective opening helps major Asian economies, the global supply chain remains under immense pressure.As the 2026 conflict continues, the world watches the Strait of Hormuz not just as a shipping lane, but as the ultimate barometer of global economic survival.
