Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, SDG coordinator, emphasized that technical and vocational education must be a core strategy for Bangladesh after its graduation from LDC status. He urged the government to give serious attention to these sectors. “Students are protesting with various demands, but policymakers are not listening, and media coverage is inadequate,” he said. He called for an end to discriminatory policies against technical education and prioritized investment in human resource development.

Actor Siddiqur Rahman faces two cases—one for murder and another for attempted murder—filed at Gulshan Police Station in connection with recent anti-government protests. He is expected to be handed over to Gulshan police for further legal procedures. Earlier, he was assaulted during the protest, and his clothing was reportedly torn before police detained him.

The Jahangirnagar University chapter of the Bangladesh Democratic Students’ Alliance staged a protest demanding swift trial of the perpetrators involved in the July campus attack and called for the announcement of JAKSU election schedules by April 30. Student leader Nadia Rahman Annesha accused the administration of delaying the student union elections to consolidate authoritarian control. Protesters claimed that some factions oppose the student union to protect their interests in corruption and extortion.

Following the attack in Pahalgam, India has seen a surge in anti-Muslim sentiment online, with a growing number of hate songs appearing on YouTube. One such song, titled “Pehle Dharam Poochha”, accuses Muslims of conspiring against Hindus. Al Jazeera has identified at least 20 similar songs promoting Islamophobia and hate speech. Despite the growing hostility, it was a Muslim horseman who died trying to stop the attackers, and local Muslims were among the first to assist injured tourists.

On the second day of the ICJ hearing into genocide allegations against Israel, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation stated that Palestinians are being subjected to atrocities, oppression, and genocide with global impunity. Representative Zane Dangor said Israel faces no accountability despite violating international law. He also alleged that entities attempting to hold Israel responsible are often met with retaliatory pressure. Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s actions in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza as clear breaches of international law. Israel has boycotted the hearing, labeling the case biased.

Two faculty members from Comilla University have faced disciplinary actions over sexual misconduct. Associate Professor Md. Rezwan Talukdar was removed from his position as department head in 2020 following allegations of sexually harassing an evening program student and making derogatory comments about colleagues. In September last year, Assistant Professor Jasim Uddin of the Finance and Banking Department was placed on compulsory leave after he was accused of assigning grades to students post-resignation and harassing three students. Additionally, two students were expelled over drug use.

Two accused individuals escaped from police custody in Chattogram on Tuesday while being transferred to a prison van after a court appearance. The fugitives have been identified as Md. Iqbal Hossain Imon, arrested in connection with a murder over online gambling disputes, and Anowar Hossain, arrested in a narcotics case. The police have launched an investigation into the security lapse.

Testimonies continued for the third consecutive day in the trial for the rape and murder of Achiya. Ten witnesses, including Achiya’s sister Hamida, testified on the third day. One of the accused, Hitu Sheikh, claimed that Hamida knows everything and that a proper investigation would reveal the truth. Prosecutor Monirul Islam Mukul stated that Hitu Sheikh, his wife Zaheda Begum, and their sons Sajib and Ratul were present during the proceedings. So far, 16 witnesses have testified. Five more, including doctors and nurses involved in the child’s treatment, are scheduled to testify on Wednesday.

Jahangirnagar University has been ranked in the 351–400 bracket in the 2025 Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan congratulated the university community and expressed optimism about future global and regional rankings. He noted the administration’s new initiatives to enhance education and research, including increased financial incentives for publishing in international journals.

Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed announced that model markets free from plastic and polythene—created with support from market committees and public offices—will receive awards from the Ministry of Environment. She emphasized the need for personal behavioral change to address pollution and noted that illegal polythene continues to harm the environment and public health. She also shared that government efforts include awareness campaigns and promoting alternatives.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam urged police to win public trust through service, empathy, and professionalism. He instructed officers to remain free from political bias and avoid seeking special favors. He also announced the procurement of 200 pickup vans for police stations, currently under review by the Cabinet Committee on Purchase, and discussed plans to offer loans to officers for motorcycle purchases.

Indian authorities in Ahmedabad’s Chandola Lake area have begun demolishing illegal settlements allegedly housing undocumented Bangladeshis. Over the past three days, police detained around 6,500 people, confirming that about 450 of them are Bangladeshi nationals illegally residing in Gujarat, according to State Police Director General Vikas Sahay.

In response to militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with top defense and security officials. Modi expressed full confidence in the professionalism of the armed forces and granted them complete operational freedom to decide when and how to strike back. He reiterated that terrorism threatens India’s national resolve and must be decisively countered.

NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan cautioned against excessive borrowing, comparing it to “Goni Mia”—a metaphor for financial mismanagement. He stressed the need for aligning expenditures with revenue to avoid burdening future generations with debt. He added that the upcoming budget should be realistic, not overly ambitious, as directed by the Chief and Finance Advisers.

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed stated that Bangladesh is prepared to draft its budget independently if the IMF does not release its loan installment. He emphasized that the country is no longer dependent on the IMF or World Bank and cannot fully comply with IMF demands, such as letting the foreign exchange rate float freely. Doing so, he warned, could lead to volatility similar to Pakistan or Sri Lanka. He clarified that discussions are ongoing, and even without IMF funding, the country’s reserves remain stable.