The Women’s Reform Commission has recommended that sex workers and domestic workers be recognized as laborers under the country’s existing labor laws. Among its proposals is increasing the number of parliamentary seats to 600, with each constituency having one general seat and one reserved seat for women — both to be filled through direct elections. The commission believes this reform can be implemented under the interim government. If a bicameral system is introduced, the commission also recommends that 50% of the upper house seats be equally nominated by all parties with an equal number of men and women, and the remaining 50% be allocated on a non-partisan basis, ensuring representation from five women’s rights movements.

Hafiza Akhter Jhumur has publicly accused Ahidul Islam Durjoy, a field officer of the National Intelligence Agency, of defrauding her of Tk 2 million under the false promise of marriage. She alleged that they met in 2020 while working for CODEC NGO, during which time Durjoy took inappropriate photos of her and used them to blackmail her into a relationship. He reportedly took large sums of cash from her under various pretexts and issued a fake cheque worth Tk 2 million. Durjoy is currently in prison in connection with the case.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus stated that the recommendations which can be quickly implemented should be carried out through the current process, as women around the world are watching and will evaluate it. Emphasizing that this is not solely a women’s issue but a broader societal concern, he said the report will be printed like a textbook and made accessible to the public rather than kept as a mere office document. The recommendations from the Women’s Reform Commission will also be brought to political parties through the National Consensus Commission. Commission Chairperson Shirin Parvin Huq added that the proposals have been divided into three categories: actions the current government can take, those for the next elected government, and separate reflections of the hopes and demands of the women’s movement. Earlier, the report was submitted to the Chief Advisor.

A video of Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury speaking with an elderly man at Turag Police Station has gone viral. In the video, the adviser is seen asking the man, “Who filed a case against you?” The man replies, “My wife.” When asked about the nature of the case, he says it’s a domestic abuse case. The elderly man explains that his first two wives passed away. He later married another woman, divorced her, and then remarried. He claims that the woman who filed the case is the same previous wife and insists that her allegations are false.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said that the upcoming national election will be the best in the history of Bangladesh. During a meeting with a delegation from the Asian Network for Free Elections, he stated that the election will be free, fair, and inclusive. He added that it will serve as a milestone in the country’s democratic journey. The delegation expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet the Chief Adviser and reaffirmed their commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.

After a human chain protest on Saturday titled “Rise in Red,” technical education students announced a nationwide mass gathering on Sunday to demand their six-point charter. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Blood is burning,” “Abu Sayeed Mugdha, the war isn’t over,” “Builders of the nation, rise once again,” and “Why the attack in Cumilla? We demand answers.” On Friday, students had marched in protest wearing white shrouds around their heads, symbolizing their readiness for sacrifice.

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has announced that the minimum broadband speed for the Tk 500 monthly package will be raised from 5 Mbps to 10 Mbps. ISPAB President Imdadul Haque stated that the organization aims to raise the minimum speed further to 20 Mbps, which will require a license upgrade. He called for extending ISP license validity to 10 years to attract investment and urged the government to simplify the licensing process. ISPs also requested a three-year suspension of the Service Obligation Fund (SOF).

Speaking on the issue of noise pollution, Environmental Adviser Rizwana Hasan expressed frustration at public expectations. “Everyone sees me and says, ‘Apa, the horns are still blaring.’ You’ve been honking for 53 years, and your driver continues to honk. Why blame me?” she remarked. “My job isn’t to stop individual horns—it’s to ensure the law is enforced. A behavioral change is crucial.” She also warned of a dangerous future for the next generation, citing rising incidents of floods and cyclones. Praising the current government for involving youth, she noted that for the first time, three young advisers have been included in the advisory council and are taking on vital roles.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has instructed law enforcement to prevent any future rallies by the Awami League. He said the party, ousted during the recent uprising, has been trying to re-enter politics through flash protests in Dhaka and other areas, causing public concern. Activists are also campaigning for the party to be banned and held accountable for alleged crimes against the people.

At a meeting with NCP, National Consensus Commission Vice-President Prof. Ali Riaz said there is now a real chance to build a new Bangladesh. “Our job is to prevent the return of fascist rule,” he declared. While acknowledging differing views on reform proposals, he emphasized the need to identify consensus points and develop a national charter reflecting public aspirations. He praised NCP for their role in resisting authoritarianism and called for continued commitment to state reform.

Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem stated on Friday that the group will not consider disarmament. “The term ‘disarmament’ must be erased from our vocabulary,” he said. Senior leader Wafic Safa added that any negotiations over weapons would only occur after Israel completely withdraws from southern Lebanon and releases prisoners. He also stressed that Hezbollah has already transferred control of nearly 190 out of 265 military sites south of the Litani River to the Lebanese army.

More than 128,000 Israeli citizens have signed various online petitions on the platform Restart Israel, demanding an end to the war in Gaza if that’s what it takes to bring home the Israeli hostages. The petitions directly oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government’s aggressive stance. With four new petitions recently added, the total has risen to 47. Among the signatories are over 11,000 reservists and retired military personnel who have endorsed at least 20 of these petitions. Some petitions even include calls to dismiss the current government.

In a late-night raid in Kuala Lumpur’s Medan Imbi area, Malaysian immigration authorities detained 506 undocumented migrants, including 165 Bangladeshis. Medan Imbi has long been known as a hotspot for illegal immigrants. Authorities reported violations such as overstaying visas, lack of proper documentation, and abuse of work visit passes. Immigration Chief Datuk Zakaria Shaban warned of strict action against violators.

The Armed Forces Division reported that between April 10–17, joint operations across Bangladesh led to the arrest of 390 criminals, including listed terrorists, fugitives, drug dealers, and gang members. Authorities recovered 10 illegal firearms, 46 rounds of ammunition, narcotics, stolen electronics, foreign currency, and large sums of cash.

Citizens in Narayanganj marched under the banner ‘March for Yunus,’ demanding state reforms before any elections. Speakers asserted that Nobel Laureate Dr. Yunus was chosen by the people and therefore has a mandate. “The July uprising remains unaddressed. Blood was shed for reform, not just ballots,” they said. The speakers warned that without structural changes, any new government would also turn authoritarian.