Poet and political thinker Farhad Mazhar stated that a democratic state is not built merely through elections. Rather, elections often lead to the rise of plundering mafia classes. For a truly democratic state to emerge, the rise and active participation of strong communities is essential. He emphasized that when a community stands up, when a locality becomes organized, only then does the foundation of democracy take shape. Development should not be based on voting, but on the decisions of the community itself. The community understands best what is good and what is harmful. He further added, "In my society, not only Muslims but Hindus, Buddhists, Christians—people of all faiths—are included. A shrine (mazar) constantly preaches this truth. The cultural practices that occur here speak in one language—the language of humanity. There is no truth greater than human beings." Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said, “When we listen to the grief of the families of the martyrs of the July uprising, it devastates us. Remembering this pain is what inspires our journey forward.” He announced that a "July Museum" is being established to preserve the memory of the July uprising, which will offer a unique experience.

Inquilab Manch has launched a month-long signature campaign and leaflet distribution demanding justice for recent massacres and a ban on the “fascist Awami League.” They plan to culminate with a “Martyrs’ Rally” at Shahbagh on April 25. Spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi shared on Facebook that activists have been visiting door-to-door, skipping meals and sleep to rally public support. Following campaigns in Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barisal, and Khulna, Hadi is heading to Dhaka for the Gaza march and will continue outreach in Rangpur and Rajshahi next. Members are also visiting the graves of martyrs in each region.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has revealed that the country’s banking sector has become a major victim of money laundering. Over the past 15 years, approximately Tk 5 trillion (500,000 crore) has been misappropriated. He said major business groups and families have laundered Tk 250,000 to 300,000 crore abroad. One large group from Chattogram alone siphoned off nearly Tk 150,000 crore. Dr. Mansur assured that action will be taken upon receiving concrete allegations. Despite the losses, he said the country’s stock market and foreign reserves remain stable, exports are increasing, inflation is at a manageable level, and regular LNG imports are helping maintain stable electricity production.

In protest against the genocide in Gaza, the ‘March for Gaza’ will be held on Saturday at Suhrawardy Udyan. Islamic scholar Shaykh Ahmadullah issued five guidelines for participants, including personal responsibility for the event’s success, maintaining cleanliness, bringing essentials like water, umbrellas, and masks, avoiding provocation, and cooperating with volunteers. Participants are instructed to carry only the Bangladeshi and Palestinian flags, avoiding political symbols. Any attempt to incite violence will be deemed a conspiracy, and joint efforts with law enforcement will be made to resist wrongdoers.

PUSAB has issued five key directives for students of private universities participating in the ‘March for Gaza’ campaign. Students must wear their institutional ID cards during the event and arrive ahead of time to ensure a prompt start at 12 PM. Participants are urged to remain vigilant against any individuals trying to incite disorder. All students are considered volunteers and must collectively maintain discipline during the large-scale march. Full cooperation with the organizers is expected to ensure a peaceful procession to Suhrawardy Udyan.

Energy Adviser Mohammad Fawzul Kabir Khan has said that the government is doing its utmost to reduce load shedding during the summer. However, if power cuts become inevitable, they will begin in Dhaka before other regions. He clarified that there are two types of power outages: load shedding due to reduced production and disruptions caused by natural incidents such as storms or transformer failures. The adviser noted that uninterrupted power supply, as during Ramadan, may not be possible in the summer. However, the government is making every effort. He stressed that rural areas will not be solely targeted—load shedding will start in the capital. He also encouraged the public to conserve electricity.

During an open cabinet meeting on Thursday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant emphasized the need for trade agreements to stabilize economic policy. Former President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to strike a deal with China, saying, “It would be great if we could make a deal. It seems possible to reach a beneficial agreement for both countries.” He also mentioned that tariff revenues could be used to reduce the national debt. However, he warned that if no deal is reached within 90 days, tariffs would be reinstated. Trump added that there is progress in resolving conflicts, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war.

On the Bengali New Year, metro trains will not stop at Dhaka University and Shahbagh stations. Additionally, from 5 PM, public access to the university campus will be restricted. At a press briefing at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed outlined the route of the traditional Mangal Shobhajatra procession, which will start from the Faculty of Fine Arts, pass through Shahbagh, and end back at Charukola. Comprehensive security measures will be in place throughout the event.

In a major immigration raid on Thursday, Malaysian authorities detained 288 undocumented immigrants, including 98 Bangladeshis. Immigration officials inspected documents of 1,035 individuals—785 foreigners and 250 locals. Among the detainees were 242 men and 46 women, aged between 18 and 60. The arrested individuals are nationals of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Sudan.

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.

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.

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.

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.