Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus launched the ‘Labbayk’ mobile app, aimed at facilitating services for Hajj pilgrims. He expressed hope that the app would allow pilgrims to perform their religious duties more smoothly. He directed that from next year, the app should assist pilgrims right from the planning phase. He also encouraged collaboration with developed countries for technical support and providing assistance to less developed nations.

In Noakhali, Shahriar Hasan Rimon (16), younger brother of martyr Rizvi, was attacked and severely injured in an attempted murder. According to his mother, Farida Yasmin, Rimon, a tenth-grade student, had earlier informed his teachers and family about a conflict with outsiders at his school. On his way home, a group ambushed him, brutally stabbing him in the back and head. Shockingly, the attackers even attempted to assault him at the hospital.

Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul revealed that an average of 500,000 cases are filed each year in Bangladesh. However, only 35,000 are resolved through the National Legal Aid Services Organization. He emphasized that if the organization could resolve 200,000 cases annually, court caseloads could be reduced by at least 40%. Asif Nazrul added that the government has already approved several amendments to the Civil Procedure Code, which are awaiting final approval in the next advisory council meeting.

Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki stated that only actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha can explain why she chose to act in the Mujib biopic under certain circumstances. Farooki added, “In our marriage, both of us enjoy complete professional independence.” He continued, “Do you really think we live in a society where a wife must seek her husband’s permission before making professional decisions, or vice versa? I don’t think so. Tisha makes her own professional choices.”

A meeting between the members of the National Consensus Commission and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus was held recently. The commission reviewed the progress of ongoing discussions with political parties. Professor Ali Riaz, Vice President of the Commission, briefed the Chief Adviser on the discussions that have taken place so far. Based on the review, the Chief Adviser provided guidance on the next course of action.

Italian news outlet Rai News described Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the “Banker of the Poor” and “Pope of the Oppressed,” likening his struggle to that of Pope Francis — a shared battle against inequality and for grassroots development. Dr. Yunus stated that Pope Francis deeply respected his work, and they discussed at length how microcredit transforms lives. Rai News highlighted Pope Francis’ historic 2017 visit to Bangladesh, where he met persecuted Rohingya refugees.

IGP Baharul Alam announced that arrests will not be made merely based on the filing of cases. Action will only be taken against those proven guilty during investigations. He emphasized that no innocent individual should be arrested or harassed in connection with the student-public deaths during the July Uprising. He admitted limitations in law enforcement, particularly regarding inflated suspect lists, and noted that international cooperation is being sought to apprehend fugitive masterminds.

Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun claimed that India lacks the courage to attack Pakistan and vowed not to let Indian troops use Punjab for such a purpose. “We, 20 million Sikhs, will stand like a wall beside Pakistan,” he declared, adding that attackers — whether Indira Gandhi, Narendra Modi, or others — never survive. He also vowed to bring Modi, Doval, Shah, and Jaishankar to justice.

An imam named Roizuddin, accused of molesting children in Pubail, died in jail after reportedly becoming ill following a public beating. According to OC Sheikh Amirul Islam, the imam appeared physically stable when brought to the police station, suggesting that stress or shame might have contributed to his deterioration. Reports allege that Roizuddin lured children into the mosque chamber, drugged them by mixing sedatives into soft drinks, and then sexually assaulted them.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain inaugurated the 2025 Hajj flights, urging pilgrims to abide by Saudi laws and maintain the country’s dignity. He emphasized the government’s efforts to keep Hajj costs reasonable. The first flight (SV3803), carrying 398 pilgrims, departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Jeddah at 2:15 AM Monday night.

Professor Asif Nazrul, adviser, said that the court, not the law ministry, determines the schedule for hearings and verdicts. He criticized the former government as fascist for violating judicial norms, including forcing out a Chief Justice. Nazrul affirmed that the current government respects judicial independence. The trial in the child murder case involving Achia began last Wednesday after delays in filing the chargesheet. He expressed optimism that the verdict would be delivered soon. Regarding the case against Iresh Zaker, he said everyone has the right to file a case, but authorities will investigate any ulterior motives.

Muhammad Hasnat Morshed Bhuiyan, personal secretary to Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, has been removed from his post. On April 6, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification transferring him to the Ministry of Commerce as a Deputy Secretary. The notification did not specify the reasons for his removal. It stated that the tenure of a PS is contingent upon the adviser’s wish to retain them.

On Monday, model Meghna Alam was granted bail in a case filed against her on charges of fraud and extortion. Previously, on April 10, she had been detained for 30 days under the Special Powers Act and sent to prison. Additionally, after her arrest, the court granted a five-day remand for Dewan Samir in connection with a fraud case filed at Vatara Police Station on April 12.

Gas allocations for the industrial sector have been cut to prioritize electricity and fertilizer production, causing a severe gas crisis in factories. Production in garment and textile mills has dropped by 70–90%, and many factories face closure. Around 400 gas-dependent factories have been unable to operate at full capacity. In Gazipur, where 600–700 million cubic feet of gas are needed daily, supply has dropped to 450 million cubic feet. Experts suggest that the government could import fertilizers or use alternative fuels for power generation to alleviate the crisis.

Mahbub Morshed, Managing Director of BSS, surrendered in court and was granted bail on a Tk 500 bond in a defamation case filed by Abdul Hai Shikdar. On March 23, Shikdar filed the case, alleging that on March 17, Morshed posted a poem on Facebook defaming Khaleda Zia, wrongly attributing it to Shikdar. Shikdar denied authorship and pursued legal action.