A day after 26 tourists were killed in Pahalgam, a gunfight broke out in Kulgam between Indian forces and separatist fighters. Two men were shot dead while allegedly attempting to cross into India. Indian Express reports at least seven attackers were involved in the earlier massacre, four or five of whom reportedly spoke Urdu and may be Pakistani nationals. Pakistan denied any involvement, blaming local resentment and minority repression instead.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus praised Qatar Charity’s humanitarian work during a meeting with Acting Head Nawaf Abdullah Al Hammadi. He requested support in launching tech education programs for madrasa students across Bangladesh. Qatar Charity has already supported vocational training in some madrasas and will seriously consider the proposal.

Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam stated that the government is undertaking various initiatives to strengthen the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC). With a large domestic market, he said the film industry must be revitalized. He called on stakeholders to work together and emphasized the importance of the modern film city under construction in Kabirpur.

DNCC demolished a two-story building in Mohammadpur’s Katasur area built on canal land. A portion of a mosque’s toilet and boundary wall built on the canal was also removed, with more demolition planned. Administrator Mohammad Ejaz said religious and political institutions had long encroached public land. “The era of grabbing canals and sleeping soundly is over,” he said, promising no notice—just action. He also mentioned robust dengue-prevention efforts underway.

Labor Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain criticized factory owners for claiming financial hardship while living lavish lifestyles. “You drive luxury cars, travel abroad, and enjoy private healthcare—yet say you can’t pay workers,” he remarked. He condemned the cozy relationship previous labor ministry officials had with factory owners, saying, “This is why no one ever stood up to them.”

The Resistance Front (TRF), a Kashmir-based militant group, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, stating that the victims were undercover agents linked to Indian security forces, not tourists. “They were here under the guise of tourists to conduct reconnaissance. This is a warning not just for Delhi but for others collaborating with them,” the group declared.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the immediate closure of the Attari-Wagah border with Pakistan. Pakistanis with valid documents must return by May 1. India also suspended the Indus Water Treaty and revoked visa exemptions for Pakistanis. Islamabad’s defense envoys in New Delhi were declared persona non grata and ordered to leave within a week. The Pakistani High Commission staff will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 1.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam stated that the reported presence of the Arakan Army in Bangladesh is exaggerated, though not entirely false. He explained that they have been active near the Myanmar border for years and even have families in Bangladesh. Regarding recent student abductions, he said, “Minor abductions happen in the plains too. The hills are far more peaceful than they used to be.”

RAB has arrested Meheraj Islam, the prime suspect in the murder of Prime Asia University student Zahidul Islam Parvez, from Gaibandha. Five individuals have now been detained in connection with the case. Parvez was allegedly killed after a group made fun of him and his friends for laughing with girls.

Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam announced that the government has decided in principle to establish a second tribunal to expedite trials of crimes against humanity committed during July and August. Currently, only one tribunal is operating. Over 300 complaints have been submitted as of April 10.

KUET Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Masud told the BBC, “I was appointed by the government. If they decide I am no longer suitable, I’ll step down. Until then, it’s their decision.” Protesters continue their hunger strike, with many hospitalized, vowing not to stop until the VC is removed.

Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Global Engagement at SpaceX, met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to discuss the final phase of launching SpaceX’s satellite services in Bangladesh. Dreyer confirmed, “I’ve instructed my team to be fully prepared for technical deployment by May.” Elon Musk’s other company, PayPal, is also being considered to facilitate digital transactions for the satellite services.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has expressed condolences to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. “We strongly condemn this heinous act. Bangladesh’s position against terrorism remains unwavering,” he stated. Reports suggest 26 individuals were killed in the attack. Prime Minister Modi reportedly cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and held an emergency meeting at the airport.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stated at a roundtable discussion in Doha that Bangladesh is currently hosting nearly 1.3 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar, with an additional 32,000 births annually. He emphasized that sustainable repatriation is the only viable solution. Dr. Yunus said the Arakan Army now controls 14 of the 17 townships in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, along with 271 km of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border. He noted that over 100,000 new Rohingya refugees entered Bangladesh since November 2023. Additionally, 909 Myanmar security personnel sought refuge in Bangladesh since February 2024 due to Arakan Army attacks—875 of whom have already been repatriated, with the remaining 34 to be returned soon. Dr. Yunus also highlighted that international funding for the Joint Response Plan is declining, and food assistance programs are facing financial shortages. He expressed hope that Qatar will take a leading role in addressing the crisis.

Asif Mahmud’s Assistant Personal Secretary (APS), Md. Moazzem Hossain, has stepped down from his position. Moazzem clarified that he was not dismissed but voluntarily resigned to pursue a permanent government job. In a statement, he said, “On March 10, 2025, I passed the written exam for a bank job. The BCS written exam is scheduled for May 8, and the bank interview on May 22. That’s why I submitted my resignation to Adviser Asif Mahmud on March 25.” He dismissed media reports claiming he was removed, calling them false. Adviser Asif Mahmud also confirmed the resignation and encouraged anyone with complaints against Moazzem to submit them via the designated complaint email.