In Kurigram’s Roumari, BNP leader Abdul Aziz and his followers allegedly beat Jamaat-e-Islami activist and lecturer Abul Hashem (50) and his son Tahmid Arman Jim (18) after announcing the attack over a loudspeaker. The assault reportedly stemmed from Hashem’s criticism on Facebook of illegal excavators and tractors damaging local roads. Aziz, also president of the local tractor association, had earlier issued threats to Hashem.

Following a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), a court has ordered the seizure of 304.59 acres of land in Lama Upazila of Bandarban, held under lease and purchase agreements in the name of Fawzia Islam, wife of former minister Tajul Islam. The petition alleges that Fawzia illegally acquired assets worth BDT 69 million, aided by funds allegedly misappropriated by her husband. It also cites suspicious transactions across 11 bank accounts involving over BDT 271 million, allegedly used to conceal the sources of illicit income.

A fire broke out Monday night at the village home of Saddam Hossain, central president of the banned student organization Chhatra League, in Panchagarh. Locals noticed the blaze at midnight and attempted to control it before fire services arrived. Two units from Boda Fire Station extinguished the flames. Initial damage is estimated at BDT 100,000. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

NCP leaders Nahid Islam and Dr. Tasnim Zara held discussions with ambassadors from eight EU countries—Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway. The EU delegation shared their support for democratic progress in Bangladesh. “It was an honor to join our convenor in this open dialogue,” Dr. Zara said. The EU emphasized the importance of engaging with the newly formed National Citizens’ Party and supporting democratic development.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah stated in a Facebook post, “Ever since our refusal to compromise with the Awami League was labeled as ‘indecent,’ their rallies have only grown larger.” Warning those engaging in “politics of compromise,” he added, “Decide soon where you stand with the Awami League. If not, while you continue compromising, I’ll continue being ‘indecent.’ And trust me, you won’t be able to handle that.”

NCP leader Shamantha Sharmin explained the party’s limited presence at New Year events in Dhaka, stating that NCP currently has only one central committee with 217 members. Many of them are working at local levels across the country. She said the party prioritized strategic deployment across the capital, given the history of disruptions at such public events. “We tried to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration by spreading out rather than concentrating in one place,” she added.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has confirmed meeting BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia during his recent Brussels trip. “We worked together for many years. She is unwell, and it is our moral responsibility to check on her,” he said. When asked about any communication with BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, he responded, “When two people meet, many things are discussed.” He declined to elaborate further. During the trip, Jamaat leaders also met with members of the South Asia Caucus of the European Parliament and officials from the EU’s South Asia desk.

Former press secretary to Khaleda Zia, Maruf Kamal, has revealed that Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Abu Taher recently met with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Tareque Rahman at Tareque’s residence in London after their return from a European tour. Details of the meeting remain undisclosed. Kamal hinted that this meeting may either signal a political development or be merely a courtesy visit—only time will tell.

At Chittagong University, a student was reportedly beaten by Chhatra Dal members on suspicion of being affiliated with the banned student group Chhatra League. The victim, Shawon Hossain from the Statistics Department (session 2016-17), denies any involvement. However, Chhatra Dal members claim he had assaulted one of their activists earlier. Shawon is reportedly linked to the CFC subgroup of Chhatra League. Police also confirmed that Chhatra Dal tried to block his transfer from the university medical center to Chittagong Medical College.

In a statement, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Golam Parwar criticized the government’s decision to increase soybean oil prices and industrial gas tariffs. He called the 14-taka hike in oil and 33% gas price increase “irrational” and harmful to new industrial ventures. With the new gas rate at BDT 40 per unit, up from BDT 30, Parwar warned that these changes will discourage entrepreneurship and worsen conditions for the poor, who primarily rely on soybean oil for cooking. He urged the government to withdraw the decisions immediately.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against former UK minister and niece of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Tulip Siddiq, along with two former RAJUK legal advisers, over allegations of illegally acquiring a flat in Gulshan, Dhaka.
According to ACC sources, the accused are Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, former Assistant Legal Adviser of RAJUK Shah Md. Khasruzzaman, and former Assistant Legal Adviser-1 Sardar Mosharraf Hossain. The complaint alleges that the trio conspired to misuse their influence and violate public trust, obtaining a luxury flat in Eastern Housing Ltd.’s Gulshan-2 property (Flat No. B/201, House No. 5A & 5B [old], now 113 & 11B [new], Road No. 71) without making any payment. The property was later formally registered in their names.
The charges include abuse of power, misconduct, and unlawful enrichment through criminal conspiracy.

Ali Riaz, Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission, stated that there is broad agreement on the need for state reform, despite some differences on implementation strategies. Speaking at a meeting with the National Democratic Movement, he expressed optimism that a National Charter could be finalized soon. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, as the commission’s tenure ends in mid-July, and initial discussions are expected to conclude by mid-May. Bobby Hajjaj added that these reforms aim to create a people-centric government and eliminate fascist forces like the ruling League from Bangladesh’s political landscape.

A local Awami League leader named Saimon has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a 2015 attack on the motorcade of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in Karwan Bazar. Police said he will be produced in court on Tuesday. Earlier, on April 6, another party leader, Sabbir Hossain, was arrested in connection with the same case. The attack occurred during a campaign for BNP mayoral candidate Tabith Awal.

Kazi Fazle Elahi, Vice-President of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at Government Mujib College in Companiganj, Noakhali, was severely injured after being attacked by fellow party leaders. Elahi had recently resigned in protest over the inclusion of ruling party affiliates and teenage gang members in the new JCD committee. He was allegedly assaulted by JCD President Zahidul Islam Saimun, General Secretary Arup Majumdar, and others in two separate attacks. Elahi has since filed a case against the attackers, naming 25-30 people including Saimun, Arup, Akib, and Shanto.

Photos of two Awami League leaders—Vice Presidents Babu Swapan Roy and Golam Mohiuddin—participating in a Bengali New Year rally organized by the administration of Khetlal Upazila, Joypurhat, have gone viral on Facebook. The presence of political figures in a government-organized event has sparked widespread criticism. The rally was attended by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Asif Al Zinath, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Zinath Ara, Agriculture Officer Zahidul Islam, OC Dipendranath Singh, and other government officials.