Maruf Al Hasan, who was shot during the 2024 Rajshahi protest, testified on Tuesday as the 25th witness in the International Crimes Tribunal-2 case against former bridge minister Obaidul Quader and six others. He described joining the anti-discrimination student movement on July 15, 2024, and participating in a demonstration on August 5 that turned violent when groups from the Awami League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League, and Chhatra League allegedly attacked protesters. Hasan said he was shot in his right hand and later underwent multiple surgeries in Rajshahi and Dhaka hospitals.

In his testimony, Hasan stated that the attack was carried out jointly by ruling party activists and police, resulting in several injuries and deaths among protesters. He named several political figures, including then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and senior Awami League leaders, as responsible for the violence and demanded maximum punishment for those involved.

The tribunal continues to hear witness statements in the case concerning alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution events.

The Bangladesh government has decided to reinstate November 7 as National Revolution and Solidarity Day starting this year. The decision was approved during a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday at the Secretariat. Cabinet Secretary Md. Nasimul Gani announced the decision at a press briefing later that evening, confirming that the day will be classified as a Category ‘A’ holiday, meaning government offices will remain closed. Additionally, July 6 will be observed as National Rural Development Day, though it will not be a public holiday.

According to the report, November 7 holds deep political significance in Bangladesh’s history. On that day in 1975, a historic uprising by soldiers and civilians reshaped the country’s political landscape and freed then Army Chief Major General Ziaur Rahman from detention. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies have long commemorated the date as National Revolution and Solidarity Day. The day was previously a public holiday under BNP governments but was later removed by the Awami League administration.

The reinstatement marks a return of official recognition to a politically symbolic date that had been absent from the national calendar for several years.

Bangladesh Chhatra Pokkho has demanded the immediate implementation of the referendum verdict and the reinstatement of key ordinances linked to the aspirations of the July uprising. The demand was made on Thursday afternoon at a discussion titled “Ignoring Public Ordinances and Referendum Verdict: Current Context and Future Actions,” held at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen. The event was presided over by the organization’s central president Mohammad Prince, with participation from leaders and activists of various branches.

Speakers at the event criticized the government and major political parties for allegedly disregarding public opinion and weakening democratic accountability. AB Party chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju accused the ruling party of delaying the realization of the July revolution’s goals, while NCP joint convener Sarowar Tushar claimed that BNP had abandoned its 31-point agenda. Other speakers, including Fahim Mashroor and Nasrin Sultana Mili, warned that repealing key ordinances and introducing new regulations could erode transparency and strengthen group-based governance.

Participants emphasized that restoring public trust requires reinstating the ordinances and enforcing the referendum’s outcome to ensure constitutional stability and democratic participation.

A deputy director from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s (BTRC) Spectrum Division testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 that the nationwide internet shutdown on 18 July 2024 was carried out under instructions from then State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The witness, whose identity remains confidential under court order, said he was informed by then BTRC Director General Kazi Mostafizur Rahman that Palak had directed the BTRC chairman to suspend upstream connections of international terrestrial cable operators. Following this, a WhatsApp group named “18 July ICT Operation” was created to coordinate the shutdown.

According to the testimony, the internet was completely disconnected from 9 p.m. on 18 July until the afternoon of 23 July 2024. Later, Palak instructed limited restoration of internet access for key institutions such as banks, parliament, and cantonments, while keeping social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok blocked. On 31 July, he reportedly ordered full restoration of internet services through the BTRC chairman.

The testimony was given as the fourth witness statement in a case involving Sajib Wazed Joy and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, both accused in connection with the July killings.

The investigation into cases filed over the July uprising is progressing slowly, with police confirming that only 147 of 1,841 cases have reached the charge sheet stage. A total of 1,694 cases remain under investigation, and authorities have not specified when the process will conclude. Police described the cases as complex, citing false accusations, overlapping complaints across multiple stations, and the need for careful verification.

According to the report, most cases involve allegations of shootings and targeted killings during the uprising. Investigators are reviewing video footage, call records, and forensic evidence while visiting crime scenes to ensure impartiality. Police are also examining claims that innocent individuals were falsely implicated. Murder cases in several districts, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Chattogram, have reached the charge sheet stage, while others are nearing completion.

The July 2024 uprising led to 1,841 cases nationwide, naming several political leaders, ministers, and 952 police officers as accused. Former police chiefs and senior officials face multiple charges, while 372 individuals have been acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Barrister Kaiser Kamal stated that implementing the rights of the people is the main objective of the Parliament. He emphasized that the Parliament belongs to the people and that he was elected by the respected voters of his constituency, to whom he remains accountable. Kamal made these remarks on Thursday, April 16, 2026, during a meeting with prominent members of the Christian community from his area.

During the discussion, the Deputy Speaker announced that people of all religions and communities from his constituency, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Garos, and Hajongs, would be invited in phases to visit the Parliament building and observe parliamentary sessions. He mentioned that after the Christian representatives, invitations would be extended to imams, Hindu priests, Garo and Hajong representatives, as well as students from local schools and colleges.

The remarks reflect an effort to promote inclusivity and civic engagement by allowing diverse community groups to experience parliamentary proceedings firsthand.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will begin interviews for candidates seeking nomination in the reserved women’s seats of the 13th National Parliament on Friday. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the schedule at a press conference held Thursday afternoon at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka. He said the nomination board will start interviews at 3 p.m. on Friday.

The nomination board will be chaired by BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister’s Adviser Tarique Rahman, with members of the party’s standing committee in attendance. Rizvi added that interviews will continue on Saturday for candidates who have already submitted their nomination papers.

According to the announced schedule, interviews on Friday will cover candidates from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Faridpur divisions, while those from Chattogram, Sylhet, Cumilla, Dhaka, and Mymensingh divisions will be interviewed on Saturday.

Pakistan is conducting active diplomatic efforts to build trust between the United States and Iran, according to a report from Al Jazeera’s Doha correspondent Osama Bin Javed. Pakistani representatives are working with both sides on various proposals, and discussions are underway. Diplomatic sources indicate that Pakistan’s army chief is attempting to bridge differences between the two nations.

Sources further suggest that Pakistan views multiple regional actors, including Iran, the United States, and Israel, as key to regional peace. Pakistani officials are optimistic that this mutual diplomacy could either lead to a second round of talks or an extension of the current ceasefire, with a possible duration of about five weeks or 45 days.

Officials emphasize that successful diplomacy is usually conducted discreetly and relies on mutual trust. Pakistan aims to serve as a bridge of confidence, as both Iranian and American sides have publicly acknowledged their lack of trust in each other.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah said that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins the upcoming West Bengal assembly election, no structure resembling the Babri Mosque will be allowed to be built in the state. Speaking at a rally in Gangarampur, South Dinajpur, on Tuesday, Shah accused Humayun Kabir, founder of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, of announcing plans to build such a mosque in Murshidabad at the behest of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He asserted that the BJP’s rise to power would prevent such plans from materializing.

Shah also criticized Banerjee for allegedly opposing the removal of illegal immigrants from the voter list during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. He pledged that a BJP government would expel all illegal immigrants and strengthen border security by allocating 600 acres of land for fencing within 45 days of taking office. Additionally, he promised to build cold storage facilities in every block of Malda district to support farmers.

The West Bengal assembly elections are scheduled for April 23 and 29, with results to be announced on May 4, amid a high-stakes contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has warned that a group acting against the country's interests is still waiting for an opportunity. Speaking on Thursday, April 16, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka during the Independence Award ceremony, he emphasized the need to maintain national unity and avoid internal divisions. He said that honoring national leaders beyond partisan boundaries is essential, as future generations and history will not forgive negligence in this regard.

Quoting former President Ziaur Rahman, the Prime Minister said that national unity is the nation's strength, while division is its weakness. He urged all to ensure that political differences do not turn into hostility. The Prime Minister also noted that the Independence Award is given annually to recognize contributions in fields such as liberation war, education, science and technology, medicine, literature, culture, sports, rural development, social service, and public administration. This year, 15 distinguished citizens and five institutions received the award.

He added that despite significant progress in the 55 years since independence, challenges remain, and building a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh requires collective effort beyond political vengeance.

Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Thursday, according to reports. Details of the meeting have not yet been made public. The meeting took place during Munir’s visit to Tehran, where he arrived with a high-level political and security delegation.

Ghalibaf had earlier led the Iranian delegation in talks between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad the previous Saturday. Iranian media, citing officials, reported that Munir’s visit aimed to deliver “America’s message and plans for a second round of discussions.” During his trip, Munir also met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The developments suggest Pakistan’s continuing involvement in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran, though no official confirmation of mediation outcomes has been released.

Jaima Rahman, granddaughter of the late BNP Chairperson and three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, accepted the posthumous Independence Award on her behalf. The award was presented by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. during a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The event honored individuals and institutions for their exceptional contributions to the nation, with ministers, senior officials, and invited guests in attendance.

This year, the government selected Khaleda Zia for the Independence Award in recognition of her contributions to independence, democracy, women’s education, and national development. Alongside her, 14 other distinguished individuals and five institutions were chosen for the 2026 awards, including figures from science, literature, culture, sports, social service, and environmental conservation.

The Independence Award is Bangladesh’s highest national honor, given for outstanding contributions to the country’s independence, liberation war, and other national achievements.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Allama Mamunul Haque announced that a nationwide movement will be organized to ensure the full implementation of the referendum. Speaking on Wednesday night at a meeting of the party’s Dhaka North unit in Mohammadpur, he said the referendum has become a national demand and an effective way to reflect the people’s aspirations. He urged citizens to remain alert and united so that the government cannot manipulate or delay the process.

The meeting was held to prepare for a mass rally scheduled for April 24 at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan, aimed at pressing for the implementation of the referendum’s outcome. Mamunul Haque reaffirmed that the party has maintained a clear and principled stance in favor of the referendum and will continue its movement until the demand is realized.

The event was presided over by Dhaka North President Maulana Anwar Hossain Raji and attended by several central and local leaders. The meeting adopted detailed plans and called on all members to make maximum preparations for the upcoming rally.

Bangladesh National Parliament Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram stated that the country’s liberation and prosperity are not possible without democracy. Speaking to journalists at Barishal Circuit House on Thursday morning, he said that a parliament formed through a neutral election can lead Bangladesh forward. He emphasized that strengthening democratic institutions is essential for achieving economic progress.

The Speaker reflected on the nation’s political history, noting that at times autocratic rulers had oppressed the people, but students and youth movements restored democracy through public struggle. He described politics as a positive force that has increased public awareness and commitment to democratic values. He also referred to the end of a 16-year period of autocratic rule as a proud chapter for Bangladesh.

Hafiz Uddin expressed hope that the newly formed parliament would continue to advance the country under a firmly established democratic system. Earlier in the day, he was given a guard of honor at Barishal Circuit House before departing for his constituency in Bhola.

The Bangladesh Hawkers Union organized a rally on Thursday in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, presenting a 10-point demand that includes halting forced evictions of hawkers without rehabilitation and allocating cleared government land for their use. Union leaders said hawkers across the country, particularly in Dhaka, have faced harsh eviction drives in recent weeks, resulting in destruction of goods and loss of livelihoods.

Speakers at the rally called for immediate enactment of a livelihood protection law to safeguard hawkers’ rights. They alleged that hawkers are being subjected to daily crackdowns, extortion, and harassment, leaving thousands without income. The union urged hawkers nationwide to unite in protest to secure their demands.

Their demands include recognition of hawkers’ economic contributions, prevention of extortion, preparation of an official list of genuine hawkers, allocation of cleared government land for rehabilitation, a five-year master plan, budgetary allocation for hawkers, and fair distribution of stalls in hawkers’ markets.