In Konabari, Gazipur, a video showing a Jubo Dal leader using drugs was allegedly recorded and used to demand a ransom of 1 million taka. When the money was not paid, the video was made viral. The video was reportedly recorded by Imrul Sarkar, joint general secretary of the local ward Jubo Dal, and handed over to the youth wing’s secretary, Azizul Islam, who allegedly demanded the money. Azizul has denied the accusations.

Two Awami League leaders from Gangachara were arrested for allegedly inciting unrest and spreading provocative content online. Bulbul Ahmed (45), a district-level leader, and Manik (55), a union-level general secretary, were sent to jail after a court hearing. According to police, they were engaged in actions that threatened national security and public order, including preparing to commit serious offenses.

BNP leader Selima Rahman said the interim government must hold elections promptly, ideally by December, as suggested by Dr. Yunus. She criticized the Home Advisor’s claim that the people want this government to stay in power for five years. “This government has no such right—they are interim, not permanent,” she stressed. She accused the ruling party of destroying electoral institutions and turning the state into a fascist regime. “Only a government elected through fair voting can implement full-scale reforms,” she added.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Golam Porwar has urged for an immediate announcement of the election date and roadmap, following necessary reforms. He warned against fearmongering by fugitive autocrats who are using laundered money to spread anti-state propaganda. Porwar also condemned Israel’s brutality in Gaza, calling it a terrorist state worse than the barbarism of ancient times. He called for a united Muslim response to remove Israel from the world map.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim stated that opportunistic groups have repeatedly exploited Islamic parties and scholars for political gains. “We’ve been betrayed, looted, and our people abducted and murdered. This must change,” he said. He warned political aspirants that bypassing Islami Andolon Bangladesh to gain power would no longer be possible. “We’ve suffered enough over the last 53 years. It’s time for genuine representation.” He emphasized that although the party has never had a member in parliament, it remains strong and determined.

BNP Vice Chairman Dr. Asadzuzzaman Ripon stated that the public is seeking change and has grown weary of governance similar to the Awami League’s. He said people desire elections and the right to vote, for which they have fought and sacrificed. Ripon reiterated BNP’s dual demands for reform and elections. He criticized certain advisers for allegedly harboring ambitions to remain in power for another five years, calling such claims that the public wants them to stay “utterly false.”

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, criticized India’s decision to unilaterally halt transshipment, stating that such actions violate international agreements and are unbecoming of a trustworthy neighbor. He warned, “You will be mistaken if you view Bangladesh through Hasina’s eyes. Build relations with the country, not with a specific party.” Addressing the Home Advisor’s recent remarks, Haque questioned whether the advisor was voicing the government’s intentions and demanded clarity for the nation. He also called for a boycott of Israeli products in protest of the genocide in Palestine.

Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, has warned of an attempt to manufacture a new political crisis by positioning electoral demands against calls for reform. He urged the public to remain alert. Nur emphasized that there are around 50 registered political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and his own party, as well as student organizations, all demanding elections. The Chief Adviser of the current government has already announced a tentative timeline for elections—either in December this year or by June next year. Nur highlighted that both elections and reforms are essential for the nation’s progress and long-term stability. Meanwhile, Rashed Khan called for a ban on the Awami League.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will return to Bangladesh on Monday along with his wife Rahat Ara Begum after completing medical check-ups in Singapore. “All our medical reports came out good. Rahat Ara Begum is healthy and doing well,” said Fakhrul. The couple traveled to Singapore on April 6 for medical examinations and are scheduled to return on April 14.

From contesting elections under the banner of the autocratic Awami League to promoting online gambling platforms, Shakib Al Hasan has often found himself in controversial waters. Currently in self-imposed exile in the United States following the fall of the Awami League government, Shakib was recently seen socializing with leaders of the banned U.S. chapter of the Chhatra League. A Facebook post by Chhatra League leader Swapnil Khan, showing Shakib in casual conversation with these individuals, has gone viral. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation against him.

Thakurgaon District BNP President and freedom fighter Noor Karim called Jamaat-e-Islami a “party of murderers,” saying, “They killed 3 million people during the 1971 Liberation War and violated 200,000 women. They even killed children without hesitation. Their dream of returning to power will never come true.” He accused Jamaat of amassing wealth through looting during the war and using it to continue their politics and spread propaganda abroad. He also alleged that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is conspiring with Jamaat. “We will break their venomous fangs,” he warned.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has urged applicants for the post of police constable in Panchagarh not to chase political leaders or coordinators for influence. “The recruitment process includes a fitness test, followed by a 50-mark written exam and a 15-mark viva,” he said. Emphasizing the importance of preparation, he added, “Once you pass the fitness test, focus on the written and viva exams instead of seeking political backing. Panchagarh District Police has confirmed that no recommendations will be accepted.” He further stated, “This is a betrayal of the merit-based revolution that began with the slogan ‘Quota No, Merit Yes’—where political favoritism stands against the blood of martyrs.”

BNP leader Fazlul Haque Sobahan has regained his Union Council member position following a court ruling three years after his 2021 election defeat. The case involved vote recounting in Ward 6 of Shahid Ohabpur Union, Rajbari Sadar Upazila. Sobahan was declared the unofficial winner with 376 votes after a new count, overturning the earlier result where his opponent, an Awami League candidate, won with 377 votes.

Sadequl Islam Nannu, president of the Upazila BNP, reportedly asked police to exclude Awami League names from the charge sheet in a case involving vandalism and a cocktail explosion at the BNP office. The district BNP has since issued a notice demanding an explanation. Nannu also issued a nomination letter appointing Youth League leader Abdul Hakim—an accused in the case—as president of the proposed Fazlupur Union chapter of the BNP’s labor wing.

Police detained at least 15 individuals, including seven women, from a residential hotel in Uttara for alleged involvement in immoral activities. Police recovered narcotics and other evidence from the premises. OC Hafizur Rahman stated the operation was based on a tip-off. Allegedly, leaders from the “Swairachar League” had been operating the hotel, with similar establishments nearby also involved in vice-related activities.