The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has detained 14 individuals for illegally entering Bangladesh through the Jibannagar border in Chuadanga. The arrests were made during an operation near the paved road in the Simanto Union area. During preliminary interrogation, the detainees admitted to crossing into India six months ago in search of better job opportunities and had now returned through illegal routes.

U.S. President Donald Trump praised the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calling it a historic and heroic decision. “Both countries showed wisdom and restraint, understanding that further aggression could have led to catastrophe,” he said. Trump commended their leadership and reiterated that millions of innocent lives were potentially saved. He stated that the U.S. played a key role in achieving the ceasefire and expressed pride in the outcome. Trump also announced his willingness to work with both nations to resolve the longstanding Kashmir conflict, which he described as a “thousand-year issue.”

Buddhist temples across Rangamati observed Buddha Purnima with formal religious ceremonies. A grand procession began from Tablachari and ended at Asambasti Buddhaankur Temple, with devotees lighting lamps and offering prayers to the Buddha. Rituals included Buddha bathing, worship, the recitation of the Panchasheel and Ashtasheel, and the offering of statues. Throughout the day, temples like Rajban Vihara, Ananda Vihara, and Maitri Vihara were filled with devotees praying for peace and well-being.

In celebration of the ban on Awami League’s activities, popular Islamic preacher Rafiq Madani fulfilled his promise by slaughtering a cow and distributing biryani to the locals in Letirkanda village of Purbadhala. The event took place in front of Marqazus Sahabuddin Al-Islami Madrasah. Madani reiterated his call for immediate trials of the Awami League and its allies through the International Crimes Tribunal.

In his first official address on Sunday, Pope Leo urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all Israeli hostages. He also emphasized the need for a “genuine and lasting peace” in resolving the Ukraine crisis. Quoting his predecessor Pope Francis, Leo described the ongoing violence and conflicts as fragments of a “piecemeal World War III.” Welcoming the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, he said he prays for divine intervention to bring about miraculous global peace. Expressing deep sorrow over the war in Gaza, the Pope said, “No more war.” He also highlighted the suffering of the people of Ukraine and called for immediate humanitarian aid in Gaza, alongside the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

Political analyst Professor Ali Riaz stated that efforts are underway to establish a republic in Bangladesh. He said the July Movement and the sacrifices of its martyrs compel a rethinking of the nation’s structure. “A future Bangladesh cannot be built based solely on current crises,” he said. Riaz noted that the constitution enabled authoritarianism under Sheikh Hasina and that a democracy is impossible without an independent judiciary. He proposed that the upper house of parliament should be limited to a monitoring role to avoid conflict with the lower house.

The Advisory Council has approved the draft of an amended Counterterrorism Ordinance, both in principle and in final form. The amendment introduces provisions to ban individuals and organizations involved in terrorism. According to meeting summaries, the original 2009 Act was enacted to prevent terrorism and provide effective punishment. The new provisions aim to strengthen enforcement by targeting organizational structures supporting extremist activities.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a high-level meeting with the LDC Graduation Committee to ensure Bangladesh’s smooth and timely transition from LDC status. The meeting identified five priority actions for immediate implementation:
1. Full operationalization of the National Single Window with participation from all relevant agencies,
2. Implementation of the National Tariff Policy 2023,
3. Execution of key steps under the National Logistics Policy 2024, including infrastructure projects,
4. Completion of waste treatment facilities at Savar Tannery Village, and
5. Ensuring full functionality of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Park in Gazaria, Munshiganj.

Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul stated that drafting a new constitution may take several years. “Once the Constituent Assembly begins its work, it could take two to three years to complete the process,” he said. “Until then, are we to continue with the 1972 Constitution?” During this interim period, he warned, changes might still be made to critical aspects such as the Prime Minister’s powers, Article 17, decentralization of the higher judiciary, and judicial independence. On incorporating the July Charter into the constitution, Nazrul remarked that consensus could be built around many of its elements. He emphasized the need for persuasive arguments, particularly about reducing the excessive powers of the Prime Minister. He also suggested that the Chief Justice should be appointed independently by the President, noting that the Chief Justice is the second most powerful person under the current framework.

On April 24, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) launched an operation to intercept a human trafficking attempt from Myanmar into Bangladesh, involving Saiful Islam and other members of a trafficking ring. Although some traffickers managed to escape, BGB successfully rescued several victims during the operation.

Based on detailed information provided by the victims, BGB conducted follow-up raids along the Marine Drive Road and in the Damdamia area to capture the remaining traffickers. Investigations revealed that the trafficking gang had kidnapped several Bangladeshi citizens and held them hostage in a secret hideout in the South Lombari area of Teknaf.

A coordinated raid on Saiful Islam’s hideout led to the safe rescue of 14 abducted Bangladeshi nationals, all found alive and unharmed.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is preparing to take steps to block all online activities of the Awami League, including affiliated Facebook pages and propaganda outlets.

Fayez Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, stated, "We are awaiting the official circular following the decision by the Advisory Council. Once issued, formal letters will be sent via BTRC to Meta and all other online platforms, requesting a ban on Awami League and its propaganda pages. We believe this will ensure swift implementation."

It is noteworthy that, according to the recent decision, the Awami League is prohibited from conducting any activities both offline and online until further legal proceedings are completed.

DIG Rezaul Karim Mallik announced that a special monitoring cell will be established at the DIG’s office to oversee cases related to the July uprising. He assured communication with victims and families of the deceased, and that proper legal action will follow. Complaint boxes will be installed in all police units under his jurisdiction. He also warned against corruption, bribery, and extortion, stating that the police will deal firmly with any threats to public safety from remnants of the previous regime.

India has blocked the YouTube channels of online activists Pinaki Bhattacharya, Elias Hossain, Dr. Kanak Sarwar, and Zulkarnaine Sayar. Pinaki responded, “India has identified its enemies. Do you recognize who our enemies are in Bangladesh?” Zulkarnaine commented, “What crime did I commit? I barely post anything on my channel.” Previously, India had also blocked six Bangladeshi TV channels on YouTube.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said that once the government gazette is published, the Election Commission will meet to discuss the status of Awami League’s registration. “We must understand the spirit of contemporary Bangladesh. If the gazette comes tomorrow, a decision will be made immediately,” he added. Currently, all political activities of Awami League are suspended pending trial.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam dismissed concerns over global reaction to the ban on Awami League, stating, “I don’t believe the world will mourn. The ban is crucial for national security and to protect witnesses and plaintiffs in the international crimes tribunal.” He noted that Western democracies have also banned parties post-WWII, citing Nazi and fascist bans in Germany and Italy. UN reports have reportedly confirmed Awami League leaders and affiliates' involvement in crimes against humanity.