Citing security warnings, Hindustan Times reported that Indian intelligence agencies had alerted local authorities about a potential attack in Kashmir ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Srinagar on April 19. The visit was cancelled four days prior due to "weather concerns." The attack on April 22 occurred in the Pahalgam region, about 90 km from Srinagar.

Islamic Arabic University is determined to enhance the quality of madrasa education and eliminate session delays, said Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shamsul Alam during a visit to an exam center. He urged cooperation from students, teachers, and guardians to ensure a cheating-free environment during exams. The 2023 Kamil postgraduate exams have already commenced.

Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam mourned the passing of Allama Muhammad Sultan Zauq Nadvi, calling it the end of an era. “In our youth, we looked up to him for his expertise in Arabic language and literature. He spread the wisdom he received from Ali Miah.” Mahfuz emphasized the vision of a multilingual and multicultural Bangladesh. “Let our region—at the crossroads of civilizations—stand for democracy and human rights globally,” he added, calling on scholars to represent Bangladesh with dignity, like Nadvi did.

Editor of Amar Desh, Mahmudur Rahman, paid tribute to the Shapla Square victims and martyrs of the July uprising, urging Hefazat to file a genocide case against Sheikh Hasina. “Why hasn’t a case been filed yet against the fascist Hasina?” he asked. “We must file on behalf of every victim.” He also called for united action against oppression in Gaza and Kashmir. Addressing women's reform, he urged the government not to create unnecessary issues.

The Indian government has imposed an immediate ban on all imports, direct or indirect, from Pakistan. Pakistani vessels are also prohibited from docking at Indian ports. A Commerce Ministry notice stated the ban was enacted in the interest of national security and public policy. The Wagah-Attari trade route was shut down after the Pahalgam attack, though limited indirect trade continued until now. The trade volume, however, was minimal.

At a mass rally, Hefazat-e-Islam presented a 12-point demand list, which includes banning the Awami League. Other demands include dissolving the Women Reform Commission, forming a new commission with religious and female scholars, removing pluralism from the Constitution, ensuring faith in Allah, expediting tribunals for the Shapla and July massacres, and banning Awami League's activities. The group also demanded justice for the murder of Saiful in Chattogram, withdrawal of all political cases filed during the Hasina regime, justice for disappearances and killings, mandatory Islamic education at all levels, revoking the humanitarian corridor policy, halting foreign activities in the hill tracts, and officially declaring Qadianis as non-Muslims. The rally also commemorated 84 "martyrs" of Shapla Square.

Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad recounted his investigation for Human Rights Watch into the Shapla Square killings, saying, “Every time Hefazat holds a rally, I remember the atrocities of that night.” Journalist Azad Mazumder added, “We concluded that at least 58 people, including seven members of the security forces, were killed over two days of violence.” Azad said he lived in constant fear during the two-week investigation. “I could never take credit publicly due to security concerns, but seeing fellow journalists reference my work gives me great satisfaction.”

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has warned that those opposed to the July movement are preparing to retaliate. “July is not just a month—it marks the frontier of a struggle we must defend every day,” he wrote. Recalling his transition from AAFP to government service, he acknowledged the looming threats from opposing forces who haven’t disappeared but are regrouping for a possible strike.

The High Court has released its full 131-page verdict upholding the trial court’s sentences in the murder of BUET student Abrar Fahad—20 death sentences and 5 life sentences. Justices AKM Asaduzzaman and Syed Enayetur Rahman issued the ruling on March 16. Abrar's brother, Abrar Faiyaz, expressed satisfaction with the verdict and called for swift implementation.

Speaking ahead of dialogue with the 12-party alliance, Ali Riaz stated the aim is to form a national charter through consensus within a specified timeframe. “Different parties have voiced varying ideological stances, but we hope all sides will make compromises in the national interest to rebuild democratic governance,” he said. As Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, Riaz emphasized that the commission is not a rival to any political entity, but rather a facilitator for unity and reform.

During a mass rally demanding the abolition of the Women's Reform Commission, Hefazat-e-Islam announced a nationwide protest for May 23. Joint Secretary General Azizul Haque Islamabadi warned that delayed case withdrawals could be exploited by future governments. The group issued four demands: 1) dissolve the Women’s Reform Commission and its report, 2) restore full trust in Allah in the Constitution by removing pluralism, 3) withdraw all cases against Hefazat members and ensure justice for alleged mass killings including Shapla Chattar, and 4) urge government action to stop Muslim persecution in Palestine and India.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the US is not dismissing the possibility of a second phase of sanctions against Russia. “We are not lifting any existing sanctions. The President supports a diplomatic approach to each step,” she stated. However, she acknowledged that global attention must also focus on other regions. President Trump had earlier said that he would provide a detailed response about tougher sanctions a week after his April 24 announcement.

Allama Sultan Zawq Nadvi, Chief Adviser to Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh and founding director of Jamiya Darul Ma’arif Al-Islamia in Chattogram, has passed away. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. He died at Chattogram’s Evercare Hospital at midnight on Friday. His funeral prayer will be held at 4 PM on Saturday at the institution’s premises.

The United States has dropped two more spots in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, now ranking 57th—below conflict-torn Sierra Leone. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), global press freedom is at its lowest point in history, with half the world’s countries deemed “bad environments” for journalism. Fewer than one-quarter of countries are considered to have a “satisfactory” environment. Despite online ad revenue reaching $247 billion in 2024, a significant portion went to tech giants like Facebook, Google, and Amazon.

Faiz Ahmed Tayeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, urged government officials and employees to serve the public with integrity instead of appeasing political leaders. “Topsoil from arable land is being sold, and land grabbers must be dealt with firmly,” he said, adding that political pressure should be resisted, not accommodated. The government will support tough and decisive actions. Tayeb also issued instructions to resolve traffic congestion caused by market mismanagement on the Dhaka-Chattogram and Cumilla-Noakhali highways. Badiul Alam Majumdar emphasized the urgent need for electoral reforms to ensure free, fair, and neutral elections.