Muhammad Hasnat Morshed Bhuiyan, personal secretary to Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, has been removed from his post. On April 6, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification transferring him to the Ministry of Commerce as a Deputy Secretary. The notification did not specify the reasons for his removal. It stated that the tenure of a PS is contingent upon the adviser’s wish to retain them.

On Monday, model Meghna Alam was granted bail in a case filed against her on charges of fraud and extortion. Previously, on April 10, she had been detained for 30 days under the Special Powers Act and sent to prison. Additionally, after her arrest, the court granted a five-day remand for Dewan Samir in connection with a fraud case filed at Vatara Police Station on April 12.

Gas allocations for the industrial sector have been cut to prioritize electricity and fertilizer production, causing a severe gas crisis in factories. Production in garment and textile mills has dropped by 70–90%, and many factories face closure. Around 400 gas-dependent factories have been unable to operate at full capacity. In Gazipur, where 600–700 million cubic feet of gas are needed daily, supply has dropped to 450 million cubic feet. Experts suggest that the government could import fertilizers or use alternative fuels for power generation to alleviate the crisis.

Professor Dr. C.R. Abrar, Education Adviser, stressed the need to eliminate negative perceptions about technical education and integrate it into the mainstream system. He described technical students as the architects of a new Bangladesh and said that with proper planning, their involvement could significantly boost national development. Efforts are underway to increase female participation and attract meritorious students to technical education. He emphasized that a major task will be shifting the prevailing social and cultural attitudes toward technical education.

Mahbub Morshed, Managing Director of BSS, surrendered in court and was granted bail on a Tk 500 bond in a defamation case filed by Abdul Hai Shikdar. On March 23, Shikdar filed the case, alleging that on March 17, Morshed posted a poem on Facebook defaming Khaleda Zia, wrongly attributing it to Shikdar. Shikdar denied authorship and pursued legal action.

Since November 2023, more than 113,000 Rohingya refugees have entered Bangladesh from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, with the majority arriving after May-June last year. Rohingya arrivals continue almost daily in 2024. With these new arrivals, the total Rohingya population taking shelter in Bangladesh now exceeds 1.313 million. UNHCR has sent a letter requesting Bangladesh to arrange accommodation for the new refugees. Most of the new Rohingya are currently living with relatives in 20 camps in Cox’s Bazar. The government has not yet authorized identity verification for the new arrivals via the Iris system.

Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul shared a heartbreaking incident in which the daughter of a martyr, who was raped during the July popular movement, committed suicide. He expressed the profound pain this event has caused and assured that justice would be served swiftly. Two suspects have been arrested and are currently in custody, and the news about their bail is false. He confirmed that DNA samples have been taken from the suspects, and the police are expected to submit the charge sheet within a few days. Following this, the trial will begin, with a legal obligation to deliver a verdict within 90 days, as per the amended law. If the DNA samples are favorable, the trial should conclude much earlier. Nazrul also mentioned that the trial in the Asiya case began last Wednesday and expressed hope that the case will be concluded within seven working days. He added that any delay in the trial would be painful, but emphasized that if the process isn’t thorough, the verdict may not hold up on appeal.

Professor Ali Riaz emphasized that the goal of the Consensus Commission is to create a national charter. Discussions are ongoing as part of the collective effort to establish a democratic state. He mentioned that the report, opinions, and recommendations of the reform commission alone are not sufficient. Only through the unity of all political and democratic forces, representing the people, can Bangladesh move towards the vision of a New Bangladesh. Ali Riaz further stated that the fearless struggle of the leaders of the People’s Rights Council initiated a new phase in the anti-fascism movement. This momentum continued with the 2024 quota reform movement and later led to an unprecedented and unexpected popular uprising.

While the US and Iran, mediated by Oman, have held three rounds of negotiations aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a more aggressive approach. Netanyahu argued that the only “good deal” would involve completely dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, similar to the 2003 agreement made with Libya. However, reports suggest that former US President Donald Trump does not support such aggressive action.

Sarada Bai, a woman from Odisha, faces deportation despite living in India for 35 years and having a voter ID. Born in Pakistan, she was never granted Indian citizenship. Following rising tensions after a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities canceled her visa and ordered her to leave. Sarada, who has a husband, children, and grandchildren in India, pleaded not to be separated from her family, but police warned of legal action if she stays beyond the deadline.

A fire broke out outside the RNPL 1320 MW coal-fired power plant in Kalapara, Patuakhali, around 10:30 PM on Sunday night. Units from the Kalapara and Amtali fire services, along with three units from the power plant, swiftly responded and successfully brought the fire under control. Officials confirmed that the fire was confined to discarded scrap materials outside the plant premises and did not affect the main facility. Firefighters and local residents worked together to contain the situation.

Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus has stated that observing the current situation in Bangladesh, many believe that an interim government would still be the best solution for the people. He added that citizens are not demanding the government’s immediate departure but are expecting it to ensure a credible election. Yunus emphasized that whether the Awami League will be allowed to contest in the upcoming election partly depends on the party itself — it must first decide if it will participate. So far, no official announcement has been made. He also noted that the Election Commission’s stance and other factors could influence the situation. Moreover, he pointed out that several political parties may argue that, under the new law, the Awami League should not be allowed to contest.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh at 3 a.m. on Sunday night after attending the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Earlier on Sunday afternoon (Bangladesh time), he departed Rome. Professor Yunus joined other world leaders in paying their final respects to the late Pope.

Citing an “unexpected situation,” United International University (UIU) has suspended all academic activities indefinitely. This follows the resignation of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kashem Mia and 11 other officials amid student protests on Saturday night. Authorities announced that all academic and administrative activities will remain halted until new appointments are made. Students have clarified they seek the resignation of only the Vice Chancellor and the head of the CSE department, not all faculty members.

The death toll has risen to 40 following a massive explosion at Iran’s largest commercial port, Shahid Rajaei, near Bandar Abbas. Over 1,000 people have been injured. The explosion shattered windows and rooftops of nearby buildings and destroyed numerous vehicles. Residents reported hearing the blast from up to 50 kilometers away. Authorities confirmed that six people are still missing.