Revolutionary Workers Party leader Saiful Haque criticized the Election Commission (EC), saying that even angels couldn’t ensure fair polls under its current form. He advocated for an accountable EC and stated that an interim government could deliver meaningful elections. Haque confirmed they have submitted 31 written recommendations and urged the EC to consult with political parties before finalizing the election code of conduct.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Commissioner Hafiz Ahsan Farid has confirmed that steps are underway to bring Sheikh Hasina and Tulip Siddiq back to Bangladesh. He stated that a Mutual Legal Assistance Request has been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which will be forwarded to foreign missions through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Farid emphasized that Tulip Siddiq is being treated as a Bangladeshi citizen and not a foreign national, and international anti-corruption agencies will be involved in Hasina’s case.

Following a court order on March 27 that invalidated the 2020 DSCC election results and named BNP leader Ishraq Hossain as mayor, the Election Commission has written to the Law Ministry for its opinion before issuing an official gazette. Responding to the delay, Ishraq questioned whether the Law Ministry has more authority than the court.

Shibir President Zahidul Islam demanded the unconditional release of former Dhaka University Shibir unit founder and Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam. “We will remain patient, but we will not tolerate injustice or oppression,” he said. He condemned the “brutal persecution” Azhar faced and warned the government not to interpret their restraint as weakness.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar expressed shock over the delay in releasing ATM Azhar, saying all others detained under the same circumstances post-August 5 have been freed. “He has no connection whatsoever with the allegations,” Parwar said. He emphasized that the responsibility lies with the public, the government, and the administration. Despite the delay, he remains hopeful for justice from the courts.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the NCP, expressed solidarity with KUET students protesting for the resignation of the vice-chancellor. “The consequences of mocking student concerns were seen during the July 2024 uprising,” he wrote. He urged the authorities to promptly meet the students’ demands. The students’ hunger strike has surpassed 24 hours, with several already falling ill from heatstroke and other conditions.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stated that reform discussions have caused confusion, but the party is examining each proposal thoroughly. He emphasized that state reforms require national consensus, not rushed decisions. The party is finalizing its stance on constitutional reform and initiating discussions on judiciary independence, judicial appointments, and the creation of a separate secretariat for the judiciary.

The appeal hearing of Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam, sentenced to death for war crimes, has been deferred to May 6. The decision was made by a four-judge Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed. Azhar’s lawyers Ehsan Abdullah Siddiqui and Shishir Monir requested the delay.

Following an Anti-Corruption Commission petition, a court has frozen 12 bank accounts, 18 company shares, and two vehicles owned by former minister Tipu Munshi and his wife Malbika Munshi. The court also ordered the seizure of properties in Uttara, Rangpur, and Gulshan. The ACC alleges the couple amassed Tk 59 million in assets disproportionate to known income sources, abusing public office for personal gain.

Labour Party MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq once told a journalist in 2017, “I am not Bangladeshi; I’m a British MP.” However, official records show otherwise. Tulip holds a Bangladeshi National ID card, passport, and Tax Identification Number (TIN), and has submitted tax returns, confirming her Bangladeshi citizenship. Her NID, issued on January 3, 2011, lists Sudha Sadan—Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s residence—as her address. Recently, her NID has been locked.

China has imposed counter-sanctions on six US Congress members, officials, and NGO heads in retaliation for Washington’s recent sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials over alleged suppression of pro-democracy activists. The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the US actions as interference and warned of stronger retaliation if such policies continue. The original US sanctions targeted those accused of using Hong Kong’s national security law to silence dissent. The geopolitical standoff also intensified through a tit-for-tat tariff escalation.

A delegation from the National People’s Front, led by Comrade Tipu Biswas, held discussions with the National Consensus Commission. Commission members included Professor Ali Riaz (Vice President), Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haidar. The commission has so far held preliminary discussions with 15 political parties.

Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the Nationalist Citizens’ Platform (NCP), has welcomed the apology from the Dhaka University Chhatra Dal president for describing the July movement as “so-called.” Abdullah praised the president’s courage to admit his mistake rather than defend it, calling such humility commendable.

He further remarked that despite the passage of several months since the July-August uprising, there has been no official declaration or constitutional acknowledgment of it. Referring to global precedents such as Nepal and Bolivia, where revolutions were ratified through constitutional amendments, Abdullah emphasized the need for a similar approach in this case. He warned that in the absence of formal recognition, statements provoking fresh unrest may continue to emerge.

On Monday afternoon in Cumilla, angry protestors hurled rotten eggs at pro-Awami League lawyers while they were being escorted to a prison van. Among the targeted were the former president and secretary of the Cumilla Bar Association. This incident stems from a violent crackdown on students on August 3, during which shots were fired. A case was later filed on February 12 by Inzamamul Haque Rana, accusing 261 individuals, including 26 lawyers.

Following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, Islamic Unity Alliance leader Sakhawat Hossain Raji emphasized the need for swift electoral reforms and early elections. He stated, “The government and the Election Commission must ensure elections are held promptly once reforms are complete. True reform can only come through an elected government.” Raji also highlighted the need to eliminate the political “garbage” accumulated over the past 16 years, which he believes is crucial for free and fair elections. He noted that the difference between holding elections in June versus December is minimal, but reforms must come first.