West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the controversial anti-Waqf law will not be implemented in her state, rejecting legislation seen as targeting the Muslim community. She questioned the justification for violence and warned that those inciting unrest will face consequences. Mamata accused certain political parties of exploiting religion for political gain and urged citizens not to fall for such provocations. Protests against the Waqf law are spreading across India, including in West Bengal. Meanwhile, the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has launched a sweeping campaign to identify and seize thousands of allegedly disputed Waqf properties. In Muzaffarnagar, over 300 individuals were issued legal notices and fined ₹200,000 each for wearing black armbands during Friday prayers in protest against the law.

Fisherman Nikhil Howlader alleged at a press conference on Saturday that he is forced to pay extortion money to local BNP leader Nazrul Islam Munshi in order to fish in the sea near Char Montaj in Patuakhali. Nikhil accused Nazrul and his associates of intimidation and threats to his life when he refused to pay. He claimed that his fishing trawler was seized as a result of his refusal. A video of Nikhil seeking justice from locals has since gone viral on social media. He further alleged that Nazrul’s group later returned to issue death threats. Nazrul has denied all accusations.

NCP Joint Convenor Sarwar Tushar has alleged that TV producers are being pressured politically to reduce his participation in talk shows. In a Facebook post, Tushar wrote, “I was going to ignore it, but I can’t stay silent anymore. Three different producers told me the same thing over the past week—they’re under ‘political pressure’ and only trying to include me on air.” He questioned, “What is this political pressure? Who is behind the effort to silence me? And why?”

A new political party named “Democratic Citizens’ Force” has been launched with a slogan focused on national liberation, equality, democracy, and a prosperous Bangladesh. Chairman Dr. Abdul Malek Farazi called for leadership by capable individuals like Dr. Muhammad Yunus. He criticized past governments for serving foreign interests and vowed to pursue politics free of foreign influence. The party’s joint convenor, Sohel Hossain Khan, read the declaration. Farazi was previously associated with Gono Odhikar Parishad.

An effigy titled ‘The Face of Fascism,’ representing Sheikh Hasina, was burned early Saturday morning at Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Faculty. The artwork, created for the Pahela Baishakh rally, stood 20 feet tall and featured a terrifying female face with horns and hollow eyes. Another installation, a ‘Peace Dove,’ was also destroyed. The incident occurred during a brief lapse in security around Fajr prayer, according to Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed.

Rakib Molla (32), a leader of the Krishak Dal in Gazipur, was brutally murdered on Friday night. He was ambushed by assailants who inflicted over 20 injuries using sharp weapons on his head, neck, shoulders, and back. His nephew Ropon claimed the murder was premeditated and motivated by a longstanding feud. Rakib was serving as a joint convener of the proposed metropolitan committee of the Krishak Dal.

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.