Popular singer, presenter, and social worker Dithi Anwar has collected a nomination form from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to contest for a reserved women’s seat in the 13th National Parliament. The announcement was made on April 16, 2026. Dithi, daughter of late lyricist and film director Gazi Mazharul Anwar, said she wishes to continue her father’s political legacy within the BNP. She expressed interest in representing either a Sylhet or Cumilla constituency if elected.

Dithi highlighted her family’s political and social contributions, noting that her father served as BNP’s cultural secretary and adviser to Khaleda Zia, while her father-in-law, Shafi Ahmed Chowdhury, was twice elected as a member of parliament from Sylhet-3. She currently chairs the Latifa-Shafi Chowdhury Women’s Degree College, where 3,000 students study free of charge.

She stated her intention to eliminate negative cultural influences, introduce content censorship on YouTube, and advocate for fair royalty systems for artists. Dithi also emphasized reviving the country’s cultural vibrancy and ensuring that artists are not politically sidelined.

Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, the newly elected Speaker of the National Parliament, was honored by residents of Lalmohan upazila in Bhola. The civic reception, organized by the Lalmohan Citizens’ Forum, took place on Thursday afternoon at the upazila auditorium. During his speech, the Speaker said he did not come to receive honors but to express gratitude to the people of Lalmohan-Tajumuddin. He noted that his responsibilities as Speaker had increased, limiting his ability to visit the area frequently, and expressed his wish to live and die with honor and dignity.

In his address, Hafiz Uddin described the Bhola-Barishal bridge as a rightful and vital demand of the region’s people and assured that he would make maximum efforts to implement the project. He also mentioned plans to initiate the establishment of a medical college in Bhola and said he would request the Prime Minister and the Health Minister to consider setting it up in Lalmohan.

The event reflected local appreciation for the Speaker’s leadership and his commitment to regional development priorities.

The Ministry of Railways has revived its plan to build a 500-bed hospital and a 100-seat medical college in Chattogram’s historic CRB area. After nearly four years of suspension due to public protests and environmental concerns, Railways Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam of the BNP government is preparing to grant policy approval for the project. According to the minister’s official itinerary, he will visit Chattogram from April 18 to 21 and inspect the proposed site at Goalpahar near CRB on April 19 at 4 p.m.

A senior ministry official confirmed that preparations are underway for the minister’s on-site inspection, after which formal approval is expected. The project was originally planned under a public–private partnership with United Enterprise, which agreed to transfer the facility to the railway authority after 50 years. However, the initiative was halted in 2022 following strong opposition from social, cultural, and professional groups who described CRB as the “lungs” of Chattogram.

News of the project’s revival has reignited debate among residents and environmental activists, who argue that constructing a commercial hospital in CRB would harm its ecological and cultural significance and could trigger renewed public protests.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar stated that there is no alternative to implementing the referendum verdict. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a press conference following a meeting of top leaders of the 11-party alliance at Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar. During the event, he announced new programs demanding the implementation of the referendum verdict.

Parwar said that through the referendum, 50 million people had sought reforms to the existing state system for development and progress, aiming to free the country from corruption, terrorism, and one-person rule. He accused the current government of reversing its stance and suppressing opposition voices in parliament. He also criticized the energy minister for denying the ongoing fuel crisis and expressed concern over the measles outbreak and the deteriorating law and order situation. Parwar alleged that the banking sector had been destroyed and that government offices were being politicized.

The 11-party alliance announced a series of protest programs, including rallies in Dhaka on April 18, in other major cities on April 25, and in all district towns on May 2. Leaflet distribution and seminars will be held nationwide from April 18 to May 2, followed by divisional rallies if demands remain unmet.

Maruf Al Hasan, who was shot during the 2024 Rajshahi protest, testified on Tuesday as the 25th witness in the International Crimes Tribunal-2 case against former bridge minister Obaidul Quader and six others. He described joining the anti-discrimination student movement on July 15, 2024, and participating in a demonstration on August 5 that turned violent when groups from the Awami League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League, and Chhatra League allegedly attacked protesters. Hasan said he was shot in his right hand and later underwent multiple surgeries in Rajshahi and Dhaka hospitals.

In his testimony, Hasan stated that the attack was carried out jointly by ruling party activists and police, resulting in several injuries and deaths among protesters. He named several political figures, including then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and senior Awami League leaders, as responsible for the violence and demanded maximum punishment for those involved.

The tribunal continues to hear witness statements in the case concerning alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Revolution events.

The Bangladesh government has decided to reinstate November 7 as National Revolution and Solidarity Day starting this year. The decision was approved during a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday at the Secretariat. Cabinet Secretary Md. Nasimul Gani announced the decision at a press briefing later that evening, confirming that the day will be classified as a Category ‘A’ holiday, meaning government offices will remain closed. Additionally, July 6 will be observed as National Rural Development Day, though it will not be a public holiday.

According to the report, November 7 holds deep political significance in Bangladesh’s history. On that day in 1975, a historic uprising by soldiers and civilians reshaped the country’s political landscape and freed then Army Chief Major General Ziaur Rahman from detention. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies have long commemorated the date as National Revolution and Solidarity Day. The day was previously a public holiday under BNP governments but was later removed by the Awami League administration.

The reinstatement marks a return of official recognition to a politically symbolic date that had been absent from the national calendar for several years.

Bangladesh Chhatra Pokkho has demanded the immediate implementation of the referendum verdict and the reinstatement of key ordinances linked to the aspirations of the July uprising. The demand was made on Thursday afternoon at a discussion titled “Ignoring Public Ordinances and Referendum Verdict: Current Context and Future Actions,” held at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen. The event was presided over by the organization’s central president Mohammad Prince, with participation from leaders and activists of various branches.

Speakers at the event criticized the government and major political parties for allegedly disregarding public opinion and weakening democratic accountability. AB Party chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju accused the ruling party of delaying the realization of the July revolution’s goals, while NCP joint convener Sarowar Tushar claimed that BNP had abandoned its 31-point agenda. Other speakers, including Fahim Mashroor and Nasrin Sultana Mili, warned that repealing key ordinances and introducing new regulations could erode transparency and strengthen group-based governance.

Participants emphasized that restoring public trust requires reinstating the ordinances and enforcing the referendum’s outcome to ensure constitutional stability and democratic participation.

A deputy director from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s (BTRC) Spectrum Division testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 that the nationwide internet shutdown on 18 July 2024 was carried out under instructions from then State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The witness, whose identity remains confidential under court order, said he was informed by then BTRC Director General Kazi Mostafizur Rahman that Palak had directed the BTRC chairman to suspend upstream connections of international terrestrial cable operators. Following this, a WhatsApp group named “18 July ICT Operation” was created to coordinate the shutdown.

According to the testimony, the internet was completely disconnected from 9 p.m. on 18 July until the afternoon of 23 July 2024. Later, Palak instructed limited restoration of internet access for key institutions such as banks, parliament, and cantonments, while keeping social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok blocked. On 31 July, he reportedly ordered full restoration of internet services through the BTRC chairman.

The testimony was given as the fourth witness statement in a case involving Sajib Wazed Joy and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, both accused in connection with the July killings.

The investigation into cases filed over the July uprising is progressing slowly, with police confirming that only 147 of 1,841 cases have reached the charge sheet stage. A total of 1,694 cases remain under investigation, and authorities have not specified when the process will conclude. Police described the cases as complex, citing false accusations, overlapping complaints across multiple stations, and the need for careful verification.

According to the report, most cases involve allegations of shootings and targeted killings during the uprising. Investigators are reviewing video footage, call records, and forensic evidence while visiting crime scenes to ensure impartiality. Police are also examining claims that innocent individuals were falsely implicated. Murder cases in several districts, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Chattogram, have reached the charge sheet stage, while others are nearing completion.

The July 2024 uprising led to 1,841 cases nationwide, naming several political leaders, ministers, and 952 police officers as accused. Former police chiefs and senior officials face multiple charges, while 372 individuals have been acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Barrister Kaiser Kamal stated that implementing the rights of the people is the main objective of the Parliament. He emphasized that the Parliament belongs to the people and that he was elected by the respected voters of his constituency, to whom he remains accountable. Kamal made these remarks on Thursday, April 16, 2026, during a meeting with prominent members of the Christian community from his area.

During the discussion, the Deputy Speaker announced that people of all religions and communities from his constituency, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Garos, and Hajongs, would be invited in phases to visit the Parliament building and observe parliamentary sessions. He mentioned that after the Christian representatives, invitations would be extended to imams, Hindu priests, Garo and Hajong representatives, as well as students from local schools and colleges.

The remarks reflect an effort to promote inclusivity and civic engagement by allowing diverse community groups to experience parliamentary proceedings firsthand.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will begin interviews for candidates seeking nomination in the reserved women’s seats of the 13th National Parliament on Friday. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the schedule at a press conference held Thursday afternoon at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka. He said the nomination board will start interviews at 3 p.m. on Friday.

The nomination board will be chaired by BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister’s Adviser Tarique Rahman, with members of the party’s standing committee in attendance. Rizvi added that interviews will continue on Saturday for candidates who have already submitted their nomination papers.

According to the announced schedule, interviews on Friday will cover candidates from Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Faridpur divisions, while those from Chattogram, Sylhet, Cumilla, Dhaka, and Mymensingh divisions will be interviewed on Saturday.

Pakistan is conducting active diplomatic efforts to build trust between the United States and Iran, according to a report from Al Jazeera’s Doha correspondent Osama Bin Javed. Pakistani representatives are working with both sides on various proposals, and discussions are underway. Diplomatic sources indicate that Pakistan’s army chief is attempting to bridge differences between the two nations.

Sources further suggest that Pakistan views multiple regional actors, including Iran, the United States, and Israel, as key to regional peace. Pakistani officials are optimistic that this mutual diplomacy could either lead to a second round of talks or an extension of the current ceasefire, with a possible duration of about five weeks or 45 days.

Officials emphasize that successful diplomacy is usually conducted discreetly and relies on mutual trust. Pakistan aims to serve as a bridge of confidence, as both Iranian and American sides have publicly acknowledged their lack of trust in each other.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah said that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins the upcoming West Bengal assembly election, no structure resembling the Babri Mosque will be allowed to be built in the state. Speaking at a rally in Gangarampur, South Dinajpur, on Tuesday, Shah accused Humayun Kabir, founder of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, of announcing plans to build such a mosque in Murshidabad at the behest of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He asserted that the BJP’s rise to power would prevent such plans from materializing.

Shah also criticized Banerjee for allegedly opposing the removal of illegal immigrants from the voter list during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. He pledged that a BJP government would expel all illegal immigrants and strengthen border security by allocating 600 acres of land for fencing within 45 days of taking office. Additionally, he promised to build cold storage facilities in every block of Malda district to support farmers.

The West Bengal assembly elections are scheduled for April 23 and 29, with results to be announced on May 4, amid a high-stakes contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has warned that a group acting against the country's interests is still waiting for an opportunity. Speaking on Thursday, April 16, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka during the Independence Award ceremony, he emphasized the need to maintain national unity and avoid internal divisions. He said that honoring national leaders beyond partisan boundaries is essential, as future generations and history will not forgive negligence in this regard.

Quoting former President Ziaur Rahman, the Prime Minister said that national unity is the nation's strength, while division is its weakness. He urged all to ensure that political differences do not turn into hostility. The Prime Minister also noted that the Independence Award is given annually to recognize contributions in fields such as liberation war, education, science and technology, medicine, literature, culture, sports, rural development, social service, and public administration. This year, 15 distinguished citizens and five institutions received the award.

He added that despite significant progress in the 55 years since independence, challenges remain, and building a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh requires collective effort beyond political vengeance.

Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Thursday, according to reports. Details of the meeting have not yet been made public. The meeting took place during Munir’s visit to Tehran, where he arrived with a high-level political and security delegation.

Ghalibaf had earlier led the Iranian delegation in talks between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad the previous Saturday. Iranian media, citing officials, reported that Munir’s visit aimed to deliver “America’s message and plans for a second round of discussions.” During his trip, Munir also met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The developments suggest Pakistan’s continuing involvement in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran, though no official confirmation of mediation outcomes has been released.