The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has reportedly been pressing to promote several officials despite existing government audit objections. The commission’s Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) has met multiple times, but representatives from the Finance Ministry, Public Administration Ministry, and the Posts and Telecommunications Division, along with BTRC’s vice chairman and administration director general, opposed the move, citing that the audit objections were directly linked to recruitment and financial issues. The matter was later discussed in the commission’s 304th meeting, where it was decided that promotions would be considered only after determining the relevance of the audit objections.

Despite this, BTRC instructed its Legal and Licensing Division to seek expert opinions, disregarding the DPC’s recommendation. Sources claim the commission is rushing to finalize promotions before possible leadership changes following the next national election. Two deputy directors who had filed court petitions against alleged irregularities were recently transferred, raising concerns of administrative retaliation. Officials fear such actions could discourage future legal challenges against internal misconduct.

Questions have also emerged about the legality and cost-effectiveness of several spectrum monitoring stations operating without government approval, which some sources say contribute to unnecessary public expenditure.

The International Crimes Tribunal is currently hearing testimonies in eight cases involving 55 high-profile accused linked to crimes against humanity during the Awami League’s fifteen-year rule. The accused include Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, former minister Obaidul Quader, adviser Salman F Rahman, and dismissed Major General Ziaul Ahsan. Proceedings are being conducted under two tribunals led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumdar and Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury.

According to prosecution sources, the cases relate to killings, enforced disappearances, and torture during the July uprising and subsequent years. Five of the cases concern the July genocide, while three involve enforced disappearances and killings under state agencies. Witnesses have provided detailed accounts, including testimonies from victims’ families and former officials describing orders and actions allegedly directed by senior political and security figures.

Victims’ families have demanded swift justice for the accused. The tribunals continue to receive testimonies as several defendants remain fugitives, while others are in custody awaiting trial.

UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Dr. Alice Jill Edwards has called for justice for the victims of the July massacre and comprehensive institutional reform in Bangladesh. During her visit to Dhaka, she discussed with Amar Desh the need to end custodial torture, restructure law enforcement, and ensure compensation for victims in line with international standards. Edwards emphasized that any reform of the Rapid Action Battalion must go beyond rebranding and include fundamental changes in its operations and mindset.

She welcomed the government’s plan to form a parliamentary human rights commission and urged that human rights be treated as a universal issue rather than a political one. Edwards also highlighted the importance of creating a safe and dignified process for victims to report abuses and called for a truth-telling and reconciliation mechanism. She reminded Bangladesh of its obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture, noting the interim government’s recent withdrawal of reservations from Article 14.

Edwards stressed that accountability and strong human rights culture are essential for rebuilding public trust and institutional stability in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is preparing a major organizational reshuffle of its Dhaka city units ahead of its upcoming national council. The party leadership plans to reorganize both the north and south city committees, aiming to combine experienced figures with younger, more active leaders. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the party’s structure before the next city corporation elections and to create a more dynamic organizational framework.

According to party sources, the restructuring will begin with the Dhaka city units, followed by youth, volunteer, student, and labor wings. Senior leaders have indicated that the final decision will come from acting chairman Tarique Rahman. In the north, current convener Aminul Haque is expected to retain his position, while in the south, member secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin is being considered for a leading role. Grassroots leaders have urged that “dedicated and tested” activists who remained active during difficult times be prioritized.

BNP insiders believe the reorganization will help revitalize the party’s political activities in Dhaka and strengthen its preparation for the forthcoming national council and local elections.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, leading the opposition in the 13th National Parliament with 68 seats, continues its political partnership with the National Citizens Party (NCP), which holds six seats. The two parties, part of an 11-party alliance formed before the last election, have been working jointly in parliament and on the streets. However, questions have emerged about the long-term direction of their alliance, with speculation about BNP’s attempts to attract NCP and differing strategies for upcoming local elections.

Leaders from both Jamaat and NCP have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance, describing it as stronger than before. Jamaat has given NCP key positions, including the post of opposition chief whip and an additional reserved women’s seat, signaling continued cooperation. Political analysts note that NCP’s growing influence, bolstered by new members from various political backgrounds, has increased its bargaining power within the alliance.

Despite some field-level complexities over local election preparations, both parties maintain that their relationship remains stable. Analysts suggest that NCP’s long-term political future will likely depend on maintaining alignment with Jamaat and the 11-party coalition’s shared reform agenda.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has described Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq as not only a leader of farmers but also the undisputed leader of undivided India. In a message marking Huq’s 64th death anniversary on April 27, Rahman paid tribute to his contributions to the political history of Bengal and the Indian subcontinent. He highlighted Huq’s sensitivity, compassion, and uncompromising political stance that elevated him to prominence in all-India politics.

Rahman recalled Huq’s role in presenting the historic Lahore Resolution in 1940, which he said marked a new chapter in the subcontinent’s political history and reflected his visionary leadership. The prime minister emphasized Huq’s commitment to the welfare of farmers, describing him as their true representative. He noted that Huq understood the deep connection between Bengal’s politics and its agrarian economy and worked to bring farmers’ interests into the political framework.

Rahman also mentioned Huq’s efforts to make administration accessible to ordinary people and his initiatives as the 1937 premier of undivided Bengal to implement pro-farmer and pro-labor policies. He said Huq’s ideals and political philosophy remain relevant today.

The 64th death anniversary of Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, former Chief Minister of undivided Bengal, is being observed today, April 27, 2026. He passed away in Dhaka on this day in 1962. Various social, political, and cultural organizations have arranged programs including floral tributes at his grave, prayers, and discussion meetings to honor his legacy.

President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tareq Rahman issued separate messages marking the occasion. The Prime Minister described Fazlul Huq as a friend of the neglected farming community who integrated agricultural interests into the political framework of Bengal. He also highlighted Huq’s leadership across religious and communal lines. Tareq Rahman noted Huq’s contributions as Chief Minister in 1937, emphasizing his farmer- and worker-friendly policies, administrative reforms, and efforts to expand education and inclusion.

Born in 1873 in Jhalokathi, Fazlul Huq held several key positions including Chief Minister of Bengal, Governor of East Pakistan, and Pakistan’s Home Minister. He is remembered for his role in the Lahore Resolution of 1940 and his lifelong advocacy for education and communal harmony.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip in parliament Nahid Islam paid tribute to Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq on his 64th death anniversary, describing him as a symbol of uncompromising struggle against injustice. In a Facebook post on Monday, Nahid Islam highlighted Huq’s lifelong dedication to the rights of farmers, workers, and the underprivileged.

He recalled that Huq abolished the zamindari system to free farmers from exploitation and played a vital role in establishing Dhaka University despite opposition from the then Calcutta civil society. Nahid Islam also noted Huq’s political foresight, mentioning his vision for multiple Muslim-majority states through the Lahore Resolution.

Criticizing a past authoritarian government, Nahid Islam said that attempts were made to deny Huq’s contributions, but the people of Bangladesh would never forget the leader who remained devoted to Bengal despite opportunities to rise in the politics of undivided India and Pakistan.

Three leaders from the BNP and its student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), have been expelled following an attack on the car of Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Masum Mostafa from Netrakona-5 constituency. The expulsions were announced on Sunday through separate press releases issued by the central offices of the two organizations.

According to the BNP’s statement signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Ishteak Ahmed Babu, joint convener of the BNP’s Purbadhala upazila unit, was expelled from all party positions and primary membership for alleged involvement in terrorism, sabotage, and breach of discipline. The JCD’s statement said its central leadership approved the expulsion of Sajju Ahmed, member secretary of the Purbadhala unit, and former joint convener Solaiman Kabir for organizational indiscipline. The JCD also instructed members to avoid any organizational contact with the expelled individuals.

The incident occurred on Friday evening at a filling station in Atkapara area, where MP Masum Mostafa’s car was attacked and vandalized. He later alleged that local BNP and its affiliates carried out the assault in a planned manner.

Shahadat Khondaker Manju has been appointed as the Barishal Divisional Organizing Secretary of Jatiyo Juboshokti. The announcement came during the organization’s first national council, where nine divisional organizing secretaries were selected. Tariqul Islam was named president, Engineer Farhad Sohel became general secretary, and Rifat Rashid was appointed as the central organizing secretary.

Other divisional organizing secretaries include Saiduzzaman Babu for Rangpur, Abu Sufian for Cumilla, Imandozza Ahmed for Sylhet, Iftekhar Sarkar Shawon for Rajshahi, Mahmudul Hasan Rakib for Mymensingh, Nazmul Haque for Khulna, Junayed Jitu for Faridpur, and Irfat Ibrahim for Chattogram. Several assistant organizing secretaries were also appointed.

Manju, a former central organizer from Bhola district, was active in the July mass uprising and currently serves as chief coordinator of the National Citizens’ Committee’s Tejgaon unit. Upon assuming his new role, he stated that he would focus on strengthening the organization’s grassroots structure through the formation and reorganization of district and upazila committees.

A Dhaka court has granted bail to Dhaka University Deputy Registrar Lavlu Molla Shishir, who was arrested as a suspect in the case over the attack on former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s motorcade. The order was issued on Sunday, April 26, 2026, by the 17th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Wahiduzzaman after a hearing. Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Prosecution Division Deputy Commissioner Mia Mohammad Ashis Bin Hasan confirmed the decision, noting that Shishir had served as president of the Masterda Surya Sen Hall unit of the Chhatra League during his student years. The bail bond has not yet been submitted to the court.

According to the case, on April 22, 2015, Khaleda Zia’s motorcade was attacked at the Banglamotor signal in Shahbagh while campaigning for BNP-backed mayoral candidate Tabith Awal in the Dhaka North City Corporation election. Vehicles were vandalized and several people were injured. Shishir was earlier detained after posting a social media image with the caption “I don’t care” following a verdict sentencing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a crimes against humanity case.

The court’s decision allows Shishir temporary release, though his bail completion remains pending until the bond is filed.

Divisions have emerged within the U.S. Democratic Party over whether to make removing President Donald Trump the main campaign issue in the upcoming midterm elections. While the party had previously focused on economic themes, recent events involving Trump’s threats against Iran, his controversial social media posts, and attacks on the Pope have prompted some Democrats to push for stronger action. About 40 percent of Democratic members in the House of Representatives have signed a bill to form a commission under the 25th Amendment to assess the president’s capacity, a process that could remove him without impeachment.

Other Democrats warn that focusing too much on Trump could overshadow voter concerns such as inflation and living costs. They note that two previous impeachment attempts failed to stop Trump, who was re-elected in 2024. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 77 percent of registered voters blame Trump for rising gasoline prices following the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Some Democrats, including Representative Henry Cuellar, urge prioritizing economic issues, while others, like Representative John Larson, continue to push impeachment proposals.

Republican strategists welcome the Democratic infighting, arguing it reinforces the perception that Trump is focused on the economy while Democrats remain fixated on him.

Two leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir were reportedly attacked by activists of Chhatra Dal in Rajarhat, Kurigram, on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred in front of Rajarhat School and College, leaving both Shibir leaders injured, one with a head wound. Locals alleged that police officers present at the scene did not intervene. The injured were admitted to Rajarhat Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

The victims were identified as Sujon Mia, president of Rajarhat Upazila West Thana unit of Shibir, and Samid Saki Mahin, Baitul Mal secretary of the Kurigram district school division. The clash reportedly stemmed from tensions over Facebook posts and comments, as well as an allegation of confining a leader of the Workers Welfare Federation. According to the complaint, several Chhatra Dal leaders, including Upazila convener Rubel Patwari and member secretary Mizanur Rahman Saddam, were involved.

Rajarhat police officer-in-charge Mamunur Rashid confirmed that the incident was linked to disputes over Facebook activity and said the situation was now under control, with no written complaint received yet.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar visited injured student Ashraful Islam at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Pangu Hospital) in Dhaka’s Shyamoli area on Sunday evening. Ashraful was injured in an armed attack at Chittagong City College on April 21 and is currently receiving treatment in Dhaka.

During the visit, Mia Golam Porwar spoke with doctors about Ashraful’s medical progress and spent some time by his bedside. He expressed sympathy to the student’s family and relatives, wishing Ashraful a quick recovery and encouraging them to remain patient and trust in God.

The visit highlighted Jamaat’s concern for the injured student following the reported attack at the college, which left Ashraful hospitalized for ongoing treatment.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar said that many who tried to eliminate Jamaat in the past were themselves eliminated or forced to flee the country. Speaking as chief guest at a Jamaat member training camp organized by the Sabujbagh-Mugda zone in Dhaka on Saturday night, he warned that those who attempt to destroy the party now or in the future will face the same fate. He accused BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir of signaling a shift toward fascism by declaring the intent to eliminate Jamaat.

Other Jamaat leaders, including Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan MP, Executive Council Member Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand, and Dhaka South Amir Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul MP, echoed similar sentiments. They described Jamaat as a disciplined ideological organization committed to defending people’s rights and accused both the Awami League and BNP of targeting it out of fear of its popularity.

Speakers also alleged that the government and BNP were moving toward fascism by ignoring public opinion and constitutional norms, while Jamaat vowed to continue its struggle for democratic rights.