Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Acting Commissioner Md. Sarwar announced that comprehensive security measures have been reinforced for the upcoming Pahela Baishakh celebrations. Speaking at a coordination meeting on April 8, 2026, at the DMP headquarters, he said that all security and intelligence agencies are working together to ensure a seamless safety plan across Dhaka during the Bengali New Year 1433 festivities.

The meeting focused on security and traffic management for various cultural events expected to draw large crowds across the city. Representatives from multiple agencies, including intelligence units, specialized police divisions, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, city corporations, Fire Service, WASA, and several cultural organizations such as Chhayanaut and Charukala Institute, attended the session. A detailed security plan was presented by DMP Joint Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah.

Officials emphasized that the goal is to ensure public safety, smooth movement, and minimal inconvenience for citizens during the celebrations, reflecting public trust in law enforcement.

A human chain in Khulna on April 8, 2026, criticized the government for not turning 16 key ordinances, including the Enforced Disappearance Prevention Ordinance, issued during the interim government, into law. The event was organized by the Khulna unit of the human rights organization Odhikar and began at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Khulna Press Club, ending with a rally and assembly at Picture Palace intersection.

Speakers said the government had pledged to present all interim ordinances, including those on enforced disappearance prevention and the Human Rights Commission, in parliament for enactment but failed to do so. They alleged that this inaction protects perpetrators of disappearances, killings, and torture, and betrays victims and their families. The speakers demanded immediate passage of the ordinances into law and accountability for those responsible, warning that failure to act could lead to the resurgence of authoritarian forces.

The event was chaired by journalist Muhammad Nuruzzaman, with several local human rights activists, journalists, and victims of enforced disappearance participating.

A platform named 'Movement for Implementation of Referendum Verdict' organized a torch procession in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area on Wednesday evening, April 8, demanding the swift execution of the recent referendum verdict. The procession began at the Science Laboratory Gate and ended at Shahbagh’s Shaheed Osman Hadi Square. Participants called for the formation of a constitutional reform council, enforcement of the ordinance against enforced disappearances, protection of human rights, and implementation of key anti-corruption measures.

In a brief speech after the march, Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) Social Service Secretary A.B. Zubair stated that ignoring the referendum verdict would mean denying the people’s sovereign power. He alleged that attempts were being made to weaken or nullify important ordinances, including those related to human rights and judicial independence. Zubair emphasized that nearly 70 percent of voters supported the referendum, calling it a decisive mandate.

He warned that continued delay in implementing the verdict would intensify the movement. The event concluded with a short rally at Shahbagh, attended by students from various institutions and members of the public.

At a roundtable discussion held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan questioned the Prime Minister, suggesting sarcastically that if criticism or satire against her is not allowed, a law should be enacted explicitly banning such actions. The event, titled 'Politics of Ordinance Repeal and Referendum Denial: Bangladesh in an Era of Parliamentary Autocracy,' was organized by the NCP Reform Implementation Committee.

Bhuiyan alleged that within two months of forming the government, the BNP had shown clear signs of repressive tendencies, citing the show-cause notices issued to 28 judges for private discussions and arrests over Facebook posts critical of the Prime Minister. He argued that the parliament had become ineffective due to the ruling party’s two-thirds majority, forcing the opposition to take to the streets.

Other speakers, including Badiul Alam Majumdar, Farida Akhter, and Dilara Chowdhury, criticized the government’s handling of the July Charter and referendum, warning that ignoring the referendum’s outcome and repealing key ordinances could deepen the national crisis and undermine democratic accountability.

A student of Dhaka University has begun an indefinite hunger strike demanding the implementation of the July Charter and the national referendum verdict. The protest started on Wednesday afternoon at the base of the Raju Sculpture near the TSC area. The striker, Md. Sadiq Munwar Munem, a student of International Relations and an executive member of the Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall Students’ Union, accused the government of undermining promises of reform and equality made for a new Bangladesh.

Munem’s demands include placing the referendum issues before parliament, converting key ordinances such as those on enforced disappearance prevention into bills, and announcing a clear roadmap for implementing the remaining points of the July Charter. Later in the evening, leaders of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and students from various departments expressed solidarity. DUCSU Social Service Secretary A.B. Zubair criticized the government for ignoring the referendum’s outcome despite broad public support.

Zubair warned that continued delay in implementing the referendum verdict could escalate the movement, potentially involving thousands of participants. Students present said they seek no further loss of life but are ready for stronger action if necessary.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central literature secretary, Saidul Islam, has called on the government to implement the full July Charter without delay, warning that ignoring the people’s referendum would provoke renewed mass protests. He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon in Dhaka while addressing a rally following a protest march organized by the organization’s Dhaka Metropolitan East branch. The demonstration was held to protest what the group described as government procrastination in implementing the people’s verdict expressed through a referendum.

The march began from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and concluded with a rally in front of the National Press Club. The event was presided over by Asif Abdullah, a central executive member and Daksu transport secretary, and conducted by metropolitan secretary Imdadul Haque Miazi. Central publication secretary Amirul Islam attended as a special guest. Speakers criticized the ruling party for allegedly rejecting reform proposals and accused it of betraying public trust.

Participants warned that failure to implement the July Charter in line with the 70% referendum mandate would lead to a nationwide movement involving students, families of martyrs, and the general public.

The Election Commission has announced that voting for the reserved women’s seats in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament will take place on May 12. Based on the results of the 13th parliamentary election, the BNP-led alliance is set to receive 36 of these seats. Speculation has been ongoing about who will be nominated from the alliance for these positions.

Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam stated that priority will be given to dedicated and experienced female leaders who have proven themselves through political struggle. He emphasized that those with long-standing contributions to politics and the ability to contribute effectively in parliament will be favored. He also expressed confidence that the parliamentary leader’s decision will ensure representation from all sections.

According to the announced schedule, nomination papers must be submitted by April 21, with scrutiny on April 22 and 23. Appeals regarding rejected nominations will be heard on April 26–28, withdrawal is set for April 29, and symbols will be allocated on April 30.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that countries supplying military weapons to Iran will face a 50 percent tariff on all goods sold to the United States. The declaration was made through a post on the social media platform Truth Social, where Trump stated that the measure would take effect immediately and that no exemptions or exceptions would be allowed.

The announcement marks a new trade restriction targeting nations involved in arms transactions with Iran. Trump emphasized that the policy applies to any country providing military equipment to Iran, signaling a strong economic response from Washington. The statement did not specify which countries might be affected or how enforcement would be carried out.

The post comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including reports of Israeli strikes in Gaza and diplomatic discussions involving Lebanon and Iran, though the tariff decision was presented as a separate U.S. policy move.

BNP lawmaker Mujibur Rahman from Gazipur-1 constituency has demanded official recognition of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the late Arafat Rahman Koko as 'child freedom fighters'. He made the demand during a discussion on the motion of thanks on the President’s address in the National Parliament on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Mujibur Rahman also called for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to be recognized as a full-fledged freedom fighter for her contribution during the Liberation War.

In his speech, the MP stated that Khaleda Zia and her two sons were held captive by Pakistani forces for nine months in 1971, demonstrating extraordinary patience and patriotism. He described their suffering as a rare example in history and insisted that his proposal was not political flattery but a historical truth.

He further emphasized that granting state honors to Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko as 'child freedom fighters' is now a demand of time, alongside recognizing Khaleda Zia’s role in the Liberation War.

Hasnat Abdullah, Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4 and chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in the southern region, has raised concerns about the state of judicial independence in Bangladesh. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, he questioned why 28 judges were issued show-cause notices for expressing opinions within their internal group. He described the move as alarming, suggesting that even constructive discussions among judges are no longer safe.

Abdullah stated that taking action against judges based on screenshots was an attempt to intimidate them, sending a clear message to remain silent. He noted that after August 5, there had been a sense that judges could think and write more freely, but recent developments have revived an atmosphere of fear. He warned that such pressure weakens the justice system and undermines public confidence in fair trials.

He emphasized that the issue concerns the entire judicial system, not individuals, and urged authorities to reconsider the decision, arguing that intimidation cannot strengthen the judiciary but only weakens it.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam stated that the sound system problem in Bangladesh’s National Parliament has become severe. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, he said that due to the ongoing session, no immediate action could be taken. He expressed frustration that the system does not function properly even inside the chamber. Nurul Islam revealed that the construction contract was awarded under a previous government without proper technical oversight, and that microphones of incorrect specifications were supplied.

He explained that the sound system project involved a tender worth Tk 3.84 crore, with two companies participating. The company that won the tender allegedly subcontracted the work to the losing bidder, which he described as a serious irregularity. He added that canceling the system now would disrupt parliamentary proceedings, but strict action would follow after the session ends.

Nurul Islam also discussed priorities for reserved women’s seats, emphasizing inclusion of long-time political activists. He further commented on the passage of several ordinances and confirmed that Parliament would hold two sessions on Friday.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and opposition lawmaker Hasanat Abdullah engaged in a heated exchange in Parliament on Wednesday, April 8, during the passage of the July Freedom Fighters Indemnity Bill. The dispute centered on allegations of political influence and control over the newly formed ad hoc committee of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and other key institutional positions.

Hasanat Abdullah accused the government of turning the BCB into a “father’s blessing cricket board” and claimed that Bangladesh Bank had also been taken over. In response, the Home Minister rejected the accusation, stating that no such “father’s or mother’s blessing committee” had been formed under the current administration. He countered that during the interim government, the then sports adviser had misused power to influence district committees and unilaterally form a BCB body.

Salahuddin Ahmed further alleged that during the interim government, Bangladesh Bank and universities were subjected to political control, which he said disrupted the economy. The Speaker later urged the minister to return to the bill discussion.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Shishir Muhammad Monir stated that the main challenge with the July Charter lies in its implementation process rather than its content. He made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “State Reform from July Spirit: Challenges and Prospects,” organized by the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir.

Monir alleged that the government altered the previously agreed framework for constitutional reform after the election, abandoning the planned referendum meant to gather public opinion on four key issues. He explained that the reform council was supposed to complete its work within 180 days and form a bicameral parliament, but the process stalled as council members did not take oath. Out of 84 reform proposals, 47 were constitutional and 37 non-constitutional, with 30 of the constitutional ones reaching consensus.

He emphasized the need for structural reforms to overcome political stagnation, including limiting the prime minister’s tenure and separating party and government leadership. Monir also warned that weak state institutions allow hidden forces to influence governance and urged young people to prepare for ethical leadership in the future.

The Bangladesh Parliament has passed the July Uprising Protection and Liability Determination Bill 2026. The bill was introduced by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday, April 8, and was approved unanimously by voice vote. The legislation provides legal immunity to participants of the July uprising by enabling the withdrawal of all civil and criminal cases filed against them.

According to the law, all related allegations will be annulled following prescribed procedures, and no new legal action can be initiated against individuals involved in the uprising. This effectively grants full legal protection to those associated with the event.

Earlier, the Parliament also passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance Bill 2026, which legally allows the government to ban any political party or organization accused of involvement in terrorism. This amendment ensures the legal basis for prohibiting political activities of the ousted Awami League.

NCP Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah has sharply criticized the formation of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), alleging that it has become politically biased. Speaking in the national parliament on Wednesday during discussions on the 'July Uprising (Protection and Liability Determination) Bill,' he claimed that the BCB is no longer a national institution but has turned into a partisan entity. Abdullah also demanded that the Human Rights Commission Ordinance be passed as a bill before approving the current legislation.

He accused the government of politicizing constitutional institutions, citing examples such as the Bangladesh Bank and the cricket board. In response, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed countered that former interim government sports adviser Asif Mahmud had exercised government powers over councilors and conducted a one-sided voting process for the cricket board while a related High Court petition remained pending.

The exchange highlighted growing political tensions over control of national institutions, with the BCB becoming a focal point of debate in parliament.