The Bangladesh Parliament session was suspended for 40 minutes on Sunday, April 5, 2026, after a technical fault disrupted the sound system. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed made the decision when the issue prevented members from hearing speeches during the session. The problem arose shortly after two bills were passed following the afternoon prayer break. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni began addressing the presence of a group of July fighters in the VIP gallery, but his remarks could not be heard properly.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and ruling party members welcomed the July fighters by tapping on their desks, but opposition members were unable to participate effectively due to the malfunction. The Speaker noted that his own microphone was not working and that he could not hear the proceedings. He then adjourned the session at 5:55 p.m. for 40 minutes, allocating 20 minutes for the Maghrib prayer and another 20 minutes to fix the sound system.

The session was expected to resume once the technical issue was resolved and the prayer break concluded.

Israeli police conducted an operation to disperse an anti-war protest in Tel Aviv, detaining several demonstrators including Alon-Lee Green, leader of the Jewish-Arab movement 'Standing Together'. The protesters had gathered to oppose Israel’s ongoing war, attacks on neighboring countries, and destruction in Gaza. They chanted slogans demanding an end to the war and aggression, accusing authorities of suppressing dissent. Police reportedly used force to break up the rally and arrested multiple participants.

According to the report, the detainees were held on buses after their arrest. During this time, air raid sirens sounded in the area, but police allegedly prevented them from reaching nearby shelters, escalating tensions. Human rights groups and activists claim that arrests, use of force, and dispersal of gatherings are increasingly being used to suppress anti-war protests, even as public opposition continues to grow.

Recent weeks have seen similar crackdowns across Israel, with numerous arrests reported during other anti-war demonstrations.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the government is working on police reform but emphasized that such changes cannot happen overnight. He made the remarks on Sunday, April 5, during a courtesy meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at his official residence on Bailey Road in Dhaka. The discussion covered law and order, police reform, the establishment of an independent police commission, the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, the enforced disappearance prevention ordinance, and the Rohingya issue.

During the meeting, the UNDP’s resident representative assured cooperation in police reform and highlighted the organization’s long-standing contribution to forming the National Human Rights Commission. The representative noted that UNDP assisted in drafting the commission’s ordinance, incorporating international best practices. The minister said the ordinance is closely linked with the creation of an independent police commission and will be presented to parliament after necessary review.

On the enforced disappearance ordinance, the minister said it would also be tabled in parliament after further scrutiny. He added that some definitions in the draft make identifying the actual perpetrators difficult and shared his own experience of disappearance. He also clarified that the Armed Police Battalion in Rohingya camps is not an investigative body but promised stronger camp security.

Bangladesh’s National Parliament has passed the Government Service (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at preventing protests and disciplinary breaches among civil servants. The bill, introduced by State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari, was approved by voice vote on Sunday without any discussion. Opposition members abstained from voting. It took three minutes and thirty-five seconds to pass, marking the first bill approved in the current thirteenth parliament session.

The bill transforms an ordinance issued by the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus into law. It defines four types of misconduct, including disobedience, collective absence from duty, incitement to avoid work, and obstruction of others’ duties. Penalties include suspension, dismissal, and demotion in pay or grade. The interim government had issued the ordinance in two phases in May and July 2025, and it now awaits presidential approval to become law.

According to the minister, the legislation aims to strengthen discipline and accountability within the civil service and facilitate legal action in related matters.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that mass media and social media play a vital role in shaping people's minds. Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of six short-term courses at the Bangladesh Cinema and Television Institute (BCTI) on Sunday, he noted that the growing influence of these platforms makes establishing ethical control one of the major challenges of the time.

The minister explained that people naturally tend to listen, understand, and believe others, which allows influential figures to shape public thinking. While this can have positive effects, it also carries risks of misuse. He emphasized that film is a powerful medium capable of deeply affecting emotions and urged that its power be used for the welfare of humanity and civilization.

In his address, Swapan advised participating students to balance technical knowledge with ethical standards and a sense of responsibility. He formally inaugurated the six short-term courses and thanked all involved in organizing the event.

A Dhaka court has acquitted former Shariatpur-1 MP and Awami League organizational secretary BM Mozammel Haque in a case filed over an alleged demand for Tk 25 lakh in extortion. The verdict was delivered on Sunday, April 5, 2026, by Judge Mahmuda Akhter of Dhaka’s 14th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Court. Despite the acquittal, Mozammel will not be released from prison as he faces several other pending cases, according to his lawyer Md Liton Mia.

The case was filed by businessman Khalilur Rahman, who alleged that before the 2014 national election, Mozammel demanded Tk 25 lakh for election expenses and threatened to abduct him if he failed to pay. Rahman later claimed that Mozammel used political influence to disrupt his business in Shariatpur. The case was lodged on August 24, 2024, after the fall of the Awami League government. Mozammel was arrested by the Detective Branch from Dhaka’s Niketan area on October 5, 2025, and has been in custody since then.

The trial began on April 1, 2026, when the complainant told the court he had no objection to Mozammel’s acquittal, leading to the verdict announced four days later.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmad Azam Khan informed the National Parliament on April 5, 2026, that 481 individuals falsely listed as freedom fighters had their gazettes canceled between August 2024 and March 2026. The cancellations followed investigations and verifications conducted across the country. The announcement came in response to a notice from Sylhet-3 MP Md. Abdul Malik during the eighth day of the 13th Parliament’s first session, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram.

MP Abdul Malik alleged that during the previous government, many fake freedom fighters were politically enlisted, depriving genuine veterans of recognition and benefits. He cited widespread misuse of state facilities, particularly in Sylhet’s Balaganj and South Surma areas. In reply, the minister said that identifying such fraudulent entries is an ongoing process handled by the National Freedom Fighters Council’s subcommittee, which cancels certificates and gazettes once allegations are proven.

The minister also pledged to expedite the handover of the South Surma Freedom Fighters Complex and to include Balaganj and Fenchuganj complexes in government development plans. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to honoring genuine freedom fighters and ensuring they receive proper recognition and digital identification.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita conducted an unannounced inspection at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Sunday to oversee overall operations. During the visit, she reviewed the cargo terminal’s activities and instructed officials and staff to ensure quick and harassment-free cargo clearance following proper procedures. She emphasized that under the new democratic government, cargo transport operations would be made completely free from harassment, with a strict ‘zero tolerance’ policy against corruption.

The minister also inspected the Biman Bangladesh Airlines hangar complex, where she inquired about the technical condition of the Boeing 787-9 aircraft of flight BG 202. She directed engineers and officials to complete maintenance of the central hydraulic system promptly to make the aircraft airworthy again. Afroza Khanam Rita personally examined the aircraft’s cabin and cockpit to assess the functionality of various instruments and panels.

Senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, including Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines were present during the inspection.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed met with a delegation led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Stefan Liller at his official residence on Bailey Road on April 5, 2026. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including law and order, police reform, the establishment of an independent police commission, the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, the Prevention and Remedy of Enforced Disappearances Ordinance, and the Rohingya issue.

During the meeting, the minister emphasized that police reform is an ongoing process and that Bangladesh believes in gradual improvement. He noted that UNDP could assist in strengthening police capacity and restructuring efforts. The UNDP representative assured continued cooperation, highlighting the organization’s long-standing involvement with the National Human Rights Commission and its contribution to drafting the related ordinance.

The Home Minister stated that both the Human Rights Commission and Enforced Disappearances ordinances would be presented to Parliament after further review. He also clarified that the Armed Police Battalion deployed in Rohingya camps is not an investigative body but assured that security measures there would be further strengthened.

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a directive requiring voters in the upcoming Bogura-6 by-election to apply indelible ink on the opposite hand from the one used during the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on February 12. The by-election is scheduled for April 9, and the EC has sent letters to returning officers instructing them to follow this guideline. The rule applies specifically to voters who already have ink marks from the previous election.

According to the EC notification, voters who did not cast their ballots in the February 12 election will continue under the previous ink-use instructions. The Bogura-6 by-election will feature candidates Md. Abidur Rahman from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Md. Rezaul Karim Badsha from the BNP, and Al Alim Talukder from the Bangladesh Development Party.

The seat became vacant after BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, who won both Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 constituencies, chose to retain Dhaka-17. The EC subsequently declared Bogura-6 vacant and announced a new schedule. The same-day Sherpur-3 general election will not follow this ink-hand rule.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended a prayer gathering held for the late Dilara Hafiz, wife of National Parliament Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom. The prayer took place after Maghrib prayers on Saturday, April 5, at the mosque inside the National Parliament complex in Dhaka.

Dilara Hafiz had passed away earlier in Singapore while undergoing medical treatment. According to the report, she died at 1:29 p.m. local time on Saturday at Singapore General Hospital at the age of 78. She is survived by her husband, one son, one daughter, grandchildren, and numerous admirers.

The event was organized to pray for the salvation of her soul, reflecting respect and remembrance for the Speaker’s late spouse.

Mahdi Amin, an adviser to the Prime Minister, and Abu Abdullah M. Saleh (Shibli), the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, have been appointed as official spokespersons of the Prime Minister’s Office. The announcement was made through a government notification issued on Sunday, stating that under Rule 28(4) of the Rules of Business, 1996, both officials will handle the dissemination of official information to the press, media, and other platforms.

Mahdi Amin, who holds the rank of minister of state, oversees the ministries of Education, Primary and Mass Education, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Labour and Employment. He previously served as a key member and spokesperson of the BNP’s central election management committee during the 13th national election and has contributed to policy discussions on education, employment, and inclusive development. Saleh Shibli, a veteran journalist, has worked with several major media outlets and served in various press roles, including as Press Secretary to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman.

Both officials have long-standing professional ties with the current Prime Minister and are expected to coordinate official communications from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has appointed four judicial magistrates to oversee and curb electoral offences in the upcoming by-elections for Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3 constituencies, scheduled for April 9. The appointments were confirmed on April 5 through a notification issued by Mohammad Didar Hossain, Deputy Secretary of the EC’s Law Branch. The magistrates will conduct summary trials under the Representation of the People Order and Section 190 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and submit reports to the Commission. They will serve from April 7 to 11.

The appointed magistrates include Md. Mehedi Hasan and Md. Kamal Hossain for Bogura, and Md. Sultan Mahmud Milon and Md. Hasan Bhuiyan for Sherpur. Earlier, the EC had deployed 20 executive magistrates to ensure compliance with the electoral code of conduct in these constituencies.

The Bogura-6 seat became vacant after BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, who won the February 12 election, retained another constituency. The Sherpur-3 election was rescheduled after a candidate’s death during the same national polls.

Bangladesh’s Law Minister Asaduzzaman stated in parliament on April 5, 2026, that those involved in enforced disappearances will not escape justice. Responding to a question from MP Mir Ahmad Bin Kasem Arman during the eighth day of the 13th National Parliament’s first session, he referenced more than 700 victims of enforced disappearance, including the current Home Minister, and emphasized that offenders would not evade legal accountability.

The minister explained that the government is reviewing the Human Rights Commission Act and the Enforced Disappearance Prevention Act to ensure consistency with the International Crimes Tribunal Act of 1973, which already defines enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity. He noted that the proposed ordinance allows for a maximum sentence of ten years, while the ICT Act provides for life imprisonment or the death penalty, creating a need for harmonization.

Asaduzzaman added that the laws will be revised to make them more contemporary, welfare-oriented, and justice-focused. He said discussions with stakeholders would take place later in the session to finalize a bill ensuring that no offender can escape punishment.

Opposition members of parliament held a meeting at the National Parliament building ahead of the scheduled session on Sunday afternoon. The meeting took place at 2:30 p.m. in the opposition conference room on the ninth floor of the west block of the Parliament complex. It was chaired by the Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman.

During the meeting, participants discussed various issues, including the opposition’s role in the ongoing parliamentary session. The opposition leader provided guidance to the attending members of parliament on related matters. Following the meeting, the MPs joined the parliamentary session, which began at 3:30 p.m.

The meeting was part of the opposition’s preparations to coordinate their activities and positions during the current session of the National Parliament.