A clash broke out between two groups of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) during a footpath eviction drive in the Shimrail area of Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, on Sunday noon. The operation, led by the district administration and the Roads and Highways Department, aimed to remove illegal structures along both sides of the Dhaka–Chattogram highway. Assistant Commissioner (Executive Magistrate) Shamit Raja and several law enforcement agencies, including police and Ansar members, were present during the drive.

Witnesses reported that tension arose before the operation began, as rival BNP factions gathered in the area. Supporters of former district BNP acting convener Monirul Islam Robi’s son, youth leader Riazul Islam Rinaz, and former city Chhatra Dal vice president Abdul Kadir’s group engaged in verbal disputes that escalated into chasing and counter-chasing. Police intervened with baton charges to disperse both sides and restore order.

Siddhirganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdul Barik stated that the clash was not directly related to the eviction drive but stemmed from a dispute over control of a microbus stand. Additional police have been deployed, and the situation is now under control.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for united cooperation from people of all religions to build a happy and prosperous 'Better Bangladesh'. He made the appeal on Sunday at the Cabinet Division conference room in the Secretariat during a greeting and exchange meeting with Christian community representatives marking Easter Sunday. According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, a 13-member delegation led by Philip P. Adhikari, President of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Bangladesh, met the Prime Minister and exchanged greetings.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized equal respect and love for all religions, stating that religion belongs to individuals but the country belongs to everyone. He noted that national progress requires unity beyond religious and ethnic lines. Referring to the recent national election, he said that voters from all faiths supported the BNP, disproving earlier assumptions. He also described the fragile state of the economy and infrastructure when his government took office and mentioned preparations to address energy challenges arising from the Israel-Iran conflict.

Christian leaders praised government welfare initiatives and requested reserved parliamentary seats for Christian women and a public holiday on Easter Sunday. The Prime Minister assured that their demands would be considered.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka on Sunday, April 5, 2026. The meeting was confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman. During the meeting, both sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest.

As part of the meeting, Ambassador Christensen presented the Prime Minister with two historical photographs and a replica of the White House. One photograph featured the late President Ziaur Rahman with former US President Jimmy Carter, while the other showed former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia with former US President George H. W. Bush. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir were also present at the meeting.

The meeting underscored the continuation of diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and the United States, reflecting ongoing interest in strengthening bilateral relations.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met with French Ambassador Jean-Marc Serre-Charles at his office in Dhaka to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and France. The meeting focused on expanding existing collaboration and reviewing progress on ongoing development projects.

During the discussion, Minister Alamgir described France as an important development partner for Bangladesh and emphasized the need to broaden cooperation, particularly in rural development, infrastructure, and rural connectivity. He highlighted the potential for French support in improving inter-district communication in underdeveloped regions and presented related challenges and development needs to the ambassador.

Ambassador Serre-Charles praised the existing partnership and expressed France’s interest in deepening engagement with Bangladesh’s development journey. He noted particular optimism about enhancing cooperation in rural communication systems and safe water supply. Senior officials from the ministry and relevant departments were also present at the meeting.

Eight platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency to maintain law and order ahead of the upcoming by-election. The deployment began on April 2 and will continue until April 11. From April 3, BGB members started active patrols and security operations from three base camps in Bogura Sadar upazila.

Returning Officer Fazlul Karim stated that the BGB was deployed to ensure overall election security and will act as a striking force if necessary. The force will remain active before, during, and after the voting day as per the Election Commission’s decision. Additional measures, including the appointment of executive magistrates, have also been taken to strengthen security.

The by-election was called after the seat became vacant when Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman resigned following his election on February 12. Voting will take place on April 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with three candidates contesting and a total of 454,043 registered voters across 150 polling centers.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that there is no secret agreement between Bangladesh and the United States. He made the remarks on Sunday at the Secretariat after a meeting with the Prime Minister, responding to questions from journalists. The minister said that the U.S. ambassador had paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, during which both sides discussed continued cooperation on development and support for Rohingya refugees.

Dr. Rahman added that the United States would assist Bangladesh in ensuring energy security. He reiterated that no secret deal exists between the two countries. Addressing questions about oil imports, he mentioned that many countries face restrictions on purchasing oil from Russia, and Bangladesh would seek to buy oil from affordable sources.

The statements came amid ongoing discussions about Bangladesh’s international partnerships and energy strategies, with the government emphasizing transparency in its foreign engagements.

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abu Fazal Md. Sanaullah warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found negligent in performing their duties. He made the remarks on Sunday morning during a meeting in Bogura with law enforcement, vigilance and observation teams, and other related officials ahead of the Bogura-6 by-election.

Sanaullah stated that the 13th National Parliamentary Election had been conducted peacefully and without conflict, and the by-election should be treated with equal importance. He emphasized that previous controversies arose due to the carelessness of some presiding officers, which must not be repeated. He urged all concerned to remain alert to ensure a fair and orderly election process.

The commissioner also highlighted the issue of illegal and missing firearms, noting that more than four hundred pistols remain unaccounted for. He instructed law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant to prevent any misuse of such weapons. The meeting was chaired by District Commissioner Md. Toufiqur Rahman and attended by senior officials from the Election Commission, Ansar, BGB, and police.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Additional IGP Md Ahsan Habib Palash said that the tribunal handling cases related to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings involving RAB has not yet sought any assistance. He stated that if the tribunal requests help, RAB will provide full cooperation. The statement came during a media briefing held on Sunday afternoon at the RAB Media Centre in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka.

During the briefing, the RAB chief emphasized that the force remains committed to ensuring public safety and will continue its operations to protect citizens. He reiterated RAB’s dedication to maintaining security and serving the people.

The remarks come amid ongoing tribunal proceedings concerning allegations of enforced disappearances and killings, highlighting RAB’s stated willingness to cooperate with judicial processes if formally approached.

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has announced financial assistance for the victims of the recent fire at a gaslight factory in Kadamtali, Keraniganj. Each family of the deceased will receive 200,000 taka, while injured workers will get up to 100,000 taka for medical treatment. The minister visited the burnt factory site on Saturday, expressed condolences to the victims’ families, and later met with injured workers at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.

During his visit, Chowdhury instructed hospital authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured and assured full government support. He also declared a special fund under the Bangladesh Workers Welfare Foundation to provide the announced assistance. To determine the cause of the fire and identify those responsible, he ordered the formation of a five-member investigation committee led by a joint secretary of his ministry.

The committee has been directed to submit a detailed report within five working days, while the Dhaka district commissioner has been asked to provide a separate report on the incident.

Sixteen platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in the Sherpur-3 (Sreebardi-Jhenaigati) constituency to maintain law and order during the national parliamentary by-election. Sherpur District Election Officer and Returning Officer Mohammad Jahangir Hossain confirmed the deployment, stating that the BGB will operate as both mobile and static forces from April 4 to April 11, covering the election day on April 9.

According to the Election Commission, the Sherpur-3 constituency lies near the border, where the army is legally restricted from operating within eight kilometers of the frontier. Therefore, BGB forces have been assigned instead. Around 320 BGB members are participating, supported by ten Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) teams and four reserve teams to strengthen election security.

The by-election was rescheduled after the death of Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Nuruzzaman Badol, which led to the postponement of the February 12 election. The constituency, comprising 17 unions and one municipality across two upazilas, has 128 polling centers serving 413,377 registered voters.

Ishaq bin Salim Al-Siyabi, former vice president of Oman’s Shura Council, has called for a ban on all US products, accusing the United States of betrayal. In a post on social media platform X, he alleged that the US had acted treacherously during discussions aimed at resolving disputes and achieving lasting peace for all parties.

Al-Siyabi wrote that the United States was carrying out open, hateful, and unjust aggression against innocent people whose only crime was their desire for a dignified and peaceful life. He argued that there were now strong reasons to impose sanctions on all American goods.

Oman previously served as a mediator between the United States and Iran during the 2015 nuclear deal negotiations and has since attempted mediation in other regional matters, though with limited success, according to the report.

The postponed 13th parliamentary election for Sherpur-3 (Sreebardi-Jhenaigati) constituency is set for April 9, 2026, and candidates are in the final stretch of campaigning. BNP’s Mahmudul Haque Rubel, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Masudur Rahman Masud, and BSD (Marxist)’s Mohammad Mizanur Rahman are contesting. Candidates are holding rallies, small meetings, and door-to-door visits, promising local development and outlining their future plans.

BNP’s Rubel, a three-time former MP, is leading a family-driven campaign to reclaim what was once a BNP stronghold, with his wife, daughter, and son engaging different voter groups. Jamaat’s Masud, a retired army officer and brother of late leader Nuruzzaman Badol, is leveraging his family’s legacy and organized party base. Voters report that the race is highly competitive, with both BNP and Jamaat maintaining strong support networks.

The election was rescheduled after Jamaat’s previous nominee died in February. Observers note that the outcome could reshape local political dynamics in Sherpur’s Sreebardi and Jhenaigati upazilas.

Sunamganj-1 Member of Parliament Kamruzzaman Kamrul said he aims to change the neglected haor region’s condition through development in education, health, and communication. Speaking at a meeting with local print and electronic media workers in Sunamganj city on Saturday night, he described the area as underdeveloped and said people elected him to bring change. He added that he had spoken to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who he said is sincere about improving the lives of haor residents.

Kamrul noted that waterlogging often destroys crops in the haor, causing suffering for farmers. He said he has been visiting the area frequently and trying to support farmers. Responding to criticism from some farmers, he said their expectations are high and that constructive criticism helps him stay on the right path. He emphasized that he prefers to remain close to ordinary people and will work to establish industries to create employment in the haor.

The MP also expressed concern over the environmental degradation of Tanguar Haor and pledged to develop it in an eco-friendly manner with advice from local stakeholders.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has dismissed as false a social media post claiming that its senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi instructed people not to use lights and fans at home after evening without reason. The party clarified that Rizvi made no such statement and described the circulated message as fabricated and malicious. The clarification came through a press release signed by BNP assistant office secretary Md. Munir on Saturday night.

According to the statement, a vested group has been spreading the false claim on Facebook, online platforms, and YouTube, alleging that BNP’s student and youth wings would monitor compliance. The party said this allegation is entirely baseless and intended to mislead the public.

Rizvi urged citizens and BNP members not to be confused by such fabricated information and advised everyone to remain alert against misinformation.

Student leaders at Rajshahi University (RU) have expressed a collective desire to maintain peaceful coexistence and democratic practices on campus following the 13th national election. Once a hotspot for political violence and dominance, the campus now shows signs of stability, with fewer incidents of clashes, seat trading, and showdowns. Leaders from various student organizations said they aim to focus on campus development, administrative transparency, and increased education funding in the national budget.

Representatives from groups including the Bangladesh Student Federation, Pahari Chhatra Parishad, Socialist Student Front, Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, Chhatra Dal, and Islami Chhatra Shibir shared their perspectives. They acknowledged past violence and dominance but noted that the post-election environment has remained largely peaceful. Some leaders called for justice for past incidents, neutral investigations, and a more accountable administration.

Student leaders believe that sustaining this cooperative approach could transform RU into a model of stability and democratic coexistence. They emphasized that universities should prioritize knowledge, equality, and student welfare over political control or violence.