The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has started selling nomination forms for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the process at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, on Friday morning. The sale will continue until Sunday, April 12. Each form costs 2,000 taka, with an additional 50,000 taka required as a security deposit. Rizvi said that priority will be given to women who played significant roles in past movements, possess strong educational backgrounds, and have the ability to speak effectively in parliament.

He added that the party’s parliamentary board will decide on the final nominations and urged all aspirants to maintain party discipline. Rizvi emphasized the need for vibrant parliamentary discussions as a core strength of democracy. The Election Commission has scheduled the reserved women’s seat election for May 12, with nomination submissions closing on April 21 and symbol allocation on April 30.

According to the announced schedule, the 13th Parliament will include 50 reserved seats for women, with the BNP alliance holding 36, the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance 13, and independents one.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has started selling nomination forms for reserved women’s seats at its central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka. The process began on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11 a.m., with each form priced at 2,000 taka. Interested candidates can collect and submit their forms by April 12, along with a 50,000 taka security deposit.

Earlier, the Election Commission announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seat election for the 13th National Parliament. According to the schedule, the last date for submitting nomination papers is April 21, with scrutiny on April 22 and 23. Appeals can be filed on April 26 and resolved by April 28. The withdrawal deadline is April 29, symbols will be allocated on April 30, and voting will take place on May 12.

Out of 350 parliamentary seats, 50 are reserved for women. The BNP-led alliance will receive 36 of these seats, 13 will go to allied parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, and one seat is designated for independent candidates.

Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a protest rally and procession to be held on Friday after Juma prayers at the north gate of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram in Dhaka. The demonstration is being organized to protest alleged vote rigging, polling center occupation, and attacks on party activists during the suspended election in Sherpur and the by-election in Bogura. Jamaat’s Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar will attend the event as the chief guest, alongside central and metropolitan leaders.

The announcement was confirmed by Muhammad Delawar Hossain, publicity and media secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South Jamaat, who informed the media about the planned gathering. The protest reflects the party’s demand for the cancellation of the Sherpur and Bogura elections, which it claims were marred by irregularities and violence against its members.

The event underscores Jamaat-e-Islami’s continued political mobilization around alleged electoral misconduct and its call for accountability in the recent local and by-elections.

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has denied having any connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking at the White House, she said she had no relationship with Epstein and was unaware of his crimes. Her comments came after a photo showing her with Epstein circulated online, drawing widespread criticism. The 55-year-old First Lady called the claims false and urged an end to what she described as unethical and disrespectful rumors.

Melania stated that she met her husband Donald Trump two years before she ever met Epstein and clarified that Epstein did not introduce them. She also said she was never a victim of Epstein, never boarded his plane, and never visited his private island. It remains unclear why she chose to speak publicly about the issue at this time, as she did not refer to any specific allegations.

Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of trafficking and sexually abusing minors. His case continues to be a major topic in U.S. political discussions.

India’s state assembly elections began on Thursday with voting held in Assam, Kerala, and the union territory of Puducherry. Millions of voters participated in the first phase, marking the start of four key regional elections this month. The Election Commission announced that results for all five participating regions will be declared on May 4. A total of 296 seats were contested on the first day, including 126 in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 in Puducherry.

The commission reported that 174 million voters are eligible across the five regions, representing about 18 percent of India’s electorate. The elections take place amid an energy shortage linked to the Middle East conflict. Assam remains under BJP control, while Puducherry is governed by a coalition including the party. However, the BJP has never formed governments in West Bengal, Kerala, or Tamil Nadu, where it faces strong regional rivals.

Opposition parties view the elections as a test of unity against the BJP’s dominance. The vote also comes amid controversy over the Special Intensive Revision process, which opposition groups allege has unfairly removed Muslim voters from rolls—an accusation denied by both the BJP and the Election Commission.

Chattogram South District BNP president and Patiya Shahchand Auliya Kamil Madrasa vice president Alhaj Idris Mia alleged that Bangladesh’s madrasa education system was destroyed under India’s prescription. He made the remarks on April 9 during a farewell ceremony for 2024 Kamil (postgraduate) students at Shahchand Auliya Kamil Madrasa in Patiya. Idris Mia said that in the past, madrasa education had been made weak and neglected.

He stated that the current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working according to the Madina Charter and a 31-point reform plan. He mentioned that family and agriculture cards are being distributed nationwide and that the government has begun initiatives to improve education quality. He urged students to prove their merit through public examinations such as the BCS and dedicate themselves to national service.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Patiya) Noman Mohammad, speaking as a special guest, emphasized the importance of achieving strong positions in life and developing both education and skills to become enlightened citizens.

India has welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States, Israel, and Iran but made no mention of Pakistan’s role in facilitating the truce. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement supporting the ceasefire and expressing hope for lasting peace in West Asia, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. However, the statement omitted any reference to Pakistan, which several world leaders have praised for mediating the agreement.

The omission has drawn criticism from India’s opposition parties and analysts, who described it as a diplomatic setback. Congress leader Rashid Alvi said Pakistan’s role should have been India’s, while former foreign secretary Nirupama Menon Rao urged India to clarify its position and support de-escalation without aligning with any side. Analysts such as Ashok Swain and Abhinav Singh argued that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attempt to isolate Pakistan has instead left India diplomatically sidelined.

Commentators noted that Pakistan’s mediation has enhanced its global standing, while India’s silence has raised questions about its regional influence and foreign policy direction.

BNP’s women leaders in Bogra have stepped up their activities to secure party nominations for reserved seats in the national parliament. The political atmosphere in the district has become more active following the upcoming by-election in the Sadar constituency. At least ten leaders are reportedly preparing for nomination, with six names gaining particular attention as they maintain communication from grassroots to central levels.

Among the prominent figures are Advocate Shahajadi Laila Arjuman Banu, acting president of the district women’s wing, and former reserved seat MP Nur Afroz Begum Jyoti, both of whom have long political experience. Other contenders include Nazma Akhter, Nihar Sultana Tithi, Suraiya Jerin Roni, and Advocate Rahima Khatun Mary, all holding or having held key positions in the district women’s committee. Each is emphasizing their political experience, activism, and loyalty to strengthen their case for nomination.

District BNP president Rezaul Karim Badsha stated that the party’s high command will make the final decision based on merit and dedication.

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, has refused India’s proposal to move to a third country such as Qatar. She fled to India on August 5, 2024, following a nationwide uprising that forced her from power and has remained in Delhi since then. Despite repeated requests from the Bangladeshi government for her repatriation, New Delhi has declined, creating a diplomatic dilemma for the Modi administration.

Analysts note that India’s stance has become contradictory. While the government publicly campaigns against illegal immigration from Bangladesh, it continues to shelter Hasina and other former Bangladeshi leaders who entered without proper documentation. This inconsistency, they argue, undermines India’s credibility both domestically and in its relations with Dhaka.

Diplomatic sources suggest India initially sought to reorganize Bangladesh’s Awami League leadership through intermediaries but failed due to Hasina’s firm refusal to cooperate. Observers believe her continued stay has turned into a political burden for India, complicating its efforts to balance regional diplomacy and internal policy narratives.

Bangladesh’s interim government has introduced major reforms in Hajj management for 2025 and 2026, focusing on transparency, cost reduction, and administrative efficiency. Under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the government enforced strict anti-corruption measures, cancelled licenses of errant agencies, and enhanced oversight. The ‘Labbayk’ mobile app was launched to streamline registration, flight information, and emergency support. Around 87,000 pilgrims successfully completed Hajj in 2025, with improved services including trained guides, medical centers, and digital tracking.

Financial transparency was strengthened through refunding surplus funds to pilgrims and recovering about 380 million taka from Saudi accounts of Hajj agencies. The government reduced airfare by about 40,000 taka over two years and set the 2026 minimum Hajj package at 467,167 taka, significantly easing financial pressure on pilgrims. It also decided not to send anyone on government expense, ensuring fairness and cost control.

A sudden Saudi decision to cut Bangladesh’s Hajj quota from 80,000 to 60,000 was later reversed through diplomatic engagement, restoring the full quota. Officials described the 2026 preparations as disciplined, technology-driven, and among the most successful in the country’s history.

An eleven-party alliance in Rangpur city distributed leaflets on Thursday evening demanding the implementation of the recent referendum verdict. The campaign took place around the Rangpur Press Club and Jahaj Company intersection, with leaders from various parties including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party participating.

During the event, Rangpur city Jamaat-e-Islami chief ATM Azam Khan alleged that despite the February 12 election result supporting the formation of a Constitutional Reform Council, the government has ignored the public mandate. He accused the authorities of betraying the people by disregarding the referendum outcome and obstructing state reform efforts. Khan further claimed that the government’s unilateral decisions undermine democratic values and weaken judicial independence and constitutional neutrality.

He warned that if the government delays implementing the referendum verdict, a mass movement will be launched. The alliance leaders urged citizens to unite for the realization of the referendum’s mandate through continued public awareness efforts.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North unit held a leaflet distribution program at Moghbazar intersection in the capital on Thursday afternoon. The event was inaugurated by Mohammad Selim Uddin, a central executive council member and the unit’s amir. He stated that the people had spontaneously given a historic public mandate in favor of implementing the July Charter and demanded that the government fully implement it, including every detail. He warned that otherwise, the people would be compelled to enforce the mandate themselves.

The campaign was part of an 11-party initiative aimed at raising public awareness under the slogan calling for the immediate convening of the Constitutional Reform Council, implementation of the referendum verdict, and resolution of the energy crisis. Several central and local Jamaat leaders attended the event. Selim Uddin criticized the government for allegedly ignoring the referendum results, claiming that about 70 percent of voters had supported it. He accused the authorities of attempting to undermine the public verdict through authoritarian means.

He urged the government to act wisely and return to a positive course before it is too late, emphasizing that conscious citizens would resist any attempt to subvert the people’s will.

Police in Chattogram’s Bayezid area have arrested Sadeq Abdullah, a leader linked to the July Movement, in connection with a case filed by the Muniria Youth Tabligh, a religious organization based in Raozan. The case involves allegations of bribing a prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal. Bayezid police said Abdullah was wanted under a court warrant issued in the case and would be handed over to Raozan police.

The Muniria Youth Tabligh, associated with the Awami League, has long faced criticism for alleged land grabbing, intimidation, and militant activities under a religious guise. Its leader, Munir Ullah, has been accused of various irregularities. Abdullah, a student of Haji Muhammad Mohsin College and linked to Islami Chhatra Shibir, was an active participant in the 2024 July–August student movement.

Family members and political figures, including a senior official of the National Citizen Party, condemned the arrest, calling it politically motivated and demanding Abdullah’s release within 24 hours. Police maintained that the arrest was carried out strictly under judicial orders.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has described the verdict in the Abu Sayeed murder case as a significant advancement in the judicial process. The party made the statement on Thursday, emphasizing that the ruling marks progress in addressing the killing of students and civilians during the July uprising. It also urged the government to swiftly arrest the fugitives still at large.

Party joint secretary general and spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman said only two of the 25 accused have been arrested, while the rest remain absconding. The tribunal sentenced two police officers to death and handed various prison terms to 25 individuals, including a former assistant police commissioner, a former metropolitan police commissioner, and the vice-chancellor of Begum Rokeya University. Rahman noted that the tribunal’s verdict represents only the first stage of the legal process, with further hearings expected in higher courts.

He added that the government must act more sincerely to apprehend the convicts and ensure justice. Rahman also expressed concern over the lack of visible progress in arresting the political masterminds behind the July killings.

Two parliamentary by-elections in Bogura-6 and Sherpur-3 concluded under the BNP government with BNP candidates winning both seats. In Bogura-6, BNP’s Rezaul Karim Badsha secured 133,516 votes, defeating Jamaat’s Abidur Rahman Sohel by 76,611 votes. In Sherpur-3, BNP’s Mahmudul Haque Rubel won by a margin of 118,966 votes, while Jamaat’s candidate Masudur Rahman withdrew midday citing irregularities. The Sherpur-3 election had been postponed earlier following the death of a Jamaat candidate during the campaign.

Voting in both constituencies was largely peaceful, though isolated incidents occurred. In Sherpur, six individuals were detained for alleged fake voting, and two police officers were injured while controlling unrest. Jamaat’s Masudur Rahman alleged ballot fraud and the expulsion of his polling agents, claims denied by BNP’s Rubel, who said the election was fair and well-secured. Election officials reported no written complaints regarding the boycott.

In Bogura, minor irregularities were reported, including a presiding officer collecting early signatures on result sheets, later deemed a procedural mistake. Authorities described the overall voting process as peaceful and orderly.