The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled Hafez Azizul Haque, owner of Messrs Soad Filling Station and member secretary of the Gauripur upazila BNP, following allegations of fuel manipulation in Mymensingh’s Gauripur. The decision was announced on Wednesday through a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The statement said Azizul Haque was removed from all party positions and primary membership for involvement in unethical activities.

The expulsion followed a mobile court operation led by Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Md Nurul Huda Monir, which uncovered the disappearance of around 50,000 liters of petrol during a fuel inspection on Tuesday. The station’s manager, Md Jalil Hossain Rifat, was arrested, and a case was filed under the Special Powers Act of 1974 for illegal fuel trading and hoarding. The incident sparked widespread attention after being reported in national media.

Gauripur BNP’s acting convener Md Habibul Islam Khan Shahid stated that the party would not take responsibility for any member’s misuse of position. Legal proceedings against those involved are underway.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Following the meeting, Jaishankar stated in a Facebook post that both countries agreed to maintain close communication. He expressed satisfaction in hosting Rahman and his delegation and said they discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, as well as exchanged views on regional and global developments.

Earlier, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval hosted Khalilur Rahman for a dinner in New Delhi as part of efforts to reset bilateral ties. According to a report by the Hindustan Times, India views this visit as part of the Tarique Rahman government’s initiative to build a new relationship based on mutual trust and shared interests.

The report also noted that Khalilur Rahman, an experienced diplomat, became the first minister to visit India after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s decisive victory in the February general election. His delegation included Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir.

Ahead of peace talks scheduled for Friday in Islamabad, U.S. President Donald Trump clarified his stance on Iran’s nuclear program. He stated that Iran would no longer be allowed to enrich uranium, but sanctions on the country would be lifted if a deal is reached. Trump made the remarks in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday.

In his message, Trump said the United States would work closely with Iran and claimed that a “highly productive regime change” had already taken place there. He added that the two countries would cooperate to remove all buried nuclear waste or materials. Trump also mentioned that Iran would be freed from tariffs and sanctions and asserted that many of the 15 points proposed by the United States to end the war had already reached consensus.

The statement comes as preparations continue for the upcoming Islamabad peace discussions, where Iran’s nuclear activities are expected to be a key topic.

The Justice and Democracy Party (JDP) has labeled both the ruling BNP and opposition Jamaat-e-Islami as fundamentally opposed to reforms, claiming that unnecessary political debates are being created to divert attention from the country’s ongoing crises. Speaking at an emergency press conference at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen on Wednesday, JDP convener Naeem Ahmad said that only through public resistance can the desired reforms be achieved and urged citizens to support parties clearly in favor of reform.

Ahmad described the anti-reform tendencies of both the government and opposition as unfortunate for the nation. He alleged that debates in parliament are being used to distract the public from issues such as the energy crisis and potential agricultural disruption, while actions like hawker evictions are being taken to divert public focus. The JDP also expressed concern over irregularities in energy supply, possible collusion among ruling party members, and the closure of four out of five state fertilizer factories.

The party announced a human chain protest on April 10 in front of the National Museum, demanding uninterrupted diesel and fertilizer supply to farmers at fair prices.

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.