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.

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.