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.

At Comilla University, several student organizations are currently led by individuals who are no longer students, raising questions about transparency and legitimacy. The issue has drawn attention from central policymakers and prompted calls from current students to prioritize active students in future committees. Investigations revealed that both the university branches of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir have top leaders who have already completed their studies.

The Chhatra Dal’s convening committee, formed in June 2021, continues to operate after more than five years, led by former students from the 2007–08 and 2008–09 sessions. Similar concerns exist within the Chhatra Shibir committee, whose president and secretary also no longer hold student status. Critics allege that the inclusion of non-students, irregular members, and outsiders undermines the organizations’ credibility and deprives current students of representation.

In contrast, the Islami Chhatra Andolon Bangladesh branch reportedly maintains a committee where most members still have student status. Current students have urged that upcoming committees include active or recently graduated members to ensure genuine student representation and accountability.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by suggesting that Venezuela could become the 51st state of the United States. The comment, made in March 2026 on social media, has drawn sharp reactions across American and international circles. While some dismissed it as humor, others viewed it as a reflection of a dangerous political mindset. Analysts noted that Trump has previously made similar remarks about Greenland, Canada, and Cuba.

Political experts and policymakers in the U.S. have largely rejected the idea as unrealistic and unconstitutional, emphasizing that incorporating a sovereign nation as a state contradicts both U.S. law and international norms. Critics argue that such rhetoric echoes early 20th-century imperialism and undermines the principles of sovereignty enshrined in the UN Charter. The debate intensified following a U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and Trump’s administration’s pledge to oversee the country’s oil infrastructure.

Observers warn that even symbolic statements like this can damage America’s global image and strain relations with allies. Many view Trump’s comment as politically charged rhetoric rather than a genuine policy proposal, yet it has revived concerns about U.S. interventionism in Latin America.

About six weeks after the BNP government took office in Bangladesh, the country faces a complex foreign policy environment shaped by the Iran war and global energy disruptions. The prime minister’s foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir is touring Middle Eastern nations to strengthen ties and assess the situation of Bangladeshi workers, while the foreign minister is scheduled to visit India next week. Earlier, a senior U.S. official visited Dhaka, reflecting Bangladesh’s active diplomatic calendar.

The new government insists its foreign policy is based on national interest rather than alignment with any specific country. However, Bangladesh’s initial statement criticizing Iran’s attacks but avoiding comment on U.S. strikes drew criticism from Tehran. Analysts note that balancing relations among the U.S., China, India, and Russia remains difficult, especially over projects like Teesta, where competing interests persist. Former diplomats and experts urge a consensus-based approach to protect national interests.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaid Islam emphasize that Bangladesh will prioritize its people’s welfare over external pressures, even as major powers seek to link Dhaka’s policies to their strategic agendas.

The new government of Bangladesh has intensified monitoring of attendance and punctuality among public officials, aiming to improve administrative efficiency. Following directives from the Cabinet Division and the Ministry of Public Administration, all ministries, departments, and field administrations have been instructed to ensure that employees arrive and leave offices on time. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s own punctuality and regular presence at the Secretariat have reportedly inspired government staff to follow suit.

Officials across ministries have confirmed that digital attendance machines, previously underused, are now being reactivated and updated with employee IDs. The Ministry of Public Administration has also issued an 11-point directive emphasizing energy conservation, office cleanliness, and mandatory presence in offices between 9:00 and 9:40 a.m. Employees have expressed that the Prime Minister’s discipline has motivated them to maintain regular attendance and improve work pace.

The government expects these measures to restore discipline and enhance productivity across the public sector, with digital attendance systems helping to ensure transparency and accountability in daily operations.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has discussed holding its party council soon to strengthen the organization, according to Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. He shared the information with journalists on Saturday night after a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee, which was chaired by BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

During the meeting, party leaders discussed organizational matters and emphasized the importance of convening the council as quickly as possible to reinforce the party’s internal structure. The committee also reviewed and evaluated the government’s 47-day program, though details of that assessment were not disclosed.

The discussion reflects BNP’s focus on internal consolidation and strategic planning as it seeks to enhance its political position in the near term.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said on Saturday, April 4, 2026, that restoring order at home and abroad is the responsibility of both the government and the opposition. Speaking as chief guest at an Eid reunion and reception in Dhaka-15, he stated that the opposition’s duty is to safeguard citizens’ rights and protest if the government fails to correct its actions. He emphasized that his party does not want fascism to return to Bangladesh.

Rahman criticized the ruling party for rejecting the results of the February 12, 2026 referendum, in which 68.1% of voters supported constitutional reforms to prevent authoritarianism. He accused the government and the BNP of abandoning their earlier commitments to reform and of disregarding the people’s mandate. He announced that Jamaat had begun a movement to uphold the referendum’s verdict.

Addressing the global energy crisis caused by attacks on Iran, Rahman said Bangladesh is facing fuel shortages and urged open dialogue to find solutions. He also opposed the suspension of physical classes for digital learning, warning that education should not suffer again as during the pandemic.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a notification announcing new office hours for all government and private offices in Bangladesh, effective from Sunday, April 5, 2026. According to the circular, offices will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until further notice. The decision follows cabinet approval of the proposal on Thursday, and the official notification was released on Saturday night.

The circular specifies that emergency services will remain outside the scope of the new schedule. It also directs Bangladesh Bank to adjust the working hours of banks and financial institutions from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with banking services available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Supreme Court will issue separate instructions regarding court office hours. For private sector industries and factories, the Ministry of Labour and Employment will provide necessary guidance in accordance with the Bangladesh Labour Act.

The new schedule aims to standardize working hours across sectors while allowing flexibility for essential and industrial operations.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated candidate for the Bogura-6 by-election, Principal Abidur Rahman, has accused ruling party activists of obstructing his campaign and creating an atmosphere of intimidation. Speaking at a press conference at the Jamaat office in Bogura city on Saturday, he claimed that the administration was not taking effective action against complaints filed by his party. Rahman alleged that BNP activists were attempting to turn the election into another 'Magura-style' event and that his campaign workers were being threatened and attacked in several unions.

He detailed incidents including threats to female workers in Shakharia Union, restrictions on campaign activities in Fapore Union, and physical assaults in Erulia. Rahman said he had submitted 15 complaints supported by video evidence but had seen no visible administrative response. He demanded strict enforcement of the electoral code of conduct, arrest of identified criminals, installation of CCTV cameras at polling centers, cancellation of partisan presiding officers, and deployment of the army before election day.

Rahman warned that any attempt at vote rigging would be strongly resisted, emphasizing the need for a free and fair election environment.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam stated that the July Revolution was not intended to replace one political party with another in power. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at a large protest rally and procession organized by the 11-party alliance at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict and protesting the ruling party’s stance against it.

ATM Azharul Islam, also an MP, said the current prime minister, home minister, cabinet members, and MPs were elected because of the July Revolution, which aimed to end fascist rule, not to establish one-party dominance. He called for constitutional reform to build a new Bangladesh and warned that Jamaat would take to the streets if the government acted against the people. Other alliance leaders, including those from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, National Citizen Party, and Liberal Democratic Party, criticized the BNP for rejecting the referendum results and accused the government of ignoring public will.

Speakers at the rally emphasized that implementing the July Charter and respecting the referendum outcome were essential to prevent authoritarianism and ensure accountability in governance.