Law Minister Advocate Md. Asaduzzaman stated that the implementation of the July Charter has no connection with any referendum. He made the remark on Saturday afternoon while addressing the inauguration of a canal excavation program at Dhawra village in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah district, where he attended as the chief guest.

The minister added that the July Charter would be implemented through a constitutional amendment. He clarified that fuel prices had not been increased and warned that anyone attempting to create instability would face strict action under the Special Powers Act, which carries a maximum penalty of death for black marketeering and hoarding. State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, speaking as a special guest, emphasized the need for canal and river excavation and eviction of illegal occupiers to protect the country.

Azad also announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to join the canal excavation program in Shailkupa between April 18 and 20. Local officials and BNP leaders were present at the event.

State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam stated that local government elections will be announced once the election-related ordinances are passed into law. He confirmed that the upcoming local elections will not include party symbols. The announcement was made on Saturday afternoon after he paid tribute at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

The minister added that those appointed as district commissioners were leaders who did not receive nominations in the national elections but had shown dedication to the party. He said that although the appointments were made on a political basis, the appointees would act neutrally in the future elections to protect their own integrity. He emphasized that everyone, regardless of political consideration, would remain accountable under the system.

The statement outlines the government’s plan to proceed with local elections only after the necessary legal framework is completed, signaling a focus on administrative readiness and accountability.

The historic Teliapara Day was observed on April 4 in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj with various programs commemorating the first major meeting of military and political leaders during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. The event began with a floral tribute organized by the District Muktijoddha Sangsad Unit Command, followed by a discussion meeting attended by senior political figures and government officials.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, speaking as chief guest, claimed that the Liberation War began from Teliapara under the planning of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and the leadership of Commander-in-Chief M A G Osmani. He asserted that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did not direct the war as he was imprisoned in Pakistan at the time. Fakhrul further alleged that the Awami League has distorted the true history of the Liberation War.

The event was chaired by Golam Mostafa Rafiq, convener of the Habiganj District Muktijoddha Sangsad Unit Command, and attended by several ministers, members of parliament, and senior officials.

Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, the State Minister for Planning, has resigned from his position as chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon. The announcement was made on Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a press conference at the party’s central office in Hatirpool, Dhaka. Dewan Abdur Rashid Neelu has been appointed as the acting chief coordinator. Saki stated that he stepped down to maintain a separation between his governmental role and party leadership.

The press conference was attended by several central leaders, including executive coordinator Abul Hasan Rubel and political council members Dewan Abdur Rashid Neelu, Monir Uddin Pappu, Firoz Ahmed, Taslima Akhter, and Hasan Maruf Rumi. Ganosamhati Andolon began its journey on August 29, 2002, with the aim of building a people’s political force and received registration from the Election Commission on September 17, 2024.

Earlier this year, on February 12, Saki was elected as a Member of Parliament from Brahmanbaria-6 constituency under the BNP alliance, contesting with the party’s symbol, the “Mathal.”

An eleven-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami organized a protest march in Dhaka on Saturday, April 4, demanding constitutional reform in line with the results of a recent referendum and the implementation of the July Charter. The demonstration took place after the Asr prayer at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The alliance announced the program following a liaison committee meeting held in Gulshan on April 2, chaired by coordinator and Jamaat assistant secretary general Hamidur Rahman Azad.

At a press briefing, Azad criticized the government, accusing it of failing to meet public expectations and adopting authoritarian tendencies. He stated that street movements were the only remaining option to protect citizens’ interests. The alliance warned that if the government did not act promptly to implement the referendum’s verdict, a meeting of top leaders on April 7 would outline a tougher, long-term movement.

Security measures around Baitul Mukarram were strengthened ahead of the protest. The decision followed Jamaat leader and opposition chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s walkout from parliament on April 1 in protest of government actions.

Jamaat-e-Islami central Majlis-e-Shura member and Sylhet district Ameer Maulana Habibur Rahman said the party aims to build a justice-based society in Bangladesh and work for the welfare of humanity to attain divine satisfaction. He made the remarks on Friday, April 3, during a day-long educational camp for unit presidents and secretaries organized by Kotwali East Thana Jamaat in Sylhet city.

Habibur Rahman stated that the path of the Islamic movement has never been easy and urged party leaders to remain prepared for any situation. He emphasized that Jamaat leaders must act as vigilant guardians for the nation and remain steadfast in their principles despite past conspiracies and oppression. The event was presided over by Thana Ameer Rafiqul Islam Mojumdar and conducted by Secretary Muhib Ali, with participation from all unit presidents and secretaries under Kotwali East Thana.

Special guests included Sylhet city Jamaat Secretary Mohammad Shahjahan Ali and Baitul Mal Secretary Mufti Ali Haidar, who presented a Qur’anic lecture. Several local leaders and former student activists were also present at the program.

The White House has requested nearly $1.5 trillion for defense spending in the 2027 fiscal year budget proposal submitted to Congress. The proposed amount represents a 42 percent increase from the previous year and would mark the highest defense budget in modern US history. The proposal comes as the Iran war continues, underscoring the Trump administration’s focus on expanding military capabilities.

According to the proposal, the funds would strengthen ammunition reserves, expand the US Navy, and initiate construction of President Donald Trump’s planned ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system. It also includes a 5 to 7 percent pay raise for all military personnel to support recruitment and retention. Of the additional $445 billion requested, $350 billion would be passed through a new law allowing Senate Republicans to approve it by majority vote without Democratic support.

The budget also emphasizes defense-related priorities across other agencies. The Department of Energy proposed over $3.5 billion in additional funding for the National Nuclear Security Administration to develop new nuclear warheads, modernize existing ones, and advance technologies for future naval forces.

BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister’s political adviser Mirza Abbas is showing signs of recovery after being admitted to Singapore General Hospital. On Friday morning, he was moved from the Coronary Care Unit to a cabin as his condition improved. BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan confirmed that Abbas is gradually recovering under medical supervision and is now able to speak with others to a limited extent.

Another BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister’s adviser, Nazrul Islam Khan, also traveled to Singapore on Tuesday for medical treatment at the National University Hospital. Party leaders and activists have expressed their wishes for the quick recovery of both senior leaders.

Mirza Abbas had lost consciousness during iftar on March 11 and was initially admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where he underwent two brain surgeries before being transferred to Singapore on March 15 for advanced treatment.

Sixty-eight leaders from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami are serving as members of the 13th National Parliament, many of whom hold key party positions such as amir, nayebe amir, and central executive members. These MPs are finding it difficult to manage both their parliamentary and organizational duties, though they continue to perform their responsibilities diligently. Constituents’ expectations have also risen, with people frequently seeking assistance from their representatives.

Jamaat leaders, including Dhaka-12 MP Saiful Alam Khan Milon and Chapainawabganj-3 MP Nurul Islam Bulbul, acknowledged the challenges of balancing parliamentary work, party organization, and public service. They said administrative irregularities and long-standing complications make their work more difficult, but they remain committed to addressing them. MPs are also maintaining communication with constituents through local party leaders when parliamentary sessions keep them in Dhaka.

Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who also serves as Leader of the Opposition, faces the heaviest workload. A team has been formed to assist him in managing constituency affairs while he fulfills his dual responsibilities in parliament and the party.

Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies are responsible for maintaining order. He made the remarks on Friday night at a Haribasar event held at the Sri Sri Radha Govinda and Sarbajanin Durga Temple premises in Aldadpur village of Joypur Union, Nawabganj upazila, Dinajpur.

During his address, the minister also stated that everyone has the right to practice their own religion and that no one should obstruct others in religious activities. The event was attended by local leaders including the president of the Upazila Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Front, Gojen Chandra Barman, and several local BNP leaders. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Zillur Rahman and Officer-in-Charge Mintu Dey were also present.

The minister’s remarks highlighted the importance of communal harmony and adherence to legal processes in resolving disputes, reinforcing the government’s stance on maintaining peace and religious freedom.

Comilla-5 Member of Parliament Haji Jasim Uddin declared a firm anti-drug stance, saying that drug trading would only continue over his dead body. He made the statement on Friday afternoon at a meeting organized by the Youth and Expatriate Development Organization in Kodalia area of Bakshimul Union, Burichang upazila.

During his speech, the MP said he was aware that some people advised him to be cautious, but he viewed his parliamentary duty as a sacred trust given by voters. He added that he would have no regrets even if fulfilling that duty cost him his life. Addressing drug dealers, he warned that there would be no leniency and expressed his determination to see who was stronger—them or the law.

On development issues, Jasim Uddin announced major road improvement projects for Burichang and Brahmanpara upazilas, promising quick repairs to unusable roads and the launch of development works worth hundreds of millions of taka soon.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has accused the BNP of violating its pledge to the people by abandoning its earlier proposal for a referendum after securing a two-thirds majority. Speaking on Friday afternoon at a Jamaat-organized gathering in South Keraniganj, he said the BNP’s reversal created a political crisis and amounted to a breach of public trust.

Dr. Rahman argued that although the constitution identifies the people as the source of all power, their opinions are being disregarded. He warned that ignoring popular will marks the beginning of fascism and urged unity among all who have suffered oppression, including current and former political groups. He also criticized the government for concealing the real situation of the fuel crisis, alleging artificial shortages and inflated prices, and called for open dialogue with all political parties.

He further opposed the appointment of administrators in local government, calling it a violation of elected representatives’ rights, and warned that the new “home class” initiative could increase children’s device addiction. He announced that an eleven-party alliance would begin field-level programs from April 4 to continue the struggle for people’s rights.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam has assured that the government will extend the visas of expatriate workers stranded in Bangladesh due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. She made the statement on Friday, April 3, while receiving the body of Bangladeshi worker S M Tarek, who died in Bahrain, at Shahjalal International Airport. The minister said that visa validity has already been extended by one month and will be further extended as needed for affected countries.

She added that efforts are underway through relevant embassies to ensure the safety of expatriate workers both in Bangladesh and abroad. Regarding the repatriation of deceased workers, she said that three of the six bodies have been brought back to Bangladesh, and efforts continue to return the remaining ones.

The minister also warned against illegal migration, noting that many lives have been lost due to human trafficking. She stated that the government is working to bring back those stranded abroad and to bring traffickers to justice.

National Parliament Whip and Lakshmipur-4 (Ramgati and Komolnagar) MP ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan said that wealthy individuals and those under government protection contribute less revenue compared to ordinary and poor citizens. He made the remarks on Friday afternoon while addressing the 'Komolnagar Pride Award', meritorious student reception, and wheelchair distribution ceremony organized by Sunrise Club at the Surjomukhi Kindergarten field in Char Lawrence, Komolnagar.

Nizan emphasized that the fight against drugs requires collective action, not just words. He urged teachers to focus on their professional duties rather than politics, suggesting that political activities be limited to the pre-election period. Responding to organizers’ requests to make the awards government-recognized, he cautioned that transferring such initiatives to government control could limit community autonomy, though the government could provide support.

The event honored nine distinguished individuals, six meritorious students, and distributed wheelchairs to fourteen persons with disabilities, recognizing contributions in education, social work, and entrepreneurship.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam visited the dilapidated bridge over the Bairan River in Gopalpur, Tangail, on Friday. During the inspection, he announced an allocation of Tk 4.5 crore for the construction of a new bridge and directed officials to begin work immediately. The bridge, built in the 1980s at Hatbairan area, has long been in a dangerous condition, forcing thousands of people to cross it daily at great risk.

The issue gained attention after a report was published in the newspaper Amar Desh on January 19, prompting authorities to take notice. The inspection was attended by Tangail-2 Member of Parliament Abdus Salam Pintu, local administration officials, and political leaders. Local residents and community representatives expressed relief that the long-neglected infrastructure problem was finally being addressed.

Residents hope that once the new bridge is completed, it will ease long-standing suffering and improve local communication and economic activities in the region.