Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, SDG coordinator, emphasized that technical and vocational education must be a core strategy for Bangladesh after its graduation from LDC status. He urged the government to give serious attention to these sectors. “Students are protesting with various demands, but policymakers are not listening, and media coverage is inadequate,” he said. He called for an end to discriminatory policies against technical education and prioritized investment in human resource development.

Actor Siddiqur Rahman faces two cases—one for murder and another for attempted murder—filed at Gulshan Police Station in connection with recent anti-government protests. He is expected to be handed over to Gulshan police for further legal procedures. Earlier, he was assaulted during the protest, and his clothing was reportedly torn before police detained him.

The Jahangirnagar University chapter of the Bangladesh Democratic Students’ Alliance staged a protest demanding swift trial of the perpetrators involved in the July campus attack and called for the announcement of JAKSU election schedules by April 30. Student leader Nadia Rahman Annesha accused the administration of delaying the student union elections to consolidate authoritarian control. Protesters claimed that some factions oppose the student union to protect their interests in corruption and extortion.

Two faculty members from Comilla University have faced disciplinary actions over sexual misconduct. Associate Professor Md. Rezwan Talukdar was removed from his position as department head in 2020 following allegations of sexually harassing an evening program student and making derogatory comments about colleagues. In September last year, Assistant Professor Jasim Uddin of the Finance and Banking Department was placed on compulsory leave after he was accused of assigning grades to students post-resignation and harassing three students. Additionally, two students were expelled over drug use.

A 19-year-old female student of a private university was reportedly raped in Durgapur, Netrokona. Police have arrested three individuals, including Faisal Ahmed Durjoy (25), a local leader of the BNP’s student wing. The victim had arrived at a resort with her fiancé Munna Mia and stayed in Room 201. When Munna stepped out for some errands, his friend Durjoy, familiar to the victim, entered the room, initiated a conversation, and allegedly raped her after physical assault.

Two accused individuals escaped from police custody in Chattogram on Tuesday while being transferred to a prison van after a court appearance. The fugitives have been identified as Md. Iqbal Hossain Imon, arrested in connection with a murder over online gambling disputes, and Anowar Hossain, arrested in a narcotics case. The police have launched an investigation into the security lapse.

Testimonies continued for the third consecutive day in the trial for the rape and murder of Achiya. Ten witnesses, including Achiya’s sister Hamida, testified on the third day. One of the accused, Hitu Sheikh, claimed that Hamida knows everything and that a proper investigation would reveal the truth. Prosecutor Monirul Islam Mukul stated that Hitu Sheikh, his wife Zaheda Begum, and their sons Sajib and Ratul were present during the proceedings. So far, 16 witnesses have testified. Five more, including doctors and nurses involved in the child’s treatment, are scheduled to testify on Wednesday.

In a statement, Ganosamhati Andolon expressed concern over the proposal to establish a humanitarian corridor in Rakhine, Myanmar. “Bangladesh is already entangled in the complex Rohingya crisis with far-reaching implications. Before making any decision regarding a humanitarian corridor, there must be thorough discussion and national consensus. This issue involves critical concerns of sovereignty and national security,” the statement said. The party urged the government to immediately initiate dialogue with all political parties concerning the Rohingya crisis, the border situation with Myanmar, and the corridor proposal, and to make decisions based on the outcomes of these discussions.

Jahangirnagar University has been ranked in the 351–400 bracket in the 2025 Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan congratulated the university community and expressed optimism about future global and regional rankings. He noted the administration’s new initiatives to enhance education and research, including increased financial incentives for publishing in international journals.

Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed announced that model markets free from plastic and polythene—created with support from market committees and public offices—will receive awards from the Ministry of Environment. She emphasized the need for personal behavioral change to address pollution and noted that illegal polythene continues to harm the environment and public health. She also shared that government efforts include awareness campaigns and promoting alternatives.

U.S.-based NGSO service provider Starlink has obtained a license from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to begin operations in the country. BTRC Chairman Md. Emdadul Bari confirmed the license was issued following approval from the Chief Adviser and payment of required fees. Starlink must now submit its internet pricing plans for approval before launching services.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam urged police to win public trust through service, empathy, and professionalism. He instructed officers to remain free from political bias and avoid seeking special favors. He also announced the procurement of 200 pickup vans for police stations, currently under review by the Cabinet Committee on Purchase, and discussed plans to offer loans to officers for motorcycle purchases.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned party members against engaging in extortion and misconduct, saying they could face a fate similar to the ruling Awami League. He urged party leaders to hand over any wrongdoers to the police. Fakhrul said the current government created a “mirror prison” system, with nearly 1,700 enforced disappearances reported by the UN. He challenged Prime Minister Hasina to return and face legal cases like BNP leaders if she truly enjoys public support.

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who emphasized the importance of opening an Azerbaijani embassy in Dhaka and launching direct flights between Dhaka and Baku. He said direct connectivity would foster student exchanges in energy and textiles and facilitate trade. The deputy minister expressed Azerbaijan’s interest in building strategic ties with Bangladesh, noting the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations will be marked in two years.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is expected to return to Bangladesh next month following improvements in her health. Tareque Rahman’s wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and Koko’s wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman may also accompany her. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that preparations for a special air ambulance from Qatar are underway following a formal request from the BNP.