BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has called on all political parties to publicly disclose areas of consensus regarding national reforms. Citing the Chief Adviser, he said reforms must be consensus-driven and added that nearly all parties have submitted proposals. He urged signing a national charter and moving forward toward elections, as the public is eager to vote by December.

BNP leader Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu has warned of an ongoing domestic and international conspiracy to trigger communal unrest in Bangladesh. He urged party workers and the public to stay alert. Dulu emphasized that without an elected government, such instability is unlikely to end. He reiterated BNP’s 31-point reform agenda, stating that these reforms are essential to prevent the return of authoritarianism.

Two students from the University of Scholars have been arrested in connection with the murder of Zahidul Islam Parvez. The suspects are Fatema Tahsin Oishi from the Business Administration department and Faria Haque Tina from the English department. The university had previously suspended both students temporarily. Parvez was allegedly killed after an altercation involving the two students, who claimed he and his friends were laughing at them.

A human chain was formed in front of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare, demanding the immediate reopening of the Malaysian labour market. Protesters urged the government to accept all conditions set by Malaysia and expedite the process at any cost. While 13 other countries have complied with Malaysia’s terms, Bangladesh has lagged behind, risking the loss of access to a market that requires 1.2 million workers and potential remittances worth $5 billion. A memorandum was submitted to the Adviser on Manpower Export and Overseas Employment.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has postponed his scheduled visit to Bangladesh due to rising tensions with India over the Kashmir issue. In an official statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will not be able to undertake the planned visit to Bangladesh on April 27–28, 2025. A new date will be finalized through mutual consultation.” Ishaq Dar was expected in Dhaka on a two-day official visit starting April 27.

The Public Administration Ministry is working on an amendment to the 2018 Civil Service Act that would allow the government to dismiss disruptive employees without an investigation, giving only an eight-day notice. The proposal was initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs to expedite the removal of unproductive or problematic staff.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie asserted that the party’s 31-point reform plan, if implemented through elections and public support, would prevent the return of fascism in Bangladesh. Originally a 27-point proposal, the updated agenda reflects wide consensus among pro-democracy movements. He urged supporters to present these proposals clearly to the public.

After a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, BNP’s Ishraq Hossain stated that the court verdict regarding his mayorship is being reviewed by the Election Commission and Law Ministry. A gazette notification will follow, and legal consultations are ongoing to determine the duration of his tenure. Ishraq emphasized that all procedures have followed the law.

Environment Adviser Rizwana Hasan announced that 12,000 acres of forest land in Cox’s Bazar, previously allocated to various agencies, will be returned to the Forest Department. Efforts are underway to free rivers, forests, and beaches from encroachment. So far, 700 acres have been reclaimed, and lands allocated to private parties and sports academies are being recovered.

Due to slowing economic activity, the World Bank warns that an additional 3 million Bangladeshis may fall below the poverty line in 2025. According to its “Bangladesh Development Update,” the rate of extreme poverty—defined as living on less than $2.15 per day—could rise from 5% in 2022 to 9.3% by next year. The overall poverty rate may jump from 18.7% to 22.9%.

Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Mohammad Humayun Kabir Pallab has served a legal notice against NCP senior joint secretary Dr. Tasnim Zara and Dr. Jahangir Kabir for allegedly promoting obscenity online. The notice demands immediate government action to curb such content across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Likee.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused the government of undermining democratic institutions. He claimed ruling party leaders, even as accused, mock the judiciary and ignore law enforcement. He alleged their arrogance aims to discredit the interim administration. Rizvi also criticized the lenient treatment of Awami League leaders in court, calling it a dangerous return of fascism.

On the final day of his four-day visit to Qatar, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. He is also scheduled to meet the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Earlier, Dr. Yunus engaged with top Qatari investors and invited them to invest in Bangladesh.

Five students from Chittagong University (CU), abducted in Khagrachari, have been released after nine days. The Hill Students Council (Chhatra Parishad), affiliated with the Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), had blamed the UPDF from the beginning—an allegation UPDF consistently denied. CU students and progressive groups staged protests demanding their release. Under mounting public pressure, the abductors eventually freed the students in phases.

In a surprising political development, four individuals from the Sanatan (Hindu) community have joined the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party in Pirojpur. The new members are: Palash Kanti Mondal (47), a schoolteacher from Pottashi village in Pottashi Union of Indurkani; Robin Dakuya (35) and Ratan Biswas (42) from Indurkani village in the Indurkani Sadar Union; and Bimal Bapari (50) from Kalaia village. Their decision was announced following a public outreach event held in Indurkani on Wednesday evening.