On Monday afternoon in Cumilla, angry protestors hurled rotten eggs at pro-Awami League lawyers while they were being escorted to a prison van. Among the targeted were the former president and secretary of the Cumilla Bar Association. This incident stems from a violent crackdown on students on August 3, during which shots were fired. A case was later filed on February 12 by Inzamamul Haque Rana, accusing 261 individuals, including 26 lawyers.

Following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, Islamic Unity Alliance leader Sakhawat Hossain Raji emphasized the need for swift electoral reforms and early elections. He stated, “The government and the Election Commission must ensure elections are held promptly once reforms are complete. True reform can only come through an elected government.” Raji also highlighted the need to eliminate the political “garbage” accumulated over the past 16 years, which he believes is crucial for free and fair elections. He noted that the difference between holding elections in June versus December is minimal, but reforms must come first.

BNP’s liaison committee met with representatives from the Nationalist-Like-Minded Alliance and the Labour Party. They reached a consensus on holding the national elections by December this year and stressed the urgency of publishing a clear electoral roadmap.

Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas, president of the Dhaka University unit of JCD, has issued a public apology after referring to the July uprising as the “so-called July movement.” He said it was an inadvertent mistake and emphasized the importance of constructive criticism in advancing the country.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan remarked that the party’s demands regarding the upcoming general election are not significantly different from the government’s stance. He called for a clear roadmap with a specific date in December for holding the elections.

In a statement, the Dhaka University unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir strongly criticized Chhatra Dal President Ganesh Chandra Roy for referring to the July uprising as a “so-called movement.” Shibir stated that during July and August, students and citizens displayed extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice in standing up against the tyranny of the fascist Hasina regime in Delhi’s favor.

Labeling the movement as “so-called,” they said, dishonors the blood of martyrs, betrays the injured and disabled protesters, and belittles the sacrifices of the student and general public. The statement added that using disparaging language, reminiscent of BAKSAL-era rhetoric, to undermine these sacrifices is unjust and deeply condemnable. Shibir urged Chhatra Dal to show more responsibility in their statements.

NCP’s Joint Secretary Gazi Salahuddin Tanvir has been temporarily relieved of duties and issued a show-cause notice. A report in a national daily on March 11 alleged his involvement in manipulating district commissioner appointments and engaging in commission-based deals for textbook paper supply. The action follows previous verbal warnings for disciplinary breaches.

The Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) held a rally in Mohammadpur demanding the Awami League be banned and brought to justice within 15 days through a special law, similar to the post-WWII treatment of the Nazi Party. They also criticized BNP for allegedly siding with the ruling party and obstructing reforms.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into national cricketer Shakib Al Hasan over allegations of money laundering and accumulation of illegal wealth. A two-member inquiry team led by Deputy Director Mahbubul Alam has been formed. The ACC has also sent inquiries to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission. Shakib has previously faced criticism for his alleged links to gambling promotion and stock market manipulation.

Religious Affairs Adviser praised Bangladesh as a global model for communal harmony during a press briefing, citing decades of peaceful coexistence among different faith communities in the country.

The National Identity Registration Wing under the Election Commission has locked the NID cards of 10 members of the Sheikh family, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Sources confirmed that the action was taken via a formal letter. The others affected include Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Saima Wazed, Sheikh Rehana, Tulip Siddiq, Azmina Siddiq, Shahin Siddiq, Bushra Siddiq, Radwan Mujib Siddiq, and Tariq Ahmed Siddiq.

Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum returned an honorarium of BDT 120,000, which she had received despite not contributing to the nursing examination process. She followed the precedent set by Railway Adviser Muhammad Faojul Kabir Khan, who earlier discouraged receiving honorariums for official duties during working hours. Begum added that accepting or refusing such payments should remain a personal choice, with relevant ministries deciding on further action.

The High Court has issued a rule asking why a list of individuals granted presidential clemency over the past 33 years should not be made public. The petition was filed by Barrister Omar Faruk after sending a legal notice to the Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, and the Secretary to the President’s Office, which went unanswered.

Md. Moazzem Hossain, the Assistant Personal Secretary to Adviser Asif Mahmood, has been relieved of his duties as of April 8, according to a circular issued Monday by the Ministry of Public Administration. The circular did not mention any reason for his dismissal. Hossain was appointed on August 14, with the tenure subject to the adviser’s preference.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that the government is committed to bringing back all MPs and ministers who fled abroad after committing crimes, including murder and corruption. He highlighted several upcoming meetings in Qatar focused on labor market expansion and energy cooperation. Dr. Yunus will also give an interview at Al Jazeera’s headquarters and participate in a 2.5-hour session on the Rohingya issue.