Former police chief Benazir Ahmed, known for his ties to authoritarian leader Sheikh Hasina, has been expelled from the Dhaka Boat Club over allegations of misappropriating Tk 320 million. Club President Nasir Uddin Mahmud confirmed the expulsion and said legal action is being taken against others involved. Former club secretary Tahsin Amin, a close associate of Benazir, has also been removed.

Development work in the country is lagging, with only 36.65% of the Revised Annual Development Program (RADP) implemented in the first nine months of the fiscal year—down from 42.30% during the same period last year. Notably, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) spent nothing. Six ministries have implemented less than 15%, while only eight crossed the 50% mark. From a total RADP allocation of Tk 2.26 trillion, only Tk 828.14 billion was spent by the ministries and departments between July and March.

Jamaat leader Dr. Md. Helal Uddin has alleged that extortion similar to that of the fascist era still persists in certain areas. Referring to Gulistan as a bustling hub where around 100,000 traders operate daily, he said business owners want a smooth environment but face harassment. He emphasized that only governance based on divine law and honest leadership can end such corruption. Referring to the August 5 student uprising, Helal mentioned slogans like “We want justice”, “Allahu Akbar”, and “Dhaka’s sovereignty over Delhi”, urging structural reforms, trials for fascist collaborators, and fair elections to honor the sacrifices made.

Adviser Farida Akhter announced a revised fishing ban, reducing the closed season from 65 to 58 days to prevent foreign fishermen from exploiting the ban. She noted that during previous bans, neighboring countries’ fishermen often entered Bangladeshi waters. Farida also said Cox’s Bazar is set to host one of the country’s most modern fish landing centers and wholesale markets, with support from JICA.

Bangladesh has not yet reached an agreement with the IMF regarding the fourth and fifth tranches of its $4.7 billion loan program. The IMF said discussions will continue, with possible disbursement by the end of June if conditions are met. The IMF noted a rise in non-performing loans (NPLs) and urged effective reforms. Currently, NPLs average 43% in state-owned banks and 16% in private banks—well above IMF targets of 10% and 5%, respectively.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will be accompanied by four female athletes—cricketers Sumaiya Akter and Sharmin Sultana, and footballers Afida Khandaker and Shaheda Akter Ripa—during his two-day official visit to Qatar on April 22-23. The athletes met with Dr. Yunus at the Jamuna office ahead of the trip.

Environmental Adviser Rizwana Hasan announced amendments to the Grameen Bank Ordinance, reducing the government’s shareholding from 25% to 10%, while allocating 90% to bank beneficiaries. Additionally, penalties for false lawsuits—previously BDT 20,000—have been raised to BDT 50,000. Hasan also confirmed Bangladesh’s decision to sign one of two key international treaties on shared water resource management.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi questioned the government’s motives in presenting reforms as a substitute for democratic elections and voting rights. Speaking on the 13th anniversary of Ilias Ali’s disappearance, he criticized the government’s failure to withdraw politically motivated cases against opposition activists. He also challenged the interim government’s shifting promises on election dates and demanded answers on the issue of enforced disappearances.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) for the southern region, stated in a Facebook post that Bangladeshi politics should not follow “prescriptions” obtained from meetings with RAW’s station chief. He further criticized those promoting compromise politics, warning them to reassess their stance on the ruling Awami League urgently.

Technical Student Movement has announced a nationwide protest on Friday, modeling it after the symbolic “Shroud Movement” of 1987. Polytechnic students across the country will wear shrouds on their heads and march in unison after Jummah prayers. The students also staged torch marches protesting deceptive meetings by the Education Ministry and attacks on demonstrators in Cumilla.

Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh is working to reduce its trade deficit with the US by diversifying exports. He mentioned attempts to revive GSP privileges and highlighted planned discussions with the World Bank, ADB, IMF, and OPEC Fund regarding budget support and project financing. Potential deals may also be reached concerning the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, despite existing sanctions. Private sector partnerships, particularly in the energy sector, are also being explored.

On the transshipment issue, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal advised observers to consider events on the Bangladeshi side leading up to India’s decision to cancel the facility. While noting that exports to Nepal and Bhutan would remain unaffected, he reiterated India’s interest in maintaining constructive relations with Bangladesh and enhancing regional trade. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi trade officials estimate an added cost of BDT 2,000 crore due to the withdrawal.

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna has said that disagreements between political parties and the interim government are becoming increasingly evident. “Ultimately, we must return to democracy to resolve the current crisis. Dialogue is the only way forward,” he stated. Commenting on international issues, Manna condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza, calling it an unparalleled atrocity in modern history. “Words fail to describe the suffering of the Palestinian people. We stand in solidarity with the struggle for an independent Palestine,” he said.

During a meeting with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized strengthening bilateral relations to unlock trade and business potential. He stated, “We must find ways to overcome obstacles and move forward.” Baloch echoed his sentiments, stressing the need to utilize the region’s vast market and encourage private sector engagement and cultural exchange between the two countries. The leaders also pledged continued collaboration in multilateral forums like SAARC, OIC, and D-8.

On the occasion of Historic Mujibnagar Day, Adviser Faruk-E-Azam paid tribute at the Mujibnagar Memorial on April 17. Speaking at the event, he expressed deep concern over individuals falsely identifying themselves as freedom fighters, calling it “shameful.” He stated that actions have already been taken against fake freedom fighters.

Referring to the Mujibnagar Government formed on April 17, 1971, at the mango orchard in Meherpur, he called it a heroic and historic chapter in Bangladesh’s journey to independence. “The Mujibnagar government was internationally recognized and played a key role in organizing the Liberation War,” he said.

He also clarified that the current government has no intention of renaming the Mujibnagar Government, emphasizing, “History cannot be erased. It must be preserved in its rightful place.” Additionally, he noted that there are over 2,700 legal cases pending, many related to this issue, and the government is waiting for court verdicts.