Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar has said that the Election Commission (EC) is preparing for the upcoming national polls, targeting December for holding the election. The EC will announce its action plan by July. He stated that the commission plans to include all eligible voters who turn 18 before the official announcement. Law amendments may be required to facilitate this. Sarkar also mentioned planned consultations with political parties and law enforcement agencies in July and August to assess the feasibility of holding elections under current security conditions.

Students of public and private polytechnic institutes have announced a nationwide railway blockade on Thursday as part of their ongoing movement to press home six demands. While they called off today’s road blockade, their demands include cancellation of the 30% promotion quota for Craft Instructors to Junior Instructor posts, revocation of unauthorized appointments made in 2021, dismissal of those involved, reform of recruitment policies, and ending open-age admissions in Diploma Engineering courses. They also demand a four-year curriculum aligned with international standards and English as the medium of instruction, as well as the establishment of a separate Ministry for Technical and Higher Education, a Technical Education Reform Commission, and a dedicated technical university.

Fifty-five Bangladeshi fishermen who had been detained by the Arakan Army have returned to Bangladesh via the Naf River. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) attributed the successful repatriation to diplomatic efforts and coordinated actions. Colonel Ashiqur Rahman stated that the fishermen were detained for allegedly crossing into Myanmar waters. Arrangements are now being made to reunite the fishermen with their families.

The Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, met with the commission investigating the BDR mutiny. He stressed the importance of uncovering the truth, stating, “The nation is looking to the commission for answers—we must succeed.” Commission head Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Alam Fazlur Rahman said the investigation is progressing, with the final report expected by June. He noted the challenge of tracking people involved in a 16-year-old case, including 23 individuals currently abroad. Eight of them have agreed to testify.

Legal adviser Asif Nazrul stated that the government is seriously considering BNP’s concerns and is committed to holding elections between December and June, as per the Chief Adviser’s promise. He stressed that elections will not be delayed beyond June and that BNP is genuinely invested in reforms. Referring to a positive meeting with BNP leaders, Nazrul dismissed allegations of government delay and reiterated the goal of conducting elections as early as possible within the declared timeframe.

Following a meeting with U.S. diplomats, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) adviser Nahid Islam criticized the administration for working in favor of BNP. He alleged that NCP activists are facing attacks while the authorities remain silent. Nahid stated that elections cannot be held under the current partisan administration and stressed the need for reforms to ensure a level playing field. He outlined the NCP’s key demands: institutional reform, justice, and constitutional assembly elections. Whether the NCP will participate in the polls depends on the implementation of these fundamental reforms.

After a meeting with a U.S. delegation, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said his party is closely monitoring the promises made by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus regarding the next election. Jamaat wants the election to be held before the upcoming Ramadan. He added that the party also expects judicial proceedings against the ruling Awami League.

In a letter to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir wrote that using development and reform as excuses to delay democracy is a flawed approach. He emphasized that true development can only occur through a functional democratic system, requiring institutional, legal, and policy reforms. Citing BNP’s 31-point agenda, Vision 2030, and Ziaur Rahman’s 19-point program, Fakhrul called for the immediate announcement of a clear electoral roadmap by December to dispel public confusion. He urged the government to ensure timely elections to restore economic stability and justice.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed dissatisfaction following a meeting with the Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. He stated that no concrete roadmap for the upcoming 13th national election was presented, with the Chief Adviser only indicating a timeline between December and June. Fakhrul reiterated BNP’s demand to hold the election by December and warned that failure to do so could lead to worsening political and economic conditions. He added that the party will decide its next steps after internal discussions.

BNP leaders and activists in Itna, Kishoreganj, staged a protest demanding the reinstatement of Officer-in-Charge Monowar Hossain, who was withdrawn in connection with the so-called ‘Jilapi scandal’. Local BNP leader Maruful Alam Khan stated the protest was against an injustice, alleging that a false ‘coordinator’ was disrupting the BNP-led movement in the area. He claimed that Monowar Hossain, a competent and just officer, was unfairly transferred. Student leader Azadur Rahman Sujan accused the authorities of plotting to rehabilitate authoritarian rule under Sheikh Hasina and praised the former OC’s zero-tolerance stance against the ruling Awami League.

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani held a telephone conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Tawhid Hossain. The two discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern. The conversation also covered aspects of economic cooperation, diplomacy, and the welfare of expatriates. The dialogue is seen as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties, paving the way for closer and more effective collaboration between the two nations.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has announced that a separate secretariat for the judiciary will be established soon. He stated that a thorough evaluation process is currently underway, including the review of several proposals. “Finalization is imminent,” he said, while noting that efforts are being made to address any constitutional hurdles. The Chief Justice also highlighted the infrastructural challenges faced by lawyers, especially female lawyers, and assured that these issues will be resolved soon. He called on lawyers and journalists to support the establishment of an independent judiciary.

In Manikganj, the home of artist Manbendra Ghosh was set on fire by alleged supporters of the ruling Awami League, following accusations that he created an artwork resembling Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh) celebrations in Dhaka. Ghosh has denied the allegations, claiming the piece was a tiger motif, not a depiction of Hasina. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki condemned the attack and stated that the police have begun operations to apprehend the perpetrators. He also confirmed that the Home Adviser has issued clear directives to the Inspector General of Police. Farooki pointed out that pro-government activists had been inciting online attacks against the artist in recent days, accusing him of ‘creating an effigy of Hasina.’ He warned that this violent trend appears to be continuing into July.

Investigations have revealed that S. Alam Group has acquired and occupied approximately 6,231 bighas of land across various regions of Bangladesh, with 5,000 bighas located in Chattogram alone. Authorities have also identified 17 luxury apartments in Dhaka and Chattogram linked to the group. The total estimated value of these assets stands at around BDT 64,000 crore. A central bank probe has found that S. Alam Group embezzled nearly BDT 2 trillion from several banks, part of which was allegedly laundered abroad, while other portions were invested in industries and land—violating the central bank’s regulations that prohibit purchasing land with commercial loans. The Financial Intelligence Unit has also traced properties under S. Alam’s name in Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Canada, and Malaysia. Authorities have seized shares worth BDT 25,366 crore across multiple companies connected to the group.

A high-level BNP delegation, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, met with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at his residence in Jamuna to discuss the upcoming national election. The delegation included Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamiruddin Sircar, Mirza Abbas, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Nazrul Islam Khan. According to party insiders, Wednesday’s meeting is expected to focus on formulating a clear election roadmap and addressing prevailing confusion surrounding the electoral process. The BNP also seeks clarity on the government’s stance regarding the election and intends to raise concerns about the current political climate. On April 17, BNP will hold another round of discussions with the National Consensus Commission on reform issues.