Indian law enforcement arrested 24 Bangladeshi nationals—including 11 women and 4 children—from a village in the Chilmarie forest area of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. None of them had valid travel documents. During interrogation, they admitted to entering India via coastal routes.

Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves have risen to $26.51 billion, driven by increased remittances and export earnings, according to central bank data. As of April 15, gross reserves stood at $26.52 billion, while reserves calculated under the IMF’s BPM6 method amounted to $21.18 billion. Reserves had dipped to $19.7 billion after a $1.75 billion payment to the Asian Clearing Union in March but have since rebounded.

In Kurigram’s Roumari, BNP leader Abdul Aziz and his followers allegedly beat Jamaat-e-Islami activist and lecturer Abul Hashem (50) and his son Tahmid Arman Jim (18) after announcing the attack over a loudspeaker. The assault reportedly stemmed from Hashem’s criticism on Facebook of illegal excavators and tractors damaging local roads. Aziz, also president of the local tractor association, had earlier issued threats to Hashem.

A Chattogram court has ordered that 11 accused in the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif be shown arrested in a separate explosives case. The accused include Premanandan Dash Buja, Ranob Dash, and others aged between 19 and 55. They were initially arrested on January 26 from Sebok Colony in Kotwali.

Two 800 MW units at Adani’s coal-based power plant in Godda, Jharkhand, have resumed operations following a shutdown due to technical issues. One unit restarted on Saturday and the second on Tuesday evening. The plant supplies up to 1,400 MW to Bangladesh. This follows disputes between the Adani Group and Bangladesh’s new government over pricing, and a controversial power import agreement signed during the previous administration.

According to ISPR, the Bangladesh Navy vessel BNS Somudra Avijan has returned from Myanmar after delivering 120 tons of relief materials. The ship also repatriated 20 Bangladeshi citizens who had been trafficked and detained in Myanmar for nearly two years. They were promised jobs and migration to developed countries by trafficking rings.

In a late-night heist in Dohar, Dhaka, a gang of 8–10 robbers broke into businessman Md. Shahjahan’s home, stealing approximately 33 bhori of gold and BDT 200,000 in cash. The robbers entered by breaking the ground-floor gate and threatened Shahjahan’s wife at knifepoint to hand over her jewelry. They tied up the family, looted multiple rooms, and destroyed furniture. CCTV DVRs were also taken by the gang.

A controversial audio recording of Officer-in-Charge (OC) Monowar Hossain requesting sweets (jilapi) from anti-discrimination student leader Afzal Hossain Shanto—reportedly in exchange for a tender for embankment work—went viral on Monday. Following public outcry, the OC was transferred to the police lines the next day.

After concluding their sit-in protest, candidates of the 46th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) exam marched toward the Jamuna River demanding that the written examination be held promptly. Earlier, discussions with the Public Service Commission (PSC), mediated by the army, failed to yield results. The protestors launched a “Long March to Jamuna” program in the evening. Their demands include publishing a complete viva schedule, finishing interviews by May, and releasing final results by June. They also called for the repeal of the 2023 non-cadre recruitment policy.

Following a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), a court has ordered the seizure of 304.59 acres of land in Lama Upazila of Bandarban, held under lease and purchase agreements in the name of Fawzia Islam, wife of former minister Tajul Islam. The petition alleges that Fawzia illegally acquired assets worth BDT 69 million, aided by funds allegedly misappropriated by her husband. It also cites suspicious transactions across 11 bank accounts involving over BDT 271 million, allegedly used to conceal the sources of illicit income.

The BGMEA has called for maintaining the current corporate tax rate of 12% for export-oriented garment factories and 10% for LEED-certified factories until June 30, 2028. Any changes before that could undermine investor confidence, they warned. During a pre-budget discussion organized by the NBR, the association also urged for a tax regime that encourages both domestic and foreign investment in the textile sector.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that the Chief Adviser aims to strengthen diplomatic ties with all SAARC countries, including India, Pakistan, Bhutan, and Nepal. “We’ve decided to develop an economic zone for Nepal in northern Bangladesh,” he said. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary is expected to visit soon for bilateral discussions. “Our foreign policy is pro-Bangladesh. Every move is made to uphold the country’s interests,” the press secretary emphasized. Reviving SAARC is a key priority for the current administration.

A fire broke out Monday night at the village home of Saddam Hossain, central president of the banned student organization Chhatra League, in Panchagarh. Locals noticed the blaze at midnight and attempted to control it before fire services arrived. Two units from Boda Fire Station extinguished the flames. Initial damage is estimated at BDT 100,000. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

NCP leaders Nahid Islam and Dr. Tasnim Zara held discussions with ambassadors from eight EU countries—Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway. The EU delegation shared their support for democratic progress in Bangladesh. “It was an honor to join our convenor in this open dialogue,” Dr. Zara said. The EU emphasized the importance of engaging with the newly formed National Citizens’ Party and supporting democratic development.

The Election Commission has begun preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. Officials met with the Directorate of Printing and Publications to assess paper needs, estimated budgets, and timeframes for printing election materials. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said they aim to complete procurement and printing within four months prior to the polls. “We are back-calculating all tasks to align with the eventual election schedule,” he added.