Khoda Bux Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, has stated that no unlawful action has been taken against model Meghna Alam. He emphasized that all actions have been carried out in accordance with existing laws, and where necessary, special legal provisions have been invoked. “This does not constitute any illegal activity,” he clarified. Regarding the allegations and ongoing developments, he added, “The matter is currently under judicial consideration in the High Court. Since it is sub judice, it would be inappropriate to comment further. We’ll wait and see what the court decides.”
Notably, a legal adviser had earlier raised concerns about the arrest procedure, calling it improper.

For the 118th time, the submission of the investigation report into the high-profile murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi has been delayed. The court has extended the deadline to May 21. The PBI has already interrogated six individuals, including a retired Supreme Court judge, former military officers, and suspects in other homicide cases. Despite high-profile detentions, the case remains unresolved over a decade after the brutal double murder.

Harvard University has refused to comply with demands from the Trump administration regarding alleged antisemitism on campus. In a strongly worded letter, Harvard’s legal team accused the administration of undermining university autonomy and misrepresenting efforts to combat bigotry. The administration had threatened to review $9 billion in federal funding and contracts over the university’s response to pro-Palestinian protests. Already, $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts have been suspended, sparking a national debate over academic freedom and government overreach.

Students at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) have forcefully entered residential halls, demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Muhammed Machusud. Citing the VC’s failure to ensure student safety, allegedly cutting off water and internet, and encouraging legal action against protestors, the students declared a one-point demand: his immediate removal. They also called for a neutral investigation under a new VC. The students, in a show of defiance, broke through locked gates and re-entered the dormitories.

The University of Dhaka has announced plans to hold student union (DUCSU) elections and is set to form an Election Commission and finalize the voter list by mid-May. In an official statement, the administration emphasized the significance of DUCSU in university governance and assured stakeholders of their commitment to a free and fair election. Consultations with various stakeholders began in December, and a roadmap for the election process has been made public.

Ali Riaz, Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission, stated that there is broad agreement on the need for state reform, despite some differences on implementation strategies. Speaking at a meeting with the National Democratic Movement, he expressed optimism that a National Charter could be finalized soon. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, as the commission’s tenure ends in mid-July, and initial discussions are expected to conclude by mid-May. Bobby Hajjaj added that these reforms aim to create a people-centric government and eliminate fascist forces like the ruling League from Bangladesh’s political landscape.

Three former police officers have been brought before the International Crimes Tribunal for their alleged involvement in a brutal crackdown during a mass uprising in Ashulia, where six young men were killed and their bodies set on fire. The accused are former Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Abdullahil Kafi, Shahidul Islam, and ex-Detective Branch inspector Arafat Hossain. According to testimony, one of the victims was reportedly still alive when officers poured petrol over him and set him ablaze. The incident has sparked demands for justice for crimes against humanity.

Students from Dhaka City College and Dhaka College clashed violently near Science Laboratory intersection in Dhaka. Both sides were seen hurling stones and bricks at each other. The reason behind the conflict remains unclear. City College students gathered under the Science Lab footbridge while Dhaka College students positioned themselves near the Government Teachers’ Training College. Additional police forces were deployed, and DMP Ramna Division DC Masud Alam was observed coordinating efforts to control the situation.

Meghna Alam is facing serious allegations of blackmail involving high-profile diplomats and wealthy businessmen. According to investigators, she strategically developed intimate relationships with influential individuals and secretly recorded compromising footage of these encounters. Later, she and her accomplices allegedly used these videos to demand large sums of money. Among her key collaborators is Md. Dewan Samir (58), reportedly a leader of a human trafficking ring. Their most recent target was Isa bin Yousuf Al Duhailan, the outgoing Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh. The group allegedly demanded $5 million from him. The diplomat sought assistance from the Saudi foreign ministry, prompting a case to be filed at Bhatara Police Station. Samir is currently on a 5-day remand while Meghna Alam remains in custody. Investigators confirm that evidence gathered during interrogation supports the allegations.

The formal celebrations of Bengali New Year 1432 concluded with a dramatic protest in Uttara at 12:30 AM on Monday night. Demonstrators threw shoes and set fire to a portrait representing authoritarianism, chanting slogans such as “Hit Hasina’s cheeks with shoes, in rhythm!”—signaling defiance against the current regime.

Beloved actress Gulshan Ara Ahmed, widely known for her roles in “Bachelor Point” as Kabila’s mother and the Chairman of Noakhali, passed away at 6:40 AM on Tuesday. She had been on life support following a heart attack. Director Kajol Arefin Ami mourned her passing, praying for her eternal peace and forgiveness from the Almighty.

British MP Tulip Siddiq has dismissed an arrest warrant issued in Bangladesh as politically driven and baseless. Speaking to journalists in London, she said the Bangladeshi authorities were conducting a “media trial” and had ignored legal correspondence from her lawyers. The Anti-Corruption Commission is reportedly investigating alleged embezzlement of $5 billion from infrastructure projects by Sheikh Hasina’s family. Bobby Hajjaj has accused Tulip of facilitating an overpriced nuclear power deal with Russia in 2013—allegations she denies.

Students of Patuakhali Science and Technology University staged protests after the death of fellow student Mainuddin, accusing Patuakhali Medical College Hospital of medical negligence. Witnesses claim he was left untreated in the ICU for an hour after drowning before a doctor attended to him—by which time he had already died. The hospital has denied any shortcomings in care. The situation was later brought under control after the deployment of police and army personnel.

Bangladesh and Turkey have expressed commitment to elevating their partnership following a meeting in Ankara between Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Tawhid Hossain and Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam with Turkey’s Foreign Ministry. According to a statement, Turkey will grant Bangladesh access to a wide range of bilateral cooperation programs typically reserved for its closest allies. The move is seen as a positive step toward deeper diplomatic and strategic collaboration.

Following criticism from Chhatra Dal regarding the absence of slain leader Wasim Akram’s photo in a drone light show, film director and advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki acknowledged the concern. He said, “I, too, feel the pain of not including Wasim’s photo, or those of madrasa students from Jatrabari. It wasn’t intentional but due to thematic and technical constraints.” Farooki emphasized that all martyrs of the July uprising are equally important and promised comprehensive coverage of all victims in the upcoming July Memorial Museum.