Md. Alam (40) was arrested in Bogura after smuggling 1,700 yaba pills inside his stomach, packed in 34 packets disguised with bananas. His accomplices, Smriti Begum and her son-in-law Md. Apel (35), were also detained. According to police, the pair are notorious drug traffickers and used Alam to smuggle pills from Teknaf. Upon arrival by bus, Apel was waiting to receive him, but law enforcement, acting on a tip-off, apprehended them.

In Konabari, Gazipur, a video showing a Jubo Dal leader using drugs was allegedly recorded and used to demand a ransom of 1 million taka. When the money was not paid, the video was made viral. The video was reportedly recorded by Imrul Sarkar, joint general secretary of the local ward Jubo Dal, and handed over to the youth wing’s secretary, Azizul Islam, who allegedly demanded the money. Azizul has denied the accusations.

Two Awami League leaders from Gangachara were arrested for allegedly inciting unrest and spreading provocative content online. Bulbul Ahmed (45), a district-level leader, and Manik (55), a union-level general secretary, were sent to jail after a court hearing. According to police, they were engaged in actions that threatened national security and public order, including preparing to commit serious offenses.

BNP leader Selima Rahman said the interim government must hold elections promptly, ideally by December, as suggested by Dr. Yunus. She criticized the Home Advisor’s claim that the people want this government to stay in power for five years. “This government has no such right—they are interim, not permanent,” she stressed. She accused the ruling party of destroying electoral institutions and turning the state into a fascist regime. “Only a government elected through fair voting can implement full-scale reforms,” she added.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Golam Porwar has urged for an immediate announcement of the election date and roadmap, following necessary reforms. He warned against fearmongering by fugitive autocrats who are using laundered money to spread anti-state propaganda. Porwar also condemned Israel’s brutality in Gaza, calling it a terrorist state worse than the barbarism of ancient times. He called for a united Muslim response to remove Israel from the world map.

Poet and political thinker Farhad Mazhar stated that a democratic state is not built merely through elections. Rather, elections often lead to the rise of plundering mafia classes. For a truly democratic state to emerge, the rise and active participation of strong communities is essential. He emphasized that when a community stands up, when a locality becomes organized, only then does the foundation of democracy take shape. Development should not be based on voting, but on the decisions of the community itself. The community understands best what is good and what is harmful. He further added, "In my society, not only Muslims but Hindus, Buddhists, Christians—people of all faiths—are included. A shrine (mazar) constantly preaches this truth. The cultural practices that occur here speak in one language—the language of humanity. There is no truth greater than human beings." Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said, “When we listen to the grief of the families of the martyrs of the July uprising, it devastates us. Remembering this pain is what inspires our journey forward.” He announced that a "July Museum" is being established to preserve the memory of the July uprising, which will offer a unique experience.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim stated that opportunistic groups have repeatedly exploited Islamic parties and scholars for political gains. “We’ve been betrayed, looted, and our people abducted and murdered. This must change,” he said. He warned political aspirants that bypassing Islami Andolon Bangladesh to gain power would no longer be possible. “We’ve suffered enough over the last 53 years. It’s time for genuine representation.” He emphasized that although the party has never had a member in parliament, it remains strong and determined.

Border guards arrested professional smuggler Sabjul Hossain while he was returning from India with undeclared cosmetics. He was apprehended at Baliaghat checkpoint in Tahirpur along with a large quantity of Indian-branded products. His accomplice Abdul Qadir managed to flee. A case has been filed under the Special Powers Act.

Chhayanaut is all set to welcome Bengali New Year 1432 with the theme “Amar Mukti Aloy, Aloy” (My Liberation Lies in Light). Their traditional morning event on Pahela Baishakh will call on society to unite in a collective journey toward enlightenment and freedom. Speaking ahead of the event, General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa said that although the world is witnessing a decline in humanity and values, hope must not be lost. She envisioned a future where Bengalis rise together and return to joyful, harmonious living. The event will begin at 6:15 AM with a Raag Bhairavi performance and conclude with a spoken address by Dr. Sarwar Ali.

A Bangladeshi youth named Wasim was allegedly beaten to death by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) near the Paliyanpur border in Jhenaidah. His body was later dumped into the Ichamati River and has been floating in Indian territory, making repatriation difficult. Locals confirmed his identity after the body was spotted. Wasim had gone to India with others for human trafficking purposes. The BGB has notified the BSF, though the body’s identity has yet to be officially confirmed.

Inquilab Manch has launched a month-long signature campaign and leaflet distribution demanding justice for recent massacres and a ban on the “fascist Awami League.” They plan to culminate with a “Martyrs’ Rally” at Shahbagh on April 25. Spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi shared on Facebook that activists have been visiting door-to-door, skipping meals and sleep to rally public support. Following campaigns in Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barisal, and Khulna, Hadi is heading to Dhaka for the Gaza march and will continue outreach in Rangpur and Rajshahi next. Members are also visiting the graves of martyrs in each region.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has revealed that the country’s banking sector has become a major victim of money laundering. Over the past 15 years, approximately Tk 5 trillion (500,000 crore) has been misappropriated. He said major business groups and families have laundered Tk 250,000 to 300,000 crore abroad. One large group from Chattogram alone siphoned off nearly Tk 150,000 crore. Dr. Mansur assured that action will be taken upon receiving concrete allegations. Despite the losses, he said the country’s stock market and foreign reserves remain stable, exports are increasing, inflation is at a manageable level, and regular LNG imports are helping maintain stable electricity production.

In protest against the genocide in Gaza, the ‘March for Gaza’ will be held on Saturday at Suhrawardy Udyan. Islamic scholar Shaykh Ahmadullah issued five guidelines for participants, including personal responsibility for the event’s success, maintaining cleanliness, bringing essentials like water, umbrellas, and masks, avoiding provocation, and cooperating with volunteers. Participants are instructed to carry only the Bangladeshi and Palestinian flags, avoiding political symbols. Any attempt to incite violence will be deemed a conspiracy, and joint efforts with law enforcement will be made to resist wrongdoers.

BNP Vice Chairman Dr. Asadzuzzaman Ripon stated that the public is seeking change and has grown weary of governance similar to the Awami League’s. He said people desire elections and the right to vote, for which they have fought and sacrificed. Ripon reiterated BNP’s dual demands for reform and elections. He criticized certain advisers for allegedly harboring ambitions to remain in power for another five years, calling such claims that the public wants them to stay “utterly false.”

Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud announced plans to revitalize grassroots sports, stating, “We’re giving importance to district-level sports. The Bangladesh Football Federation has been instructed to design a plan for district football. Once that’s in place, we aim to start within 2–3 months.” He emphasized ongoing efforts to bring structural reforms in the sports sector and has requested the government for more incentives to support this vision. Sports organizer Anjan Chowdhury Pintu also urged increased attention to district-level sporting activities.