From contesting elections under the banner of the autocratic Awami League to promoting online gambling platforms, Shakib Al Hasan has often found himself in controversial waters. Currently in self-imposed exile in the United States following the fall of the Awami League government, Shakib was recently seen socializing with leaders of the banned U.S. chapter of the Chhatra League. A Facebook post by Chhatra League leader Swapnil Khan, showing Shakib in casual conversation with these individuals, has gone viral. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation against him.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has refuted allegations of abduction in the case of model Meghna Alam. According to an official statement, she was taken into custody legally over charges involving attempts to disrupt national security, spreading false information about influential individuals, and damaging diplomatic relations. “The allegation of breaking into her home and kidnapping her is inaccurate,” DMP stated. Meghna was arrested from her home on Wednesday and later presented before a court, which ordered her 30-day detention under the Special Powers Act.

Bangladesh Police is set to adopt a new logo, replacing the existing one. The new emblem features the national flower Shapla, along with symbols of paddy, wheat, and a jute leaf—above which the word “Police” is prominently written. Notably, the boat symbol has been removed. The design has already received official approval, pending the final government notification. Once published, all police units and districts will be required to implement the new logo across uniforms, flags, signboards, and all relevant materials.

A total of 167 irregular Bangladeshi migrants have been repatriated from Libya under the joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Among them, 16 were from Benghazi and surrounding areas, while 151 were held at the Ganfouda Detention Center. Most had entered Libya via the Mediterranean, lured by promises of reaching Europe, but instead faced abduction and abuse. Upon return, IOM provided each returnee with Tk 6,000 in cash, food, medical care, and temporary shelter if needed.

Police have recovered the decomposed body of Liton Mia, buried in the ground at Kapai Tea Garden in Chunarughat, Habiganj, a week after he went missing. One suspect has been arrested. According to police, Liton was beaten to death on suspicion of theft and then buried. Liton had been missing since April 3, and his family had filed a general diary. Based on information from arrested suspect Promod Rikman (32), police located the body. Promod confessed that after his 10 cows were recently stolen, he and others detained and beat Liton on suspicion, leading to his death.

Thakurgaon District BNP President and freedom fighter Noor Karim called Jamaat-e-Islami a “party of murderers,” saying, “They killed 3 million people during the 1971 Liberation War and violated 200,000 women. They even killed children without hesitation. Their dream of returning to power will never come true.” He accused Jamaat of amassing wealth through looting during the war and using it to continue their politics and spread propaganda abroad. He also alleged that BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is conspiring with Jamaat. “We will break their venomous fangs,” he warned.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has urged applicants for the post of police constable in Panchagarh not to chase political leaders or coordinators for influence. “The recruitment process includes a fitness test, followed by a 50-mark written exam and a 15-mark viva,” he said. Emphasizing the importance of preparation, he added, “Once you pass the fitness test, focus on the written and viva exams instead of seeking political backing. Panchagarh District Police has confirmed that no recommendations will be accepted.” He further stated, “This is a betrayal of the merit-based revolution that began with the slogan ‘Quota No, Merit Yes’—where political favoritism stands against the blood of martyrs.”

BNP leader Fazlul Haque Sobahan has regained his Union Council member position following a court ruling three years after his 2021 election defeat. The case involved vote recounting in Ward 6 of Shahid Ohabpur Union, Rajbari Sadar Upazila. Sobahan was declared the unofficial winner with 376 votes after a new count, overturning the earlier result where his opponent, an Awami League candidate, won with 377 votes.

The traditional ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ procession marking Bengali New Year has been renamed ‘Borshoboron Anondo Shobhajatra’ (New Year Joyful Parade), as announced at a press conference by the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University. Dean Azharul Islam said the event will be celebratory and inclusive. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki had hinted at the change earlier at a meeting on March 23.

Sadequl Islam Nannu, president of the Upazila BNP, reportedly asked police to exclude Awami League names from the charge sheet in a case involving vandalism and a cocktail explosion at the BNP office. The district BNP has since issued a notice demanding an explanation. Nannu also issued a nomination letter appointing Youth League leader Abdul Hakim—an accused in the case—as president of the proposed Fazlupur Union chapter of the BNP’s labor wing.

A Volunteer League leader and a drug dealer were snatched from police custody in Kalkini, Madaripur, by a group of accomplices. Though police recovered the handcuffs, the suspects remain at large. The detainees—Rashed Khan and Al Amin Sardar—were being transported when the ambush occurred, injuring five police officers. Security around the police station has since been tightened.

Police recovered the body of Surman Ali (35) in Kushtia with a towel wrapped around his neck. Family members allege he was tortured to death by a group of 10–12 people who accused him of theft. Surman had ongoing disputes with a neighbor, Abdul Hakim, whose house had recently been robbed. Locals discovered the body near a toilet behind the same neighbor’s house.

Police detained at least 15 individuals, including seven women, from a residential hotel in Uttara for alleged involvement in immoral activities. Police recovered narcotics and other evidence from the premises. OC Hafizur Rahman stated the operation was based on a tip-off. Allegedly, leaders from the “Swairachar League” had been operating the hotel, with similar establishments nearby also involved in vice-related activities.

Armed pirates attacked four fishing trawlers—FB Tufan-2, FB Madina-1, FB Ma-1, and FB Tarek-1—off the coast of Patharghata in the Bay of Bengal. Seven fishermen were beaten and one was shot. The robbers made off with fish worth BDT 2 million, BDT 50,000 in cash, and 30 mobile phones. Coast Guard units later rescued the injured. Witnesses report the attackers spoke in a Chittagong dialect and wore masks.

Former MP Morshed Alam and 84 Awami League leaders and activists have been named in a case over a 2018 attack on BNP candidate Zainul Abdin Farroque’s election rally. The current chairman and Kadra Union Jubo League president Gias Uddin Bhuiyan has been arrested. Other accused include Morshed Alam’s son and former Upazila chairman Saiful Alam Dipu, and Vice Chairman Golam Kabir.