Bangladesh’s Trade Advisor has downplayed concerns about India’s cancellation of transshipment, stating that it will not cause significant problems for Bangladesh. He mentioned that the focus should be on enhancing domestic capacity, and that India’s sudden decision would not affect Bangladesh’s trade severely. He emphasized efforts to address infrastructural issues and rising costs while working to increase commercial capabilities and overcome any obstacles.

A case has been filed against Sharmine Sheila, also known as Cream Upper, at Ashulia Police Station. The Sadar Upazila Women’s Affairs Officer accused her of subjecting her two-year-old child to cruel treatment for online income. The charges include forcing the child to perform actions against her will, such as forcing her to eat cake-like items, applying makeup, and enduring physical punishment while being filmed. Police have stated that legal actions are underway.

Ashiqur Rahman, a 30-year-old Youth League leader from Sonargaon, Narayanganj, died after setting himself on fire over a family dispute. He sustained severe burns on April 7 after pouring kerosene on himself and was admitted to the National Burn Institute. Despite receiving treatment, he passed away on April 10. Ashiqur was the general secretary of Ward 8 Youth League in Shambhupura Union. Police have acknowledged the incident and stated that an investigation is underway, with legal action to follow.

A high-level meeting was held between Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis. The Adviser stressed the need for careful analysis of all plans and activities. She suggested that at least two or three projects should be implemented as a practical step forward, with a focus on rapid and effective climate actions, river restoration, and integrated environmental management. The discussion also covered the Climate Prosperity Plan, updated NDC, and potential collaborations with the ADB, EU, and Sweden. Rizwana Hasan highlighted the need for river recovery, canal restoration, and the implementation of the Delta Plan, urging the inclusion of mandatory public hearings in every development project to ensure transparency and public participation.

Ali Ahsan Junaid has announced the launch of a new political platform named ‘United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh)’. He stated that the platform’s primary goals include demanding justice for the Pilkhana, Shapla, and July massacres, advocating for the banning of the Awami League, and economically empowering the families of injured warriors and martyrs of July. Junaid further emphasized that the long-term vision of the platform is to bring about a shift in Bangladesh’s political culture, establish competent and ethical leadership across all societal levels, ensure social justice and human dignity, and rebuild the nation based on a social contract that respects religious beliefs and values. He also declared a commitment to eradicating fascism, imperialism, religious intolerance, and corruption from the country.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has proposed renaming the country constitutionally as the ‘People’s Welfare State of Bangladesh’ (বাংলাদেশ জনকল্যাণ রাষ্ট্র) as part of its broader reform agenda submitted to the National Consensus Commission today.

The party supports proportional representation (PR) in elections to balance power and prevent authoritarianism. Among its key proposals: amending the fundamental principles of the constitution, creating a power balance between the President and the Prime Minister, limiting the Prime Minister to two terms, separating party leadership from governmental roles, and repealing Article 70.

Out of a total of 182 proposals, the party agreed with 145, disagreed with 26, introduced 41 new proposals, and presented 4 core reforms.

Interior Adviser Jahangir Alam expressed outrage during a visit to the Sylhet Airport Police Station after seeing a red carpet reception and decorative arrangements. He immediately ordered all decorations to be removed, criticizing such flattery as unproductive. “Despite repeated warnings, this culture of appeasement hasn’t stopped,” he remarked.

He further noted that while touring the country, he has seen the severe limitations faced by the police—lack of accommodation, insufficient vehicles, and food shortages. Many police stations and vehicles were burned during the recent unrest, and not a single new vehicle has been procured yet. However, funds have been allocated and gradual improvements are expected.

The adviser asserted that the police are not afraid and have been instructed to take strict action against anyone taking the law into their own hands. He also reported no progress in the repatriation of Sheikh Hasina, an overall improvement in law and order, and noted that the recovery of looted assets remains below expectations.

Kiak Sung, founder of the Korean Export Processing Zone (EPZ), stated that Bangladesh, currently the world’s second-largest garment exporter among single countries, is well-positioned to claim the top spot. He emphasized that achieving this goal requires strategic reforms, increased use of technology, and the development of in-house production facilities for hand-spun yarn.

Sung highlighted the importance of policy support and the need for more bonded warehouses to ensure the swift availability of raw materials. This, he said, will enable manufacturers to produce and export garments more efficiently. He also praised the Bangladesh government’s proactive response during the temporary suspension of tariff policies under the Trump-era trade regulations.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has launched a protest rally this evening, starting around 4:45 PM, to condemn the Israeli atrocities and genocide and to express solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people. The rally route includes Shantinagar, Malibagh Mor, Mouchak, and Moghbazar, ending at Banglamotor.

Participants were seen waving Palestinian flags, wearing headbands, and carrying placards with slogans like “Stop the Gaza Massacre” and “Stand with Palestine, Oppose Barbarism.” BNP leaders stated that the rally aims to protest the continued attacks on children and civilians in Palestine and to awaken global conscience against Israeli brutality.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam has revealed that a total of 339 cases related to the July genocide and crimes against humanity have been filed at the International Crimes Tribunal. Arrest warrants have been issued against 141 individuals across 22 miscellaneous cases, including civilians, members of law enforcement, military personnel, and retired officers. Among them, 70 are civilians, 62 are from law enforcement agencies, and 9 are retired officials. So far, 54 suspects have been apprehended while 87 remain at large.

Tazul Islam stated that over 1,500 to 2,000 people were martyred during the July uprising, with around 25,000 students and civilians injured. He affirmed the availability of substantial evidence to prove these events in court. Additionally, investigations are ongoing in 39 other cases.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has left for Turkey to participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ public relations officer Kamrul Islam Bhuiyan. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus was originally invited but could not attend. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will inaugurate the event. The adviser is scheduled to meet foreign ministers from Turkey, Slovakia, Azerbaijan, and Gambia, along with the Secretary-General of an international organization.

The government has declared a public holiday on April 13 for the Chittagong Hill Tracts—Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban—in celebration of Chaitra Sankranti. Residents will enjoy a four-day holiday in total, including the preceding Friday and Saturday (weekend) and April 14 (Pahela Baishakh). All scheduled banks in these three districts will remain closed on April 13, according to a notice from Bangladesh Bank.

The government will ensure that the Bengali New Year and Chaitra Sankranti festivities are celebrated with equal enthusiasm in both the hill tracts and the plains, according to the Cultural Adviser. Key highlights include:
• April 4–19: Local New Year festivals and fairs across indigenous communities including Biju, Bisu, Sangrai, Bihu, Baha, and Wangala.
• April 12: Twelve regional Sadhumela fairs across the country, and the Fagua festival with tea workers in Sreemangal.
• April 13–14: Two-day cultural event by Nabopran Andolon at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
• April 13 (3 PM): Band show at Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka.
• April 14 (6:15 AM): Traditional New Year event by Chhayanaut at Ramna Batamul.
• April 14 (6 AM): Cultural performances at Rabindra Sarobar by Surer Dhara with diverse ethnic groups.
• April 14 (9 AM): Grand parade by Dhaka University involving 28 ethnic communities.
• April 14 (Evening): Drone show and cultural program at the National Parliament’s South Plaza featuring a Chinese technical team and local bands.

In Patuakhali, Jubo Dal leader Humayun Kabir Sohag has been accused of corruption in a lucrative construction contract, allegedly in collaboration with a Jubo League leader. The project, involving primary school construction, required 799 foundation piles, but fewer than 600 were used, sparking serious safety and corruption concerns. Upon being contacted, Sohag not only admitted to landing the deal after 17 years but also verbally abused the journalist and issued threats. The contractor of record was later revealed to be Jubo League leader Monibur Rahman, who reportedly swapped the deal with Sohag through a mutual agreement on August 5.

The prosecution at the war crimes tribunal has requested Interpol to issue red notices against 10 individuals, including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Others named include former ministers Obaidul Quader, A.K.M. Mozammel Haque, Hasan Mahmud, and several high-profile Awami League leaders and ex-officials such as Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, Nasrul Hamid Bipu, Mohammad Ali Arafat, and Tarek Anam Siddiqui.