During Comilla University’s 2024-25 undergraduate admission tests, teenage gang members staged a violent show of force near Comilla Victoria College. Armed with rods, hockey sticks, bamboo poles, and local weapons, they created panic among candidates and guardians. Three gang members have been detained, according to local police.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Zahid Hossain, 27, from Naogaon for masterminding the abduction of 27 Bangladeshis in Libya. Victims were confined in a house, tortured, and ransom demands were sent to their families via videos. In one case, a ransom demand of 5 million taka was made, with 3.5 million paid through various bank accounts. Zahid has confessed to his crimes.

Islamic leader Maulana Mamunul Haque has demanded that the Women’s Commission’s recent proposal be rejected by May 3. He warned that if it is not withdrawn, further action will be announced from Suhrawardy Udyan. Mamunul accused the commission members of making recommendations that insult Islam and demanded punitive action against them. “There is no place in Bangladesh for anti-Quranic forces,” he said. While he welcomed reforms initiated through six commissions, he expressed shock at the recommendations made by the Women’s Commission.

Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gano Adhikar Parishad, has alleged that the administration has resumed its partisan practices, favoring certain political parties. He warned that those involved in favoritism would meet the same fate as former officials Harun and Benazir. Criticizing the lack of visible progress in prosecuting perpetrators of mass killings, Nur said political parties are now more focused on securing their own interests and dominance. “That’s why the Awami fascists are once again roaring in the streets,” he added. Nur emphasized the need for systemic reforms to transition the fascist state into a democratic and humane one, insisting that timely elections must follow these reforms. He also warned that if there is no significant progress in investigating the July massacre, his party will take a stand against the government.

Abu Hanif of the Gano Adhikar Parishad warned that if the government fails to prosecute the Awami League for the July Uprising massacres and ban the party, protestors may be forced to lay siege to the Chief Adviser’s Office. He accused the AL of spreading misinformation from India and operating as a “terrorist group” domestically. Hanif emphasized the need for reforms that permanently block the return of fascism.

The Ministry of Education has issued separate notifications removing KUET Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Masood and Pro-VC Professor SK Shariful Alam. The decision, approved by the President and Chancellor, comes after prolonged student protests and hunger strikes demanding their ouster. They have been instructed to return to their respective departments.

BNP leader Syed Emran Saleh Prince highlighted the role of mosques beyond prayer, calling them platforms for education, community activities, and collective crisis management. He urged support for mosque construction and promised that if BNP returns to power, it would actively support mosques, madrasas, and religious institutions, while promoting religious values and culture.

At a protest rally, Khelafat Majlis Secretary General Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader criticized the Women’s Reform Commission, claiming that around 10 of its proposals directly contradict Quranic teachings. These include proposals to abolish Muslim inheritance laws, establish a uniform family law across all religions, allow wives to accuse husbands of marital rape, and recognize sex workers as laborers. He demanded the immediate dissolution of the commission in the interest of Islam, national integrity, and women’s welfare.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party, warned that delays in reforms and elections could lead to further instability and squander collective national achievements. He emphasized the necessity of a strong political government and called for elections to be held before the end of the year if there is genuine political will.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi expressed concern that although there has been some relief, the “voices of fascism” are occasionally resurfacing, posing significant danger. He criticized the government for not shutting down businesses run by Sheikh Hasina’s associates, suggesting that the administration instead manages or takes over these enterprises to protect workers. Rizvi also questioned why Justice Khairul Haque has not been arrested for actions that allegedly paved the way for authoritarianism.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus paid respects to the late Pope Francis upon arriving in Rome, where he was welcomed by Bangladesh’s ambassador to Italy and Vatican City. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Mazumdar noted that Pope Francis had been an admirer of Yunus’s work, particularly his “Three Zeros” vision. The Vatican had also collaborated with Yunus on launching the “Three Zero Initiative” in Rome.

Speaking at a Shahidi rally, NCP leader Sarjis Alam criticized the government’s double standards, noting that when the Awami League perpetrated violence during events like Shapla Chattar, Pilkhana, and the July massacres, “Western perspectives” were nowhere to be found. He warned that the younger generation would not tolerate manipulation and could overthrow any regime built on their blood and sacrifices.

Billal Hossain, father of Adviser Asif Mahmud, expressed deep regret over acquiring a contractor’s license. He said, “If I had known my son would face public criticism because of me, I would never have done it.” He claimed he was unaware that headmasters were prohibited from engaging in contracting and said he issued the license only to help local unemployed youths, though he never personally used it.

JSD President ASM Abdur Rob urged the government to announce a comprehensive roadmap addressing fundamental political reforms and the national election. Stressing the need for a National Charter based on broad constitutional consensus, he warned that delays or half-hearted measures could deepen political divisions and instability.

Adviser Supradip Chakma emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of all communities and building a secular nation. Speaking at an event, he highlighted the government’s open-door policy for development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He stressed the need for economic progress and expanding coffee and cashew nut cultivation in the region, even bringing experts from the plains if needed. Supradip called for overcoming past grievances, like the Kaptai Dam displacement, and working toward shared prosperity.