Barrister Abdur Razzaq, former Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami and a senior lawyer at the Bangladesh Supreme Court, has passed away. He died on Sunday at 4:10 PM after a long battle with cancer. He also served as the chief adviser of the Amar Bangladesh Party. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un.

Tarique Rahman stated his vision for a Bangladesh where press freedom is guaranteed and journalists can work without fear. In a Facebook post featuring a satirical cartoon about BNP’s 2009 council, he emphasized that journalism is a cornerstone of democracy. “Without protecting press freedom, democracy cannot survive,” he wrote. He condemned recent attacks on press freedom under the current regime and paid tribute to journalists who courageously reported on corruption, human rights violations, and socio-economic failures.

BNP leader Amir Khasru stated that Russia has expressed interest in Bangladesh’s upcoming election timeline during discussions with the Russian ambassador. “They’re particularly interested in bilateral relations and business opportunities,” he said. Energy cooperation was also discussed. “Russia is rich in energy resources, and we explored potential collaboration,” Khasru added. The Russian ambassador had previously met with a BNP delegation led by the party’s secretary general.

Education Adviser Prof. Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar warned that neglecting primary education will result in an incompetent and unproductive population. Addressing field officials, he stressed the importance of improving educational standards, adding, “Our future depends on it.” He directed school inspectors to focus on students’ learning outcomes and hold teachers and assistant education officers accountable for underperforming schools. He also called for disciplinary measures where necessary.

Indian politician Asaduddin Owaisi condemned comments by former BDR Commission chief Fazlur Rahman, who suggested Bangladesh should consider occupying India’s northeast if war breaks out between India and Pakistan, and even seek military cooperation with China. In response, Owaisi said, “You must remember that as an independent nation, your very existence is indebted to India.” He criticized Pakistan, calling it a failed nation that will never allow India peace, but maintained that India will always remain the stronger power.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir asserted that while media freedom has increased, unhealthy rivalries between media groups and their political affiliations pose a threat. “Freedom of the press doesn't mean silencing those you disagree with,” he said. He credited the BNP for reopening media freedom in 1975 after it was shut down under the one-party BAKSAL system. “We’re not claiming moral perfection, but BNP has done more than any other party to protect press freedom,” Fakhrul added.

Nahid Islam, Convener of the NCP, claimed that government interference in media has significantly declined compared to the past. “Over the last 16 years, the fascist regime politicized every institution, and the media was no exception,” he said. He stressed the need for a clear roadmap to free the media from authoritarian influence, noting that without such reforms, the vision of a free press after July will remain unfulfilled. Nahid criticized the dissemination of misinformation during the interim government period and called for greater professionalism. He also emphasized the need for transparent media ownership, warning that corporate and political groups often use media for vested interests rather than public service.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain stated that Rohingyas must eventually return to Myanmar, but only when their safety is guaranteed. “We have yet to find an effective solution to the security crisis. There are two essential elements to repatriation: rights and security. Without these, the Rohingyas will not go back,” he said. Hossain further remarked that expecting repatriation without resolving these issues is unrealistic. “Can we send them back to the same place they fled to escape persecution?” he asked rhetorically. He expressed skepticism about achieving tangible results through bilateral talks with Myanmar and emphasized the need for a comprehensive roadmap involving the Arakan Army, Myanmar’s junta, and the National Unity Government.

National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman clarified that the government has not signed any agreement regarding a “humanitarian corridor” in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. He emphasized that misinformation is circulating and assured that any decisions involving Bangladesh’s sovereignty and regional diplomacy will be made with transparency.

The University of New South Wales in Sydney has confirmed in writing that former International Crimes Tribunal prosecutor Barrister Turin Afroz never completed a PhD with them. The state informed the Supreme Court that there is no record of her enrollment under that name. Barrister Anik R. Haque accused her of abusing power during her tenure, claiming she once had her own mother evicted from their home—though the court later restored her mother’s residence.

A Dhaka court has ordered a seven-day probe into alleged corruption within the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s prosecution unit following a media exposé titled “Secret Bribe Operation Led by Police Official.” A three-member investigative committee has been formed, comprising Joint Metropolitan Judge Humayun Kabir, Magistrate Minhazur Rahman, and Assistant Police Commissioner Rashed Hossain Parag.

Ahead of a meeting with the 12-party alliance, political analyst Prof. Ali Riaz emphasized the need for broader national consensus beyond just a commission. “You, the political actors, must engage with your allies and other forces to build unity,” he said. “While total agreement may not be possible, we must find common ground on fundamental national issues.” He added that the second phase of talks will begin mid-May, and a national charter will be drafted based on agreed principles.

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alexander Vikentyevich Mantytskiy, met with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the party chairperson’s political office. Senior BNP leaders Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Shama Obaid also attended. Discussions likely included political developments and international relations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a three-day ceasefire as a "staged show." Russia has not accepted a broader 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by Kyiv and Washington. “We are not playing games to help Putin appear less isolated during his May 9 Victory Day celebration,” Zelensky said. Nearly 20 foreign leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, are expected to attend the Moscow event. Zelensky warned that Russia might orchestrate incidents on that day and blame Ukraine.

Maruf Kamal Khan, former press secretary to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, thanked the Qatari government and royal family for providing an air ambulance for her travel to London for treatment. He credited the arrangement to the appeal made by Dr. Muhammad Yunus’ interim government. The air ambulance was equipped with advanced medical technologies and provided free of cost. “We are deeply grateful to Allah and the Qatari leadership,” he wrote.