The Upazila Administration in Durgapur, Netrakona, launched a drive against buses charging excessive fares from passengers returning to Dhaka. Several transport companies, including Ma Moni Enterprise, Sathi Paribahan, and St. Martin CBC, were found collecting fares without printed tickets and inflating prices. Under the supervision of the UNO, passengers were refunded the overcharged amounts, and bus counters were warned against repeating such practices. Travelers expressed great satisfaction after receiving their money back.

Following controversy over alleged obscene dancing and drug use in the stage play “Apon Dulaal” in Kapasia, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki clarified that the news reports are misleading. He attributed the play’s temporary halt to internal disputes between local organizers. Farooki urged journalists to report facts responsibly and avoid sensationalism that could harm cultural development. “The reports claimed the stage was dismantled, but organizers said it was never even built at that point,” he wrote on Facebook, appealing for national unity and support for the arts.

The Revolutionary Workers Party has strongly condemned the passing of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in India, calling it a severe blow to the Muslim community’s rights and security. In an official statement, the party said the move by the BJP government is discriminatory and unconstitutional, undermining India’s federal structure. “This bill strikes at the heart of Muslim-held immovable properties that have been preserved for generations,” the statement read. The legislation allows non-Muslims to be members—and even CEOs—of Waqf boards, effectively nullifying traditional rights over these properties. The party demanded the immediate repeal of the bill.

Actress Pori Moni has been accused of severely assaulting a domestic worker over a dispute involving her child’s feeding. The victim has filed a complaint with the local police. In a Facebook live session, Pori Moni responded, “The woman in question hasn’t even been working with us for a month. She may claim to be a domestic worker, but I don’t consider her as such.” She stated she has evidence but chooses not to release it out of respect for the legal process. Accusing the media of conducting a trial against her, she said, “If I have done wrong, I absolutely deserve to be punished. Anyone can file a complaint, but should someone be judged guilty before the investigation is complete?” She concluded, “This is real life—not a reel for social media.”

Adviser Ali Imam Majumder has assured that the government has sufficient stockpiles of food grains, and there is no cause for concern regarding food security. Addressing the losses incurred during the recent floods, he stated that the government is importing food grains to compensate. A bumper Boro harvest is expected this season across the country, including the Haor regions. The government is actively working to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce. “Farmers and agricultural laborers are the frontline soldiers of our development. If they thrive, the country will prosper,” he added. The government is also addressing irrigation issues in Haor areas, the illegal drying of canals and wetlands under the pretext of fishing, fertilizer and seed availability, and crop preservation. He further promised dredging of rivers and canals, highlighting Kishoreganj’s diverse agricultural landscape.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed has announced that the establishment of the Supreme Court Secretariat is now on the brink of realization. He stated that this initiative will significantly contribute to ensuring the independence and autonomy of the judiciary. Speaking on judicial reform, the Chief Justice highlighted that the phased implementation of the reform roadmap is enabling the judiciary to play a pivotal role in shaping the “New Bangladesh” envisioned for the post-July 2024 era. He emphasized that judicial reform has itself become a symbol of the word “reform” and noted that the judiciary is the only arm of the state that has actively pursued internal reforms for decades. “We have never been this close to achieving full separation of powers,” he said. “If this opportunity is lost, it would be severely detrimental to the dignity, integrity, and relevance of the judiciary.”

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary Mia Golam Parwar issued a statement on Saturday condemning the passing of the controversial Wakf Amendment Bill in India, calling it part of a broader anti-Muslim agenda by the BJP government. He accused the bill of stripping Muslims of religious rights and property, stating it opens the door for government control over mosques, madrasas, graveyards, and shelters donated by Muslims. Parwar also criticized the mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in Wakf Boards, which he claims weakens Muslim control. Referring to mob lynchings over beef, the triple talaq ban, and other abuses, he urged the Indian government to stop these “oppressive actions” and ensure the safety of Muslims.

After attending the annual Snan Utsav (Holy Bath Festival) in Narayanganj, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam addressed concerns over misinformation by foreign media. “Some foreign outlets have good relations with our media, but they often spread false news. You must counter them with the truth to expose their lies,” he said. Alam encouraged the press to report any real issues transparently, but warned against publishing misinformation. He also noted that river conditions and pilgrim turnout were better this year, and praised the coordinated efforts of the Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Ansar, magistrates, and local administration. Highlighting Bangladesh’s religious harmony, he proposed turning the holy site into a tourist destination.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam has said it is uncertain whether the Rohingyas can be repatriated to Myanmar by next year. He criticized the term “FDMN” (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals), saying it was coined by certain diplomats and loyalists trying to appease the Burmese junta. “This term erases the Rohingya identity and downplays the genocide narrative,” Alam stated. He reaffirmed that Bangladesh used the term ‘Rohingya’ during meetings, and even Myanmar officials were eventually compelled to adopt the term in official discussions.

The United States has imposed a 37% tariff on Bangladeshi imports—an alarming move initiated by former President Donald Trump that poses serious risks to the country’s export sector. In response, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called an emergency meeting tonight to address the situation. According to Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, top experts, advisers, and officials will attend the meeting, scheduled for 7:30 PM at the Jamuna office. Dr. Yunus earlier assured that the matter would be resolved through discussion and diplomacy.

Following the breakdown of a ceasefire, renewed Israeli attacks on Gaza are causing devastating harm to children, with at least 100 children killed or injured daily, said UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini. “This war is not theirs, yet it is claiming their lives,” he stated, urging immediate action to protect Gaza’s children. Lazzarini added that nearly 15,000 children have reportedly died since the war began a year and a half ago. Pakistan has called on the UN Security Council to take immediate steps to halt the war.

U.S. stock markets took a major hit following China’s announcement of retaliatory tariffs, with major indices dropping around 6%. After former President Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese imports, China responded by slapping an additional 34% tariff on all U.S. goods starting April 10. The S&P 500 fell 6%, Nasdaq dropped 5.8%, and Dow Jones declined 5.5%, while the Russell 2000 dipped 4%. Analysts say this is the worst trading day since the onset of COVID-19.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated on Facebook that during a bilateral meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed great respect for Professor Muhammad Yunus. Praising Yunus’ work, Modi reportedly said, “We have seen the disrespectful treatment you received from Hasina, despite our good relationship with her. But we have always respected you.” Shafiqul further revealed that when Professor Yunus raised the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, India’s response was not negative. “We are confident that one day Hasina will be extradited to Dhaka and we will witness the trial of the century!” he said. Modi also reportedly emphasized several times that India’s relationship is with the people of Bangladesh, not with any one party or individual.

Swechchhasebak Dal leader Shahin Mia (27) was allegedly abducted and beaten by a group led by Swechchhasebak League leader Sarol in Siddhirganj. Shahin said he was setting up a tea stall when Sarol’s group demanded Tk 50,000 in extortion. Upon refusal, he was forcibly dragged into a private car by Sarol, his brother Nishad, and others. He was released only after promising to pay the amount. A case has been filed, and Shahin claimed he was also threatened with being blackmailed via a video involving local weapons.

Hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees gathered along the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Kurigram to participate in the sacred Astami Snan ritual. The ritual, which started at 4 a.m., is expected to continue until 5 p.m. along a two-kilometer stretch from Ramna Bandar to Putikata in Chilmari. To accommodate the pilgrims, 22 educational institutions were opened for lodging, while 44 temporary booths were set up for changing clothes and overnight stay. Security has been intensified to ensure safety during the event.