The Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms and hailstorms across various regions of Bangladesh over the next three days. Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions may experience gusty winds, lightning, and rain by Friday morning at 9 AM. Some areas could witness hailstorms. Additionally, the mild heatwave affecting Rajshahi and Sirajganj is expected to subside. Similar weather patterns are likely to persist across Dhaka, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet until Saturday morning.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader over allegations of extortion, nomination trade, and embezzlement of party funds. Reports suggest that during the 2018 parliamentary elections, Tk 181 million was taken as bribes for reserved women’s seats in Parliament. When the agreed payment was not completed, Professor Masuda M Rashid Chowdhury was temporarily suspended from her party position, and GM Quader’s wife, Sharifa Quader, was appointed MP in her place. Additionally, the Jatiya Party’s central committee, which should consist of 301 members, has reportedly been inflated to 600–650, indicating a trade in party positions. GM Quader is also accused of laundering assets under different names domestically and abroad.

The Election Commission has officially revoked the registration of 96 election observer organizations that were approved under the administration of Hasina. This decision was finalized in a meeting chaired by Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam on Thursday. The commission plans to approve new observer groups. Until November 2023, 67 domestic observer groups were registered with the EC. Ahead of the 2024 elections, 29 more organizations were added, bringing the total to 96. According to the law, these observer groups were authorized to monitor any election in Bangladesh until December 5, 2028.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has dismissed Ananta Jalil’s claims that 240 garment factories in Bangladesh have shut down. He stated, “Before attempting to gain benefits from the government, Ananta Jalil should verify his facts.” He also denied claims that Bangladeshi factories are closing down daily or that thousands of workers have lost their jobs. “In reality, Bangladesh’s exports have increased by 11% over the past seven months. According to reports from local administration and industrial police, about 99% of factories in Gazipur, Ashulia, and Savar remained operational this week,” he added. The Press Secretary urged Ananta Jalil to present accurate data and statistics.

Aliif Group has announced the indefinite closure of three factories in Konabari, Gazipur. Workers reported that employees of Aliif Group’s Swadhin Garments Ltd. in Jorun had been demanding Eid bonuses, leave payments, and half of their current month’s salary for several days. However, the management had not responded. As a result, around 800 workers began a strike on Wednesday morning. On Thursday, the factory management issued a notice declaring an indefinite shutdown.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, setting a two-month deadline for reaching a nuclear agreement. Khamenei condemned Trump’s ultimatum as “bullying tactics.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that the letter is still under review and a response is being prepared. Trump remarked, “We cannot allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons. While I prefer a peace agreement, other options remain on the table.”

Following his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, former U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump shared on Truth Social, “The discussion was very good. We are on the right track.” He mentioned that much of the conversation was based on his previous call with Putin, aimed at aligning both Russia’s and Ukraine’s requests and needs. The BBC reported that the call between Trump and Zelensky lasted for an hour. Meanwhile, Putin recently agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for 30 days but did not agree to a full ceasefire.

The Technical and Madrasa Education Division announced on Thursday a proposal to provide government salaries to teachers of Qaumi madrasas as part of an initiative to improve the education system. Under this proposal, madrasas will be categorized into four grades based on student numbers and establishment years. • Grade 1: Madrasas with over 500 students and established more than 25 years ago. The head of the institution would receive 10,000 BDT per month, while four teachers and one staff member would each receive 7,000 BDT per month. • Grade 2: Madrasas with over 300 students and over 15 years old. The head would get 8,000 BDT, while four teachers and one staff member would receive 5,000 BDT each. • Grade 3: Madrasas with over 100 students and at least five years old. The head would receive 5,000 BDT, while teachers and staff would get 3,000 BDT each. • Grade 4: All other madrasas fall under this category.

The Advisory Council has approved an executive order granting government employees an extended nine-day holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr. Initially, five days of leave were planned from March 29 to April 2, with April 3 as a working day before the weekend break on April 4 and 5. However, to ensure a continuous holiday period, the government has declared April 3 a holiday as well, effectively extending the break to nine days.

Visiting the rape survivor at Patuakhali Medical College Hospital, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam stressed the urgency of justice. After meeting with the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Nahid stated, “I am not here as a member of a Shaheed family but as a concerned citizen of Bangladesh. Every rape case must be thoroughly investigated and resolved swiftly.” He urged authorities to ensure exemplary punishment for perpetrators and called for the rapid implementation of proposed legal changes to enforce the maximum penalty for rape.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, announced that amendments to the Women and Child Repression Prevention Act have been passed. The decision was made during a meeting of the Advisory Council on Thursday. In a press conference, Shafiqul Alam stated that modifications have been made to provisions regarding forced intercourse under false promises of marriage. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar and Apoorbo Jahangir were also present at the briefing.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir held a meeting with EU Ambassador Michael Miller, attended by Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Shama Obaid. Amir Khosru stated that the discussion primarily focused on upcoming elections and economic issues. He remarked, “A key concern for both local and international stakeholders is the timing of the next election. While there is currently a government in place, the democratic order has yet to be restored. We have observed that no administration wishes to support a government without public backing.” He further noted, “Many believe there is no room for delay beyond December. Some even think December is already too late.”

On July 19, Shaheed Jashim was shot dead in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. His daughter (18) has now reportedly been a victim of gang rape. In response, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam has traveled to Patuakhali to support the victim’s family. During his visit, Nahid Islam will check on the survivor, who is currently receiving treatment at Patuakhali Medical College Hospital. He is also scheduled to meet the family and hold discussions with the Patuakhali Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, and police have already arrested a suspect, 19-year-old Sakib Munshi.

UK BNP President MA Malek has stated that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia may return to Bangladesh in mid-April. Malek mentioned, “We requested Begum Khaleda Zia to celebrate Eid before returning home, and she has honored our request. She is now set to return in mid-April, after Eid.” Regarding Tarique Rahman, he added, “We are still uncertain about our leader’s travel plans.”

Seven journalists were assaulted in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, after reporting on a road blockade caused by dumped soil. Several motorcycles were vandalized during the attack. The injured journalists include Rajib Ahmed Russel, Selim Talukder, Shahan Ali, Md. Saheb Ali, Hiru Khandaker, and Jahangir Hossain. Russel stated that they witnessed a traffic jam due to the blockage and requested local youths to clear the road, which led to a confrontation and subsequent attack by two individuals, Imran (20) and Jamil (22), later joined by others.