Families of Israeli hostages have issued a stern warning to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring that they will not allow him to sabotage the Hamas ceasefire deal or turn Gaza’s tunnels into their children’s graves. They have called for protests in front of the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, accusing Netanyahu of threatening a new war, violating the ceasefire agreement, and endangering the hostages’ lives. According to Israeli sources, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, at least 22 of whom are confirmed to be alive.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues its attacks on Gaza, killing at least 98 Palestinians so far. In the latest airstrike on Gaza City, four Palestinians lost their lives. Meanwhile, Hamas has accused Netanyahu of being afraid to implement the ceasefire successfully, stating that his blockade is causing Israeli residents and prisoners to suffer from starvation. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks have killed a total of 48,525 Palestinians and injured over 100,000 since the war began.

Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Muhammad Talebur Rahman reported that 2,485 cases were filed for traffic violations in the capital between Thursday and Friday. During the operation, 316 vehicles were impounded, and 124 were towed. “This crackdown is part of our efforts to maintain traffic discipline in Dhaka, and it will continue,” he stated.

Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), has claimed that economic data presented by the previous government was misleading and politically motivated. “The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) was directed to manipulate data as per their convenience,” she alleged. She also warned that Bangladeshi businesses are not adequately prepared to tackle the challenges of LDC graduation. The loss of tariff benefits post-graduation could cost the country’s export sector up to $8 billion annually. Additionally, foreign aid for climate financing is expected to decline. Fahmida also raised concerns about rising foreign debt.

Police have arrested 35-year-old Sabul Mia in Chatak for allegedly attempting to rape a 10-year-old madrasa student. The incident occurred on Friday morning when the victim went to her madrasa for Quran lessons. Sabul reportedly lured her into an empty classroom on the second floor and attempted to assault her. Hearing the girl’s screams, locals rushed to the scene, but Sabul managed to flee. A group reportedly tried to cover up the incident, but when the news spread, enraged locals attacked and vandalized Sabul’s house at night.

ADC Mahmudah Begum of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) reported that 30 individuals have been arrested in the past 24 hours during “Operation Devil Hunt” for allegedly attempting to destabilize the city. The arrestees face multiple charges, including attacks on student protesters during the mass uprising and violations under the Special Powers Act, Anti-Terrorism Act, and Penal Code. All detainees have been sent to jail through court orders.

Locals in Shariatpur have expressed outrage after noticing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s name printed on rice sacks distributed under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program for fishermen. The rice distribution covered 15,446 registered fishermen across different unions, with each receiving an allocation of 80 kg for two months. The 30-kg rice sacks featured the slogan: “Sheikh Hasina’s Bangladesh—Hunger Will Be Eradicated.” While some sacks had the text covered with black spray paint, most still had it visible.

Sixty rounds of bullets were discovered during the excavation of a pond owned by Sardarul Amin Talukder Kalam, the President of the Union Awami League in Dobaura, Mymensingh, on Saturday afternoon. Locals reported that workers came across the bullets while digging the pond. As news spread, curious residents gathered at the site. Officer-in-Charge Al Mamun Sarkar stated that the recovered bullets belonged to old .303 rifles and were taken into police custody. Further legal actions are underway.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s upcoming election would set a global precedent during a meeting with political parties on Saturday. Addressing BNP leaders regarding state reforms, he remarked, “How much reform you undertake is an internal matter for you.” The meeting included representatives from BNP, Jamaat, NCP, AB Party, and other political groups, who presented their reform plans and political positions to the UN chief.

Minhajul Abedin Mithu, the former General Secretary of the now-banned Taltoli unit of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), was handed over to the police by leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal on Saturday at around 2 PM in Barguna’s Taltoli. Officer-in-Charge Shah Jalal confirmed the arrest, stating, “Some Chhatra Dal activists detained Mithu and handed him over to us. He has been shown arrested in a case and will be sent to court tomorrow.” Mithu had served as the General Secretary of the local BCL unit for nearly five years.

BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Tahsina Rushdir Luna has stated that disciplinary action will be taken against any BNP member who issues threats. “During the tenure of the fascist government, the media was unable to operate freely because they knew that without suppressing the press, their corruption would be exposed. Now is the time for journalists to publish reports on every corrupt individual. If any BNP member threatens the media for exposing corruption, let us know—we will take organizational action against them,” Luna said.

Leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss key political issues in Bangladesh. The delegation included Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Secretary Mia Ghulam Parwar. During the meeting, Jamaat highlighted the importance of sustainable democracy, national unity, and fair elections. Dr. Taher stated, “We discussed necessary reforms and stressed the need for a fair election process.” Guterres reportedly acknowledged many of Jamaat’s concerns and expressed optimism about ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process in Bangladesh.

Anwar Hossain Noyon, a leader of Jubo Dal in Kabirhat Upazila, has been accused of openly demanding extortion money. A leaked phone conversation circulating on Facebook reveals him allegedly telling a Ministry of Law employee, “If you want to stay safe, send 100,000 Taka via Bkash immediately.” In the viral audio, Noyon is heard accusing the official, Sakhayet Ullah, of supporting the ruling Awami League’s boat symbol in the last Union Parishad elections despite being appointed by BNP leader Barrister Moudud Ahmed. He allegedly warns, “You must pay me by Tuesday. If not, you can’t even imagine what will happen next.”

Inqilab Mancha has declared a month-long signature campaign and leaflet distribution to press for their two main demands. The organization’s spokesperson, Sharif Osman Hadi, announced a Shahidi (martyr) rally scheduled for April 25. However, when protesters attempted to march towards the Shaheed Minar in an anti-rape demonstration, police intervened and blocked their procession. Following the police resistance, Hadi made the announcement in front of the National Museum. The demands include the immediate initiation of trials for the July-Pilkhana and Shapla Square incidents and a ban on the ruling Awami League, accusing them of genocide.

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Shafiqur Rahman has vowed to stand by the family of Achiya, who was allegedly murdered. Following a visit to Achiya’s grave, he addressed a brief gathering, demanding swift justice for the accused. He emphasized that no matter how influential the perpetrators are, those involved in rape and oppression must face exemplary punishment. Rahman further stated that the rise in such crimes is due to the absence of strict legal action. However, he claimed that such offenses would decline if an equitable state system were established. Earlier that morning, the Jamaat leader arrived in Magura by helicopter to meet Achiya’s family and assured them of continued support.