Following India’s discontinuation of transshipment facilities, Bangladesh is rapidly expanding its air cargo infrastructure. The government is taking urgent measures to enhance capacity, reduce transportation costs, and ensure uninterrupted export of key products, particularly readymade garments. The Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority stated, “We are working together to revise existing civil aviation and ground-handling tariffs to make air cargo more cost-effective.” He emphasized that top-level directives have been issued to maintain cargo operations despite external disruptions. Recruitment of additional personnel has already been completed, and reduced handling charges are expected to be announced soon.

Students at Rajshahi University held a protest demanding a public referendum to ban the Awami League. Protesters alleged that the party has led to widespread violence and oppression, and called for democratic reform through direct public participation.

A group of indigenous students held a press conference demanding the immediate and unconditional release of five University of Chittagong students kidnapped from Khagrachhari. The victims include students from Fine Arts, Drama, International Relations, and Zoology departments. Activist Jallang Enrico Kubi claimed the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) was behind the abductions, and criticized the lack of visible action from university and local authorities.

Speaking in solidarity with the July movement, Gono Adhikar Parishad leader Abu Hanif argued that banning the Awami League and prosecuting those involved in state-led killings are the true reforms the nation needs. He accused the government of facilitating the party’s resurgence instead of holding it accountable. Protesters also called for the cancellation of Awami League’s political registration.

Two officials of Montrim Garments in Kaliakair have been dismissed following the suicide of a worker, 23-year-old Idris Ali. Before ingesting toxic chemicals inside the factory, he posted on Facebook alleging humiliation and job insecurity. The factory claimed Idris consumed aluminum phosphide, a chemical not found on their premises. Production has continued amid ongoing investigations.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain emphasized that a unified stance by Islamic scholars could compel the state to reverse misguided decisions. He envisioned a future where 50 religious scholars sit in Parliament and several serve as ministers. “If we can connect with the people, we can ensure the correct propagation of Islamic principles and Quranic teachings,” he said.

Parvez Mosharraf (23), a student of Textile Engineering at Primeasia University, was stabbed to death during a clash between student groups in Banani. The altercation reportedly involved students from the university’s Textile and English departments. The incident took place in the evening and left Parvez fatally injured with a stab wound to the chest.

The US State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Bangladesh, warning citizens to reconsider travel. A complete travel ban was placed on the Chittagong Hill Tracts—Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban—due to risks including communal violence, kidnapping, and criminal activity. The advisory noted that both family disputes and religious targeting have led to abductions, and travelers require prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs to visit these areas.

Rafid M. Bhuiyan has resigned from his position as Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Consensus Party (NCP), citing personal reasons. In a previous statement, Rafid had claimed that behind-the-scenes efforts over three months led to a recent airport protest. He alleged that local leaders in North Bengal were actively sabotaging opposition efforts and misusing funds for personal image-building during Eid.

In response to a headline by Prothom Alo questioning his “lavish lifestyle,” politician Hasnat Abdullah denied all allegations and challenged anyone to prove he accepted a single taka unlawfully. He claimed the report was retaliation for his social media post criticizing India’s RAW agency. “They want to silence me with misinformation, but our fight against Indian imperialism and its local allies will continue,” he stated. He also accused the media of targeting honest and patriotic politicians.

BNP leader Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad stated that the party will not allow the Awami League to regain dominance in Muradnagar. He warned that those attempting to rehabilitate the ruling party will face consequences after the upcoming elections. Kaykobad urged the interim government to ensure a peaceful national election by December.

Colonel (Retd.) Oli Ahmad criticized the current administration, warning against playing the role of an “Indian proxy” or rehabilitating the Awami League. Speaking at a Liberal Democratic Party event, which saw over 500 professionals and former military officers join under the leadership of Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardi, Oli accused the government of failing to maintain order and of turning a blind eye to disruptive activities. He also alleged rampant corruption in civil service appointments.

Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud has revealed that weapons from the national Shooting Federation were used to suppress student and public protests during the July uprising. The reform committee formed for restructuring sports bodies was initially given a deadline until April 20. Despite a request for an extension, the committee received no response from the ministry. Bangladesh currently has 55 sports federations, with new committees formed for 26 of them in the last seven months.

Fatima Hasoona, a 25-year-old Palestinian photojournalist from Gaza, was killed in an Israeli airstrike that also claimed the lives of 10 of her family members. Fatima had been documenting Israeli atrocities in Gaza for the past 18 months. A documentary about her work is set to be screened at a film festival in France next month. Before her death, she posted: “If I die, let my death roar. Let it not become just another headline or statistic. Let it be a death that etches itself into history—an image no one can erase.”

Journalist Zulkarneyn Sayer has called on the government’s Press Wing to compile a comprehensive list of individuals killed in India over the past year by “cow vigilantes” and members of the BJP-RSS factions. In a Facebook post, Sayer urged the authorities to include victims’ names, religious affiliations—particularly Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians—the cause of their deaths, dates, locations, and those responsible. He also suggested that the list be published through the Office of the Chief Adviser or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a formal statement of condemnation. He noted that experienced journalists in the Press Wing are well-equipped to carry out this task.