Ishraq Hossain has demanded the immediate resignation of student representatives from the government, stating that their continued presence jeopardizes the impartiality of the interim government during elections. He emphasized that the national elections must be held by 2025 and promised that the people would secure these elections together, Insha’Allah. His post on social media has sparked significant opposition, with many netizens expressing support for the current government.

Hefazat-e-Islam has expressed agreement with BNP’s demand for holding the national parliamentary elections by December this year. Both parties have also united in calling for the withdrawal of false charges against Hefazat activists and politicians. Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of democratic reforms and the need to prioritize peaceful transitions within the democratic process. While the Chief Advisor has assured elections by December, concerns remain as some voices suggest a possible delay until June. Both parties also agreed on the necessity of justice for those killed during the Shapla Square and anti-Modi movements.

Jamaat-e-Islami has confirmed its candidates for the upcoming national parliamentary elections. The party has announced its nominees for the seven constituencies in Bogura, who are as follows: Md. Shahabuddin for Bogura-1, Maulana Shahadatuz Zaman for Bogura-2, Nur Mohammad Abu Taher for Bogura-3, Maulana Taieb Ali for Bogura-4, Dhabibur Rahman for Bogura-5, Abidur Rahman Sohel for Bogura-6, and Golam Rabbani for Bogura-7. The party’s Assistant Secretary General stated that those calling for elections without reforms are essentially aiming to bring back the misrule of Sheikh Hasina. He also criticized those who failed to take action against injustice during the past regime and betrayed the martyrs’ blood. Additionally, speakers at the event demanded capital punishment for their leaders.

Saudi Arabia has imposed a temporary visa restriction on 14 countries—including Bangladesh and Pakistan—during the Hajj season. The ban affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas and is expected to remain in place until mid-June. Travelers holding Umrah visas may enter Saudi Arabia until April 13. Other countries on the restricted list include India, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Yemen. Saudi authorities said the ban was necessitated by past incidents where long-term visa holders performed Hajj without authorization, leading to severe overcrowding.

To attract more foreign direct investment (FDI), economists and business leaders have urged the interim government to take immediate steps to reduce the tariffs imposed by the United States. BKMEA Executive Vice President Fazle Shamim Ehsan said, “We expected increased investments after the US imposed higher tariffs on China. But now, the same tariffs are being applied to us. If this continues, investment won’t come to Bangladesh.” Selim Raihan, Executive Director of SANEM, emphasized the importance of sending a clear and positive message to the US. Ehsan, Managing Director of Fatullah Apparels Ltd., echoed this sentiment, urging the government to take prompt action on tariff reductions.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has commented on why Tarique Rahman has not yet returned to Bangladesh, saying, “As the highest leader of the BNP at this time, he may have personal strategies. He’s closely observing the national situation before making any decisions.” Dudu added, “Tarique Rahman enjoys broad national acceptance and will return soon.” He also remarked, “Previously, students have been called upon to lead movements, revolutions, and even liberation struggles—but no one had asked for party support from students like they’re doing for Dr. Yunus. That’s why it’s becoming controversial.” Comparing political divides, he concluded, “Just as democracy and fascism are opposites, so are BNP and the League.”

Tarique Rahman, Acting Chairperson of the BNP, has extended both legal and financial assistance to the family of two six-year-old twin girls who were raped in Kabirhat, Noakhali. On March 25, while playing near their home, one of the twins was assaulted by a 16-year-old local boy named Farid in an abandoned tin-shed house. He was caught by locals and handed over to police, who later placed him in custody following court orders.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has declared that no waste— including that in the Matuail Sanitary Landfill—can be incinerated. Acknowledging that relocating the Matuail dump entirely will take time, she announced that two nearby steel mills will be shut down to mitigate environmental impact. “No battery burning or lead extraction from batteries will be allowed,” she added, citing enforcement actions already taken by the Department of Environment. During an inspection, Rizwana noted that air pollution in Dhaka has become a serious health concern and instructed city corporations and relevant agencies to adopt coordinated measures. She emphasized a dual approach: penalties for violations alongside public awareness campaigns.

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the NCP, declared that his party will not accept the rehabilitation of the Awami League, citing the party’s alleged involvement in genocide and crimes against humanity. “If anyone from Awami League attempts infiltration, they must be handed over to the law,” he stated. He also clarified that the NCP, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and the National Citizens’ Committee are independent entities, and only the NCP operates as a political party. Referring to Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, he added, “A capable and respected figure like Dr. Yunus is well-suited to lead the country as Prime Minister. His competence has been internationally acknowledged.” On India’s demand for Sheikh Hasina in talks with Modi, Akhtar said, “Effective measures must be taken.”

In response to complaints of overcharging, the Bangladesh Navy conducted a surprise raid at the Barguna municipal bus terminal. It was revealed that transport staff on Dhaka-bound routes were charging passengers between BDT 200 to 600 more than the government-fixed fares. Upon hearing about the operation, most ticket sellers fled the counters, making it difficult to take immediate action. However, Navy personnel intervened by coordinating with members of the local bus owners’ association to ensure passengers were refunded the excess fare.

In Anwara, Chattogram, members of Jamaat-e-Islami were reportedly attacked by activists from Chhatra League and Islami Chhatra Sena in a sudden and coordinated assault. Several Jamaat members were injured, including Ali Hossain (30), Maulana Nuruzzaman (42), and Abu Salek Munna (32), among others. One of them remains in critical condition. According to the local Jamaat leader of Bottoli Union, the attack was linked to their upcoming religious gathering scheduled for the 10th of this month. A case has been filed naming 14 individuals, including Najim Uddin (26), Sagir (25), Md. Belal Uddin (26), and Sirajul Mostafa (28).

Supradeep Chakma, Adviser on Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, has stated that the region will see no discrimination and will move forward through communal harmony. He urged collective effort to maintain peace and unity among all communities—hill people, Bengalis, Marmas, Chakmas, Tripuras, and Bawm. “Everyone should see themselves as citizens of Bangladesh and live together peacefully in mutual respect,” he said. He emphasized that the interim government formed through public uprising is working toward this inclusive vision.

Khilafat Majlis has expressed deep concern and anger over the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 in India, describing it as a blatant violation of religious and constitutional rights of Muslims. The statement denounced the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Waqf Board, calling it a backdoor encroachment on Muslim properties. The bill also empowers the government to determine what constitutes Waqf property. Khilafat Majlis alleged that the bill aims to seize Muslim assets for purposes such as temple construction. Emphasizing that Muslims were among the original builders of India, the party called for the immediate withdrawal of the bill and urged the Bangladesh government and international organizations to take action, warning that the law could have repercussions even in Muslim-majority Bangladesh.

According to the updated Passport Index by Nomad Capitalist, Bangladesh ranks 181st out of 200 countries, placing it near the bottom of the list of most powerful passports in the world. The index evaluates passports based on five key criteria: visa-free travel access, international taxation on residents, opportunities for dual citizenship, global reputation, and personal freedom. Ireland secured the top spot with a score of 109, granting its citizens visa-on-arrival access to 176 countries. In contrast, Bangladesh scored 38 and currently allows visa-on-arrival travel to just 50 countries. Nepal ranks slightly higher than Bangladesh, while Myanmar ranks just below. India holds the 148th position, and Pakistan is further down at 195th.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin announced that Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will personally engage with US officials to address concerns over newly imposed tariffs. He also mentioned that increasing imports from the US could help narrow the trade deficit. The decision was made during an emergency meeting held in the evening.