BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir criticized the interim government for not consulting political parties before deciding to open a humanitarian corridor for the Rakhine people. He warned that such a move concerns the nation’s sovereignty and peace. Fakhrul emphasized the lack of action in repatriating Rohingya refugees and urged for reforms, including national elections to protect the country’s interests.

During a court hearing related to the murder of madrasa student Shahid Solaiman during the July Uprising, former Law Minister Anisul Huq was granted a four-day remand. After his appearance under heavy security, a group of lawyers slapped and assaulted him as he exited the Narayanganj court. Police quickly escorted him back to prison.

The government has formed the “July Uprising Directorate” to preserve the history of the July Uprising, rehabilitate the families of those killed and injured, and institutionalize the uprising’s ideals. The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs issued the notification following a decision made in the advisory council meeting on December 12.

Professor Asif Nazrul, adviser, said that the court, not the law ministry, determines the schedule for hearings and verdicts. He criticized the former government as fascist for violating judicial norms, including forcing out a Chief Justice. Nazrul affirmed that the current government respects judicial independence. The trial in the child murder case involving Achia began last Wednesday after delays in filing the chargesheet. He expressed optimism that the verdict would be delivered soon. Regarding the case against Iresh Zaker, he said everyone has the right to file a case, but authorities will investigate any ulterior motives.

In a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the need for regional cooperation and joint actions against terrorism. Pezeshkian condemned the attack in Pahalgam, Indian-controlled Kashmir, and highlighted Chabahar Port’s role as a key hub for Iran-India-Russia collaboration. He invited Modi to visit Tehran. Modi appreciated Iran’s constructive role in regional peace and expressed India’s continued support for Iran. Modi also extended condolences for the deadly explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei Port and offered assistance.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman stated that despite facing persecution and awaiting execution in solitary confinement, Maulana Abdus Subhan never showed fear. Even while imprisoned, he cared for fellow inmates. “True leaders must understand their people — something sorely lacking today,” he said. Subhan remained calm even after hearing his death sentence. “If you love your country and your people, you never flee — as our leaders have proven,” he added. BNP’s Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas also accused the deposed government of wrongfully indicting Subhan in crimes against humanity to humiliate him, saying the current Awami League leadership has now fled the country in disgrace.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer for the southern region of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), wished party convener and former interim government adviser Nahid Islam a happy birthday, calling him “the future Prime Minister of Bangladesh.” Commenting on the post, M Nur Hasan referred to Nahid as the “hero of the July Uprising.” Previously, Chief Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam had also remarked that Nahid Islam could one day become the country’s prime minister.

Muhammad Hasnat Morshed Bhuiyan, personal secretary to Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, has been removed from his post. On April 6, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification transferring him to the Ministry of Commerce as a Deputy Secretary. The notification did not specify the reasons for his removal. It stated that the tenure of a PS is contingent upon the adviser’s wish to retain them.

On Monday, model Meghna Alam was granted bail in a case filed against her on charges of fraud and extortion. Previously, on April 10, she had been detained for 30 days under the Special Powers Act and sent to prison. Additionally, after her arrest, the court granted a five-day remand for Dewan Samir in connection with a fraud case filed at Vatara Police Station on April 12.

In the final phase of the investigation into the Ashulia mass killing during the July Uprising, authorities have obtained video footage confirming the involvement of additional suspects. Prosecutor Mizanul Islam stated that two more individuals have been identified. On the day of the government’s fall, six individuals were burned alive inside a vehicle, with at least one victim still alive when set on fire. Hearings for this and other mass killing cases, such as the ones in Jatrabari and Rampura, are ongoing. The deadline for investigation reports has been extended by three months.

Gas allocations for the industrial sector have been cut to prioritize electricity and fertilizer production, causing a severe gas crisis in factories. Production in garment and textile mills has dropped by 70–90%, and many factories face closure. Around 400 gas-dependent factories have been unable to operate at full capacity. In Gazipur, where 600–700 million cubic feet of gas are needed daily, supply has dropped to 450 million cubic feet. Experts suggest that the government could import fertilizers or use alternative fuels for power generation to alleviate the crisis.

Professor Dr. C.R. Abrar, Education Adviser, stressed the need to eliminate negative perceptions about technical education and integrate it into the mainstream system. He described technical students as the architects of a new Bangladesh and said that with proper planning, their involvement could significantly boost national development. Efforts are underway to increase female participation and attract meritorious students to technical education. He emphasized that a major task will be shifting the prevailing social and cultural attitudes toward technical education.

Mahbub Morshed, Managing Director of BSS, surrendered in court and was granted bail on a Tk 500 bond in a defamation case filed by Abdul Hai Shikdar. On March 23, Shikdar filed the case, alleging that on March 17, Morshed posted a poem on Facebook defaming Khaleda Zia, wrongly attributing it to Shikdar. Shikdar denied authorship and pursued legal action.

Commenting on the recent lawsuit against actor Iresh Zaker, cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said he personally knows Iresh Zaker and confirmed his support for the July Movement. He clarified that the case against Zaker was filed by an individual, not the state. Farooki stated that while freedom must be respected, its misuse must also be addressed and expressed faith in a fair police investigation. He also mentioned that despite the cultural ministry’s efforts, it has received little media coverage, citing the recent recovery of library books in Tangail as an example.

Sarjees Alam wrote that a few months after the July Uprising, he came to know Dr. Tasnim Zara, Samantha Sharmin, Monira Sharmin, Nahida Sarwar Niva, and Tajnuva Zabeen. Observing their participation in discussions and decision-making processes, he concluded that these individuals are not only gems of the NCP but also future treasures of Bangladesh. He noted that, unlike the past when women’s representation was limited to token “quota” or “reserved seat” postings, Zara, Samantha, and their peers represent true participation and leadership. He urged against criticism driven by habit and encouraged appreciation for genuine efforts.