Prominent lawyer Shishir Monir criticized Article 116 of the Constitution, claiming it obstructs the establishment of an independent judiciary and a separate judicial secretariat. He alleged that the Ministry of Law exerts undue influence on lower courts and even intimidates judges. He cited an incident involving Sajeeb Wazed Joy’s court appearance, where the magistrate broke protocol to escort him—demonstrating the influence on the judiciary. Monir has legally challenged the article and called for structural reforms.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that Bangladesh’s struggling economy has recovered thanks to the contributions of expatriates. “We will ensure VIP services at airports for them,” he said, adding that travel to and from Bangladesh should be smooth and joyful. The government is also working on reducing cargo fees and improving logistics at Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet airports. All passport and consular services are being moved online, and Yunus urged expats to offer suggestions for improvements.

Islami Chhatra Shibir President Zahidul Islam has warned that any attempt to reintroduce fascism in Bangladesh will be rejected by the new generation. “They can rise again at any moment, in any context,” he said. He accused the ruling party of using the narrative of patriotism and the spirit of 1971 to justify a reign of terror over the past 15 years. “Anyone who dared to speak against the regime faced persecution through the legal system,” he claimed. Highlighting rampant corruption, he stated that the amount of money laundered abroad could fund four national budgets. Criticizing those who support the ruling party, he called them “fools” manipulated by a leader who, according to him, fled to save herself. “Don’t risk your lives for someone who abandoned the country,” he added.

Tarique Rahman has called on BNP leaders and activists to engage directly with the public to implement democratic reforms and win votes. “Without the people, you have no alternative,” he said. He emphasized unity across social classes and professions, encouraging internal dialogue to move the nation forward without hindering democratic rights or voting freedoms.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has called on all political parties to publicly disclose areas of consensus regarding national reforms. Citing the Chief Adviser, he said reforms must be consensus-driven and added that nearly all parties have submitted proposals. He urged signing a national charter and moving forward toward elections, as the public is eager to vote by December.

BNP leader Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu has warned of an ongoing domestic and international conspiracy to trigger communal unrest in Bangladesh. He urged party workers and the public to stay alert. Dulu emphasized that without an elected government, such instability is unlikely to end. He reiterated BNP’s 31-point reform agenda, stating that these reforms are essential to prevent the return of authoritarianism.

Two students from the University of Scholars have been arrested in connection with the murder of Zahidul Islam Parvez. The suspects are Fatema Tahsin Oishi from the Business Administration department and Faria Haque Tina from the English department. The university had previously suspended both students temporarily. Parvez was allegedly killed after an altercation involving the two students, who claimed he and his friends were laughing at them.

In the wake of a deadly attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian authorities have detained at least 1,500 individuals as part of the ongoing investigation. The attackers, armed with automatic rifles, opened fire for about 20 minutes. They were identified as members of the banned militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba’s offshoot, the Kashmir Resistance Front. Security forces have also released sketches of the suspected assailants.

A human chain was formed in front of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare, demanding the immediate reopening of the Malaysian labour market. Protesters urged the government to accept all conditions set by Malaysia and expedite the process at any cost. While 13 other countries have complied with Malaysia’s terms, Bangladesh has lagged behind, risking the loss of access to a market that requires 1.2 million workers and potential remittances worth $5 billion. A memorandum was submitted to the Adviser on Manpower Export and Overseas Employment.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has postponed his scheduled visit to Bangladesh due to rising tensions with India over the Kashmir issue. In an official statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will not be able to undertake the planned visit to Bangladesh on April 27–28, 2025. A new date will be finalized through mutual consultation.” Ishaq Dar was expected in Dhaka on a two-day official visit starting April 27.

The Public Administration Ministry is working on an amendment to the 2018 Civil Service Act that would allow the government to dismiss disruptive employees without an investigation, giving only an eight-day notice. The proposal was initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs to expedite the removal of unproductive or problematic staff.

The US has advised citizens to avoid travel within 10 kilometers of the India-Pakistan border and the region of Kashmir. Caution is also advised for parts of Manipur and central/eastern India. US officials require approval to visit most parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha—except their capital cities. Prior permission is also needed for visits to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and non-capital areas of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura.

BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie asserted that the party’s 31-point reform plan, if implemented through elections and public support, would prevent the return of fascism in Bangladesh. Originally a 27-point proposal, the updated agenda reflects wide consensus among pro-democracy movements. He urged supporters to present these proposals clearly to the public.

After a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, BNP’s Ishraq Hossain stated that the court verdict regarding his mayorship is being reviewed by the Election Commission and Law Ministry. A gazette notification will follow, and legal consultations are ongoing to determine the duration of his tenure. Ishraq emphasized that all procedures have followed the law.

Environment Adviser Rizwana Hasan announced that 12,000 acres of forest land in Cox’s Bazar, previously allocated to various agencies, will be returned to the Forest Department. Efforts are underway to free rivers, forests, and beaches from encroachment. So far, 700 acres have been reclaimed, and lands allocated to private parties and sports academies are being recovered.