Rokonuzzaman Tipu, a local correspondent for Daily Kaler Kantho, has been sentenced to 10 days in jail by a mobile court in Tala. Tipu had visited the Tala Upazila Complex construction site to investigate alleged corruption. When Sub-Assistant Engineer MM Mamun Alam refused to provide information, an argument broke out, during which the engineer reportedly asked, “Who are you to ask?” leading to a physical altercation. Both parties reported the incident to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), who later visited the site, took statements from workers and locals, and issued the sentence. Tipu claims the engineer initiated the altercation.

For the first time since the recent mass uprising, the ruling Awami League staged a sudden march in Magura town on Tuesday, calling the ongoing tribunal proceedings a “farce” and demanding their closure. The march, held under the banner of the party’s Magura district branch, saw 15–20 participants wearing helmets and masks. Attempts to contact the Officer-in-Charge of Magura Sadar Police Station, Md. Ayub Ali, for comment were unsuccessful.

On Tuesday night around 10:30 PM, students from Dhaka University and nearby institutions blocked the Shahbagh intersection, demanding the resignation of the KUET Vice-Chancellor. By 11 PM, several hundred more students joined the protest, halting traffic in the area. The action followed a deadline set at a Monday rally at TSC, where students warned the Vice-Chancellor to step down by 10 PM Tuesday.

Adviser Asif Nazrul has stated that a key priority for the interim government is to ensure justice for enforced disappearances, killings, and crimes against humanity committed during the “fascist Hasina regime.” He said the July uprising created a unique opportunity to reshape the nation, inspired by the sacrifices of young protesters. Nazrul noted that Bangladesh has now signed the international convention on enforced disappearances. “While our international crimes law recognizes organized enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity, it lacks a standalone legal definition and corresponding punishment,” he said. Work is underway to draft legislation to fill this gap.

Nurul Islam Saddam, Secretary of Islami Chhatra Shibir, has criticized the lack of justice for what he called “Awami fascism” despite the existence of solid evidence. “This is not 1971, when there was little documentation and justice was difficult,” he said. Saddam expressed skepticism that future governments will pursue justice, citing historical examples like the political rehabilitation of Ershad after his ouster in the 1990s. He condemned those who remain silent about the July massacre and warned that the public will show them the “red card.” He also voiced frustration over sudden processions held by the ruling party.

BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman has warned of an emerging threat from “invisible forces” and fascist conspirators in the country’s political landscape. “We must stand united to confront them,” he said. Rahman claimed that nearly 70% of the country’s development during recent decades took place under BNP rule. He emphasized preventive healthcare and the need to build a healthy, conscious young generation within the next decade. He also stressed the importance of incorporating moral values into primary and secondary education to foster responsible citizenship and leadership. “We want to build a harmonious Bangladesh beyond the identity of majority or minority,” he said, adding that if BNP is elected through a fair vote, it will implement its 31-point agenda.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, will attend the funeral of Roman Catholic spiritual leader Pope Francis, according to the Press Secretary. The ceremony will see the presence of numerous global dignitaries, including U.S. President Donald Trump.

Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88 after serving as the supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years. Heads of state from Argentina, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Ukraine, Belgium, Poland, and Hungary are also expected to attend the funeral. The United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the European Commission will be present as well.

The Nationalist Civic Platform (NCP) has declared solidarity with the students of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), who began a hunger strike on Monday demanding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor. NCP stated, “On February 18, KUET students were attacked with local weapons by members of Chhatra Dal and outsiders, but no proper action was taken against the perpetrators. Instead, the university expelled 37 students.” According to Saleh Uddin Sifat, although the administration has not publicly disclosed the names of the expelled students, a central leader of a student political organization claimed that seven of them belong to his party. “This raises serious questions about the administration’s neutrality,” said Sifat. NCP also demanded an impartial investigation into allegations of physical harassment against the Vice-Chancellor during the February incident. The platform criticized the government for inaction despite receiving a memorandum on the issue.

Speaking on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day 2025, Adviser Sharmin S. Murshid highlighted the importance of building an inclusive society that embraces neurodiversity. Under this year’s theme — “Embrace Neurodiversity, Build a Sustainable Society” — she emphasized the need for proper support, education, and respect to unlock the creativity and potential of individuals with autism.

At a bilateral meeting with South Korea’s Vice Minister of Fisheries, Chol Young-See, Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhtar emphasized Bangladesh’s potential in deep-sea fishing, marine aquaculture, and related technologies. She sought South Korea’s support in combating illegal fishing, enhancing tuna fishing capabilities, developing value-added seafood products, and providing training opportunities for Bangladeshi researchers in South Korea.

BNP has announced a major rally in front of its central office in Nayapaltan on May 1 to mark International Workers’ Day. The event, organized by the party’s labor wing, will feature Acting Chairman Tareq Rahman as the chief guest. Senior leaders, including Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, attended a preparatory meeting for the rally.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has said that elections without comprehensive reforms will not be accepted by the people. He stressed that those responsible for corruption in the sports sector over the last 17 years must be brought to justice by an elected government. He criticized any attempts to delay elections under the pretense of judicial reform and reiterated that the elections must be held by December.

Polytechnic students have temporarily suspended their protest after the Education Ministry assured them of action on their six-point demands. A committee has been formed under the Technical and Madrasa Education Division to draft an implementation roadmap. The ministry has requested three weeks for this process. Students warned that if progress stalls, they will resume the movement with greater intensity.

Revolutionary Workers Party leader Saiful Haque criticized the Election Commission (EC), saying that even angels couldn’t ensure fair polls under its current form. He advocated for an accountable EC and stated that an interim government could deliver meaningful elections. Haque confirmed they have submitted 31 written recommendations and urged the EC to consult with political parties before finalizing the election code of conduct.

Nine students at Chittagong University have completed 33 hours of hunger strike demanding the return of the Fine Arts Institute to the main campus. Despite multiple negotiation attempts by university officials, students remain steadfast. Two students fell ill on Tuesday afternoon and were administered IV fluids. Although the Vice-Chancellor had promised relocation by March 31, the process has stalled, pending final syndicate approval.