Shibir President Zahidul Islam demanded the unconditional release of former Dhaka University Shibir unit founder and Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam. “We will remain patient, but we will not tolerate injustice or oppression,” he said. He condemned the “brutal persecution” Azhar faced and warned the government not to interpret their restraint as weakness.

The state informed the High Court that key documents related to the 2012 murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarwar and Meherun Runi were destroyed in a fire. However, both the DMP and PBI refuted this, saying the documents were not burnt. The delay in locating them is due to the transfer of many DB officials. Authorities have been granted six more months to trace the files.

Police recovered the hanging body of Pinak Ranjan Sarkar (24), a Master’s student in Drawing and Painting at Dhaka University, from a rented house in Hatirpool. Sub-inspector Md. Iqbal Hossain said the body was found hanging from a ceiling fan using a towel. The body was sent for autopsy. Sarkar’s roommate, Zahid Hasan, mentioned that he had been battling depression for over a month and had become very withdrawn.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam announced that Qatar will recruit 725 Bangladeshi soldiers within two months for various responsibilities. He highlighted this as excellent news, noting that Bangladeshi soldiers in Kuwait earn between BDT 250,000 and 300,000 per month. Bangladesh has been deploying troops to Kuwait since the Gulf War, and the government is in talks to increase the number of soldiers sent.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar expressed shock over the delay in releasing ATM Azhar, saying all others detained under the same circumstances post-August 5 have been freed. “He has no connection whatsoever with the allegations,” Parwar said. He emphasized that the responsibility lies with the public, the government, and the administration. Despite the delay, he remains hopeful for justice from the courts.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the NCP, expressed solidarity with KUET students protesting for the resignation of the vice-chancellor. “The consequences of mocking student concerns were seen during the July 2024 uprising,” he wrote. He urged the authorities to promptly meet the students’ demands. The students’ hunger strike has surpassed 24 hours, with several already falling ill from heatstroke and other conditions.

A fresh clash broke out between students of Dhaka College and City College today. The violence was reportedly triggered by the assault of a Dhaka College student on Monday. Witnesses said Dhaka College students gathered in front of City College, where teachers attempted to intervene. The situation escalated when Dhaka College students began throwing bricks at City College’s gate, leading to a chase and counter-chase between the groups.

The University of Scholars has temporarily expelled two female students—Fatema Tahsin Oishi (Business Administration) and Faria Haque Tina (English)—over the murder of Jahidul Islam Parvez. The university stated that a preliminary investigation indicated their possible involvement. If the allegations are confirmed, their studentship will be permanently revoked and strict action taken. Parvez was reportedly laughing with friends when the two female students and four others accused them of making fun. An altercation followed, which allegedly led to his death.

Ali Riaz, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, stated that 35 parties have submitted reform proposals, and discussions have been held with 15 parties, including the BNP. “We are briefing the Chief Adviser on the discussions daily, and he is guiding us accordingly,” Riaz said. He emphasized that the commission will also engage with relevant commissions to review the proposed reforms. “We believe today’s third meeting with the BNP will mark the end of the initial phase of our dialogue,” he added, calling it a historic moment.

More than 30 civilians have been killed and dozens injured in a paramilitary assault on El Fasher, Sudan. The conflict between the Sudanese military and paramilitary forces has raged since April 2023, with various regions under military control.

Speaking at the Earthna Summit, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized the need to build a prosperous, green, and sustainable world for future generations, driven by innovation and technology. He called for inclusive empowerment and highlighted the transformational potential of youth. Upon arrival in Qatar, Dr. Yunus received a red carpet welcome from Protocol Chief Ibrahim Fakhro and other officials.

State prosecutors informed the High Court that vital documents related to the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi were destroyed in a fire at the Detective Branch office on August 5, 2023. While the prosecution requested a nine-month extension, the court allowed time until October 22 to submit the final investigation report. Earlier, the deadline had been extended to May 21.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stated that reform discussions have caused confusion, but the party is examining each proposal thoroughly. He emphasized that state reforms require national consensus, not rushed decisions. The party is finalizing its stance on constitutional reform and initiating discussions on judiciary independence, judicial appointments, and the creation of a separate secretariat for the judiciary.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit China on Tuesday ahead of the third round of nuclear talks with the US. China, a signatory of the now-defunct 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, remains a key player in the dialogue. The talks, brokered by Oman, are set to continue Saturday between Araghchi and Trump’s former Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

The appeal hearing of Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam, sentenced to death for war crimes, has been deferred to May 6. The decision was made by a four-judge Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed. Azhar’s lawyers Ehsan Abdullah Siddiqui and Shishir Monir requested the delay.