Two Bangladeshi fishermen were reportedly abducted by the Arakan Army from the Naf River near Teknaf. The victims are Abdul Badsha Alam (45) and Abul Kalam (40) from Balukhali. Local UP member Sirajul Mostafa said the fishermen were taken at gunpoint while fishing near the border. The incident has spread panic among local fishermen. Police are actively investigating.

The Ministry of Education has announced that the government has initiated the process to relieve Professor Dr. Muhammad Mashud, Vice Chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), and the Pro-Vice Chancellor from their responsibilities.

In an official statement, the ministry cited recent events and the need to swiftly restore normalcy and resume academic activities as the reasons behind this decision. A search committee will be formed shortly to appoint new individuals to both positions.

To ensure uninterrupted university operations during this interim period, a senior professor will be temporarily assigned the role of Acting Vice Chancellor.

Sabbir Ahmed, acting secretary of the Technical Student Movement Cell, announced a revival of protests, withdrawing the earlier suspension decision. He stated that the committee formed by the Education Ministry lacks credibility, as similar past committees failed to meet any demands. A new wave of protests is set to begin, with fresh programs to be declared at a representative conference on Thursday.

BNP leader Tarique Rahman said the party is not driven by revenge but by the goal of serving the nation. Speaking about the party’s 31-point reform agenda, he stressed the importance of reaching grassroots communities. “If the people understand our mission, we can face any opponent,” he said. “Unlike the previous regime, BNP does not believe in oppression or retaliation.” He urged the party to unite the public for national reconstruction, warning of an emerging visible force spreading false propaganda against BNP. “Our activists must confront these conspiracies together.”

During a protest in Uttara, NCP leader Sargis Alam declared that justice must be served not only against Sheikh Hasina but also those who helped her become a “murderer.” He warned that her accomplices are attempting a political comeback, and some are trying to erase the label “killer” from her name. “Those responsible for such mass killings should have no right to contest in elections,” he said, adding, “If they dare to participate, the people will rise in a mass uprising.” Alam emphasized the need for Hasina’s trial before the next election, saying, “We’ve come this far at the cost of over 1,500 martyrs. Those obsessed with elections now only care about power, not justice.”

The Resistance Front (TRF), a Kashmir-based militant group, claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, stating that the victims were undercover agents linked to Indian security forces, not tourists. “They were here under the guise of tourists to conduct reconnaissance. This is a warning not just for Delhi but for others collaborating with them,” the group declared.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the immediate closure of the Attari-Wagah border with Pakistan. Pakistanis with valid documents must return by May 1. India also suspended the Indus Water Treaty and revoked visa exemptions for Pakistanis. Islamabad’s defense envoys in New Delhi were declared persona non grata and ordered to leave within a week. The Pakistani High Commission staff will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 1.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam stated that the reported presence of the Arakan Army in Bangladesh is exaggerated, though not entirely false. He explained that they have been active near the Myanmar border for years and even have families in Bangladesh. Regarding recent student abductions, he said, “Minor abductions happen in the plains too. The hills are far more peaceful than they used to be.”

Islami Chhatra Shibir issued a statement demanding the withdrawal of all political cases within three weeks. They accused the Awami League of establishing fascist rule since 2008 and carrying out massacres during peaceful protests. Shibir claims 101 members have been martyred, thousands crippled, and many are still missing. With over 11,000 alleged false cases pending, they warned of nationwide protests if demands are not met.

NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud alleged on Facebook that 14 university VCs threatened the Education Adviser not to remove KUET’s Vice Chancellor. “If this is true, all 14 VCs and the KUET VC must go,” he said. “We haven’t forgotten how some VCs previously encouraged repression at Hasina’s residence on August 2. Action is needed against these partisan VCs,” he added.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The adviser thanked him for agreeing to take 725 Bangladeshi soldiers on deputation, promising that their discipline and UN peacekeeping experience will contribute to Qatar’s armed forces.

Students from the Democratic Student Parliament at Jahangirnagar University have launched an indefinite hunger strike demanding KUET VC Muhammad Masud’s resignation. The strike began at 11:45 AM Wednesday. Several students have fallen ill and been hospitalized. Organizer Zia Uddin Ayan accused the interim administration of ignoring the crisis and betraying the student body.

RAB has arrested Meheraj Islam, the prime suspect in the murder of Prime Asia University student Zahidul Islam Parvez, from Gaibandha. Five individuals have now been detained in connection with the case. Parvez was allegedly killed after a group made fun of him and his friends for laughing with girls.

Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Foundation, met Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and pledged to enhance sports facilities for female athletes in Bangladesh. She announced plans to help establish a dedicated foundation to provide equipment and manage sports-related infrastructure. Four female athletes accompanied the adviser during the meeting.

Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam announced that the government has decided in principle to establish a second tribunal to expedite trials of crimes against humanity committed during July and August. Currently, only one tribunal is operating. Over 300 complaints have been submitted as of April 10.