Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan Mansur, speaking in New York, announced that no new banks will be approved on political grounds. He stated that the country can function without IMF loans and that bank mergers are being discussed with IMF due to the unprecedented nature of merging seven or eight banks simultaneously. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to recover laundered money and stressed IMF’s involvement in supporting Bangladesh’s technological development.

Awami League Presidium Member and former minister Shajahan Khan lost his temper and threw his helmet while appearing at the International Crimes Tribunal. He was one of 19 accused, including former ministers and advisers, charged with genocide during the July-August uprising. Police quickly returned the helmet to him. The tribunal had set today, April 20, for presenting the accused.

Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Rashed Khan claimed the Awami League is regaining political relevance, citing a massive rally held in Khulna at 7 AM today. He warned that without unity among anti-fascist forces, AL’s return could crush all opposition. He emphasized the need for strategic unity or risk being overpowered.

Polytechnic students began a grand rally at Agargaon to demand the fulfillment of six key demands and to protest recent attacks on students in Comilla. Protesters carried placards with slogans like “I am a diploma engineer, who are you?” and “Tools of terror, rise again.” Their demands include cancellation of promotion quotas, reversal of promotion orders, designation changes, termination of lawsuit-linked personnel, cancellation of 2021 recruitments, and immediate amendment of controversial recruitment rules.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam claimed there is evidence linking Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Obaidul Quader, and 43 other leaders of the 14-party alliance to genocide during the July uprising. The tribunal has ordered the prosecution to submit a final report by July 20. Nineteen individuals, including several former ministers and advisers, were presented in court today.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) President Rakibul Islam Rakib has alleged that Zahidul Islam Parvez’s murder was premeditated and linked to members of the Anti-Discrimination Movement, including Meheraj Islam and others from the same group. Rakib criticized the group’s online response and revealed that a case has been filed against five of its Banani unit leaders. He accused the group of defending the accused without a proper investigation.

In a second round of discussions with the National Consensus Commission, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed stated that his party is fully cooperating with reform efforts initiated by the interim government. He mentioned that discussions on five commission reports are nearly complete and the party plans to continue reviewing judicial and electoral reforms, aiming to conclude by this afternoon.

A murder case has been filed against eight individuals—including PrimeAsia students and outsiders—by Humayun Kabir, brother of Zahidul Islam Parvez (23), a student who was killed. An additional 20–30 unidentified individuals have also been named. Police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify and apprehend those involved. PUSAB, a platform of private university students, has demanded justice and swift arrests in the case.

The National Consensus Party (NCP) held a meeting with the Election Commission to discuss legal reforms, extension of registration deadlines, and restructuring of the EC in line with recommendations from the Election Reform Commission. A five-member NCP delegation, led by Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari, participated in the meeting. The party had earlier submitted a letter requesting a 90-day extension for registration and outlining various reform demands.

Workers of Tusuka Group, based in Konabari, Gazipur, are staging protests and work stoppages demanding compliance with BGMEA’s wage structure. Their demands include: no layoffs, full Eid holidays without general leave deductions, annual picnic arrangements, end to nepotism, holiday pay based on joining date, and full payment of pending dues within this month. Although factory authorities issued a notice supporting these demands, the workers have not ended their protest.

The government’s legal adviser has called on the judiciary to do its utmost to serve justice, even within the limitations they face. “Judges have no room for wrongdoing or bias. Performing duties is not conditional upon privileges. They must fulfill their responsibilities even in the absence of convenience,” he said.
Acknowledging the judiciary’s own structural limitations, he emphasized the need to make the legal system more accessible and efficient.
He also referred to the case of 17-year-old Hasnatul Islam Faiyaz, who was arrested during the quota reform protests. He stated that the Ministry of Law had urged a swift investigation. “If the investigation is not concluded, the ministry has limited recourse,” he added.
The case includes confessional statements under Section 164 from two individuals, and questions remain as to why those statements have not been withdrawn after eight months. The adviser clarified that Faiyaz’s brother was not given any assurance but was kept informed of the legal process.

Thousands across the U.S. took to the streets on Saturday in major cities including Washington D.C., New York, and Chicago to protest against former President Donald Trump. Demonstrators opposed his stance on immigration, public sector job cuts, and policies on Gaza and Ukraine. Protesters chanted slogans like “Free Palestine,” while others waved Ukrainian flags and called on Washington to take a tougher stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has called for a prolonged movement to repeal the Wakf Amendment Act 2025, comparing the struggle to the farmers’ protest. Addressing Prime Minister Modi, he said, “He is not even worthy of the dust under Babasaheb Ambedkar’s feet.”
Owaisi claimed that within just one month of the law coming into effect, over 500 Wakf properties in Uttar Pradesh had already been declared as government property. “This is just the beginning,” he warned.
He argued that this amendment is part of a broader pattern of unconstitutional measures being imposed on the Muslim community, citing examples like the triple talaq law, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the expansion of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), and now, the push for a Uniform Civil Code.

Hamas has released a third video of Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot, in which he is seen making a simulated phone call to his family and expressing his longing to return. “Keep doing everything for me! My health is not good, and I fear I may die,” he says, pleading with the Israeli government and the public. Hamas stated that they are willing to release all remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Bangladesh has strongly rejected India’s remarks regarding the recent death of Bhavesh Chandra Roy in Dinajpur. Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam stated, “It is unfortunate that India has described Bhavesh Chandra Roy’s death as part of a ‘systematic persecution’ of Hindu minorities under the interim government. We categorically reject this baseless allegation.”
He emphasized that minorities in Bangladesh do not face any discrimination with the support of the government, and the state remains committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religious identity.
Shafiqur Alam further clarified that the deceased had gone out with some acquaintances, and his family did not report anything suspicious regarding the outing. The autopsy report found no visible injuries on the body. He urged all parties to refrain from spreading confusion.