Following an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) petition, a court has ordered the freezing of 1,360 bank accounts linked to Mohammad Saiful Alam, chairman of S. Alam Group, and his associates. These accounts hold a total of Tk 2,619 crore. The ACC stated they are investigating allegations of money laundering and unlawful fund transfers, necessitating the freeze to prevent asset flight.

The Rakhine community in Cox’s Bazar has kicked off their traditional three-day water festival to mark the start of the new year 1387, as per their calendar. Young men and women, dressed in cultural attire, joyfully splash water on each other, symbolizing the washing away of sorrow and the welcoming of prosperity. Decorated bamboo drums, colorful pavilions, and festive cheer fill the air in this vibrant celebration rooted in tradition and unity.

Dissatisfied with the university’s probe into the July attack, Dhaka University (DU) students have formed a 34-member committee to conduct their own investigation. The university report listed only 128 attackers from Chhatra League, omitting key figures like DU BCL General Secretary Tanvir Hasan Saikat and even included six individuals not affiliated with DU. Students call this report a mockery, while the university administration labeled it “positive.”

Former police chief Benazir Ahmed, known for his ties to authoritarian leader Sheikh Hasina, has been expelled from the Dhaka Boat Club over allegations of misappropriating Tk 320 million. Club President Nasir Uddin Mahmud confirmed the expulsion and said legal action is being taken against others involved. Former club secretary Tahsin Amin, a close associate of Benazir, has also been removed.

Development work in the country is lagging, with only 36.65% of the Revised Annual Development Program (RADP) implemented in the first nine months of the fiscal year—down from 42.30% during the same period last year. Notably, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) spent nothing. Six ministries have implemented less than 15%, while only eight crossed the 50% mark. From a total RADP allocation of Tk 2.26 trillion, only Tk 828.14 billion was spent by the ministries and departments between July and March.

Jamaat leader Dr. Md. Helal Uddin has alleged that extortion similar to that of the fascist era still persists in certain areas. Referring to Gulistan as a bustling hub where around 100,000 traders operate daily, he said business owners want a smooth environment but face harassment. He emphasized that only governance based on divine law and honest leadership can end such corruption. Referring to the August 5 student uprising, Helal mentioned slogans like “We want justice”, “Allahu Akbar”, and “Dhaka’s sovereignty over Delhi”, urging structural reforms, trials for fascist collaborators, and fair elections to honor the sacrifices made.

Legal Action Network reported that Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar abruptly cut short his UK visit and left the country after a formal request for an arrest warrant was submitted against him. They claim Sa’ar is under investigation for serious crimes and urge the public to alert London Metropolitan Police if he is spotted, but warn against approaching him due to possible armed security. The Hind Rajab Foundation also filed a similar request. During his secret visit, Sa’ar held a private meeting with the British Foreign Secretary, discussing Gaza and other Middle East issues, confirmed by the UK’s Commonwealth and Development Office.

Adviser Farida Akhter announced a revised fishing ban, reducing the closed season from 65 to 58 days to prevent foreign fishermen from exploiting the ban. She noted that during previous bans, neighboring countries’ fishermen often entered Bangladeshi waters. Farida also said Cox’s Bazar is set to host one of the country’s most modern fish landing centers and wholesale markets, with support from JICA.

April 17 marked Palestinian Prisoners’ Day, commemorating the 1974 release of Mahmoud Bakr Hijazi—the first Palestinian freed from Israeli prison. Since 1967, Israel has detained over one million Palestinians—around 20% of the population. The number of detainees has doubled from 5,250 in 2023 to nearly 10,000 by April 2025. Protests erupted across the West Bank as families demanded the release of loved ones.

Bangladesh has not yet reached an agreement with the IMF regarding the fourth and fifth tranches of its $4.7 billion loan program. The IMF said discussions will continue, with possible disbursement by the end of June if conditions are met. The IMF noted a rise in non-performing loans (NPLs) and urged effective reforms. Currently, NPLs average 43% in state-owned banks and 16% in private banks—well above IMF targets of 10% and 5%, respectively.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will be accompanied by four female athletes—cricketers Sumaiya Akter and Sharmin Sultana, and footballers Afida Khandaker and Shaheda Akter Ripa—during his two-day official visit to Qatar on April 22-23. The athletes met with Dr. Yunus at the Jamuna office ahead of the trip.

Environmental Adviser Rizwana Hasan announced amendments to the Grameen Bank Ordinance, reducing the government’s shareholding from 25% to 10%, while allocating 90% to bank beneficiaries. Additionally, penalties for false lawsuits—previously BDT 20,000—have been raised to BDT 50,000. Hasan also confirmed Bangladesh’s decision to sign one of two key international treaties on shared water resource management.

BNP senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi questioned the government’s motives in presenting reforms as a substitute for democratic elections and voting rights. Speaking on the 13th anniversary of Ilias Ali’s disappearance, he criticized the government’s failure to withdraw politically motivated cases against opposition activists. He also challenged the interim government’s shifting promises on election dates and demanded answers on the issue of enforced disappearances.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) for the southern region, stated in a Facebook post that Bangladeshi politics should not follow “prescriptions” obtained from meetings with RAW’s station chief. He further criticized those promoting compromise politics, warning them to reassess their stance on the ruling Awami League urgently.

Technical Student Movement has announced a nationwide protest on Friday, modeling it after the symbolic “Shroud Movement” of 1987. Polytechnic students across the country will wear shrouds on their heads and march in unison after Jummah prayers. The students also staged torch marches protesting deceptive meetings by the Education Ministry and attacks on demonstrators in Cumilla.