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.

Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh is working to reduce its trade deficit with the US by diversifying exports. He mentioned attempts to revive GSP privileges and highlighted planned discussions with the World Bank, ADB, IMF, and OPEC Fund regarding budget support and project financing. Potential deals may also be reached concerning the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, despite existing sanctions. Private sector partnerships, particularly in the energy sector, are also being explored.

On the transshipment issue, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal advised observers to consider events on the Bangladeshi side leading up to India’s decision to cancel the facility. While noting that exports to Nepal and Bhutan would remain unaffected, he reiterated India’s interest in maintaining constructive relations with Bangladesh and enhancing regional trade. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi trade officials estimate an added cost of BDT 2,000 crore due to the withdrawal.

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna has said that disagreements between political parties and the interim government are becoming increasingly evident. “Ultimately, we must return to democracy to resolve the current crisis. Dialogue is the only way forward,” he stated. Commenting on international issues, Manna condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza, calling it an unparalleled atrocity in modern history. “Words fail to describe the suffering of the Palestinian people. We stand in solidarity with the struggle for an independent Palestine,” he said.

During a meeting with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized strengthening bilateral relations to unlock trade and business potential. He stated, “We must find ways to overcome obstacles and move forward.” Baloch echoed his sentiments, stressing the need to utilize the region’s vast market and encourage private sector engagement and cultural exchange between the two countries. The leaders also pledged continued collaboration in multilateral forums like SAARC, OIC, and D-8.

Petitioners in India’s Supreme Court sought a stay on the Waqf Act, but the court declined to issue one. However, the justices considered issuing an interim order with three key points. The move was postponed after the central government’s legal representatives requested more time to present their explanation. The matter will be heard again on Thursday.

The proposed interim directives include:
1. No land or institution currently declared as Waqf property can be declassified as non-Waqf during the pendency of the case.
2. District Magistrates may investigate Waqf-related properties but cannot issue any binding orders.
3. Members of Waqf Boards and Councils must be Muslim, although non-Muslims may join only by virtue of holding specific offices.

On the occasion of Historic Mujibnagar Day, Adviser Faruk-E-Azam paid tribute at the Mujibnagar Memorial on April 17. Speaking at the event, he expressed deep concern over individuals falsely identifying themselves as freedom fighters, calling it “shameful.” He stated that actions have already been taken against fake freedom fighters.

Referring to the Mujibnagar Government formed on April 17, 1971, at the mango orchard in Meherpur, he called it a heroic and historic chapter in Bangladesh’s journey to independence. “The Mujibnagar government was internationally recognized and played a key role in organizing the Liberation War,” he said.

He also clarified that the current government has no intention of renaming the Mujibnagar Government, emphasizing, “History cannot be erased. It must be preserved in its rightful place.” Additionally, he noted that there are over 2,700 legal cases pending, many related to this issue, and the government is waiting for court verdicts.

The government has decided to amend the Bank Resolution Act and modernize judicial processes, Environment Adviser Rizwana Hasan announced. “The judiciary remains largely outdated. From now on, court summons can be issued via phone calls, SMS, or other modern devices,” she said. Information related to cases can also be sent via email or WhatsApp. The government has also approved key policy-level amendments to the colonial-era Civil Procedure Code (CPC), aiming to ease case backlogs. “Previously, after a verdict, a new suit had to be filed for execution. Now, execution clauses will be included in the original verdict,” she explained. The amendment to the Bank Resolution Act will enhance the powers of Bangladesh Bank and help curb financial irregularities.

Traffic on the road from Khilkhet to Kuril and Bashundhara will be suspended for 29 hours from 7 PM on April 17 to midnight on April 18 due to utility relocation work for the MRT Line-1 project. Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited has advised commuters to take alternate routes, including using the U-turn in front of Radisson Hotel and Kuril Flyover.