In a significant diplomatic move, Bangladesh has called on Pakistan to formally apologize for the 1971 genocide and return $4.2 billion in assets that belonged to Bangladesh before independence. The appeal was made during the first foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries in 15 years. Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary stated that Pakistan has shown initial willingness to engage in discussions on both demands. The two nations also expressed interest in strengthening trade, connectivity, and cooperation in education, agriculture, and transportation. The talks mark a thaw in bilateral relations, which have seen improvement since the change in government in Dhaka last year. Direct shipping routes have resumed, and Bangladesh has eased visa processes for Pakistani citizens to further boost engagement.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained two Bangladeshi nationals on Wednesday in Bakshiganj, Jamalpur, as they attempted to illegally cross the border into India. Further investigations are ongoing.

Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan revealed plans to establish a ‘Blue Network’ encircling Dhaka by restoring and freeing canals and rivers from encroachment and pollution. Six canals are currently under excavation, with a total of 19 targeted for restoration this year. Work will also begin to save four rivers—Buriganga, Turag, Balu, and Shitalakkhya. She appealed for World Bank assistance in this effort during a meeting with their representatives.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s legal counsel Shishir Monir urged party members not to lose hope over the registration issue, expressing optimism that the party would soon regain both registration and its election symbol. He also noted that the release of senior leader ATM Azharul Islam, who has been imprisoned for over a decade, may be decided this month. Court hearings are expected to resume after the Chief Justice returns at the end of the month.

The National Consensus Party (NCP) has formally requested the Election Commission to extend the deadline for political party registration by 90 days. In its letter, the NCP stated that it was formed in response to the people’s aspirations during the recent mass uprising. While the interim government initiated a series of reforms, including the formation of an electoral reform commission that submitted recommendations, no visible progress has been made. The Election Commission’s move to issue a registration notice on March 10—without implementing necessary reforms or updating existing laws—has drawn criticism. The NCP argues that the current requirements under the 2008 Political Party Registration Rules are unreasonable and unconstitutional. It also highlighted the reform commission’s recommendations, including relaxed conditions for local office establishment and renewal of registration every five years.

Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch has described her recent visit to Dhaka as a positive experience, highlighting fruitful discussions between the two countries. “I’m happy to be in Dhaka—the food was great and the shopping was enjoyable. Our talks were productive,” she said. Baloch led Islamabad’s delegation in the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held on the Padma River, while Bangladesh was represented by Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin. This marked the sixth round of foreign secretary-level talks and the first in over a decade. Baloch is also scheduled to meet with the Chief Adviser during her visit.

A Dhaka court has sentenced fugitive gold trader Rabiul Islam alias Arav Khan and seven others to life imprisonment for the 2018 murder of Inspector Mamun Imran Khan. Among the convicted are Arav’s wife Suraiya Akter Keya and five others. Arav and his wife remain at large. Inspector Mamun was murdered on July 7, 2018, and his body was later discovered in a forest in Gazipur.

Meghna Alam, accused of blackmailing Saudi Ambassador Isa bin Yusuf Al-Duhailan for $5 million, claimed in court that the ambassador is her husband. She denied allegations of aborting his child and said the ambassador was spreading false information. Meghna stated she was imprisoned without trial and denied legal representation. Meanwhile, another witness named Samir denied having any romantic relationship with Meghna, saying he was a common man who had lived abroad.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with recently freed hostage Alexander Trufanov and his family in the Kremlin. He attributed Trufanov’s release to Russia’s longstanding relationship with the Palestinian people and expressed hope for more such humanitarian successes. Putin publicly thanked Hamas’ political leadership for heeding Russia’s request and facilitating the release.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the party disagrees with 16 out of 66 reform proposals submitted regarding elections. “We fully support 25 and partially agree with another 25,” he said. Consensus Commission Vice Chair Dr. Ali Riaz reiterated that the goal is to develop a national charter through political consensus and establish long-term democratic stability. He praised BNP’s contribution to democratic discourse.

Following a meeting with Additional Secretary Rehana Yasmin of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division, Polytechnic student representatives expressed disappointment over the lack of solutions. “The meeting was fruitless,” said a student spokesperson. They announced plans for tougher nationwide action across all polytechnic institutes, while committing to minimize public disruption during protests.

Jamaat Ameer emphasized that the mass uprising in July brought a new wave of freedom, but three key preconditions must be met before holding elections—reform, justice, and coexistence. “Without fulfilling these, elections will be as flawed as before,” he warned. Jamaat has already submitted a reform proposal to the Consensus Commission and insists that meaningful change is essential to honor the sacrifices made.

Secretary of the National Sports Council Md. Aminul Islam announced that commercial establishments within Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium will not have their leases renewed after 2026. “The stadium will be free of commercial use,” he stated. The council has already issued letters to remove two shops blocking the main entrance. Officials also noted that street-level business activities were obstructing pedestrian movement and damaging the stadium’s aesthetics.

Mohammad Shahe Alam Murad, former General Secretary of Dhaka South Awami League, was arrested in Uttara on Thursday. He had led a sudden flash protest march from Baitul Mukarram to Bangabandhu Avenue on April 6. Since the mass uprising, many ruling party leaders have been arrested, while others have fled abroad, allegedly plotting further unrest.

After visiting the torched home of artist Manbendra Ghosh, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Dhaka North leader Maulana Delwar Hossain blamed the remnants of a fascist regime for continuing efforts to disrupt Bangladesh’s communal harmony. “Though the head of the fascist regime has fled, many accomplices remain, and they are behind such attacks,” he stated. He urged vigilance and called for justice against those responsible for the arson, demanding exemplary punishment and rehabilitation for the affected family.