Murshidabad’s Suti police station area witnessed renewed unrest over the amended Wakf law. Protesters attempted to block the national highway, prompting police intervention. Hindustan Times reported that some protesters threw bombs and stones at police officers, injuring several. In response, police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. However, eyewitnesses claimed only stones were thrown during the clash.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan firmly rejected any proposal involving the forced displacement of Palestinians. Speaking at a ministerial meeting on the Gaza war, he stated, “Gaza’s residents are deprived of even the basic necessities for survival.” He emphasized that humanitarian aid must not be conditional on a ceasefire and urged the international community to work collectively to remove all barriers. The meeting also called for an immediate ceasefire and the restoration of Palestinian authority over East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank.

Rakib Molla (32), a leader of the Krishak Dal in Gazipur, was brutally murdered on Friday night. He was ambushed by assailants who inflicted over 20 injuries using sharp weapons on his head, neck, shoulders, and back. His nephew Ropon claimed the murder was premeditated and motivated by a longstanding feud. Rakib was serving as a joint convener of the proposed metropolitan committee of the Krishak Dal.

The Secretary-General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Kairat Sarybay, praised Bangladesh’s active role in fostering regional trust. In a meeting with the Foreign Affairs Advisor, the two sides discussed enhancing cooperation and increasing CICA’s engagement with Bangladeshi officials. The Foreign Advisor also lauded Sarybay’s efforts in transforming CICA into a comprehensive regional organization. Information Advisor Mahfuz Alam was also present at the meeting.

Md. Alam (40) was arrested in Bogura after smuggling 1,700 yaba pills inside his stomach, packed in 34 packets disguised with bananas. His accomplices, Smriti Begum and her son-in-law Md. Apel (35), were also detained. According to police, the pair are notorious drug traffickers and used Alam to smuggle pills from Teknaf. Upon arrival by bus, Apel was waiting to receive him, but law enforcement, acting on a tip-off, apprehended them.

In Konabari, Gazipur, a video showing a Jubo Dal leader using drugs was allegedly recorded and used to demand a ransom of 1 million taka. When the money was not paid, the video was made viral. The video was reportedly recorded by Imrul Sarkar, joint general secretary of the local ward Jubo Dal, and handed over to the youth wing’s secretary, Azizul Islam, who allegedly demanded the money. Azizul has denied the accusations.

Two Awami League leaders from Gangachara were arrested for allegedly inciting unrest and spreading provocative content online. Bulbul Ahmed (45), a district-level leader, and Manik (55), a union-level general secretary, were sent to jail after a court hearing. According to police, they were engaged in actions that threatened national security and public order, including preparing to commit serious offenses.

BNP leader Selima Rahman said the interim government must hold elections promptly, ideally by December, as suggested by Dr. Yunus. She criticized the Home Advisor’s claim that the people want this government to stay in power for five years. “This government has no such right—they are interim, not permanent,” she stressed. She accused the ruling party of destroying electoral institutions and turning the state into a fascist regime. “Only a government elected through fair voting can implement full-scale reforms,” she added.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Golam Porwar has urged for an immediate announcement of the election date and roadmap, following necessary reforms. He warned against fearmongering by fugitive autocrats who are using laundered money to spread anti-state propaganda. Porwar also condemned Israel’s brutality in Gaza, calling it a terrorist state worse than the barbarism of ancient times. He called for a united Muslim response to remove Israel from the world map.

Poet and political thinker Farhad Mazhar stated that a democratic state is not built merely through elections. Rather, elections often lead to the rise of plundering mafia classes. For a truly democratic state to emerge, the rise and active participation of strong communities is essential. He emphasized that when a community stands up, when a locality becomes organized, only then does the foundation of democracy take shape. Development should not be based on voting, but on the decisions of the community itself. The community understands best what is good and what is harmful. He further added, "In my society, not only Muslims but Hindus, Buddhists, Christians—people of all faiths—are included. A shrine (mazar) constantly preaches this truth. The cultural practices that occur here speak in one language—the language of humanity. There is no truth greater than human beings." Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said, “When we listen to the grief of the families of the martyrs of the July uprising, it devastates us. Remembering this pain is what inspires our journey forward.” He announced that a "July Museum" is being established to preserve the memory of the July uprising, which will offer a unique experience.

Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim stated that opportunistic groups have repeatedly exploited Islamic parties and scholars for political gains. “We’ve been betrayed, looted, and our people abducted and murdered. This must change,” he said. He warned political aspirants that bypassing Islami Andolon Bangladesh to gain power would no longer be possible. “We’ve suffered enough over the last 53 years. It’s time for genuine representation.” He emphasized that although the party has never had a member in parliament, it remains strong and determined.

Border guards arrested professional smuggler Sabjul Hossain while he was returning from India with undeclared cosmetics. He was apprehended at Baliaghat checkpoint in Tahirpur along with a large quantity of Indian-branded products. His accomplice Abdul Qadir managed to flee. A case has been filed under the Special Powers Act.

Chhayanaut is all set to welcome Bengali New Year 1432 with the theme “Amar Mukti Aloy, Aloy” (My Liberation Lies in Light). Their traditional morning event on Pahela Baishakh will call on society to unite in a collective journey toward enlightenment and freedom. Speaking ahead of the event, General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa said that although the world is witnessing a decline in humanity and values, hope must not be lost. She envisioned a future where Bengalis rise together and return to joyful, harmonious living. The event will begin at 6:15 AM with a Raag Bhairavi performance and conclude with a spoken address by Dr. Sarwar Ali.

A Bangladeshi youth named Wasim was allegedly beaten to death by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) near the Paliyanpur border in Jhenaidah. His body was later dumped into the Ichamati River and has been floating in Indian territory, making repatriation difficult. Locals confirmed his identity after the body was spotted. Wasim had gone to India with others for human trafficking purposes. The BGB has notified the BSF, though the body’s identity has yet to be officially confirmed.

Inquilab Manch has launched a month-long signature campaign and leaflet distribution demanding justice for recent massacres and a ban on the “fascist Awami League.” They plan to culminate with a “Martyrs’ Rally” at Shahbagh on April 25. Spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi shared on Facebook that activists have been visiting door-to-door, skipping meals and sleep to rally public support. Following campaigns in Chattogram, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Barisal, and Khulna, Hadi is heading to Dhaka for the Gaza march and will continue outreach in Rangpur and Rajshahi next. Members are also visiting the graves of martyrs in each region.