Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer for the southern region of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), wished party convener and former interim government adviser Nahid Islam a happy birthday, calling him “the future Prime Minister of Bangladesh.” Commenting on the post, M Nur Hasan referred to Nahid as the “hero of the July Uprising.” Previously, Chief Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam had also remarked that Nahid Islam could one day become the country’s prime minister.

Muhammad Hasnat Morshed Bhuiyan, personal secretary to Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, has been removed from his post. On April 6, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification transferring him to the Ministry of Commerce as a Deputy Secretary. The notification did not specify the reasons for his removal. It stated that the tenure of a PS is contingent upon the adviser’s wish to retain them.

On Monday, model Meghna Alam was granted bail in a case filed against her on charges of fraud and extortion. Previously, on April 10, she had been detained for 30 days under the Special Powers Act and sent to prison. Additionally, after her arrest, the court granted a five-day remand for Dewan Samir in connection with a fraud case filed at Vatara Police Station on April 12.

In the final phase of the investigation into the Ashulia mass killing during the July Uprising, authorities have obtained video footage confirming the involvement of additional suspects. Prosecutor Mizanul Islam stated that two more individuals have been identified. On the day of the government’s fall, six individuals were burned alive inside a vehicle, with at least one victim still alive when set on fire. Hearings for this and other mass killing cases, such as the ones in Jatrabari and Rampura, are ongoing. The deadline for investigation reports has been extended by three months.

Gas allocations for the industrial sector have been cut to prioritize electricity and fertilizer production, causing a severe gas crisis in factories. Production in garment and textile mills has dropped by 70–90%, and many factories face closure. Around 400 gas-dependent factories have been unable to operate at full capacity. In Gazipur, where 600–700 million cubic feet of gas are needed daily, supply has dropped to 450 million cubic feet. Experts suggest that the government could import fertilizers or use alternative fuels for power generation to alleviate the crisis.

Professor Dr. C.R. Abrar, Education Adviser, stressed the need to eliminate negative perceptions about technical education and integrate it into the mainstream system. He described technical students as the architects of a new Bangladesh and said that with proper planning, their involvement could significantly boost national development. Efforts are underway to increase female participation and attract meritorious students to technical education. He emphasized that a major task will be shifting the prevailing social and cultural attitudes toward technical education.

Mahbub Morshed, Managing Director of BSS, surrendered in court and was granted bail on a Tk 500 bond in a defamation case filed by Abdul Hai Shikdar. On March 23, Shikdar filed the case, alleging that on March 17, Morshed posted a poem on Facebook defaming Khaleda Zia, wrongly attributing it to Shikdar. Shikdar denied authorship and pursued legal action.

Commenting on the recent lawsuit against actor Iresh Zaker, cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said he personally knows Iresh Zaker and confirmed his support for the July Movement. He clarified that the case against Zaker was filed by an individual, not the state. Farooki stated that while freedom must be respected, its misuse must also be addressed and expressed faith in a fair police investigation. He also mentioned that despite the cultural ministry’s efforts, it has received little media coverage, citing the recent recovery of library books in Tangail as an example.

Sarjees Alam wrote that a few months after the July Uprising, he came to know Dr. Tasnim Zara, Samantha Sharmin, Monira Sharmin, Nahida Sarwar Niva, and Tajnuva Zabeen. Observing their participation in discussions and decision-making processes, he concluded that these individuals are not only gems of the NCP but also future treasures of Bangladesh. He noted that, unlike the past when women’s representation was limited to token “quota” or “reserved seat” postings, Zara, Samantha, and their peers represent true participation and leadership. He urged against criticism driven by habit and encouraged appreciation for genuine efforts.

Since November 2023, more than 113,000 Rohingya refugees have entered Bangladesh from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, with the majority arriving after May-June last year. Rohingya arrivals continue almost daily in 2024. With these new arrivals, the total Rohingya population taking shelter in Bangladesh now exceeds 1.313 million. UNHCR has sent a letter requesting Bangladesh to arrange accommodation for the new refugees. Most of the new Rohingya are currently living with relatives in 20 camps in Cox’s Bazar. The government has not yet authorized identity verification for the new arrivals via the Iris system.

In a press statement, the BNP announced that despite facing severe oppression, disappearances, killings, and harassment during the fascist era, they led the movement to restore democracy. Aiming to establish democracy, accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance, the BNP and its affiliated organizations are actively reaching out to the people across the country. Youth organizations like Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal are working jointly. They have divided the country’s ten organizational divisions into four major regions and planned an integrated and dynamic campaign. Each region will host a two-day program: the first day will feature a seminar titled “Youth’s Vision for the Future Bangladesh,” and the second day will hold a rally to establish the political rights of the youth.

Nurul Haque Nur, President of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, stated that the reforms finalized through discussions must be implemented under the current government. He emphasized that everyone must remain committed and work forcefully to implement effective reforms in the greater interest of the nation. National interests should take precedence over personal, party, or group interests. Nur added that while many individuals protested in their own capacities, the political reality limited what could be achieved. However, the July Uprising created a new political context. It is reported that Gono Odhikar Parishad has expressed written agreement on 127 out of the 166 proposals from the National Consensus Commission, partial agreement on 23, and disagreement on 15 proposals.

The Indian Army reported that on Sunday night, the Pakistan Army fired at the Line of Control in the Kupwara and Poonch districts. In response, the Indian forces delivered a swift and effective counterattack. This marks the fourth consecutive night of gunfire at the border. No casualties have been reported so far. Tensions have been high at the border since a gun attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed.

Legal Advisor Asif Nazrul shared a heartbreaking incident in which the daughter of a martyr, who was raped during the July popular movement, committed suicide. He expressed the profound pain this event has caused and assured that justice would be served swiftly. Two suspects have been arrested and are currently in custody, and the news about their bail is false. He confirmed that DNA samples have been taken from the suspects, and the police are expected to submit the charge sheet within a few days. Following this, the trial will begin, with a legal obligation to deliver a verdict within 90 days, as per the amended law. If the DNA samples are favorable, the trial should conclude much earlier. Nazrul also mentioned that the trial in the Asiya case began last Wednesday and expressed hope that the case will be concluded within seven working days. He added that any delay in the trial would be painful, but emphasized that if the process isn’t thorough, the verdict may not hold up on appeal.

Professor Ali Riaz emphasized that the goal of the Consensus Commission is to create a national charter. Discussions are ongoing as part of the collective effort to establish a democratic state. He mentioned that the report, opinions, and recommendations of the reform commission alone are not sufficient. Only through the unity of all political and democratic forces, representing the people, can Bangladesh move towards the vision of a New Bangladesh. Ali Riaz further stated that the fearless struggle of the leaders of the People’s Rights Council initiated a new phase in the anti-fascism movement. This momentum continued with the 2024 quota reform movement and later led to an unprecedented and unexpected popular uprising.