In a dramatic incident, district Chhatra Dal leader Rubel Uddin was forcibly taken from custody at Lalpur Police Station. As a result, OC Nazmul Haque, a sub-inspector, and two constables have been withdrawn and attached to the police lines.

Rubel had been arrested in Pabna’s Ishwardi area. Police have also produced three other individuals in court related to the incident. Superintendent of Police Mohammad Amzad Hossain stated that strict action has been taken against those who obstructed justice and departmental proceedings are underway against negligent officers.

Following Trump’s decision to suspend tariffs on all countries except China, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude in a Facebook post.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for responding positively to our request to suspend tariffs for 90 days. We remain committed to supporting your trade policies and look forward to working with your administration,” he wrote.

BNP leaders are scheduled to meet with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on April 16 to discuss the electoral roadmap and related matters.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said, “We will clearly demand a roadmap for elections before December. This will help eliminate existing uncertainties.” He added that the Election Commission assured them of completing preparations by June, and the Chief Adviser previously committed to holding elections by December.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a three-month suspension of retaliatory tariffs on most countries while increasing tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Due to China’s disrespect for global markets, we are imposing a 125% tariff on their goods, effective immediately.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised Trump’s bold move, stating that countries willing to negotiate will be rewarded.

Following the announcement, U.S. stock indices surged. Notably, Trump made this decision shortly after receiving a letter from Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, requesting a temporary suspension of the tariffs.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to visit Qatar on April 21 to participate as a speaker in the upcoming Earthna Summit in Doha from April 22–23.

Other key speakers at the summit include UN Under-Secretary-General Ibrahim Thiaw, IRENA Deputy Director Gauri Singh, and IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar. The summit will focus on climate adaptation strategies for arid and hot climate nations.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Bangladesh’s transshipment facility, granted in 2020 for exporting goods to third countries, has caused significant congestion at Indian airports. This has led to delays, increased costs, and shipment hold-ups for Indian exporters.

As a result, India has decided to withdraw the transshipment facility for Bangladesh. However, trade with Nepal and Bhutan via Bangladesh will remain unaffected.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu has called on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to resign and lead a student political movement instead.

“Participate in the election—if the people vote for you, BNP will be the first to congratulate you,” said Dudu. He emphasized that over 500,000 BNP activists face lawsuits, and Khaleda Zia endured imprisonment without proper medical care. “No other party can take on challenges like BNP. Announce the election date before BNP takes to the streets,” he warned.

He added, “Shaheed Zia proved how dedicated one man can be to a nation. The party he founded is a threat to fascist Awami League. For BNP, democracy is the only priority.”

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar reaffirmed that the upcoming national parliamentary elections remain the primary focus of the Election Commission.

He mentioned that local elections could still be held if there is political consensus and a government decision. “We are targeting December for the national election. Voter list updates are nearing completion and will conclude by April 11,” he added.

He also stated that a party’s decision to participate in elections is entirely political, and the process for party registration will proceed as before. “It’s too early to finalize which symbols will appear on the ballot—time will determine that. Interestingly, this time female voters outnumber male voters.”

In a cabinet division notification, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative for Rohingya Affairs to the Chief Adviser, has been concurrently appointed as the National Security Adviser. His new title will be “National Security Adviser and High Representative on Rohingya Affairs.”

Reacting to his appointment, Dr. Rahman said, “I’m deeply grateful for the continued trust of the Honorable Chief Adviser. I fully understand the gravity of this responsibility and will do my utmost to uphold and advance our national interests.”

Violent protests erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district on Tuesday over proposed changes to the Wakf law, with several Muslim organizations taking to the streets. Following the unrest, authorities have imposed restrictions on gatherings of more than five people in two police station areas and suspended internet services to prevent further escalation.

The protests, which continued into the night, saw police vehicles set ablaze and several shops and residential buildings vandalized. Protesters hurled stones at law enforcement, prompting the police to fire multiple rounds of tear gas.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the situation, saying, “I understand the concerns of the minority community regarding Wakf property. But please have faith—nothing will happen in Bengal that could lead to division. We must live together in harmony. Didi will protect you and your property. Do not fall for provocations.”

Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizers of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in the North and South regions, met with Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Abdul Momen. “We’ve come with some complaints and submitted them in writing,” Hasnat stated. When asked who the complaints were against, he responded, “That’s highly confidential. If we disclose it, the element of surprise is lost—and the culprits might take precautions.” Sarjis Alam added, “In the past, some used the ACC to build empires, while ordinary citizens were harassed without cause. We hope that won’t be repeated—and that’s why we’re here.”

On Wednesday, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, paid a courtesy call on Information Adviser Md Mahfuz Alam. During the meeting, the High Commissioner expressed interest in signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Pakistan Television (PTV), as well as between Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). The adviser also discussed the possibility of broadcasting Bangladeshi TV channels in Pakistan with government support.

Gano Adhikar Parishad has shared its feedback on the recommendations by various reform commissions with the National Consensus Commission (NCC), agreeing with about 85% of the proposals while partially agreeing or dissenting on the rest. The party proposed forming a national government based on broad political consensus to implement a reformed constitution through ordinances and conduct elections under it. It also called for limiting prime ministerial terms to two, separating party leadership from executive governance, and directly electing mayors in municipal elections. While agreeing to the formation of the NCC, the party opposed the inclusion of “pluralism” as a constitutional principle, suggesting “communal harmony” as an alternative. It also supported amending Article 70 of the Constitution.

Following a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), a court has ordered the freezing of Tk 161.25 million deposited in the name of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust, linked to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and sister Sheikh Rehana. The ACC stated in its plea that during the course of an investigation, evidence surfaced suggesting attempts to transfer or conceal these funds. To ensure a fair inquiry, the commission deemed it necessary to immediately freeze the related account.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan revealed that he had instructed senior party leader Azam Swati to initiate dialogue with the military establishment.

Khan clarified that the decision was not aimed at seeking personal legal relief or influencing his ongoing cases. “This was solely in the interest of Pakistan,” he stated.

He further added that PTI is no longer engaged in any talks with the current government, as he believes it lacks real authority.