A Dhaka court has placed retired Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury on a four-day remand in connection with the Delwar Hossain murder case filed with Mirpur Model Police Station. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Monirul Islam passed the order on Tuesday afternoon following a hearing. Earlier, the investigation officer of the case, DB Police Sub-Inspector Kafil Uddin, produced the accused before the court and sought a seven-day remand. The court granted four days. Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Farooqui confirmed the matter.

According to the remand petition, the preliminary investigation found sufficient information and evidence regarding the accused’s involvement in the incident. It said remand was necessary for proper interrogation and to ensure a fair investigation. No lawyer appeared on behalf of the accused during the hearing.

Earlier, Chowdhury had been taken into remand for a total of 14 days in three phases in a separate case filed with the Paltan Model Police Station over alleged embezzlement and human trafficking involving Tk24,000 crore.

According to the case statement, an attack took place in the Falpatti area of Mirpur-10 on July 19, 2024, during an anti-discrimination student movement. The complaint states that the accused opened fire from different directions, leaving Delwar Hossain seriously injured.

He was first taken to the National Heart Institute and later shifted to a private hospital in Shyamoli, where he died at 7:40am on July 21 while undergoing treatment. In connection with the incident, the victim’s wife, Mosha Liza, filed a murder case with Mirpur Model Police Station on July 6, 2025.

Chowdhury was arrested from the Baridhara area of the capital on the night of March 23. The following day, the court placed him on a five-day remand. On March 24, he was shown arrested in the Paltan case and remanded again. Subsequently, the court granted him a second six-day remand on March 29 and a third three-day remand on April 4.

Former speaker of the National Parliament, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, has been arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). She was taken into custody from her residence on Road 8/A in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, at around 4:30am on Tuesday.

Additional Commissioner of DB, Shafiqul Islam, confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the DMP’s media division, M N Nasir Uddin, told journalists on Tuesday morning that Chaudhury is currently being interrogated.

“As far as we know, cases have been filed against her over incidents during the July movement at Banani and Uttara police stations in the capital. There is also a case against her in Rangpur,” he said.

The DC added that she is now being questioned and further steps will be announced later. According to sources, a case was filed against Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in connection with the fatal shooting of gold worker Muslim Uddin in Rangpur during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

The murder case, lodged on August 27, 2024, names Chaudhury and 16 others, including former commerce minister Tipu Munshi. Munshi is currently in jail following his arrest in the same case.

Chaudhury was elected a member of parliament from Rangpur-6. After the 2008 Bangladesh election, the Awami League assumed power and Abdul Hamid was elected speaker. Following his elevation to the presidency, Chaudhury was elected speaker on April 30, 2013. She went on to serve four consecutive terms, most recently as speaker of the 12th National Parliament on January 30, 2024.

Desk Report: A new development has emerged in the widely discussed Bangladesh Bank reserve heist case. As part of a significant step forward in the proceedings, a court in New York has directed former governor Ahsan H. Mansur to provide a deposition. According to the court’s order, he is scheduled to testify on April 10.

This information was revealed in an internal document from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU). The document states that on March 11, legal representatives involved in the case confirmed the court’s directive via email. They also informed the relevant parties about preparations for the deposition.

According to the document, Mansur has already submitted an affidavit at the court’s request. The next phase requires him to give an in-person deposition. To facilitate this, the legal firms appointed by Bangladesh Bank have arranged preparatory meetings for him on April 6 and April 10.

It has been reported that Mansur departed Dhaka for the United States on April 4. He is expected to travel via Washington, D.C., before arriving in New York. His return to the country is scheduled for April 12.

Sources indicate that a related official has been requested to accompany him on the trip. The BFIU document also notes that all expenses for the visit—including airfare, accommodation, and protocol—will be covered by Bangladesh Bank. He is expected to receive facilities equivalent to those of the current governor, with arrangements coordinated by the governor’s office.

DHAKA – Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Verma today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here, said premier’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.

DHAKA – A European Union (EU) delegation led by its Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller today met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here, said premier’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.

DHAKA – The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) today approved five development projects with an estimated total cost of Tk 483.43 crore. Of the total project cost, Tk 390.84 crore will be financed from the government exchequer while Tk 92.59 crore will be sourced through project loans or grants. The approval came at the 9th ECNEC meeting of the 2025-26 fiscal year and the first meeting of the current government, held at the Cabinet Division conference room in the city.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over the meeting. The five projects approved today are as follows: The General Social Infrastructure Development Project-2 (GSIDP-2), managed by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), has had its budget increased to Tk 1,450 crore and is scheduled for completion in June 2027.

In contrast, the Char Development and Settlement Project-4 (CDSP-4) saw a reduction in its total cost, which now stands at Tk 30.7186 crore.The IT Training and Incubation Center project received a cost increase of Tk 228.4454 crore which now stands at Tk 533.5492 crore and will now continue through June 2026.

Funding for the Modernization of Diagnostic Imaging Facilities across eight divisional medical college hospitals has risen to Tk 1,213.7050 crore, with the project timeline extended to June 2028. Finally, the Establishment of Gopalganj Dental College and Hospital (2nd Revision) was granted a cost increase of Tk 26.49 crore, bringing its total budget to Tk 139.3093 crore with a target completion date of June 2026.

Staff Reporter: Leaders and activists of the United States Awami League have strongly protested what they described as a conspiracy to ban the Bangladesh Awami League. They warned that if such activities are not stopped, a widespread movement will be launched across the United States. The remarks were made at a protest rally held on April 5 in Jackson Heights, New York City. Speakers at the event alleged that BNP and Jamaat are involved in efforts to push for a ban on the Awami League.

Addressing the rally, speakers said that the Awami League is not just a political party, but a historic organization that led the birth of Bangladesh. They argued that those who do not believe in the country’s red and green flag are capable of such actions. They further stated that in the past, Pakistani military rulers had also attempted to ban the Awami League, drawing parallels with the current situation.

Speaking at the rally, Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, President of the US Awami League, said, “Those in power through what we consider a staged and illegitimate election should not forget that an election excluding a large portion of Awami League supporters lacks credibility. This issue will soon resonate across New York and the wider United States.”

The rally began with an opening speech by Dr. Siddiqur Rahman and was conducted by General Secretary Abdus Samad Azad.

Among those present were Sajjad Hossain Sabuj, Press Minister at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC; Imdad Chowdhury, General Secretary of New York City Awami League; Vice President Sakhawat Hossain Chanchal; Dr. Masudul Hasan, Vice President of US Awami League; freedom fighter Sharaf Sarkar; Solaiman Ali; Zainal Abedin; John Sikder; Organizing Secretary Mohiuddin Dewan; Sharif Kamrul Hira; M A Malek; Professor Shahnaz Momtaz, President of US Mahila Awami League; Sheikh Atik, Vice President of New York State Awami League; Shahin Azmal, General Secretary; Ashrafulddin, Vice President of US Swechchhasebak League; Bronx Awami League leader Md. Muhit; US Awami League leader Md. Tulon; Jubo League leader Sebul Mia; Chhatra League leaders Hriday Mia and Zahid Hasan, among others. Also present were journalist union leader Saban Mahmud, Organizing Secretary Abul Hasib Mamun, and Executive Member Shahanara Rahman.

A tragic incident in Fort Myers, United States, has claimed the life of a Bangladeshi expatriate woman, Yasmin, who was fatally attacked at her workplace. The attack occurred on Thursday (April 2) at approximately 7:14 a.m. at a gas station and convenience store on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Yasmin was pronounced dead at 7:27 a.m., just 13 minutes after the assault.

According to reports, the incident stemmed from an altercation the previous night. A Haitian immigrant had attempted to withdraw money from an ATM at the store but was unsuccessful. He then demanded money from Yasmin. She calmly explained that the ATM was controlled by a vendor and suggested contacting customer service, as the issue might have been caused by an incorrect PIN. Although the situation appeared to de-escalate, the suspect reportedly remained agitated.

Surveillance footage from the following morning shows the suspect first vandalizing Yasmin’s vehicle. When she stepped outside, he suddenly attacked her with a hammer, striking her repeatedly. She collapsed at the scene. The attacker, described as wearing a yellow T-shirt, black shorts, and a backpack, fled immediately afterward.

Yasmin was originally from Chandraganj in Lakshmipur, Bangladesh. Family members said she had moved to the United States with her two teenage daughters in pursuit of a better future. Her death has left the family and the local Bangladeshi community in deep mourning.

After the attack, authorities warned that the suspect was armed and dangerous, urging residents not to approach him or open their doors. Several nearby schools were temporarily placed on lockdown as a precaution.

Following an extensive search, police arrested the suspect about a mile from the crime scene near Dunbar Park. The suspect, identified as Rolbart Joaquin (40), has been charged with murder and criminal mischief. He is currently being held at the Lee County Jail without bond.

This incident highlights the reality that sudden acts of violence can occur even in developed countries like the United States. Community members are urged to remain vigilant, avoid escalating confrontations, and prioritize personal safety in uncertain situations.

News Desk: Time seems to stand still on the football pitch whenever Lionel Messi touches the ball. On April 1, 2026, while playing for the Argentina national team in a 5–0 victory over Zambia, Messi scored a goal that was far more than just a point on the scoreboard. It was his 902nd official career goal — counting his achievements for both club and country — a milestone that marks the journey of a true legend.

This goal reflects the entirety of his remarkable career. From lighting up stadiums with FC Barcelona, creating new history with Paris Saint-Germain, to writing fresh chapters at Inter Miami, Messi’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. With 116 goals for Argentina and countless more for his clubs, each goal represents his relentless hard work, unwavering determination, and pure love for football.

Messi’s 902nd goal is not just a number; it is a timeless mark in football history. Every shot, every pass, every finish showcases his flawless skill and strategic genius. For millions of football fans worldwide, this moment is a source of inspiration — proof that passion and perseverance create the extraordinary.

With this achievement, Messi joins the elite 900+ goals club, cementing his place among football’s all-time greats. Every goal carries his dreams, every victory carries the fire in his heart. Messi isn’t just scoring; he is weaving magic across the pitch, leaving an indelible legacy and inspiring generations of players to come.

RAJSHAHI – The long-standing problem of iron-rich water at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) is set to be resolved. On Tuesday, a modern Reverse Osmosis (RO) water treatment plant was experimentally launched for the first time in four of the university’s residential halls. The university administration hopes this will ensure safe and hygienic drinking water for the resident students.

According to university sources, the technical installation of the plant has been completed on the rooftops of four newly constructed residential halls—Student Hall-1, Student Hall-2, Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall (Female Hall-1), and Female Hall-2.

The project, implemented by the university’s Planning and Development Office, cost approximately Taka 30 lakh being supervised by Professor Dr. H. M. Russell, Director of the Planning and Development Office.

He said, “The plant has initially been launched in these four halls. This initiative can provide an effective solution to the long-standing problem of iron-rich water in the Rajshahi region. There are plans to expand the project further in the future.”

Students have long faced difficulties with drinking water quality due to high iron content in the region’s groundwater. As part of a special initiative by the university administration, these plants have been installed to address the problem.

Reverse Osmosis is a modern water purification method that removes harmful substances, excess salts, iron, and other impurities through a specialized membrane. The resulting water is completely safe and hygienic for drinking.

Students have described the university’s initiative as timely and necessary. They expressed hope that the launch of this plant will provide a permanent solution to water quality issues and anticipate that this facility will soon be extended to other residential halls and academic buildings across the campus. Officials viewed this step to ensure safe water supply as a significant milestone in improving the quality of life on the RUET campus.