The BNP government is set to transform the interim government’s “anti-terrorism ordinance,” which banned the activities of the Awami League, into law. The proposed legislation includes punitive measures. During the interim government, the BNP had opposed the idea of banning any political party through executive orders, stating that the public should decide. However, after coming to power, the government is taking steps to convert the ordinance into law. Until the executive order is officially revoked, the Awami League remains under restrictions. Once the law, including punitive provisions, is enacted, the party will face even greater limitations in carrying out political activities.

The 133rd ordinance issued by the interim government was introduced in the 13th Parliament on March 13. On that day, a 14-member special committee was formed to review the ordinances. Under Article 93 of the Constitution, an ordinance lapses if not passed by Parliament within 30 days, which in this case would have been April 12.

Last Thursday, the special committee recommended that 98 ordinances be converted into law without any changes. Fifteen ordinances were proposed for amendments before being presented as bills. Sixteen ordinances are not to be introduced at this time, and four were repealed based on recommendations from Hefazat.

Among the 15 ordinances recommended for amendment and presentation as bills is the “Anti-Terrorism Ordinance” issued on May 11, 2025. This ordinance, by amending Sections 18 and 20 of the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Act, banned the activities of the Awami League and all its affiliated organizations. The same law had banned the activities of the student wing, Chhatra League, in October 2024.

On May 9 last year, NCP leaders staged a protest at the residence of then Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, demanding the ban on the Awami League. Later, other parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Gana Odhikar Parishad, Islami Andolon, AB Party, and Bangladesh Khalafat Majlis, joined the movement.

On the night of May 11, an emergency meeting of the advisory council at Yunus’ residence amended two sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act. It allowed the government to ban the activities of individuals or organizations involved in terrorism through executive orders. On the same day, a government notification stated that the Awami League’s activities would remain banned until trials in the International Crimes Tribunal concluded.

The interim government did not directly ban the Awami League. However, under the restrictions of Section 20 of the ordinance, the party cannot hold rallies, meetings, or assemblies; its offices must remain closed; bank accounts can be frozen; posters and banners cannot be displayed; press releases cannot be issued; and the party is barred from publishing in media or social platforms and holding press conferences.

The law proposes that banned organizations conducting activities could face four to 14 years of imprisonment. The ordinance itself did not specify penalties for violations, meaning the Awami League had been under restriction without legal consequences for noncompliance.

The parliamentary special committee, consulting with relevant ministries, recommended the passage of the anti-terrorism ordinance as law. The Ministry of Home Affairs noted that “the ordinance does not contain any penal provisions for banned organizations, but punitive measures can be added.”

Although it is unclear what specific penalties will be included, government sources indicate that existing provisions under Section 16 of the law would apply to restricted organizations. Awami League leaders have refrained from making formal statements on the matter. However, Presidium member and former minister Abdur Rahman told reporters that the public will ultimately decide. He added that facing restrictions is not new for the Awami League, as the party has navigated such challenges in the past.

When asked whether the Awami League would challenge the validity of the ordinance in court, Abdur Rahman said the party would take legal or protest action wherever necessary.

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.

Desk Report : In the wake of a massive public uprising that toppled the Awami League government, Nobel laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus responded to the call of movement leaders and assumed a leadership role in the interim government, citing “national rescue” as his mission. At the time, the nation’s hopes were pinned on him, with many believing that his leadership could elevate Bangladesh’s global standing, enhance citizens’ dignity, and unlock long-suppressed potential.

However, from August 8, 2024, when he assumed office, until February 12, 2026, when power was transferred via election, how much of the public’s expectations were actually fulfilled by the Nobel laureate? Kaler Kantho launched an investigation to answer this question.

The inquiry revealed that during his roughly 18-month tenure, Dr. Yunus leveraged his position to secure extensive personal and institutional advantages. One notable example was the rapid approval of Grameen University, a project of the Grameen Trust founded by Dr. Yunus. While 22 other private universities had pending applications for years, Grameen University received approval within just three months—an unusually fast process, facilitated by Dr. Yunus’ role as chief adviser to the interim government.

Further findings indicate that he granted tax exemptions to Grameen Bank for five years, potentially costing the government over BDT 1,000 crore in revenue. In addition, the Grameen Welfare Trust reportedly received BDT 1,043 crore in tax exemptions, and another BDT 666 crore was waived under other financial arrangements. Beyond financial benefits, he used his authority to settle seven ongoing lawsuits against himself, including high-profile corruption cases, and expedited licenses for recruitment agencies and e-wallet services linked to Grameen Trust.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Manzil Morshed told Kaler Kantho, “Anyone taking office to run the state must ensure there is no conflict between public duty and personal interest. Officials are expected to relinquish profitable positions before assuming government roles. Dr. Yunus, while serving as chief adviser, engaged in activities that raised serious questions about conflicts of interest, potentially violating his oath and deceiving the public.”

The approval of Grameen University raised further concerns. According to the Private University Act of 2010, a minimum reserved fund of BDT 5 crore is required to establish a university in Dhaka. However, the approval for Grameen University cited only BDT 1.5 crore, prompting questions of legality and fairness. Officials from the Ministry of Education and UGC could not provide clear explanations, with some claiming they were not in office at the time, and others saying they could not recall details. The university, meanwhile, insisted that all financial requirements were met and that the initiative was nonprofit.

Additionally, the interim government period saw significant deterioration in law and order, the economy, investment, and public safety. Incidents of mob violence, political clashes, murders, arson, looting, and attacks on journalists reportedly surged. Nonperforming loans, foreign debt, interest rates, and investment stagnation increased, while high inflation affected ordinary citizens’ daily lives. Major development projects stalled, foreign agreements sparked controversy, and no meaningful progress was made on the Rohingya issue. Overall, this period negatively impacted stability, economic momentum, and citizen security.

Legal experts argue that using state authority to benefit personal or affiliated institutions constitutes a conflict of interest and a breach of the oath of office. Dr. Yunus’ actions—rapid license approvals, settlement of pending lawsuits, tax exemptions, and other privileges—have drawn criticism for transparency, accountability, and fairness.

Senior lawyer Manzil Morshed emphasized, “Decisions taken for personal gain while holding a constitutional office constitute a conflict of interest and violation of the oath. Such actions should be annulled, and legal steps taken where necessary.” Similarly, lawyer Dr. Shahdeen Malik noted that under Article 147 of the Constitution, holding profitable engagements while in office is prohibited, raising further questions about the legality of benefits obtained by Dr. Yunus and his affiliated institutions.

In summary, experts conclude that the interim government period witnessed significant concerns regarding ethics, accountability, and constitutional limits in the actions of the chief adviser and related institutions. (Kalerkantha)

Desk Report: Drones have been spotted flying near Bangladesh’s airspace close to Saint Martin’s Island in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, raising concerns among residents in the border area. On Thursday around 7:00 PM, two drones, colored red and green, were seen hovering in the eastern sky near the island’s jetty for almost an hour. The sighting caused alarm among the local population. Residents suspect that the drones may have been launched from Myanmar for surveillance of the border area.

Foyezul Islam, chairman of the Saint Martin Union Parishad, said, “Two drones were seen flying in the eastern sky near the jetty at night. It is believed that they came from the direction of Myanmar and may be part of the Arakan Army’s border monitoring. In this situation, it is crucial to strengthen our border security.”

Local fisherman Mohammad Azim added, “People gathered after seeing two drones flying in the sky at night. The matter was then reported to the authorities. Many are speculating that the drones came from Myanmar and could belong to the Arakan Army.”

Residents expressed concern over such drone activity, especially given the recent rise in instability along the border. They have called for an immediate investigation and necessary measures, including enhanced border surveillance, to ensure the security of Bangladesh’s airspace.

DHAKA – Bangladesh received a special honour from the U.S. state of Georgia in recognition of its contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide. According to an ISPR press release, a resolution was presented to Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Tuesday, acknowledging the professionalism and dedication of Bangladeshi peacekeepers.

Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp handed over the resolution during a State Senate session. It was adopted with bipartisan support, praising Bangladesh’s significant global role in peacekeeping. The initiative was led by State Senator Sheikh Rahman.

Earlier, the Army Chief met Governor Kemp to discuss issues of mutual interest, including military cooperation. The Army Chief has been on an official visit to the United States since March 28.

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.

News Desk: A prominent London-based law firm has challenged the prosecution and death sentence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, directly contesting the legality and fairness of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) proceedings. Kingsley Napley, known for its work in criminal litigation, extradition and white-collar crime, has filed a detailed objection against the proceedings of the ICT, which on Nov 17, 2025 sentenced Hasina to death in absentia.

The three-member ICT bench, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, found her guilty of crimes against humanity linked to the violent state crackdown on student-led protests in July and August 2024.

The conviction covered multiple charges, including incitement, ordering killings and failing to prevent atrocities. In a 10-page letter sent on Monday, Kingsley Napley described the trial as “fundamentally incompatible with basic international standards for fairness and due process”.

Acting on Hasina’s behalf, the firm argued the case unfolded in a “hostile environment”, pointing to the banning of the Awami League’s political activities under anti-terror legislation in May 2025 and alleged intimidation of its legal team. The letter reads, “Sheikh Hasina has been prosecuted and sentenced in absentia for capital offences in proceedings that… violate her fundamental rights under international law.

“This correspondence does not constitute acceptance of, submission to, or recognition of the legitimacy of these proceedings as currently constituted.”

A central claim in the filing is the alleged lack of judicial independence. The firm says the ICT bench was reconstituted in October 2024 with judges said to have “overt political affiliations to opposition parties”.

It highlights Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud’s appointment to the High Court just six days before joining the tribunal, alleging he had “pre-determined Sheikh Hasina’s guilt”.

Citing a reported August 2025 courtroom exchange, the lawyers say Justice Shafiul told state-appointed defence counsel, “You’ll try your best to save your clients from the gallows”, arguing this suggests the verdict was a “foregone conclusion”.

The firm also questions the neutrality of former chief prosecutor Md Tajul Islam, noting his past role as defence counsel for senior Jamaat-e-Islami figures and his participation in rallies calling for an Awami League ban during the trial.

Beyond alleged bias, the objection challenges the ICT’s jurisdiction. It argues amendments made in August 2024 to extend the tribunal’s mandate beyond 1971 war crimes to include the July-August 2024 protests amount to an “unlawful expansion” and a “legal impossibility”.

Kingsley Napley says such cases should be handled under the regular criminal justice system, warning that imposing the death penalty after flawed proceedings amounts to “summary execution” under international law.

The firm has demanded the verdict be “immediately set aside as legally void” and sought a response within 14 days, cautioning that Hasina may pursue remedies through international human rights bodies. Authorities have defended the trial as essential for justice over the July killings.

DHAKA – Bangladesh is poised to unlock the long-delayed third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) as fresh negotiations with a Japanese consortium enter a decisive phase following submission of a revised, lower-cost proposal.

A high-level senior official of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) told BSS today that the consortium has addressed Dhaka’s concerns by recalibrating its financial offer, particularly on service charges, operational control and revenue-sharing issues that had stalled earlier discussions.

The latest progress follows series of segment-wise technical meetings held at CAAB headquarters on Monday and Tuesday, where both sides reviewed pricing and operational components in detail, signalling a shift from policy-level dialogue to final-stage negotiations.

CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmood Siddiq today briefed the outcomes of the technical meetings to Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom Rita and state minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the secretariat today.

The CAAB official said that the second high-level meeting is scheduled for April 3 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expected to determine the fate of the deal.

The Bangladesh side will likely be represented by Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, among others, official sources said.

The CAAB official indicated that the meeting could be decisive, with expectations that a final agreement may be reached shortly after. “A final agreement is expected to be reached next week following the April 3rd meeting,” he added.

The third terminal over 99 percent complete has remained non-operational for years due to unresolved management and operational arrangements. Industry insiders have widely criticised the delay, attributing it to policy indecision and rigid positions under the previous interim administration, which left a major national asset idle. Momentum shifted after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed authorities to resume negotiations immediately after the new government assumed office, prioritising a practical, outcome-driven solution.

That directive led to the March 13 breakthrough meeting chaired by foreign minister with attendance of Civil Aviation and Tourism minister and state minister, where Bangladesh formally requested a revised proposal from the Japanese side.

The Japanese consortium comprising – Japan Airport Terminal Company, Sumitomo Corporation, Sojitz Corporation and Narita International Airport Corporation – has since submitted a revised offer with reduced pricing, significantly narrowing differences.

Officials said the new proposal reflected greater flexibility and created a pathway towards a “win–win” agreement. The terminal project itself was largely financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and constructed at an estimated cost of Taka 21,398 crore. Spanning around 542,000 square metres, it is designed to handle an additional 12 to 16 million passengers annually along with nearly 900,000 tonnes of cargo.

The delay in operationalising the terminal has had tangible consequences. Airlines continue to face congestion, slot constraints and operational inefficiencies at existing facilities, while passengers endure overcrowded terminals and reduced service quality.

With revised pricing now on the table and high-level political engagement intensifying, officials said the process has entered its final stretch. Former CAAB chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman said activating the third terminal is critical not only for easing pressure at Dhaka airport but also for positioning Bangladesh as a regional aviation and logistics hub in South and Southeast Asia.

If the April 3 meeting delivers consensus, Bangladesh could finally bring one of its most significant aviation infrastructure projects into operation marking the end of years of delay and the beginning of a new phase in the country’s aviation expansion, he added.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today told the Jaitya Sangsad (JS) that the government will take all sorts of steps to bring the laundered money back to country. “The siphoned funds are the money of the people. As we are the elected government by the people, we have responsibility towards the country and its people. So, it’s major responsibility of this government to bring the laundered money back and spend this for the welfare of the country and its people,” he said.

The premier said this while replying to a supplementary question from treasury bench lawmaker from Cumilla-9 constituency Md Abul Kalam in the House with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, in the chair.

Responding to another supplementary question from opposition lawmaker from Rajshahi-1 constituency Md Mujibur Rahman on preparing the list of the money launderers, the Prime Minister said the respective department is preparing the list of the accused people.

Criticizing the arbitrariness of the previous government, Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, said, “The current government is an elected government. In the past, we saw that different people of the previous government acted according to their will ignoring morality and values”.

“The current government is respectful to the laws and legal structures of the country. We want to follow the law and try the accused according to the law so that no one is deprive from the justice,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the law will follow its own course and the government will take measures according to the existing laws. “The punishment of the money launderers and the fraudsters will be determined as per the law,” the premier noted.

DHAKA  – Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has requested the United States to grant Bangladesh a special waiver to import refined diesel and other petroleum products from Russian sources to ease energy pressures. The request was made during a meeting with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright at the Department of Energy in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, according to a message received here today.

During the talks, the foreign minister highlighted Bangladesh’s ongoing energy challenges stemming from global supply chain disruptions, particularly ahead of the critical planting season, and stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for farmers and safeguard food security.

Rahman explained that Bangladesh could not take advantage of the earlier limited world-wide waiver by US on Russian oil at sea since none of the tankers were bound for Bangladesh at that time. Besides, the two sides discussed the options to buy more refined oil out of Russian crude from third countries to meet immediate need.

US Energy Secretary Wright acknowledged the energy challenges Bangladesh is facing and expressed his country’s commitment to support Bangladesh during these difficult times to help ensure its energy security.

He said the US will positively consider the requests of Bangladesh and assured that he and his team would work closely with the relevant departments of the US government to this end. The two sides also discussed longer-term cooperation for sustainable energy solutions for Bangladesh and the prospects of increasing procurement of US energy products.

Secretary Chris Wright was assisted by Chief of Staff to the Secretary Carl Cole, Senior Advisor to the Secretary Audrey Robertson, Senior Advisor to the Secretary Andrew Rapp, Director, Office of Asian Affairs Margaux Murali and Fellow, Office of Asian Affairs Hamna Khan. From Bangladesh side, Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Deputy Chief of Mission DM Salahuddin Mahmud and Economic Minister Dr. Md. Fazle Rabbi attended the meeting with the Foreign Minister.