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.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan today said the government has so far cancelled gazette of 481 fake freedom fighters as part of its initiative to update the list of genuine freedom fighters. “The Liberation War Affairs Ministry is working to find out fake freedom fighters who have enrolled themselves as freedom fighters and taken financial facilities during the immediate past fascist regime,” he said.

The minister said this while giving a statement responding to an emergency important public notice raised by treasury bench lawmaker Mohammad Abdul Malique of Sylhet-3 under rules 71 and earlier adopted in the House with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair.

The government has cancelled the gazette of 481 fake freedom fighters during the period between August 2024 and March, this year, he said, adding that concerned ministry is working to cancel the enrollment of the fake freedom fighter after concluding necessary verification.

The enrollment of the fake freedom fighters took place enormously during the fascist regime. The National Freedom Fighters Council (Jatiya Muktijoddha Council – JAMUKA), an autonomous Bangladesh government body under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, responsible for identifying, listing, and ensuring the welfare of the freedom fighters.

Although it is a routine work and ongoing process of the council to carry out probe and hearing based on the complaint of the enrollment of ‘fake freedom fighters’, Azam told the parliament.

If the concerned ministry and the council get any complaint on fake freedom fighters then a sub-committee formed comprising with the members of the National Freedom Fighters will give recommendation to cancel the gazette of the fake freedom fighters following carrying out necessary investigation and hearing, said the minister.

Based on the recommendation of JAMUKA sub-committee, the government will cancel the gazette of the fake freedom fighters. Replying to another part of the notice, the minister said that the government will provide digital certificate and smart card to the expatriate freedom fighters, adding that the expatriate freedom fighters will get the recognition after receiving their application.

DHAKA – US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The US envoy met the premier at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here this noon, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

During the meeting, the US ambassador handed over two photographs and a replica of the White House to the Prime Minister. One photograph features Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former US President Jimmy Carter, while the other shows former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and former US President George Bush Sr.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir were present at the meeting. During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called for united efforts to build a happy, prosperous “Better Bangladesh”. “Let’s all work from our respective positions and unite to build a better Bangladesh. Regardless of religion and caste, everyone must come forward to build the country,” he said. The premier made the remarks at a greetings exchange event with leaders of the Protestant Church at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here on the occasion of Easter Sunday.

Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said a 13-member delegation, led by President of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Bangladesh Bishop Philip P Adhikari, met the Prime Minister and exchanged views with him on the occasion of Easter Sunday.

During the meeting, he said, the Prime Minister wished success and prosperity for the Christian community. The leaders of the Christian community invited the Prime Minister in advance to Christmas. Later, they presented him with a commemorative crest.

Greeting the Christian community on Easter Sunday, Tarique Rahman said, “We see people of all religions equally and love them in the same way. Religion belongs to individuals, but the country belongs to all. It is the responsibility of people of all religions to take the country forward”.

The Prime Minister said, “There was a perception that people of other religions do not vote for BNP. In the last election, this has been proven wrong. People of all religions voted for BNP and ensured victory.”

Noting the condition of the country under the previous government, Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP Chairman, said the country was in a fragile state when the BNP assumed office through the people’s verdict.

“The economic sector, the communication sector and several other sectors were in a fragile condition. It felt like we had taken responsibility for a war-ravaged country,” he said. The premier further said that due to the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, the Bangladesh has faced another crisis, particularly in the energy sector and highlighted the government’s efforts to tackle the fuel shortage situation triggered by the Middle East conflict.

Earlier, Bangladesh Bible Society General Secretary Rev Ashim Baroi, and retired Wing Commander Christopher M Adhikari of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Bangladesh spoke at the event on behalf of the Christian community.

The Christian community leaders praised various welfare initiatives taken by the BNP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, including family card, waiver of loans up to Taka 10,000 for farmers, and honorarium allowances for imams, muezzins, khadems, priests, sebaits, heads of Buddhist monasteries and Christian pastors.

The leaders also raised demands for representation of Christians in the reserved seats for women in Parliament and declaration of Easter Sunday as a public holiday. They expressed commitment to cooperate and work as partners with the government led by Tarique Rahman. Paying tribute to late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the Christian leaders said prayers were held for her in 7,000 churches and that prayers are now being offered daily for the current government. The Prime Minister assured that the demands of the Christian community would be considered.