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.

DHAKA  – Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today said the Pahela Baishakh procession will be brought out under the name ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ instead of ‘Mangal’ or ‘Ananda’ Shobhajatra.

“The government has decided to adopt the name ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ to end ongoing debates and move forward with renewed enthusiasm,” he told journalists after a meeting at the conference room of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs at the Secretariat, marking the upcoming Bangla New Year 1433.

The minister said there had long been discussions and criticisms surrounding the celebration of Pahela Baishakh, which he described as undesirable and potentially harmful to society. “To put an end to all controversies, the government has taken the decision,” he added.

He said preparations for the procession at Dhaka University’s Fine Arts faculty are progressing in full swing, adding that the procession will, as usual, begin from the faculty premises.

Highlighting the historical significance of Pahela Baishakh, the minister said the festival is deeply rooted in the agrarian traditions of Bengal, evolving around agriculture, seasonal cycles, and the beginning of a new year.

“It is a universal festival of all communities, including Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo and other ethnic groups,” he said, adding that the present government is committed to unity in diversity.

DU Vice-Chancellor (VC), directors general of Kazi Nazrul Institute, Bangla Academy, Bangladesh National Museum and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, along with the Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police and senior officials of the concerned ministries.

The minister said Pahela Baishakh symbolizes joy and prosperity, and the festival’s essence lies in welcoming the New Year by leaving behind past grievances and aspiring for a better future. He noted that the recent controversy over the naming of the procession would now come to an end.

He also informed that daylong cultural programmes will be held at various venues in the capital, including Ramna Batamul, to mark the occasion, with necessary preparations already completed by the concerned organisations. Regarding UNESCO, the minister said the authorities concerned will be formally informed about the naming decision.

The Cultural Minister said that the highest level of security measures will be in place for Pahela Baishakh celebrations, with law enforcement agencies deployed to prevent any untoward incidents. Meanwhile, a press release issued by Dhaka University on Tuesday last said the procession will begin at 9:00am from the Faculty of Fine Arts, proceeding through Raju Sculpture, Doel Chattar and Bangla Academy, before returning to the starting point.

New York: The “Bangladesh Day Parade 2026” will take place in New York City on May 17, promising a vibrant celebration of culture and community. The announcement was made during a press conference held on Wednesday (April 1) at the Nabanno Restaurant Party Hall in Jackson Heights. This year’s parade will be led by Grand Marshals M. M. Shaheen, Chairman of the Weekly Thikana, and M. Aziz, CEO of NY Homecare and former Chairman of the Trustee Board of the Bangladesh Society.

Organizers have invited all members of the Bangladeshi community to participate in the event. The parade is scheduled to run from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM along 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights.

Key figures present at the press conference included Parade Committee Chair Attorney Moeen Chowdhury, Convener Gias Ahmed, Member Secretary Fahad Solaiman, Co-Chair Captain Prince Alam, Event Coordinator Famed Rocky, and Faisal Aziz, Director of NY Homecare and Grand Sponsor of the event. Speakers emphasized that the parade aims to strengthen unity and patriotism among the Bangladeshi diaspora, while also introducing the history and culture of Bangladesh to younger generations.

Organizations can register to participate in the parade free of charge this year. The event is jointly organized by the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association, Humanity Empowerment Rights, and Immigrants International. Organizers stated that extensive preparations are already underway, and a convening committee has been formed to ensure the success of the event. They expressed optimism that this year’s celebration will be even more colorful and engaging than previous editions.