Move comes amid expected large gatherings in Shahbagh and Dhaka University areas

Survivors recount trafficking, deaths at sea as authorities struggle to verify toll

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman yesterday said the opposition’s “primary arena” is the streets, not parliament, stressing that the party will remain in the House only as long as it can wage a meaningful fight within it.

Bangladesh’s overseas employment market faces growing risks of shrinking amid the war in the Middle East, the largest destination for migrant workers from the country.

The masterminds behind the attack and killing of Abdur Rahman, also known as Shamim al-Jahangir -- a pir based in Kushtia -- have been identified, sources in law enforcement agencies have said.

Electricity bills and industrial costs are set to increase after the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) raised furnace oil prices by 35 percent to Tk 94.69 per litre, citing global market volatility linked to the US-Israel war on Iran.

Thirty-one distinguished citizens yesterday expressed “strong anger and condemnation” over parliament’s repeal of several reform ordinances, saying the move ignored public expectations and contradicted government pledges.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed yesterday assured that apart from a few exceptions, all activities of the interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, will be granted validity.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday said the armed forces do not belong to any individual, family, or political party, stressing that their duty must be anchored in loyalty to the constitution and the trust of the people.

A special measles-rubella vaccination drive in the four city corporations -- Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Mymensingh, and Barishal – began yesterday, amid a surge in measles cases and deaths.

The inaugural ceremony of the 8th UIU-International Conference on Sustainable Development was held on April 11 on the United International University campus in Dhaka.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday directed the authorities concerned to ensure the best possible services for Hajj pilgrims this year.

Malaysia is set to reopen its labour market for Bangladeshis, with both sides moving to resume recruitment through a more transparent and lower-cost process, Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson and Adviser on Overseas Employment Mahdi Amin said yesterday.

A Jubo League leader was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment yesterday for contempt of court over a Facebook post that the International Crimes Tribunal-1 said contained derogatory remarks about the tribunal and its proceedings.

Bangladeshi missions are working round the clock to ensure the safety of expatriate Bangladeshis in war-affected countries, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed yesterday.

A local leader of Jatiyatabadi Tati Dal, an affiliate of BNP, was hacked to death in Khulna city’s Khalishpur area on Saturday night.

Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury’s lifelong contributions to community-based healthcare, affordable medicine, and people-centered development remain a guiding force for Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK) and beyond, said speakers on Saturday at a commemorative event marking his third death anniversary.

Extensive security measures have been taken across the capital to ensure people from all walks of life can celebrate the Bangla New Year peacefully, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police Acting Commissioner Md Sarwar yesterday.

A message of cultural resilience marked Chhayanaut’s announcement of its Pahela Baishakh 1433 celebrations yesterday, as the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to continue its traditional musical welcome, more popularly known as “Barshabaran” at Ramna Batamul.

Barrister Shafique Ahmed, eminent jurist and former law minister, passed away yesterday while receiving treatment at Bangladesh Medical College Hospital in Dhaka. He was 91.