Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) intercepted seven Indian cows at Doarabazar early Wednesday morning. Two separate patrol teams seized four and three cows, respectively. The estimated market value of the seized cattle is around Tk 560,000. However, the smugglers managed to flee. The battalion commander, Lt. Col. A.K.M. Zakaria Kadir, stated that the cattle have been handed over to the Sunamganj Customs Office and that border surveillance will remain strict.

The New York Times has reported signs of growing religious extremism following Sheikh Hasina's removal from power. The article cites incidents of gender-based restrictions, vigilante justice, and the resurgence of banned Islamist groups. It also highlights debates over removing secularism from the constitution. However, the Bangladesh government has dismissed the report as misleading and one-sided, asserting that democratic values and cultural diversity will be preserved.

Fayez Ahmed, Senior Assistant Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has declared that all domestic and international conspiracies against Bangladesh have failed. He stated that the government has been subjected to a wave of misinformation from various media outlets, particularly from Indian sources, aimed at undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty and religious harmony. "Alhamdulillah, we have successfully countered these false narratives," he said. Ahmed dismissed Indian media reports as propaganda, emphasizing that local journalists have played a crucial role in defending Bangladesh's sovereignty by practicing responsible journalism.

A devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake has struck Myanmar, marking the country’s deadliest quake in a century. The disaster has leveled ancient Buddhist pagodas and modern buildings alike. Military chief Min Aung Hlaing confirmed that the death toll has reached 2,719 and could exceed 3,000. Reports indicate that 4,521 people are injured, and 441 remain missing. The UN humanitarian agency confirmed that a collapsed primary school in Mandalay claimed the lives of 50 children and two teachers. Survivors in the hardest-hit areas are struggling with shortages of food, water, and shelter. Meanwhile, the International Rescue Committee reported that many are sleeping on the streets out of fear. The earthquake's impact has also been felt in Bangkok, where 13 deaths have been confirmed.

During a visit to Moscow, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s strong ties with Russia, stating:
“China and Russia are eternal friends and will never be enemies.”

He also welcomed signs of improved relations between Washington and Moscow, expressing China’s willingness to play a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine conflict.

In early 2022, just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an “unlimited” strategic partnership. Since then, the two leaders have strengthened cooperation on global issues, including Taiwan, Ukraine, and their shared rivalry with the United States.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing has issued a statement calling The New York Times' report titled "Bangladesh Rebuilding Anew, Islamist Hardliners Seek Opportunities" "misleading and one-sided." The statement criticized the report for oversimplifying Bangladesh's political and social dynamics, unfairly tarnishing the entire nation. It argued that the report selectively highlighted certain incidents while ignoring Bangladesh's recent progress and the complexity of its realities. It further noted that female participation has increased across all sectors, with 2.7 million women participating in Youth Festival 2025. Additionally, it dismissed allegations that the Chief Adviser was not taking action against extremists. The statement emphasized Bangladesh's economic progress and refuted claims that isolated political violence was being misrepresented as religious violence.

Russia’s Supreme Court has confirmed receiving a request from the Prosecutor General’s Office to lift sanctions on the Taliban, who were designated a terrorist organization in 2003. The court will review the request.

Meanwhile, Taliban representatives have been participating in various forums hosted in Moscow. Under Russian law, any contact with terrorist organizations is a punishable offense. However, Russian officials have emphasized the need to engage with the Taliban for Afghanistan’s stability, sidestepping concerns about potential contradictions in their policy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Eid greetings to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus through a letter on Monday. He also conveyed his wishes to the people of Bangladesh, highlighting the shared observance of Ramadan by 200 million Indians. Modi emphasized the values of compassion, generosity, and unity and expressed hopes for strengthened ties between the two nations.

During Eid prayers at a DNCC-organized event, social media buzzed with speculation over a viral image showing Adviser Asif Mahmud standing in a separate row behind the Imam. Fact-checking revealed that Asif initially stood with other worshippers in the first row but moved forward upon the administration’s request when the Imam called for someone to stand on his left. Religious leaders clarified that this arrangement was made due to space constraints and protocol requirements.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended Eid greetings to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus via phone. Shehbaz emphasized strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and announced that Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister would visit Dhaka on April 22 with a trade delegation to discuss economic cooperation. He also invited Dr. Yunus to visit Pakistan at his convenience and extended an invitation to legendary Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila and a cultural delegation. Shehbaz expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-Bangladesh ties, saying, "InshaAllah, our relations look promising."

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized the importance of peace in the country, stating, "We want a peaceful nation where people can live freely without fear. Today is a day to embrace unity, setting aside past conflicts for the greater good of society." He added, "Eid teaches us reconciliation and moving forward together. The ability to establish such a day in our society is a great blessing for us." During Eid greetings, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet so many people, highlighting the need to bridge distances and foster unity in society.

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to the Muslim community in Russia. In a statement, he described Eid as an ancient and significant festival symbolizing spiritual growth, kindness, and compassion. He also acknowledged the Muslim community’s contributions to charitable, educational, and national projects. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin also extended his best wishes to Russian Muslims on this occasion.

The 198th Eid congregation at Asia’s largest historical Eidgah, Sholakia, was held peacefully at 10:00 AM. Mufti Abul Khair Mohammad Saifullah led the prayers, with the area resonating with the chants of “Allahu Akbar.” Police Superintendent Mohammad Hasan Chowdhury confirmed that over 600,000 worshippers participated, making it the largest Eid congregation in the country. For security, police, RAB, BGB, Ansar, and the army were deployed, along with 64 CCTV cameras and six watchtowers for surveillance.

At the DNCC Eid cultural program, Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan stated that Eid celebrations would be more joyous going forward. “No longer will we spend Eid just watching TV at home. We will participate in Eid processions and enjoy the Eid fair together,” he said. He emphasized that Dhaka’s historic Eid procession had been revived and that next year, the celebrations would be even grander despite time constraints this year.

The first Eid congregation at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque began at 7:00 AM and concluded with a special prayer at 7:30 AM, led by Hafiz Mufti Maulana Muhibbullahil Baqi. The prayers sought blessings for the nation’s well-being and invoked Allah’s mercy upon the oppressed Muslims in Palestine. Additionally, supplications were made for the country’s development, progress, and the unity of the Muslim Ummah. Worshippers were urged to show kindness and compassion to one another, making Eid celebrations more meaningful.