Religious Affairs Advisor A.F.M. Khalid Hossain addressed the ongoing debate regarding Bangladesh celebrating Eid in alignment with Saudi Arabia. He stated that religious practices should rise above controversy. Earlier, he was asked whether Bangladesh should follow Saudi Arabia in determining religious festivals, as many districts in the country have already done so.

Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative of the Chief Adviser, has stated that China has expressed interest in cooperating with Bangladesh on water resource management, including the much-discussed Teesta Project. He hinted that bilateral agreements could soon materialize. Additionally, China has pledged full support in repatriating Rohingya refugees and is open to collaborations in AI, renewable energy, and modern technology. Chinese companies have been invited to invest in Bangladesh, with President Xi Jinping personally ensuring his administration’s involvement.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has conveyed his Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to the people of Bangladesh. In his message, he wished everyone a joyous and peaceful Eid, encouraging them to spend time with family, visit the graves of loved ones, and extend support to underprivileged families. He urged people to remain united despite attempts to sow division, calling for prayers for national unity and prosperity. The Chief Adviser expressed hope that everyone’s lives would be filled with joy and fulfillment.

The crescent moon of the Islamic month of Shawwal was sighted in Bangladesh on Sunday evening, confirming that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated across the country on Monday. The National Moon Sighting Committee made the announcement following a meeting at 6:30 PM. Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, the moon was sighted on Saturday, leading to the celebration of Eid on Sunday. As a result, people in Saudi Arabia observed 29 days of fasting this Ramadan.

In line with Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries, over 50 villages in Chandpur, including the Sadra Darbar Sharif in Hajiganj, are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr today. On Saturday night, Pirzada Maulana Mufti Arif Chowdhury stated, "We determine our fasting and Eid celebrations based on moon sightings as per the Quran and Hadith, not just by following Saudi Arabia." Necessary arrangements have been made for Eid prayers, with the first congregation at Darbar Sharif ground at 9 AM, led by Pirzada Maulana Mufti Zakaria Chowdhury. The tradition of following the Saudi lunar calendar for Eid celebrations was introduced in 1928 by the Pir of Sadra Darbar Sharif.

A Bangladeshi youth lost his leg in a landmine explosion inside Myanmar while allegedly engaged in cross-border smuggling. The incident occurred in the Naikhongchhari border area of Bandarban district.

Mohammad Salam (42) was caught in an explosion near an old Maijja Camp controlled by the Arakan Army, about 200 meters inside Myanmar from the zero line of Chakdhala Border Outpost’s (BOP) Pillar No. 44.

Local sources reported that the landmine had been planted earlier by the Arakan Army. After the explosion, locals rescued Salam and took him to Naikhongchhari Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

On Saturday night, a boat sank in the Boulai River in Sunamganj, claiming the lives of three children and two women. Police sources confirmed that the boat, carrying 70 passengers and goods, was traveling from Madhyanagar to Jamalganj when it capsized. While many passengers managed to swim to safety, five were confirmed dead, and one was injured. The victims, from different parts of Netrokona, were visiting relatives in Noapara village of Beheli Union in Jamalganj. Authorities fear the death toll may rise.

With millions leaving Dhaka for Eid, metro rail ridership has declined. Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has confirmed that, like last year, metro rail services will be suspended on Eid day. However, services will resume on other Eid holidays according to regular schedules. Post-Eid, metro rail will revert to its pre-Ramadan schedule.

Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing will attend the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand and is actively seeking a meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Myanmar’s government is also attempting to arrange a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following Western sanctions and ASEAN’s exclusion of Myanmar’s junta leader from its summit, the regime is making diplomatic efforts to establish high-level engagements.

The Australian Fatwa Council has declared Monday, March 31, as the date for Eid-ul-Fitr. Due to its geographical location, Australia is often among the first to announce Ramadan and Eid dates. The council based its decision on lunar calculations, confirming that the new moon of Shawwal will be born on March 29 at 9:57 PM and visible on March 30, making Ramadan 30 days long.

The U.S. State Department has canceled the visas of nearly 300 international students for participating in pro-Palestinian protests at American universities. Speaking at a press conference in Guyana, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, "We are doing this every day. Whenever we find protesters involved, we revoke their visas." He warned that if this policy continues, there will soon be no protesting students left. "We granted them visas to study, not to become social activists or disrupt our campuses," he added.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has accused the West Bengal government of obstructing efforts to install fencing along a 400-kilometer stretch of the India-Bangladesh border. "We have requested land for fencing ten times and held seven meetings with state officials, but they have not cooperated. Wherever we attempt to install fencing, state ruling party members create obstacles," he stated. Shah noted that of the 2,216-kilometer-long border, 1,653 kilometers have already been fenced, with 112 kilometers being unfeasible due to rivers and canals. He promised to complete the remaining 400 kilometers if the BJP returns to power in 2026.

A powerful earthquake centered in Myanmar shook Southeast Asia on Friday. In Myanmar alone, over 144 people have lost their lives, and 732 have been injured. Meanwhile, in Bangkok, a high-rise building collapsed due to the earthquake, with rescue teams searching for those trapped under the rubble. As a result, 117 people are missing, and 5 have been confirmed dead.

The Government of Bangladesh has secured commitments worth $2.1 billion in investments, loans, and grants from the Chinese government and private companies. According to the ‘Chief Advisor GOB’ Facebook page, Dr. Muhammad Yunus invited Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector, resulting in pledges from 30 Chinese companies to invest $1 billion in a dedicated Chinese industrial zone. Additionally, China has allocated $400 million for the modernization of Mongla Port, $350 million for the Chinese industrial economic zone, and $150 million in technical assistance loans. The remaining funds will be distributed as grants and other financial aid.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam described the bilateral meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus as “highly successful, productive, and constructive.” He stated that extensive discussions took place, with President Xi reaffirming China’s support for Bangladesh’s interim government. Xi also encouraged Chinese investments in Bangladesh and pledged to facilitate the relocation of Chinese manufacturing firms. Additionally, China expressed willingness to lower interest rates on loans and collaborate on water resource management.