At 7 p.m. Monday, Bangladesh’s largest drone show lit up the Dhaka sky with stunning images, thanks to technical support from the Chinese Embassy and collaboration with the Shilpakala Academy. Themed “New Year, New Bangladesh,” the show at Manik Mia Avenue featured aerial displays of iconic figures like Abu Sayeed, symbolic protestor Mughdho, the 2024 heroes, broken cages, and prayers for Palestine. The symbolic imagery highlighted the recent student-led protests and calls for regime change. The drone show followed a cultural performance.

Hundreds of illegal Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Monday, coinciding with the second day of the Jewish festival Passover. Backed by Israeli police, 765 settlers entered the compound through the Al-Mughrabi Gate and launched coordinated attacks inside the mosque. The previous day, nearly 500 settlers had also entered and attacked the mosque. Passover is one of the most significant Jewish religious festivals, commemorating the exodus of Israelites from Egypt under Prophet Moses.

Rabindra University in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj showcased powerful imagery at its Boishakhi fair—depicting both the 2024 mass uprising and the brutalities in Palestine under Israeli occupation. Alongside food stalls, students organized displays highlighting these issues. VC Prof. Dr. S.M. Hasan Talukder stated, “Pohela Boishakh reminds us of the richness of Bengali culture which inspires harmony across ethnic and religious lines.” He condemned global acts of imperialism, saying, “We denounce genocidal powers across the world from the new Bangladesh,” and expressed hope for a more humane and secure world in the new year.

For the first time, Bangladesh has synchronized its fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal with neighboring India to protect marine breeding. The 58-day ban begins at midnight on April 15 and runs until June 11. While welcoming the coordinated ban, fishermen in Barguna expressed frustration over the lack of promised rice aid. Since 2015, Bangladesh has enforced a 65-day annual fishing ban from May 20 to July 23. In contrast, India’s ban runs from April 15 to June 14. Fishermen claim that in previous years, Indian vessels exploited the ban period to fish in Bangladeshi waters. The new coordination is expected to stop this. Local fishermen thanked the Chief Adviser for the move, while the administration promised to distribute food aid promptly.

Reacting to the Russian missile strike in Ukraine’s Sumy city that killed over 30 people, former U.S. President Donald Trump said, “They told me it was a mistake—but it’s terrible. The whole war is terrible.” He criticized the war as a misuse of power and blamed President Biden for its continuation. “If I had been president, this war would never have started. I’m trying to stop it and save lives,” Trump added, while avoiding a direct answer on who admitted the mistake. The victims had gathered to observe Palm Sunday. Ukrainian President Zelensky renewed calls for greater pressure on Russia and international security guarantees.

Police in Assam’s Cachar district baton-charged a protest against recent amendments to the Waqf law. Protesters responded by pelting stones, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). A senior police officer told PTI, “Some 300-400 people blocked roads without permission. When we tried to clear the area, some attacked us with stones. We had to use mild force.” A case has been filed, but no arrests have been made. Protesters claim the amended law discriminates against Muslims and demanded its repeal.

Following Bangladesh’s “March for Gaza,” thousands took to the streets of Karachi on Sunday in a massive show of support for Palestinians under siege. Organizers said over 100,000 people participated. Protesters carried images of slain Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar and placed rows of white shrouded mannequins representing children killed in Gaza, stirring strong emotions. The protest included thousands of women, many in burqas, and parents with children. Members of Christian and Hindu communities also joined the march, emphasizing solidarity across faiths.

In a disturbing incident in Brahmanbaria’s Akhaura, local businessman Suman Das forcibly cut a woman’s hair in public, accusing her of theft. With the help of his associate Rabbi, he pulled off the woman’s headscarf and cut her hair while she wore a burqa. Two other women and a child were also beaten with plastic pipes and rods. When bystanders tried to intervene, Suman allegedly issued threats. A video of the incident has gone viral. Suman owns SM Electric Corner, and Rabbi runs Maa Telecom. Locals gathered in front of Akhaura police station demanding swift arrest and punishment.

Myanmar has returned 20 Bangladeshi nationals who were detained for attempting to travel illegally to Malaysia by sea. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Dr. Md. Monwar Hossain, oversaw the repatriation and reiterated the embassy’s commitment to verifying and facilitating the return of all detained Bangladeshis. Over the past two years, 352 citizens have been repatriated, including 85 last September.

In a tragic incident in Chandina, Cumilla, a man named Md. Sabuj attempted self-immolation after being falsely accused of theft. Sabuj, whose body sustained 30–35% burns, was hospitalized in Cumilla Medical College. The incident followed an unfair fine of BDT 50,000 imposed by local leaders after two auto-rickshaws went missing during his night watch. Unable to pay, Sabuj refused the judgment. On Sunday, under pressure and provocation, he was detained and his rickshaw seized—leading to the desperate act.

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck south of the Fiji Islands on Monday morning at 8:03 AM. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake originated at a depth of 174 kilometers. No casualties or tsunami warnings were reported. The quake follows a series of tremors that shook India, Myanmar, and Tajikistan on Sunday.

Strict security measures have been implemented across the Dhaka University area to ensure the safety of visitors during Pahela Baishakh celebrations. Law enforcement, including police in both uniform and plain clothes, have been deployed at key entry points. Members of RAB, SWAT, army, and intelligence agencies are also on patrol. University security personnel are assisting police to maintain a peaceful environment throughout the campus.

In a message for Pahela Baishakh, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus emphasized that the people’s uprising of 2024 has presented an opportunity to build an egalitarian Bangladesh. “Let this New Year be our commitment to eliminating inequality,” he said. Calling Pahela Baishakh a day of unity and harmony, Dr. Yunus urged citizens to leave behind the sorrows of the past and move forward with hope and determination. He also noted the enduring tradition of Hal Khata, still observed in marketplaces across the country, and highlighted how ethnic communities in both hills and plains are celebrating this New Year on a larger scale.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a directive requiring foreigners staying longer than 30 days to register with the authorities. Failure to do so could result in fines or imprisonment. Citing former President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the department said, “Our message to illegal immigrants is clear—leave the U.S. and return home voluntarily.” Voluntary departure is considered safer, allowing individuals to book their own flights and retain their earnings. The department also noted that voluntary returnees may later reenter the U.S. legally. In cases of financial hardship, the U.S. government may subsidize airfare. Those who defy deportation orders may face a fine of $998 per day for each day they remain.

Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that the government is taking proactive measures to ensure that limiting tourism on Saint Martin’s Island does not negatively affect local livelihoods. Efforts are underway to create alternative employment while preserving and restoring the island’s biodiversity. A working group, led by the Director General of the Department of Environment, has been formed with representatives from agriculture, fisheries, tourism, women and children’s affairs, the forest department, local administration, BRAC, and Coast Foundation. Proposed initiatives include sustainable fishing gear, branding of dried fish, cultivation of seaweed, mushrooms, and vegetables, livestock farming, content creation, blogging, and photography training. Women will receive training in sewing, crafting traditional quilts, souvenir production, and rope-making from coconut husks. Plans also include educational support, tree planting, waste management, restaurant job training, and grooming local youths to become professional tour guides.