Six individuals were arrested by the army during a raid on a house in Adabor, Dhaka. The suspects—members of the ‘Kobji Kata Anwar’ gang—were found with two hand grenades, 16 machetes, two samurai swords, two Chinese axes, three knives, and a large cleaver. They allegedly gathered at a house in Shyamoli Housing before committing robberies and assaults.

In a sharp escalation of trade tensions, China has announced an 84% tariff on all American goods, effective from Thursday. This move comes in retaliation to the United States imposing a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, which Beijing has described as “oppressive.”

The Chinese Ministry of Finance stated that the new tariffs are a necessary response to the U.S.‘s aggressive trade policies. Analysts believe this development marks the beginning of another round of trade war between the world’s two largest economies—raising concerns about potential negative impacts on the global economy.

Despite the escalation, China has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with the U.S. government to resolve the conflict. In a white paper released on Wednesday, Beijing emphasized its consistent efforts to maintain mutually beneficial trade relations with Washington. The document acknowledges that trade disputes are “normal” but stresses the importance of safeguarding China’s national interests.

India has revoked the transshipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to export goods to third countries via Indian land customs stations, ports, and airports. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs issued the cancellation order on April 8, also scrapping a 2020 directive that enabled the process. Goods already in transit through India will be allowed to exit. The move follows lobbying from India’s apparel exporters. This decision impacts exports to Nepal and Bhutan, which relied on Indian territory for transport.

The Dhaka Education Board announced that students can fill up HSC forms with late fees from April 13 to 21 and must complete payment via Sonali Sheba by April 22. Institutions are responsible for ensuring form completion. HSC exams start June 26 and run through August 10, with practicals from August 11 to 21.

In a recent interview, Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam emphasized that a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) could lead to an employment boom in Bangladesh. Citing Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, he noted the country’s urgent need for large-scale FDI to create massive employment opportunities.

“We need to knock on every door and say, ‘We are ready—come and invest,’” he said. Shafiqur added that wherever he travels—be it China, the US, New York, or Dublin—he presents Bangladesh as an attractive investment destination.

“If this happens, there will be a flood of jobs in the country,” he said, stressing that these jobs must be quality positions, not ineffective or low-grade ones. He also pointed out the need for stronger infrastructure and logistical support to accommodate such growth and mentioned that establishing Bangladesh as a global manufacturing hub is a dream of the Chief Adviser.

The government has amended the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Rules, 2009, allowing both manual and online registration. Required signatories can now digitally sign or provide fingerprints for online registration. Legal barriers to implementing the online system have been resolved, and software development is underway.

Election Commissioner A.F.M. Sanaullah announced that an advisory team comprising experts will be formed today to ensure the voting rights of Bangladeshi expatriates. He noted that 115 out of 178 countries allow overseas citizens to vote, primarily through embassies, postal ballots, and online or proxy voting. Due to limitations in embassy reach, these three options are being studied for implementation in Bangladesh.

Starlink officially launched its trial internet services in Bangladesh at the opening ceremony of the Bangladesh Investment Summit held at Hotel InterContinental. Attendees could experience the service, and the summit proceedings were live-streamed using Starlink’s internet. BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun confirmed the company’s registration with BIDA.

Ahead of the SSC, SSC Vocational, Dakhil, and Dakhil Vocational exams starting Thursday, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has issued a public notice prohibiting entry of unauthorized individuals within 200 yards of exam centers under Sections 28 and 29 of the DMP Ordinance to ensure a peaceful environment.

According to the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, 315 road accidents during Eid-ul-Fitr travel claimed 322 lives and injured 826. Additionally, 21 rail accidents left 20 dead and 8 injured, while 4 waterway incidents killed 10 and left one injured and one missing. In total, 340 accidents across all modes of transport resulted in 352 deaths and 835 injuries. Compared to last year, road accidents dropped by 21.05%, fatalities by 20.88%, and injuries by 40.41%.

Faiz Ahmad Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, has requested that the ‘March for Gaza’ rally scheduled for April 12 be postponed by a week. He cited the Bangladesh Investment Summit taking place from April 9, with over 600 investors from 50 countries visiting various companies, EPZs, high-tech parks, and startups. He urged organizers to consider the international presence and adjust the program accordingly. He also reiterated the Chief Adviser’s condemnation of Israeli aggression.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that Bangladesh possesses groundbreaking ideas capable of transforming the world. “There are immense business opportunities here,” he said. “These ventures are not just beneficial for Bangladesh but can create global impact.” He cited microcredit as an example, which started in a small Bangladeshi village and eventually became a major financial industry in the United States. Dr. Yunus became emotional while recalling the Liberation War. Awards were presented to Walton (domestic investor), bKash (foreign investor), Square Pharmaceuticals, and Square Fabrics for their contributions. Korean Export Processing Zone Chairman Ki-Hak Sung received honorary citizenship under a special category.

Starlink is launching its pilot internet service in Bangladesh today during the Bangladesh Investment Summit at Hotel InterContinental. Attendees will experience Starlink’s satellite-based internet services firsthand, with the event being livestreamed using the technology. Starlink received investment registration from BIDA on March 29, and the process for acquiring a commercial NGSO license from BTRC is underway. The technology was first tested in Bangladesh in July 2023, and Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus recently discussed the service with Elon Musk in a virtual meeting.

Starting Wednesday, the United States is enforcing a 104% tariff on a range of Chinese goods, following an announcement by former President Donald Trump. Earlier, on April 2, a 34% tariff was imposed, adding to a previous 20% duty. In retaliation, China announced a 34% tariff on U.S. goods last Friday. Trump warned of an additional 50% tariff if China does not retract its decision. China’s response measures take effect from Thursday.

The death toll from a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic has risen to 66, including a professional baseball player. At least 155 people have been hospitalized. The incident occurred during a live concert, and a video shows a performer pointing toward the rear of the club moments before the roof began to cave in. Rescue operations continue as several individuals remain missing.