Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Mazumder announced that Swedish firm Nilorn has signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a factory in the special economic zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj. The signing took place on the second day of BIDA’s four-day investment summit. Nilorn Bangladesh Ltd. Managing Director Mohammad Abdul Kaiyum and Bangladesh Special Economic Zone Managing Director Taro Kawachi signed the MoU.

At least five people were killed and 35 injured when a local bus lost control and crashed into a ditch after hitting an electric pole in Bakunda, Faridpur, around 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday. According to police, the victims include three men and two women. Identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed. Senior Fire Officer Md. Nazrul Islam verified the incident.

According to the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, 442 women and girls were victims of abuse in March, based on reports from 15 national newspapers. Among them, 163 were raped, including 125 girls. Two girls were murdered after being raped, and two others committed suicide due to assault. There were 70 attempted rapes, including 55 girls. Sixteen women and girls were sexually harassed, while dowry-related abuse affected five women, two of whom were killed. Two underage domestic workers were also murdered, and eight individuals, including six girls, were abducted.

Barrister Turin Afroz, former prosecutor at the International Crimes Tribunal, has been arrested in connection with a murder case linked to a recent uprising. Police from Uttara West Station conducted a raid at her residence on Road 11 in Sector 3 of Uttara on Monday night and made the arrest. Officer-in-Charge Hafizur Rahman confirmed the arrest and stated that Afroz also faces multiple cases in Nilphamari.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam confirmed that at least 49 individuals have been arrested in connection with attacks on shops and businesses during recent Gaza solidarity protests. Two cases have been filed. Law enforcement agencies are analyzing video footage to identify those involved and have vowed to continue operations until all perpetrators are brought to justice. Authorities urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that those disturbing social peace and stability will be held accountable.

Following attacks and vandalism at Bata showrooms in eight districts across Bangladesh, allegedly due to misconceptions that the company is linked to Israel, Bata has issued an official statement.

The statement clarified that Bata is a private, family-owned company with no political affiliation or ownership ties to Israel, nor any involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The company expressed deep regret over the vandalism of its retail outlets, stating that these incidents were fueled by false claims. “We strongly condemn all forms of violence,” the statement concluded.

Environmental adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has warned that climate change poses a severe threat to Bangladesh’s national security, territorial integrity, and social stability.

“Climate change isn’t just about water turning salty — it’s about losing land, displacing people, and endangering our sovereignty,” she said. Crop failures, water shortages, and mass displacement will lead to conflicts, she warned.

Hasan highlighted the plight of coastal women suffering from saline water exposure and the hopelessness among farmers, calling for long-term rehabilitation plans. She also noted that in the future, the military may need to focus not only on disaster management but also on handling climate refugees.

Citing alarming projections, she stated that a one-meter rise in sea level by mid-century could submerge 21 coastal districts, and by 2100, 52 small island nations — including the Maldives — could disappear entirely. “This is not just a fight to save trees; it’s a fight to save our country. If we fail, the future generations will inherit a Bangladesh unrecognizable from today’s map.”

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refat Ahmed stated that reforms in any sector will fail to sustain without foundational changes in the judiciary. “Judicial reform has become synonymous with national reform,” he said.

Recalling his tenure, the Chief Justice highlighted a comprehensive infrastructural and constitutional reform proposal he presented to the nation. While significant portions have been implemented, he emphasized that many critical and challenging steps remain ahead.

Bangladesh’s Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam has ordered the arrest of those responsible for attacks on shops and businesses during recent Gaza protests. The police are analyzing video footage to identify the culprits. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that while peaceful protests are allowed, violence will not be tolerated. BIDA’s Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun expressed regret, noting that several affected businesses were tied to local entrepreneurs and foreign investors, providing vital employment opportunities.

Islamic scholar Maulana Mizanur Rahman Azharī announced he will physically attend the “March for Gaza” mass protest organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh. The march will begin from Shahbagh and end at Manik Mia Avenue on April 12 (Saturday). He called on people from all walks of life—regardless of political affiliation—to unite for humanity, justice, and Gaza.

Ali Riaz, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue to build a true national consensus. Speaking during talks with the AB Party, he said that representation should not be limited to a specific group and that citizens must have avenues to participate in reform discussions. Public input will be gathered through the commission’s website and national surveys, with detailed plans to be announced soon.

The U.S. has revoked student visas of over 400 international students, including five from Bangladesh, for participating in pro-Palestine protests. Senator Mark Rubio claimed many were involved in violent activities. Coordination with universities led to their identification. Restrictions on employment for those involved in protests have also been introduced. Harvard University condemned the move, stating that students were targeted and arrested without its consultation.

As part of the ‘Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025,’ organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), a delegation of 70 foreign investors visited two special industrial zones in Chattogram on the summit’s opening day. They toured factories and received a briefing from Youngone Corporation about its operations in the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ). Investors inquired about product lines, export volumes, employment statistics, and challenges in foreign investment. Despite administrative hurdles, representatives noted that Bangladesh remains a profitable investment destination.

Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin has written to the U.S. Trade Representative seeking the removal of unfair tariffs on Bangladeshi exports. He noted that while Bangladesh imposes an average 6.10% duty on U.S. imports (with raw cotton and iron scrap at 0% and 1% respectively), the U.S. has withdrawn preferential treatment and imposed 15% tariffs on all Bangladeshi goods. Bangladesh is now considering adding 100 more U.S. products to its duty-free list as part of ongoing trade cooperation under the bilateral TIFA agreement.

The government of Bangladesh has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s continued attacks and gross human rights violations in Gaza. In an official statement, it noted that since the ceasefire breach, Israeli strikes have killed numerous Palestinians, many of them women and children, while also blocking humanitarian aid. Bangladesh urged Israel to cease all military actions and uphold international humanitarian law and called upon the UN and global community to take action. It reiterated support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.