China has launched military exercises surrounding Taiwan, involving the country’s army, navy, and rocket forces. The drills serve as a stern warning against Taiwan’s push for independence.

The move follows Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent remarks labeling Beijing as a foreign hostile force.

Taiwan’s defense ministry confirmed that China’s Shandong aircraft carrier group entered the island’s defense zone on Monday. In response, Taiwan has deployed military aircraft, naval ships, and activated land-based missile systems.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will be visiting the Middle East in the coming weeks, marking his first overseas trip in his second bid for presidency. He hinted at a possible stop in the United Arab Emirates as well.

“I have a great relationship with the Middle East,” Trump stated, emphasizing the importance of the trip in securing investments for the United States.

Earlier this year, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared plans to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years. Trump mentioned that his visit could take place next month or slightly later.

A violent clash over a fish farming dispute in Gopalganj’s Kotalipara Upazila left at least 20 people injured.

According to reports, Ibrahim Fakir, a local UP member from Borshapara village, attempted to forcibly cut a fish enclosure on land owned by Hasmat Ali Fakir and others. When Hasmat Ali and his associates tried to stop him, a violent confrontation broke out.

Among the injured are Ibrahim Fakir (55), Hasmat Ali (70), Mukul Fakir (46), Kamrul Fakir (65), Tariq Fakir (45), Jamser Fakir (38), Sabuj Fakir (40), Panna Fakir (60), and Abdullah Fakir (30). All are currently undergoing medical treatment.

A tragic incident occurred in Savar on Eid night as a night guard named Rubel (30) was shot and killed. On the same day, police also recovered the body of a woman from the Rajashan area.

According to his wife, Rahima Begum, Rubel had been working as a night guard in the Bashpotti area for the past two months. Around 11 PM, he received a phone call and left home. Shortly after, she was informed that another individual named Rubel had shot him. Two others, Sohag and Shamim, were reportedly with the shooter at the time.

Doctors confirmed that the victim suffered a severe wound to his face, consistent with a bullet injury.

During the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration in Dhaka, a festive procession showcased various traditions from Bengal’s Sultanate and Mughal eras. Among the highlights was a puppet representation of the legendary folklore character Nasiruddin Hodja, depicted sitting on a donkey. However, controversy arose as many observed a striking resemblance between the puppet and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Shafiqur Rahman.

The artist behind the puppet, Assistant Professor Zahidul Haque from Jagannath University, clarified:
“Nasiruddin Hodja and Shafiqur Rahman are completely different individuals. The similarity may have been due to the attire, but it is purely coincidental. The character was designed based on an Arabic book cover, and the puppet closely resembles that cover illustration. There was no intention to demean anyone.”

Administrator Mohammad Ejaz further explained:
“Nasiruddin Hodja is a metaphorical character also found in Bengali literature. Children love such representations, which is why we featured it in the celebration.”

Police in Mirpur, Kushtia, arrested five individuals with firearms and ammunition during a raid in Chak village of Sadarpur Union on Monday afternoon.

The detainees are Habibur Rahman (34), Jasim Uddin (39), Bacchu (31), Liton (36), and Sajedul Islam (25). Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a raid behind the house of one Shariful Islam, where the suspects were allegedly in possession of illegal narcotics. A foreign pistol, one magazine, and five rounds of cartridges were recovered from their possession.

In Palash, Narsingdi, two brothers were brutally hacked to death allegedly over refusing to pay extortion money. When their parents tried to intervene, they were critically injured in the attack. However, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) claimed that the victims were beaten to death by a mob on suspicion of theft.

Hajera Begum, the victims’ aunt, alleged that a group of local thugs had been demanding extortion money for a long time. When the brothers, Sakib and Rakib, went out on Eid day, the assailants attacked and killed them. “We demand justice for this brutal murder,” she said.

A gas cylinder explosion at a roadside shop in Bangshal, Dhaka, on Monday night left six people severely burned. The injured—Rimjhim (16), Mehedi Hasan (25), Sagar (25), Iqbal (33), Nayan (29), and Apurba (18)—were rushed to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute for treatment.

Following the Eid holiday, metro rail and intercity train services resumed operations. According to DMTC, metro services were suspended only on Eid day. The first train departed from Uttara North Station at 7:10 AM for Motijheel. The railway director stated that normal schedules, including the cancellation of pre-Eid ‘Day Offs,’ will resume.

A breach in the embankment of the Kholpetua River in Ashashuni, Satkhira, on Monday resulted in severe flooding in at least 10 villages. Thousands of acres of fish farms were submerged. Residents attempted to reinforce the embankment with a temporary ring dike, but efforts failed after three hours. Local authorities have reported the situation to relevant government agencies.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose tariffs on all countries starting April 2, dubbing it "America’s Liberation Day." Initially, the policy targeted only nations imposing import tariffs on U.S. goods. Trump claimed that despite being exploited by many nations, the U.S. would still treat them better in comparison.

A coal mine accident in Cerredo, Asturias, Spain, on Monday resulted in the deaths of five miners and injuries to four others. The incident occurred at 9:32 AM local time due to machinery failure inside the mine. Emergency services responded with three helicopters and two ambulances. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez extended condolences to the victims’ families.

A tragic motorcycle collision on the Agarapur-Poradia road in Kishoreganj’s Kuliarchar on Monday afternoon resulted in two deaths. The victims, Shamim Mia (25) and Al Amin (27), were both carpenters. Shamim died on the spot, while Al Amin succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital.

A young man named Alid was killed, and four others were injured in a fight over fireworks in Jessore on Monday night. The altercation started when a group of youths were lighting fireworks near Birampur Bridge, and another group confronted them, claiming the fireworks had hit them. The fight escalated into violence, leading to stabbings. Alid succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical treatment.

A 24-year-old youth, Riyad Hossain, succumbed to injuries at Kurmitola General Hospital after being beaten by a mob in Pallabi, Mirpur. Riyad was caught red-handed attempting to mug someone under Mirpur 12 Metro Station late Sunday night. A patrolling army team later handed him over to the police, where he died under medical supervision on Monday morning.