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 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.

As part of the global ‘The World Stops for Gaza’ campaign, protests and human chains were organized across Bangladesh. Demonstrations were reported in Science Lab, Mohammadpur, and Badda, with students boycotting classes and exams to join. Employees from various institutions also participated, holding placards that read “Free Palestine” and “Stop Killing in Gaza.” BUET students, along with demonstrators at the Raju sculpture and university campuses like JU, RU, JnU, BRUR, BAU, RUET, CUET, GUB, MaWUB, and DUET, joined in support.

Students, faculty, and staff of Eastern University formed a human chain in front of the university’s main gate on Monday to express solidarity with the people of Palestine. They protested peacefully against the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, holding placards, participating in prayers, and condemning the oppression and human rights violations. The protestors demanded an immediate end to the attacks and called for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories. Academic activities at Eastern University were suspended for the day. Several other private universities, including BRAC, ULAB, and East West, also observed a “No Work, No Class” day in solidarity with Palestinians.

At a protest against Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Hefazat-e-Islam leader Mufti Jasim Uddin stated that the blood of oppressed Palestinians will not be shed in vain. He said their martyrdom will pave the way for victory and the eventual establishment of a free and sovereign Palestinian state. He compared Israel’s brutality to the historic destruction of Baghdad by Hulagu Khan and labeled the attacks as war crimes. He urged the UN and international organizations to take immediate and effective action.

Protests have erupted across the world, demanding an end to Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. In Washington, D.C., thousands rallied, calling for a halt to military operations in Gaza and for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state. Similar mass demonstrations took place in cities across Turkey, including in front of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, criticizing U.S. support for Israel. The largest rally occurred in Rabat, Morocco, where hundreds of thousands marched on Sunday. Berlin also witnessed significant protests.

According to the Private University Students Alliance of Bangladesh (PUSAB), various private universities across Bangladesh have expressed solidarity with Gaza through the ‘The World Stops for Gaza’ initiative. Participating institutions include: East West University, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Hamdard University Bangladesh, United College of Aviation, Bangladesh Maritime University, Sonargaon University, Army Institute of Business Administration-Sylhet, Bangladesh University, Brahmanbaria University, BRAC University, Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib University, RTM Technical University, Royal University of Dhaka, European University of Bangladesh, Pundra University, Asian University, Bangladesh Islamic University, Central Women’s University, Khulna Khan Bahadur University, Rabindra Maitri University, North Badda Kamil Madrasa, Southern University, ZNRF University of Management Sciences, Bangladesh Army University, Primary University, Metropolitan University, and Chittagong Independent University.

Additionally, many private, autonomous, and national universities are set to participate in the “No Work, No School” program on April 7th to show solidarity with Palestine.

Dhaka University law student Rezwan Ahmed Rifat announced that on April 7, educational institutions across Bangladesh will hold solidarity events demanding an end to the genocide in Palestine and calling for an independent Palestinian state. A central protest rally will be held at the Raju Memorial Sculpture at DU at 4 PM. Similar events will be held globally, including in front of the UN office in New York. “We urge everyone to join this global protest for justice,” he said.

Adviser Asif Mahmud condemned Israel’s ongoing massacre in Gaza while attending National and International Sports Day events. “As we celebrate sports, the world witnesses one of the darkest days in humanity,” he said. He described how bombs were tearing people apart and added, “May all acts of inhumanity end forever.” Bangladesh national team cricketer Nahid Rana also expressed sorrow and criticized world leaders for their silence.