Just days after the Chief Adviser referred to maritime governance, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India has the longest coastline in the Bay of Bengal, spanning approximately 6,500 kilometers. He emphasized that India not only shares borders with five BIMSTEC member states but also serves as a crucial connectivity hub between the Indian subcontinent and ASEAN. Jaishankar further highlighted that India’s northeastern region is emerging as a “connectivity hub” for BIMSTEC, featuring extensive road, rail, waterway, power grid, and pipeline networks. He stressed that regional cooperation and facilitation are essential for the seamless movement of goods, services, and people. With this geostrategic vision in mind, India has dedicated increasing attention and energy to strengthening BIMSTEC over the past decade.

Police have arrested street vendor Monir Hossain after more than 200 people fell ill from consuming fuchka (pani puri) at an Eid fair in Abhoynagar, Jessore. The affected individuals, including men, women, and children, reported symptoms of severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. According to Officer-in-Charge Subhra Prakash Das, Monir had set up a temporary stall near the Bhairab Bridge. By the following night, over 200 people had been hospitalized, prompting authorities to take legal action under food safety laws.

Speaking at the BIMSTEC Young Gen Forum in Bangkok, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus emphasized the need for young people to shift their mindset from seeking jobs to becoming entrepreneurs. “If we want to build a new civilization, we must change our approach. The youth must lead the way as entrepreneurs,” he stated. Earlier in the day, he arrived in Bangkok and later attended the signing of the BIMSTEC Maritime Transport Cooperation Agreement.

Foreign ministers of BIMSTEC nations have signed a maritime transport cooperation agreement in Bangkok, aiming to enhance regional connectivity. The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry issued a statement highlighting the significance of this agreement in strengthening economic integration. During the meeting, Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain raised concerns about the 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and urged Myanmar to create favorable conditions for their repatriation with full rights and security.

Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad, confirmed that the Chief Adviser is set to deliver a speech at the BIMSTEC Young Gen Forum on “Future-Ready BIMSTEC: Role of the Young Generation Toward Pro-BIMSTEC.” He arrived in Bangkok on Thursday at noon and was welcomed by Thai Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai. The forum will focus on seven key pillars of regional cooperation: trade and investment, climate change, security, agriculture and food security, people-to-people connectivity, science and innovation, and infrastructure development. The Chief Adviser will also hold bilateral meetings with regional leaders.

Three individuals, including the main suspect, Shoaib Rahman Jishan (25), have been arrested for harassing and assaulting a female journalist in Dhaka’s Banasree area. The victim stated that while she and her younger brother were at a juice shop around 7:30-8:00 PM, a group of local youths started harassing her. When her brother protested, they attacked him. When she intervened, they physically assaulted her as well. The incident went viral on social media, leading to police action.

US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose high import tariffs has drawn criticism from world leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Meloni labeled the 20% tariff on EU products as a “mistake,” while Albanese called the 10% duty on Australian goods “unjustifiable.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez vowed to protect Spanish businesses and workers, reaffirming commitment to a free global market. Ireland’s Taoiseach Michael Martin called Trump’s move “deeply regrettable.” China, facing a 54% tariff on its exports, urged Washington to withdraw the tariffs immediately, warning of retaliatory measures if ignored. South Korea remarked that a full-scale global trade war is now a reality, while Japan and Thailand also expressed concerns over the economic impact.

A tragic accident occurred in Begumganj, Noakhali, when a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw’s gas cylinder exploded, leaving six passengers, including five children, severely burned. The injured have been identified as Kahinur Hossain (55), Shahriar (9), Samiya Akter (14), Ruhi (11), Tawhid (5), and Shahana (10). The explosion took place in the evening when the passengers were traveling from Maijdee to Chowrasta. As the vehicle reached the Globe Factory area on the Maijdee-Chowrasta road, the cylinder suddenly burst, causing the injuries.

In 1552, Hurrem Sultan, wife of Ottoman Emperor Suleiman the Magnificent, established the Haseki Sultan Imaret, a charitable soup kitchen located just 100 meters from the Assembly Gate of Al-Aqsa Mosque. For over 450 years, it has been serving free meals to the underprivileged, Al-Aqsa Mosque staff, and visitors in Jerusalem. Until 1948, the Ottoman sultans directly managed its operations. Today, the Jordanian Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Holy Sites oversees its administration. According to director Abu Lubdi, the kitchen distributes food throughout the year, with meal distributions increasing significantly during the holy month of Ramadan.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has left for Bangkok to attend the BIMSTEC Summit. His flight, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:55 AM on Thursday. According to a briefing by High Representative Dr. Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday, the Chief Adviser will remain in Thailand from April 3-4 for the summit. Accompanying him are Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin. During the visit, the Chief Adviser is expected to hold bilateral meetings with BIMSTEC leaders and participate in the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new wave of tariffs, citing economic independence as the rationale. Among the affected countries, Bangladesh will see its average import duty increase from 15% to 37%. Other countries facing significant tariff hikes include India (26%), Pakistan (29%), China (34%), the European Union (20%), Myanmar (44%), Laos (48%), Madagascar (47%), Vietnam (46%), Sri Lanka (44%), Taiwan (32%), Japan (24%), South Korea (25%), Thailand (36%), Switzerland (31%), Indonesia (32%), Malaysia (24%), Cambodia (49%), the UK (10%), South Africa (30%), Brazil (10%), Singapore (10%), Israel (17%), the Philippines (17%), Chile (10%), Australia (10%), Turkey (10%), and Colombia (10%). Additionally, a 25% tariff on foreign car imports will take effect from midnight.

Abdul Latif Khan, the Chief Executive Officer of Gazipur City Corporation, has urged residents to help keep the city clean. During a cleaning drive in Chandana Chowrasta, he requested citizens to dispose of waste in designated areas rather than littering. “As part of our daily inspections, I am here today to oversee our sanitation workers. Please use the designated spots for garbage disposal. Keeping the city clean is our responsibility, and we will ensure timely waste management,” he assured.

In an interview, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated, “It’s possible that after the election, I will step down.” Prior to his role as Press Secretary, Alam worked at AFP. When asked about his future plans, he expressed a personal desire to write books but acknowledged financial concerns might lead him back to journalism. “Some suggest I enter politics, but my wife does not approve,” he added. He also highlighted the Chief Adviser’s international reputation, mentioning that the German Chancellor personally requested an appointment with him. While admitting that the government has not fully met expectations regarding law and order, he emphasized its economic successes.

A prisoner named Sujit Chandra Dey (40), accused in a case related to attacks during the mass uprising, has died while receiving treatment at Kishoreganj District Jail. Jail Superintendent Ritesh Chakma stated that at 1:40 AM on Tuesday, Sujit complained of severe chest pain and was immediately transported via ambulance to Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital. Despite receiving medical attention, he was pronounced dead at 2:20 AM. Sujit was arrested on February 18 following a case filed at Mithamoin police station on September 9 last year.

Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman has accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of orchestrating anti-national conspiracies from Delhi after being ousted by a student-led uprising. He reaffirmed his commitment to prosecuting the “fascist murderers” responsible for past crimes. “The country was liberated from fascism through the blood of the martyrs of the July Revolution. We must honor their sacrifice,” he declared. Asaduzzaman called for a social movement against corruption, emphasizing that corrupt elements are holding back national progress and urging unity to combat the issue.