Standing on the main stage of the ‘March for Gaza’ event at Suhrawardy Udyan, Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman read out a formal declaration in solidarity with Palestine. The declaration urged leaders of the Muslim world to sever all ties with Israel and take immediate action to halt the Israeli aggression in Gaza. People from all walks of life joined the rally, calling on the global Muslim community to unite against Israel’s brutalities. A special prayer was held for the oppressed people of Palestine, led by Baitul Mukarram National Mosque’s Khatib, Maulana Abdul Malek. Leaders from various political parties demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other perpetrators be brought to trial under the International Criminal Court. The crowd chanted, “Free, Free Palestine!”

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain has urged Slovakia to ease visa regulations for Bangladeshis and hire more workers, particularly in the automobile industry. During a bilateral meeting, Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár agreed to send a business delegation to Bangladesh to explore investment and B2B opportunities. Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and economic assistance.

Just hours before U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman, Donald Trump declared, “I want Iran to be a great, happy nation, but they can’t have nuclear weapons.” Saudi Arabia expressed hope for a new deal between the U.S. and Iran, potentially stricter than previous ones, aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

A general diary (GD) has been filed with Shahbagh police after parts of a sculpture—depicting Sheikh Hasina and a dove of peace—were set ablaze at the Faculty of Fine Arts. A university investigation committee has also been formed. Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed said, “It appears to be a planned act, though nothing is confirmed. CCTV footage is currently inaccessible due to a forgotten password, but we are exploring alternative ways to retrieve it.” Professor Saima Haque Bidisha added that the decision to reconstruct the motif lies with the artists, and the administration will provide support as needed.

Ali Riaz, Vice Chair of the National Consensus Commission, stated that all parties have agreed on the urgent need for state reform. “Although the initiative was launched by the interim government, it reflects the will of the people, who have long struggled for democracy,” he said. He expects preliminary discussions to conclude by mid-May and hopes consensus can be reached on several key issues.

As temperatures soared during the massive ‘March for Gaza’ gathering in Dhaka, the Tawheed Foundation stepped in to offer free water and juice to attendees. Organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh, the event drew large crowds. A volunteer said, “We just wanted to provide some comfort to the people here. We also hope everyone boycotts Israeli products.”

Thousands gathered in Dhaka today for the ‘March for Gaza’ rally, with processions arriving from every direction. Protesters came on foot, by bus, pickup truck, rickshaw—and even on horseback. Demonstrations converged from locations like Paltan, Gulistan, Shahbagh, and Nilkhet, all heading to Suhrawardy Udyan. A declaration of solidarity with Palestine will be read out in Bangla, English, and Arabic, followed by prayers to conclude the event.

NCP Joint Convenor Sarwar Tushar has alleged that TV producers are being pressured politically to reduce his participation in talk shows. In a Facebook post, Tushar wrote, “I was going to ignore it, but I can’t stay silent anymore. Three different producers told me the same thing over the past week—they’re under ‘political pressure’ and only trying to include me on air.” He questioned, “What is this political pressure? Who is behind the effort to silence me? And why?”

Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has strongly condemned the burning of the effigy symbolizing fascism, reportedly associated with Prime Minister Hasina, at the Faculty of Fine Arts early yesterday. “Whether they belong to the soft Awami League or the so-called ‘B Team,’ everyone involved must be brought to justice swiftly,” Farooki said. He also emphasized that the upcoming rally must carry even greater significance. “This year’s initiative was the most inclusive so far. We even tried to understand the university authority’s position. But after yesterday’s incident, the presence of this symbolic demon feels more inevitable than ever. July marches on,” he added.

Popular Islamic preacher Mizanur Rahman Azhari encouraged citizens to join the ‘March for Gaza,’ organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh. From early morning, crowds began pouring into Suhrawardy Udyan from Shahbagh, Doel Chattar, and Nilkhet. Azhari posted that he was en route himself, urging others to participate in solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Border Guard Bangladesh detained three Bangladeshi nationals — Parimal Shahji (33), Santosh Shahji (25), and Bipasha Sarkar (18) — at the Dharmaghar border in Brahmanbaria while they attempted to cross into India illegally. They were reportedly trying to enter Agartala via a trafficker named Kamrul Islam. Two men were seeking employment at a sweet shop, while the woman was seeking medical treatment. Mobile phones, SIM cards, Indian rupees, and Bangladeshi currency were seized from them.

Thousands are expected to gather today at Suhrawardy Udyan for the ‘March for Gaza,’ organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh. The event, starting at 3 PM, will be presided over by Baitul Mukarram Khatib Maulana Abdul Malek. Organizers have completed preparations, including a stage, watchtower, power supply, and the installation of 200 loudspeakers across the venue. People began arriving since morning, waving Bangladeshi and Palestinian flags. Participants include people from all walks of life and representatives from across the political spectrum.

A new political party named “Democratic Citizens’ Force” has been launched with a slogan focused on national liberation, equality, democracy, and a prosperous Bangladesh. Chairman Dr. Abdul Malek Farazi called for leadership by capable individuals like Dr. Muhammad Yunus. He criticized past governments for serving foreign interests and vowed to pursue politics free of foreign influence. The party’s joint convenor, Sohel Hossain Khan, read the declaration. Farazi was previously associated with Gono Odhikar Parishad.

An effigy titled ‘The Face of Fascism,’ representing Sheikh Hasina, was burned early Saturday morning at Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Faculty. The artwork, created for the Pahela Baishakh rally, stood 20 feet tall and featured a terrifying female face with horns and hollow eyes. Another installation, a ‘Peace Dove,’ was also destroyed. The incident occurred during a brief lapse in security around Fajr prayer, according to Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed.

Rakib Molla (32), a leader of the Krishak Dal in Gazipur, was brutally murdered on Friday night. He was ambushed by assailants who inflicted over 20 injuries using sharp weapons on his head, neck, shoulders, and back. His nephew Ropon claimed the murder was premeditated and motivated by a longstanding feud. Rakib was serving as a joint convener of the proposed metropolitan committee of the Krishak Dal.