Hefazat-e-Islam has claimed that the traditional Hindu religious procession, Mangal Shobhajatra, has been imposed on the nation under the guise of inclusivity during the celebration of Pahela Baishakh. The organization argues that the original Ananda Shobhajatra has been replaced due to foreign influence—particularly from India—and demands that UNESCO reconsiders its recognition. Hefazat urged the Cultural Affairs Ministry’s adviser to formally write to UNESCO to correct what they called a “mistake.” Leaders emphasized their opposition to any idol-centric cultural practices in national celebrations, stating that in a Muslim-majority country, no element contradicting Islamic monotheism should be part of national festivities.

At an MoU signing with Japan’s Onodera User Run Inc., Advisor Asif Nazrul announced initiatives to increase employment opportunities abroad. Under the program, Bangladeshi workers will receive free training and certification for jobs in developed countries like Japan without incurring migration costs.

BSF detained a Bangladeshi man named Abdul Hamid near the Nagorbhita border in Thakurgaon, approximately 500 yards inside Indian territory. BGB Lt. Col. Tanzir Ahmed confirmed the incident, which took place at around 6:40 AM on Thursday during rainfall. Hamid reportedly entered India through pillar 376.

BNP leaders visited the grave of Ashiqur Rahman Hridoy, a youth activist shot during the July uprising in Jatrabari, and handed his family Tk 1 lakh in financial aid. BNP’s Humayun Kabir pledged continued support for the family. He accused the July Foundation of failing to support victims and instead misappropriating funds.

BNP’s Mirza Abbas warned that Israel’s agenda extends beyond Palestine, posing a threat to Muslims worldwide. Goyeshwar Chandra Roy added that while global democracies are focusing on suppressing BNP, they are ignoring the plight of Palestinians. He also criticized the interim government for its silence on the Gaza issue.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed accused the Awami League of indirectly recognizing Israel and purchasing surveillance tools from the country to monitor opposition parties. He called for a global stand against the genocide in Gaza and urged democratic nations to take concrete action.

NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwari stated the party’s commitment to transforming Bangladesh into a global investment hub. The NCP plans to improve the business climate by cutting red tape, ensuring investor security, and streamlining services. Patwari pledged to increase annual FDI from $1.3 billion to $15 billion and improve Bangladesh’s global business rankings.

Islamic scholars Ahmadullah and Mizanur Rahman Azhari announced a historic rally on April 12 at Suhrawardy Udyan, uniting political and non-political groups in solidarity with Palestine. Participants include BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islamic Movement Bangladesh, celebrities, athletes, and representatives from Islamic organizations. Speakers will include Baitul Mukarram’s Khatib Abdul Malek, editor Mahmudur Rahman, and content creators like Ayman Sadiq and RJ Kibria.

Retired Inspector General of Police (IGP) Moynul Islam has been appointed as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Poland for a two-year term, effective April 10. The appointment requires him to relinquish all affiliations with other professional or organizational roles. Moynul was previously appointed IGP following the fall of the Awami League government in August.

Agriculture and Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam issued a stern warning to an LGED executive engineer over phone after farmers complained that a leaking rubber dam was putting crops at risk. “Why is there a leak in your dam? You’ll be repaired if the dam isn’t,” he warned. The advisor instructed the engineer to fix the dam within seven days and accused him of negligence and corruption.

India has sent back four Bangladesh-bound cargo trucks carrying garment products from the Petrapole border after revoking the transshipment facility. These trucks were en route to a third country using Indian territory under a 2020 agreement that allowed Bangladesh to transport goods through Indian land to other destinations.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) of India officially cancelled the agreement on Tuesday. Since the agreement’s inception on June 29, 2020, Bangladesh had been permitted to use Indian customs stations to access various ports and airports for international shipments. With the cancellation, such transshipment arrangements are no longer valid.

Foreign and local investors attending a four-day investment summit in Dhaka were introduced to the government’s roadmap for Bangladesh in 2035. Political parties also participated. BIDA reported that the summit helped establish a long-term investment pipeline, which is expected to significantly increase foreign direct investment. According to Nahian Rahman, over 450 foreign investors attended and left with a positive impression of Bangladesh. However, it may take 18 to 24 months for these investments to materialize.

Nahid, a student from Matainkot High School, sat for his SSC exam on Thursday while his father’s body lay at home. Following the exam, he returned to his village in Bara Hargila to attend his father’s funeral. The burial, initially scheduled for the morning, was delayed until 2 PM to allow Nahid to complete his exam.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, currently in Singapore for his wife Rahat Ara Begum’s medical treatment, revealed a personal ordeal on social media.

He wrote, “In December 2022, when my wife was diagnosed with a serious illness, we decided on surgery as soon as possible. Just a day before the operation, at 3 a.m., the Awami League government’s police picked me up from my home. My daughter rushed back to Dhaka, and during the surgery, I was in jail. Only my daughter and Dr. Zahid were at the hospital. Our Acting Chairperson and my siblings kept in touch over the phone.”

He added, “My wife handled everything with patience and a smile. Alhamdulillah, the doctors have now said everything appears to be going well.”

Sharmin Sheila, known on social media as “Cream Apa,” was arrested on Thursday for allegedly abusing her child to generate online views and income. The case was filed following public outrage over her treatment of the child in videos aimed at earning money through social media platforms.