A violent clash erupted in Jajira, Shariatpur between supporters of Union Parishad Chairman Kudduz Bepari and Swechchhasebak League leader Jalil Madbor. The long-standing rivalry over local dominance escalated when both groups engaged in a confrontation in the Durbadanga area. A 15-second viral Facebook video shows people throwing homemade bombs from buckets in an open field, followed by loud explosions and heavy smoke.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said, “I have spoken with President Xi. Bangladesh needs support in these critical times, and China has shown interest.” Yunus emphasized that Bangladesh presents new opportunities for economic and trade development, attracting interest from Chinese investors and entrepreneurs. On poverty, Yunus noted, “The face of poverty is the same everywhere. The solution lies in recognizing human creativity and supporting it institutionally.” He drew parallels between his “Three Zero” philosophy and President Xi’s modernization framework, stating they align closely in values.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met with his long-time friend and former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The two reminisced about past collaborations, including Thaksin’s visit to Bangladesh in 2001 after becoming Prime Minister, where he was inspired by Yunus’s Grameen Bank model to launch a similar microcredit initiative in Thailand. They discussed the potential resumption of direct flights between Chiang Mai and Chattogram—a route that once took only an hour. Thaksin recalled traveling on the inaugural flight with former PM Khaleda Zia. Yunus sought Thaksin’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to join ASEAN and emphasized the importance of Thai cooperation in resolving the Rohingya crisis.

Cities across India — including Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad — witnessed mass protests on Friday against the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. Thousands from the Muslim community took to the streets, accusing the government of interfering with religious properties. Effigies were burned in anger, and in some places, police clashed with demonstrators. In Gujarat, authorities forcibly removed elderly protestors sitting on the streets. The protest in Chennai was organized by a political party led by actor Vijay. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also voiced strong opposition, assuring the state’s Muslim population that their rights would not be compromised.

A passenger bus operated by Itihas Paribahan was robbed while in motion on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway, marking the third such incident in recent weeks in Savar. Armed robbers disguised as passengers took control of the vehicle and looted gold jewelry, cash, and other valuables worth several lakhs of taka. The bus driver, Rojob Ali, and his assistant, Emdadul Haque, have been taken into custody for questioning by Savar Model Police Station. After holding passengers at knifepoint and seizing their belongings, the robbers fled after stopping the bus near Rajfulbaria.

Myanmar’s Prime Minister and State Administration Council Chairman Min Aung Hlaing met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Bangkok on Friday. During the meeting, Professor Yunus expressed deep condolences for the recent earthquake casualties and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s solidarity with the people of Myanmar. “Rescue teams have already been deployed and we are ready to provide additional assistance, including ships, if needed,” Yunus said. Min Aung Hlaing congratulated Yunus on assuming the BIMSTEC chairmanship. Myanmar also confirmed that it has finalized the identities of 180,000 Rohingya refugees, preparing for their repatriation.

At least 40 people were injured when a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims overturned on the Hemayetpur-Manikganj regional highway in Savar. The accident occurred while the bus was crossing the Bhasha Shaheed Rafique Bridge. The pilgrims were en route to the Gangasnan festival at Nangalbandh in Narayanganj, having started their journey from the Kalibari Temple in Manikganj. The bus, operated by Shuvojatra Paribahan, was chartered for the religious trip before it crashed mid-journey.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a new immigration initiative dubbed the “Gold Card” visa. Priced at $5 million, the visa offers foreign nationals the opportunity for permanent residency in the United States. The card features Trump’s image along with the inscription “The Trump Card.” Trump announced, “This exclusive visa will be available in less than two weeks. I’m the first buyer myself.” The program is being pitched as a premium alternative to the traditional Green Card, with Trump claiming it could create jobs and help reduce the national deficit. In February, he expressed hopes of selling around one million of these visas.

The United States has moved forward with the sale of more than 20,000 assault rifles to Israel, a deal initiated during the Trump administration. Although the Biden administration initially paused the sale over concerns that the weapons could be used by extremist settlers in the occupied territories, a March 6 notification from the U.S. State Department to Congress indicates the transaction is now back on track. According to documents reviewed by Reuters, the sale includes 5.56mm caliber fully automatic Colt carbines, worth an estimated $24 million. Earlier, President Biden had imposed sanctions on individuals and organizations allegedly involved in violence in the West Bank — sanctions that were swiftly revoked by Trump upon taking office.

A devastating missile strike by Russian forces on a residential area in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, has killed at least 18 people, including six children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western allies to increase pressure on Moscow as rescue operations continue. Regional Governor Serhiy Lysak reported on Telegram that several residential buildings were damaged in the attack, sparking fires and injuring at least 50 people. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the missile targeted a gathering of Ukrainian troops and foreign instructors in Kryvyi Rih, alleging that the strike resulted in the deaths of 85 foreign military personnel and officers, as well as the destruction of over 20 vehicles.

A Bangladeshi medical team has provided treatment to 227 people injured in a recent earthquake in Myanmar, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). On Friday alone, 150 patients received care, including two complex cancer surgeries and a critical orthopedic procedure. The team served at several facilities including the 1,000-bed General Hospital, the 50-bed Zabuthiri General Hospital, and the 100-bed Lewe Hospital, showcasing Bangladesh’s humanitarian commitment in the region.

A schoolteacher and marriage registrar, Mohammad Yusuf (47), has been arrested in Feni in connection with the 2017 attack on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s motorcade. The incident occurred on October 31, 2017, while she was returning from a visit to the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar. The case was filed seven years later, on October 11, 2024, by Jubo Dal leader Sultan Md. Sikandar. Yusuf is a named accused in the case and also faces charges in an attempted murder case involving a Chhatra Dal leader, as well as allegations of illegally obtaining the marriage registrar position.

Police have arrested Monirul Islam Monir, former chairman of Barguna Sadar Upazila and ex-leader of the student wing of the ruling party, under the Special Powers Act. According to Officer-in-Charge Dewan Jaglul Hasan, Monir was apprehended during a special operation named “Devil Hunt” based on a tip-off. He faces multiple charges, including inciting unrest related to the country’s political situation.

In his Eid-ul-Fitr message on March 30, London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed sympathy for those unable to celebrate due to humanitarian crises in Palestine and Sudan. He said, “For many, this Eid will be overshadowed by sorrow, as the atrocities in Palestine and Sudan continue to cause immense suffering. Over 50,000 Palestinians, including at least 15,000 children, have been killed in Gaza due to Israel’s military operations.” The Israeli Embassy in the UK responded critically, stating the message failed to mention Hamas, condemn terrorism, or call for the release of hostages. In a follow-up statement, the Mayor’s office clarified that Sadiq Khan has consistently condemned Hamas’ attacks and stands against terrorism. “He mourns every loss of life and supports a permanent ceasefire,” the statement added.

In a shocking incident in Debidwar, Cumilla, a dispute over a cricket game led to an attack at a mosque, resulting in the death of its committee secretary, Ibrahim Khalil. RAB-11 has arrested two brothers, Zahid Hossain Bhuiyan (25) and Onik Bhuiyan (20), named in the FIR. The deceased, Ibrahim Khalil, was the general secretary of the Fathehabad Baitul Al Aqsa Jame Mosque committee and a resident of Fathehabad Dakshinpara in Debidwar Municipality.