China has launched military exercises surrounding Taiwan, involving the country’s army, navy, and rocket forces. The drills serve as a stern warning against Taiwan’s push for independence. The move follows Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent remarks labeling Beijing as a foreign hostile force. Taiwan’s defense ministry confirmed that China’s Shandong aircraft carrier group entered the island’s defense zone on Monday. In response, Taiwan has deployed military aircraft, naval ships, and activated land-based missile systems.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will be visiting the Middle East in the coming weeks, marking his first overseas trip in his second bid for presidency. He hinted at a possible stop in the United Arab Emirates as well. “I have a great relationship with the Middle East,” Trump stated, emphasizing the importance of the trip in securing investments for the United States. Earlier this year, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared plans to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years. Trump mentioned that his visit could take place next month or slightly later.

On Eid day, NCP’s Chief Organizer, Hasnat Abdullah, visited the home of martyr Jahirul Islam Rasel, who was shot dead by police during the mass uprising. Rasel was the only son of the late Shah Alam Sarker from the village. Hasnat spent time at their house, holding Rasel’s three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Jhuma, on his lap. He consoled Rasel’s mother, Morsheda Begum, and his wife, Jannat Ferdous, before handing over financial assistance to the family. Rasel’s mother shared her heartbreak, saying, “Jhuma still waits for her father to return, to bring her a new Eid dress, and take her to the Eidgah. But the innocent child doesn’t know that this wait will never end.” Hasnat Abdullah condemned the killings by the fascist regime, mentioning that countless others in Debidwar had suffered the same fate. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bringing justice for these murders and promised to visit the families of all martyrs in due course.

A violent clash over a fish farming dispute in Gopalganj’s Kotalipara Upazila left at least 20 people injured. According to reports, Ibrahim Fakir, a local UP member from Borshapara village, attempted to forcibly cut a fish enclosure on land owned by Hasmat Ali Fakir and others. When Hasmat Ali and his associates tried to stop him, a violent confrontation broke out. Among the injured are Ibrahim Fakir (55), Hasmat Ali (70), Mukul Fakir (46), Kamrul Fakir (65), Tariq Fakir (45), Jamser Fakir (38), Sabuj Fakir (40), Panna Fakir (60), and Abdullah Fakir (30). All are currently undergoing medical treatment.

In Rajshahi’s Bagha Upazila, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have accused BNP members of attacking innocent Jamaat-Shibir activists, vandalizing homes, looting businesses, and setting properties on fire. At a press conference, Upazila Jamaat Secretary Yunus Ali stated that residents of Bausa Union had long suffered corruption and harassment by local authorities. On March 20, Jamaat organized a peaceful protest against these injustices, but it was allegedly attacked by BNP activists led by Union BNP President Rezaul Karim. Nine people were reportedly injured in the assault, which later escalated into multiple subsequent attacks, leading to the current allegations.

BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, in a virtual address on Monday, extended Eid greetings and urged party leaders to stay united in the struggle to restore democracy. “We must stand together and support one another to reclaim our voting rights,” she said. “Your sacrifices and efforts have not been in vain, and they will not go to waste. We must collectively ensure the establishment of the people’s voting rights.”

On Monday afternoon, Detective Branch (DB) police arrested Imrul Hasan Mia, Chairman of Bethuri Union Parishad in Gopalganj’s Kashiani, in connection with the murder of central Volunteer League leader Didar. Imrul Hasan, son of the late Enayet Hossain Mia, was a former vice president of the Kashiani Upazila Awami League. He was arrested as a suspect in the case and was sent to jail on Tuesday following a court appearance. The incident dates back to September 13 last year, when central Volunteer League President S.M. Jilani, along with his wife, children, and party members, was en route to his home in Patgati village, Tungipara. On the way, his convoy was attacked, and Shaokat Ali Didar was beaten to death and left by the roadside.

A tragic incident occurred in Savar on Eid night as a night guard named Rubel (30) was shot and killed. On the same day, police also recovered the body of a woman from the Rajashan area. According to his wife, Rahima Begum, Rubel had been working as a night guard in the Bashpotti area for the past two months. Around 11 PM, he received a phone call and left home. Shortly after, she was informed that another individual named Rubel had shot him. Two others, Sohag and Shamim, were reportedly with the shooter at the time. Doctors confirmed that the victim suffered a severe wound to his face, consistent with a bullet injury.

Women who participated in the mass movement against former autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina have been honored with the U.S. State Department’s International Women of Courage Award. The prestigious Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award recognizes their bravery. During a press briefing, a journalist highlighted their role in the 2024 uprising, but the State Department spokesperson avoided commenting on Bangladesh’s politics. The award ceremony, hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and First Lady Melania Trump, will be held on April 1 at the U.S. State Department.

During the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration in Dhaka, a festive procession showcased various traditions from Bengal’s Sultanate and Mughal eras. Among the highlights was a puppet representation of the legendary folklore character Nasiruddin Hodja, depicted sitting on a donkey. However, controversy arose as many observed a striking resemblance between the puppet and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Shafiqur Rahman. The artist behind the puppet, Assistant Professor Zahidul Haque from Jagannath University, clarified: “Nasiruddin Hodja and Shafiqur Rahman are completely different individuals. The similarity may have been due to the attire, but it is purely coincidental. The character was designed based on an Arabic book cover, and the puppet closely resembles that cover illustration. There was no intention to demean anyone.” Administrator Mohammad Ejaz further explained: “Nasiruddin Hodja is a metaphorical character also found in Bengali literature. Children love such representations, which is why we featured it in the celebration.”

Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported that another 80 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes, raising the total death toll from Israel’s assault since October 2023 to 50,357. On the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr, 53 bodies were brought to Gaza’s hospitals. Over the past 48 hours, Israeli strikes have injured at least 305 more people. Since March 18, intensified airstrikes have killed over 1,000 Palestinians and wounded nearly 2,400.

Russia’s Supreme Court has confirmed receiving a request from the Prosecutor General’s Office to lift sanctions on the Taliban, who were designated a terrorist organization in 2003. The court will review the request. Meanwhile, Taliban representatives have been participating in various forums hosted in Moscow. Under Russian law, any contact with terrorist organizations is a punishable offense. However, Russian officials have emphasized the need to engage with the Taliban for Afghanistan’s stability, sidestepping concerns about potential contradictions in their policy.

With his second term set to end in 2028, U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of running for a third term—despite it being against U.S. political norms. Trump stated that he was “not joking” about his interest in a third term but added that it was not yet time to seriously consider the matter. “There are ways to make it happen,” he suggested, sparking discussions about potential legal and constitutional maneuvers.

Police in Mirpur, Kushtia, arrested five individuals with firearms and ammunition during a raid in Chak village of Sadarpur Union on Monday afternoon. The detainees are Habibur Rahman (34), Jasim Uddin (39), Bacchu (31), Liton (36), and Sajedul Islam (25). Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a raid behind the house of one Shariful Islam, where the suspects were allegedly in possession of illegal narcotics. A foreign pistol, one magazine, and five rounds of cartridges were recovered from their possession.

In Palash, Narsingdi, two brothers were brutally hacked to death allegedly over refusing to pay extortion money. When their parents tried to intervene, they were critically injured in the attack. However, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) claimed that the victims were beaten to death by a mob on suspicion of theft. Hajera Begum, the victims’ aunt, alleged that a group of local thugs had been demanding extortion money for a long time. When the brothers, Sakib and Rakib, went out on Eid day, the assailants attacked and killed them. “We demand justice for this brutal murder,” she said.