On Thursday, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman spoke with the wife of a protester who was killed during a mass uprising. During the conversation, he vowed to stand by the family’s daughter, who is also a victim of sexual violence. He assured them that his party would fight against those responsible for the heinous act. “Our doctors and lawyers will support you,” he said. The victim’s mother expressed her anguish, stating, “If this is the reward for someone who sacrificed his life for the people of this country, then how will I survive? I want justice for my daughter, and I demand the death penalty for those who harmed her.”

The Ministry of Culture has announced that this year’s Bangla New Year will not just be a festival for Bengalis but will be celebrated nationally with participation from all ethnic groups, including Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Manipuri, and Garo communities. To mark the occasion, the government has declared a public holiday for the day. Additionally, for the first time, a special cultural program will be held at the Shilpakala Academy on the eve of the New Year. These initiatives reflect the government’s move towards a more inclusive approach in Bangladesh.

Adviser Farida Akhter emphasized the need for collective efforts to make tourism a tobacco-free sector. While smoking has been banned on airplanes, hotels have yet to implement a smoking-free policy. She mentioned that amendments to tobacco control laws will be made soon to address this issue. Akhter further noted that the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is deeply connected with both tourism and aviation. Without dairy products, eggs, fish, and meat, tourism and aviation cannot function. She also highlighted the significant contribution of rural women in this sector, stressing that their involvement in areas such as eggs, mutton, and milk is indispensable.

Bangladeshi police have arrested an Indian national for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a nine-year-old child in Daudkandi, Cumilla. The suspect, 50-year-old Tajindar Singh, had been renting a room in Singula village for an extended period. On Thursday morning, he lured the child into his room with the promise of chocolates and then attempted to touch her inappropriately. Another child witnessed the incident and informed the victim’s mother. Her cries for help alerted locals, who apprehended Singh and handed him over to the police after a beating. A case has been filed against him.

The United States has urged Israel not to launch attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen, insisting that Washington will handle the situation instead. Yemen has fired missiles toward Tel Aviv, prompting Israeli officials to discuss possible retaliation. The U.S. military, including its air and naval forces, may continue strikes against the Houthis for days or even weeks, targeting their radar systems, air defense units, missile sites, and drone operations. Washington believes its aircraft carriers can execute sustained and effective attacks. Meanwhile, the Houthis have vowed to continue targeting Israeli ships in the Red Sea in support of Palestine, stating that neither U.S. military pressure nor Iran’s persuasion will change their stance.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have claimed the lives of 85 more Palestinians, bringing the total death toll to nearly 600 in the past three days. Over a hundred others have been injured. Since Israel’s offensive began in October 2023, the death toll in Gaza has risen to 49,617, with at least 112,950 wounded. The Israeli military has confirmed that its ground operations continue in southern Gaza’s Rafah, while troops advance through Beit Lahia and central areas in the north.

Gaza has officially entered the first stage of famine as shortages of food, clean water, and fuel intensify, according to local humanitarian officials. Water wells have shut down due to a lack of fuel, and the UN has been unable to deliver food aid since March 2. Most bakeries have closed, and over 80% of hospitals are unable to function due to medicine and anesthesia shortages. Despite the crisis, residents continue to observe Ramadan, pleading for international intervention to end their suffering.

A bilateral meeting between India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus may take place in Bangkok in early April on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit. If the meeting happens, it will be significant given Yunus’ recent engagements with both China and India within a short span. Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway to arrange the meeting, following a previous unsuccessful attempt during the UN General Assembly session last September.

Two Bangladeshis were seriously injured after being shot by Indian Khasi tribesmen near the Bichanakandi border in Sylhet. According to locals, the injured men had crossed into India illegally to smuggle sugar but got into a dispute with the Khasis over payment, which led to the shooting. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) confirmed the incident occurred about 200 yards inside Indian territory near the 1264th main border pillar. A protest letter has been sent to India’s Border Security Force (BSF) regarding the incident.

To facilitate hassle-free travel for the public during Eid-ul-Fitr, an executive order has declared April 3, 2025, a public holiday. This decision was made in a meeting of the Advisory Council today. The announcement was shared from the verified Facebook page of the Chief Adviser. Previously, the Eid holidays were scheduled until April 2, with April 4 being a Friday. With this new holiday, people will now enjoy an extended Eid vacation.

BNP leader and advisor to Khaleda Zia, Habibur Rahman Habib, has expressed solidarity with demands to ban Awami League and its allied political parties, labeling them as fascist and terrorist organizations. He stated that Awami League must be outlawed, emphasizing that failure to act now would be a mistake. Bashir Alam, father of July martyr Md. Shahadat Hossain Shawon, also called for Awami League’s ban and the trial of Sheikh Hasina and others responsible for the July massacre before the next national election. Habib recalled that in 1990, a mere declaration could have banned the Jatiya Party and warned that no such mistake should be made this time regarding Awami League. Meanwhile, the ongoing 36-day mass sit-in protest has been withdrawn.

Authorities have decided to cancel the annual Urs at the shrine of Hazrat Shah Arefin (RA), a close companion of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA), due to religious sensitivities. The event, scheduled from March 26-28 at the zero point of the Laurgarh border in Shahidabad, coincides with Ramadan and the holy night of Shab-e-Qadr on March 27. Local religious leaders and administration officials agreed that proceeding with the Urs could disrupt the sanctity of these occasions.

A new political party, “Janatar Dal” (People’s Party), has been formed by former military and civil officials, NGO workers, and political leaders. Led by retired Brigadier General Md. Shamim Kamal, the party’s slogan is “Justice Lives On.” Kamal emphasized their goal of promoting integrity, patriotism, and transparency, pledging to make party finances publicly accessible. He stated that they intend to challenge the political status quo and move against mainstream political trends.

Employees of Rangpur City Corporation locked the main gate and besieged the offices of the Chief Executive and Accounts Department, demanding their March salaries and Eid bonuses. They alleged that despite government orders, the administrator delayed payments. Public services, including vaccination programs, were disrupted. After nearly three hours of protest, the administrator signed the payment files, leading the employees to withdraw the blockade. Protesters expressed frustration over the delay, emphasizing the hardship of celebrating Eid without salaries. Payments are set to begin on Sunday.

Azadul Islam Pannu, the missing BNP president of Nawabganj upazila, has been rescued by police after being missing for nearly two and a half months. Pannu was last seen leaving for Rajshahi on January 8, and his son filed a missing person report on January 10. BNP Secretary General Fakhrul Islam Alamgir had expressed concern over his disappearance, urging authorities to find and return him to his family. According to the police, he was discovered in Khulna and had been in hiding due to personal reasons.