Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have exceeded $25 billion ahead of Eid, driven by record remittance inflows in March. According to Bangladesh Bank data, the country’s total reserves rose to $25.44 billion on Thursday. Under the IMF’s BPM6 accounting method, reserves stood at $20.30 billion, while the usable reserves remain around $15 billion. On March 9, Bangladesh Bank announced that it had cleared $1.75 billion in import payments through the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) for January and February, causing net reserves to drop to $19.75 billion at that time.

A Bangladeshi youth lost his leg in a landmine explosion inside Myanmar while allegedly engaged in cross-border smuggling. The incident occurred in the Naikhongchhari border area of Bandarban district. Mohammad Salam (42) was caught in an explosion near an old Maijja Camp controlled by the Arakan Army, about 200 meters inside Myanmar from the zero line of Chakdhala Border Outpost’s (BOP) Pillar No. 44. Local sources reported that the landmine had been planted earlier by the Arakan Army. After the explosion, locals rescued Salam and took him to Naikhongchhari Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

BNP leader Mostafizur Rahman Babul made a controversial statement, demanding both the return and execution of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “We want Sheikh Hasina back, we want Mirza Azam back, we want Obaidul Quader back—but we also want Sheikh Hasina to be hanged,” he declared. He lamented that in the past 15-16 years, people have been unable to vote freely, elect MPs, or form local governments. He claimed that the most persecuted person in the country is BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, whom he referred to as the “Mother of Democracy.” Babul accused the ruling government of imprisoning her for years under false cases and pushing her toward death through “kangaroo court” verdicts.

On Saturday night, a boat sank in the Boulai River in Sunamganj, claiming the lives of three children and two women. Police sources confirmed that the boat, carrying 70 passengers and goods, was traveling from Madhyanagar to Jamalganj when it capsized. While many passengers managed to swim to safety, five were confirmed dead, and one was injured. The victims, from different parts of Netrokona, were visiting relatives in Noapara village of Beheli Union in Jamalganj. Authorities fear the death toll may rise.

NCP leader Samanta Sharmin declared in Bhola that there is no place for the Awami "terrorist" party in Bangladesh. She called for the prosecution of this "fascist and genocidal" party in an international court. Sharmin stated that for 15 years, one party ruled Bangladesh, but on August 5, the student movement ousted the Awami League. However, she noted that some groups, who were nowhere to be found during those years, are now trying to take credit. She accused them of extortion and spreading fear in local communities. She emphasized that Bangladesh's student movement stands firm against corruption and terrorism.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has questioned the necessity of holding a Constituent Assembly election, asking whether Bangladesh had ever become a newly independent state again. “A Constituent Assembly is only needed when a country gains independence, has no laws, no constitution, and no government,” he argued. Rizvi accused the ruling party of attempting to erase the memory of Bangladesh’s greatest achievement in 1971 by introducing the idea of a “second independence” through a new Constituent Assembly. He criticized government-aligned student leaders and newly formed political groups for promoting this idea, asking, “On whose behalf are you speaking?” Addressing the government, he accused it of playing a deceptive game with election dates, mentioning shifting timelines from March to June to December. He insisted that any reforms should be carried out by an elected government, while the current regime could only propose them.

The Houthi Ansarullah movement has threatened missile strikes on the UAE, accusing it of espionage and military collaboration with the United States. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the group’s leader, Mohammad Al-Farah, warned that any Emirati individuals or entities providing intelligence or military aid to the U.S. against Yemen would be considered legitimate targets for Yemeni retaliation. He emphasized that Yemen’s counterattacks will no longer be limited to Mocha and Shabwa but will extend to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. He condemned the UAE’s actions as reckless and an act of betrayal.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has warned that the party will take to the streets if the interests of the party and the people are harmed. He claimed that domestic and international conspiracies are at play and vowed not to let any such plots succeed. He specifically mentioned that if individuals from France, London, or the U.S. attempt to incite the people of Bangladesh, BNP will resist it. Fakhrul reiterated that BNP is not aligned with either India or Pakistan but stands solely for Bangladesh. Reflecting on the party’s struggles over the past 17 years, he pointed out that BNP has actively protested, including demonstrations on the banks of the Teesta River. He alleged that 99% of BNP supporters have faced persecution. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he remarked, “One day, Allah made Hasina disappear, and people found peace.” Regarding Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, he said that the people have chosen him as the Chief Adviser to ensure a level playing field for the upcoming elections. He asserted that the public will not accept this government indefinitely.

The family of Abdul Majid Hossain, a martyr from the July Uprising in Ramgarh, Khagrachhari, has received BDT 1 million in government financial aid. The funds were handed over in a ceremony attended by local officials and dignitaries.

Jafar Iqbal, 46, has been arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) for forging signatures and seals of high-ranking officials, including the Home Adviser, to commit fraud. He deceived individuals by promising jobs, promotions, and import permits while misusing official documents. Authorities have filed a case against him at Sadullapur Police Station in Gaibandha.

After a four-day official visit to China, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh on Saturday night. He arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8 PM. Earlier, he departed from Beijing International Airport, where he was seen off by senior Chinese officials, including Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei.

Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday after sighting the Shawwal moon. With this confirmation, Saudi Muslims will observe 29 days of fasting this year. The announcement came after an official moon-sighting effort, with astronomers verifying the visibility based on lunar calculations.

In Natore, police recovered a large number of official ballot papers from the 12th parliamentary elections, buried near an old Deputy Commissioner's bungalow. Deputy Collector Md. Rashedul Islam confirmed the discovery of at least 100 bags of ballot papers. According to election regulations, unused ballots are stored for six months before disposal. Previously, authorities had also recovered six firearms from the nearby pond.

Unlike previous years, the Dhaka-Chattogram highway has seen minimal traffic congestion during the Eid rush. Some traffic buildup was reported in the Cumilla region, but overall, the highway remains smooth. Authorities, including the army, police, students, and volunteers, have been deployed to ensure smooth traffic flow. Illegal roadside stalls have been removed, and executive magistrates are monitoring the situation.

With millions leaving Dhaka for Eid, metro rail ridership has declined. Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has confirmed that, like last year, metro rail services will be suspended on Eid day. However, services will resume on other Eid holidays according to regular schedules. Post-Eid, metro rail will revert to its pre-Ramadan schedule.