Garment workers of Hong Kong Fashion Limited in Tongi staged a protest and road blockade on Friday morning, demanding their overdue salaries. The demonstration took place in the Pagara area, with workers also blocking the roads on Thursday night. According to the workers, about 500 employees work at the factory. While the management provided Eid bonuses to employees who had completed a year of service, more than 100 workers have yet to receive their January salaries, despite Eid holidays starting on Saturday.

A powerful earthquake was felt across Dhaka and several other parts of Bangladesh at 12:25 PM. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that the quake measured 7.0 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter in Mandalay, Myanmar, approximately 597 kilometers from Dhaka. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude of 7.7, with the epicenter located 16 kilometers north-northwest of Sagaing, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Bangla Academy has decided to revert to the traditional spelling of 'Eid' instead of 'Id,' reaffirming its commitment to preserving the purity and heritage of the Bengali language. Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan announced on Thursday night, "This is a historic decision, as linguists and literary figures believe that 'Eid' represents both the beauty and cultural legacy of our language." Following this decision, all official and private publications, along with the media, will use the spelling ‘Eid.’

The United States has pledged an additional $73 million in humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees through the UN World Food Programme. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated in an X post, "This food and nutrition assistance is crucial for over a million people." The US remains the largest donor to the Rohingya crisis, having provided approximately $2.4 billion since 2017. However, the Trump administration previously announced plans to reduce aid for the Rohingya after returning to power.

At a high-level event at the United Nations General Assembly marking ‘International Zero Waste Day,’ Turkey’s First Lady Emine Erdoğan praised Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for his remarkable contributions and global support for waste reduction. Focusing on fashion and textile waste, Emine Erdoğan highlighted the devastating impact of current linear production models and emphasized the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling to protect the planet’s future. Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to addressing sustainability challenges in the textile sector.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which was described as constructive and fruitful by Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. During the discussion, Dr. Yunus called for China to take a stronger role in the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Additionally, he urged China to play a more significant role in ensuring peace, prosperity, and stability in both Bangladesh and China.

At least 40 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to over 50,200. According to Al Jazeera, an Israeli airstrike on a busy market in central Gaza killed seven people. The Gaza Government Media Office reported that the number of fatalities caused by Israeli aggression has now surpassed 61,700, with thousands still missing under the rubble, presumed dead.

On Thursday, Iran responded to a letter from former US President Donald Trump via Oman, reaffirming its stance against direct negotiations under pressure. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, "We are open to indirect negotiations with the US." Previously, on March 7, Trump had announced that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, inviting discussions over Iran’s nuclear program. Trump also warned that if Tehran refused to negotiate, military action could be taken.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the United States' new administration is taking its plans to seize Greenland seriously. Former US President Donald Trump had previously claimed that acquiring Greenland was essential for Washington’s 'international security.' Putin cautioned that underestimating the US’s ambitions regarding Greenland would be a grave mistake. He pointed out that these plans have deep historical roots. While Russia is not directly involved in the territorial claims over Greenland, Moscow is concerned that NATO countries are increasingly strategizing to use the Arctic region in potential conflicts.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended warm greetings to Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of Bangladesh's Independence and National Day. In a letter, he stated, "I have been closely following and greatly appreciating your steadfast efforts for Bangladesh's reform." Citing lines from Rabindranath Tagore’s famous poem, ‘Where the Mind is Without Fear,’ he praised the courage and determination of the Bangladeshi people. The Malaysian Prime Minister also expressed his country’s full support for Dr. Yunus’ efforts in strengthening democracy, upholding human rights, and building a prosperous nation, emphasizing their strong friendship and partnership. He also mentioned his anticipation of the Chief Adviser's visit to Malaysia in July.

Dr. Redwan Ahmed, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has claimed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina offered $100 million, 10 parliamentary seats, and two ministerial positions to him and Colonel Oli Ahmed in exchange for contesting the 2014 elections. Redwan stated that they rejected the offer, as they believe in serving the people rather than personal gains.

Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping has held a bilateral meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The meeting took place at 10 AM local time on Friday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Later, Professor Yunus is scheduled to participate in an 'Investment Dialogue' with Chinese business leaders at Presidential Beijing. The Chief Adviser is expected to return home on March 29 after his four-day visit to China.

Akhtar Hossain, Secretary of the National Coordination Party (NCP), has stated that elections will only take place after visible reforms in governance and judicial processes. Speaking at a public rally in Rangpur-4, he criticized the Awami League and Jatiya Party, accusing them of staging three “dummy elections” and supporting the July genocide. Hossain emphasized the need for justice and a ban on fascist political entities, stating, “The people of Bangladesh no longer want to be ruled under an authoritarian and undemocratic constitution.”

The ‘Bangladesh First’ Foundation has announced its new leadership, appointing BNP’s Joint Secretary General Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie as President and Rakibul Islam Bakul as General Secretary. Other key appointments include Sultan Salahuddin Tuku as Treasurer, with members including Abdul Monayem Munna, SM Jilani, Nurul Islam Nayan, Atikur Rahman Rumon, Gias Uddin Rimon, Rajib Ahsan, Rakibul Islam Rakib, Nasir Uddin Nasir, Jahidul Islam Rony, and Ehsan Mahmud.

According to UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, relentless Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have displaced 142,000 people and killed over 100 in the past week. With a population of 2 million, Gaza is experiencing severe humanitarian distress, worsened by continuous bombings and blockades. The UN report highlights severe shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies, as humanitarian operations face restrictions. On Wednesday alone, Israeli airstrikes killed 27 Palestinians, including six children.