Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized 16 gold bars and 14 small gold pieces during an operation in Chuadanga while they were being smuggled into India. The estimated market value of the seized gold is around 4 crore BDT ($400,000). Acting on intelligence reports about gold smuggling, BGB personnel took positions near Sultanganj border in the Sixgharia Government Primary School area. A suspect was intercepted while riding a motorcycle towards the border. Upon searching his waist, 3 kg and 6 grams of gold were discovered and confiscated. The smuggler has been taken into custody for further investigation.

The government of New Jersey, USA, has launched a pilot project named “Green Growth”, inspired by the development policies of Tarique Rahman. The project adopts the widely recognized slogan of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation: “A little initiative, a little effort, leads to prosperity.” This slogan is prominently featured on project vehicles, brochures, and membership forms. Funded by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and supervised by the Bangladesh Association of South Jersey, the two-year pilot project in Atlantic City aims to improve food security and support economically disadvantaged women. Project coordinator Zahirul Islam Babul stated that the primary goal is to enhance the financial independence of underprivileged women while ensuring food security in the region. In the first year, 30 women will receive funding, and their products will be sold under a profit-sharing model through Green Growth.

The government has announced April 13 as a public holiday in the hill districts of Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban on the occasion of Chaitra Sankranti. In other districts, members of communities observing the festival will be entitled to an optional holiday. During the holiday, all government, semi-government, autonomous, and private offices in these three districts will remain closed, except for essential services. The Bangladesh Bank and the Supreme Court will issue necessary directives regarding banking and court activities on this day.

The main Eid-ul-Fitr congregation at the National Eidgah will take place at 8:30 AM in the High Court premises. In case of adverse weather conditions, the congregation will be shifted to the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 9:00 AM. This decision was made during a recent inter-ministerial meeting on Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, was presided over by Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain.

The annual Sri Sri Advaita Janmadham pilgrimage and Ganga Snan festival, one of the most significant religious events for the Hindu community in Bangladesh, is currently underway at the banks of the Jadukata River in Tahirpur, Sunamganj. The sacred bathing ritual, performed for the well-being of ancestors’ souls, began on Wednesday at 11:01 PM and will continue until Thursday at 9:24 PM, following the lunar calendar. The festival has attracted hundreds of thousands of devotees and has also given rise to a vibrant rural fair. However, unlike previous years, the three-day Urs festival at the shrine of the revered mystic Shah Arefin—traditionally held simultaneously—has been canceled this year. The absence of this parallel event has resulted in a slightly smaller crowd than in previous years.

Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has declared a zero-tolerance policy against extortion following the mass uprising. He urged Muradnagar residents to provide accurate information about extortionists to law enforcement authorities. Asif Mahmud stated that the interim government aims to build a better Bangladesh in honor of those who sacrificed their lives in the July uprising. He vowed to crack down hard on those who engaged in extortion and drug trade during the previous fascist regime, which contributed to the destruction of the younger generation. The interim government is focused on rehabilitating youth through sports and educational competitions to secure a brighter future for the next generation.

Regarding the court ruling that declared Ishraq Hossain as the DSCC mayor, Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed affirmed that the EC respects judicial decisions and will act accordingly. He assured that as soon as they receive the official court verdict, necessary actions will be taken without delay. He emphasized that there will be no unnecessary postponements and that all decisions will be processed swiftly to reduce bureaucratic backlog.

NCP Convenor Nahid Islam stated that for those who suffered under Sheikh Hasina’s rule over the past 15–16 years, March 24 represents a second independence. He criticized politicians engaged in exploitative politics, asserting that relations with India must be based on equality and fairness. He pointed out ongoing issues such as border killings and the lack of equitable water-sharing agreements. He also stressed the need to document the actual number of casualties in the anti-Modi protests, describing them as part of the broader anti-fascist struggle. Nahid Islam further asserted that Sheikh Hasina’s governance was sustained with Indian support, and accountability must be ensured for all political violence, disappearances, and killings under her rule.

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing has confirmed that Dr. Muhammad Yunus has arrived in Beijing, China, from Hainan Province. His flight landed at Beijing Capital International Airport on Thursday at 10:20 PM local time. Upon arrival, he was received by Chinese Vice Minister Sun Weidong. Earlier, Dr. Yunus had a busy schedule attending the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in Hainan before departing for Beijing at 7:00 PM local time.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to remain united against those who are once again engaging in destructive activities to destabilize the country. He stated that repeated violent incidents are being orchestrated to put pressure on the interim government. Emphasizing the need for strict action, he called for stern measures against the perpetrators. Mirza Fakhrul specifically condemned the brutal killing of Nasir Uddin, the Organizational Secretary of the Krishak Dal Sitakunda unit and General Secretary of the Barbakund Union branch. Armed assailants attacked and killed him in a gruesome manner. Expressing deep sorrow, Fakhrul demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.

The Cabinet Division has issued separate notifications extending the tenure of five reform commissions, formed under the interim government led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, for another month. According to the new timeframe, these commissions will now operate until April 30. The commissions cover reforms in healthcare, labor, women’s rights, local government, and the media. Notably, the Media Reform Commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on March 22.

The Islamic Movement Bangladesh has strongly opposed the Mongol Shobhajatra, calling it inconsistent with Islamic values. Spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman stated, “Bengali New Year celebrations have a traditional rural significance, but attempts to incorporate anti-Islamic elements under authoritarian rule have distorted its meaning.” He criticized the influence of Kolkata’s elite Hindu culture in shaping the parade, arguing that no festival should be imposed in a way that disregards the beliefs of the country’s Muslim majority.

The National Press Club has suspended the membership of Mahbub Morshed, Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). A statement signed by Press Club President Hasan Hafiz cited allegations of defamation against a management committee member and activities contrary to the interests of the journalist community. The suspension, enforced under Clause 13(a) of the club’s constitution, was unanimously decided during a March 25 meeting.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain has been declared the rightful mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) by a court ruling on the 2020 election. Commenting on the verdict, he said, “We have received justice, and that is the real victory. Whether I take office or not is entirely a party decision.” Hossain added that the ruling signals a broader shift toward restoring justice in Bangladesh. “The fall of the fascist Hasina regime will bring back fairness in governance. Let this be the start of that journey.”

Remittance inflows have surged ahead of Eid, with expatriates sending nearly $3 billion in the first 26 days of March—setting a new record in Bangladesh’s history. This translates to approximately 36,000 crore taka. The previous highest remittance was $2.64 billion in December, followed by $2.53 billion in February. Authorities attribute the increase to stricter measures against money laundering and informal money transfer systems (hundi) under the interim government.