Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney has dissolved parliament and announced an early election on April 28, citing threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney accused Trump of undermining Canada’s sovereignty with aggressive trade policies and high tariffs. The Liberals, who gained popularity following Trudeau’s resignation, are now in a close race with the Conservatives. Trump’s comments about making Canada the “51st state” have fueled nationalistic sentiments. Polls show Carney as the strongest leader to counter Trump’s economic pressure.

Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has alleged that a certain group, enriched by Awami League’s financial backing, continues to spread rumors and misinformation. She pointed out that false narratives and fake information were widely circulated in the past as well. “When the economy was in turmoil during their time in power, they kept people distracted with stories about Russell Biper and, after August 5, by labeling others as ‘robbers’ to divert attention,” she said. Speaking to the media, Rizwana emphasized, “It is the responsibility of the press to present accurate information. Many have established media outlets solely to sustain their business interests, often with dishonest motives. People must discern which media outlets are committed to delivering the truth and which ones are deliberately misleading the public.” She further added that many media organizations refused to acknowledge the July Movement. “Even a day before August 5, they did not report in favor of the students. However, they later changed their stance—yet they show no remorse for their initial silence,” she remarked.

The Fatah movement has urged Hamas to relinquish power in Gaza for the sake of Palestinian survival, stating, “Hamas must show compassion for Gaza’s children, women, and men.” Hamas, which took control of Gaza from the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority in 2007, has consistently stated that it is willing to cede governance after the war. However, it remains unclear whether Hamas will disarm. A Hamas spokesperson reiterated, “We are open to any agreement on Gaza’s administration, but we are not interested in staying in power.” Hamas has proposed an independent committee of professionals and technocrats to oversee post-war governance and reconstruction efforts.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed Israel’s aggression in Gaza over a phone call. Araghchi condemned the attacks on Gaza’s civilians and called for urgent, coordinated action by Muslim nations. He also denounced the ongoing US and UK military aggression in Yemen. Prince Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s strong opposition to Israel’s deadly actions.

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjad Ali has been granted the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP). A notification from the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed the promotion, which has been applied retrospectively from January 18, 2010, through various stages.

Pakistan’s ISPR reported that at least 16 insurgents were killed in a security operation in Ghulam Khan Kalla, North Waziristan, while attempting to cross from Afghanistan into Pakistan. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan government to enhance border management. The statement emphasized that Afghanistan must prevent its territory from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.

India’s revenue department has lifted the export duty on onions, effective April 1. Previously, a 20% duty was imposed, following an earlier export ban and subsequent 40% tariff. The decision comes at a time when onion prices in Bangladesh are already low. Historically, such moves have led to an influx of Indian onions, further lowering prices in Bangladesh and adversely affecting local farmers.

Thirteen stolen cows were recovered from the house of BNP leader Abdul Gafur Shah (40) in Kahalu, Bogura. Shah, who served as the organizational secretary of the local BNP unit, was expelled from the party following the incident. Based on a thief’s confession, Naogaon DB Police and Atrai Police raided his house on Saturday night and recovered the stolen cows.

BNP leader Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu has claimed that a certain group is trying to turn the army against the people. He praised the army for maintaining law and order, curbing injustice and extortion, and upholding voting rights for the past seven to eight months. He warned that those attempting to create conflict between the army and the people are trying to orchestrate another 1/11-style political crisis.

Assistant Upazila Primary Education Officers have submitted a memorandum to the Chief Adviser and the Primary and Mass Education Adviser through district commissioners, demanding their promotion to the 9th grade. They argue that their position has remained in the 10th grade since 1994, causing long-standing disparities and limiting promotion opportunities. They also highlighted that having the same grade as headteachers disrupts the chain of command.

The Bangladesh Army hosted an iftar and dinner event at Dhaka Cantonment in honor of students injured in the July uprising. Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman assured the injured that the army will always stand by them. He called them the ‘pride of the nation’ and reaffirmed the army’s unwavering support. ISPR reported that 4,215 individuals injured in the July uprising have received treatment at the Combined Military Hospital. The event concluded with the army distributing Eid gifts to the injured.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus will present the Independence Award 2025 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Tuesday, March 25. This year’s recipients include: Science & Technology: Prof. Jamal Nazrul Islam (posthumous) Literature: Mir Abdus Shukur Al Mahmud (posthumous) Culture: Novera Ahmed (posthumous) Social Service: Sir Fazle Hasan Abed (posthumous) Liberation War & Culture: Mohammad Mahbubul Haque Khan (Azam Khan) (posthumous) Education & Research: Badruddin Mohammad Umar Protesting Youth: Abrar Fahad (posthumous)

A four-day investment summit is set to begin in Dhaka on April 7, with participation from over 550 foreign investors from more than 50 countries, including China, India, the US, the UK, and Japan. The majority of these investors are from China. More than 2,000 representatives from Bangladeshi firms will also attend. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus will officially inaugurate the event on April 9, coinciding with the launch of Starlink’s trial internet service. BIDA Chairman Ashiq Mahmud stated that the summit aims to showcase Bangladesh’s investment environment to foreign investors and attract more investment.

Hefazat leaders Amir Muhibullah Babunagari and Secretary-General Sajedur Rahman have demanded the banning of the Awami League through a judicial process and a consensus-based parliamentary election. In a statement, they claimed that disguised Indian agents within state institutions have obstructed justice for incidents like the May 5 Shapla massacre, the Pilkhana killings, enforced disappearances, murders, and the 2024 mass killings. They called for state reforms while preserving the faith, culture, education, and social values of the country’s Muslim majority. They also demanded the immediate withdrawal of all false cases filed against Hefazat members during previous regimes.

Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud announced that ECNEC has approved 15 projects, including 8 revised and 7 new ones, with a total allocation of 210 billion taka. The funding includes 141.93 billion taka from government sources, 65.39 billion from project loans, and 4.06 billion from institutional financing. Approved projects include the first terminal and related facilities at Payra Seaport (second revision) under the Ministry of Shipping and the strengthening of the existing runway and taxiway at Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport (first revision) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.