China has called on India to join forces in confronting the consequences of U.S. trade protectionism, particularly policies introduced under former President Donald Trump. Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, stated, “The China-India relationship is built on economic complementarity and mutual benefit. The unreasonable tariff policies of the United States have deprived many nations—especially in the Global South—of their development rights. As the world’s two largest developing nations, China and India should tackle these challenges together.” She added, “No one wins in a trade or tariff war. Countries must uphold principles of broad consultation, genuine multilateralism, and jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, currently in Singapore for his wife Rahat Ara Begum’s medical treatment, revealed a personal ordeal on social media. He wrote, “In December 2022, when my wife was diagnosed with a serious illness, we decided on surgery as soon as possible. Just a day before the operation, at 3 a.m., the Awami League government’s police picked me up from my home. My daughter rushed back to Dhaka, and during the surgery, I was in jail. Only my daughter and Dr. Zahid were at the hospital. Our Acting Chairperson and my siblings kept in touch over the phone.” He added, “My wife handled everything with patience and a smile. Alhamdulillah, the doctors have now said everything appears to be going well.”

Sharmin Sheila, known on social media as “Cream Apa,” was arrested on Thursday for allegedly abusing her child to generate online views and income. The case was filed following public outrage over her treatment of the child in videos aimed at earning money through social media platforms.

Nurul Abchar (76), a freedom fighter who provided false testimony in the war crimes trial of the late BNP leader Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, has been detained by local authorities. Upon receiving information about his whereabouts, local residents, led by BNP leaders Enamul Haque and Hanif Jihadi, surrounded his house. The police arrived and arrested him. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ramu Police Station confirmed that Abchar is in police custody, and investigations are underway to check if any cases are pending against him in Rangunia.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that if elected, the party would create 10 million jobs within its first 18 months in office. BNP has set a target to raise GDP to $1 trillion by 2034. The party also aims to reform the tax system, improve investment regulations, and enhance local workforce skills. Key proposals include making BIDA more effective, modernizing visa and work permit rules, ensuring 24/7 investor services, automating profit repatriation, and introducing new infrastructure and security laws to attract long-term investment.

Abdul Samad Dawood, CEO of Pakistan’s Engro Holdings, met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to discuss potential investment opportunities. Dawood expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s telecommunications sector and highlighted interest in contributing to industrial development by utilizing gas supplies from Bhola. Welcoming Engro’s interest, Professor Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s focus on long-term, impactful projects that can bring meaningful change to people’s lives. He added, “We want to focus on initiatives that improve the lives of our people in sustainable ways.” Dawood praised the recently held BIDA Summit, describing it as “warm, welcoming, and purpose-driven.” The Chief Adviser concluded the meeting by inviting Dawood to visit again, stating, “Bangladesh has a lot to offer—not just to investors, but to the world.”

Teachers, students, and staff from Jahangirnagar University participated in a ‘March for Palestine’ to demand an end to Israel’s brutal killings in Palestine. During the march, they were briefly halted by law enforcement, but later returned to campus. Chanting slogans like ‘Palestine, Palestine,’ and ‘End the genocide in Palestine,’ a delegation led by Professor Dr. Mohammad Billal Hosain submitted a petition to the US and Saudi Arabian embassies in Dhaka and the Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor.

Bangladesh’s Trade Advisor has downplayed concerns about India’s cancellation of transshipment, stating that it will not cause significant problems for Bangladesh. He mentioned that the focus should be on enhancing domestic capacity, and that India’s sudden decision would not affect Bangladesh’s trade severely. He emphasized efforts to address infrastructural issues and rising costs while working to increase commercial capabilities and overcome any obstacles.

A case has been filed against Sharmine Sheila, also known as Cream Upper, at Ashulia Police Station. The Sadar Upazila Women’s Affairs Officer accused her of subjecting her two-year-old child to cruel treatment for online income. The charges include forcing the child to perform actions against her will, such as forcing her to eat cake-like items, applying makeup, and enduring physical punishment while being filmed. Police have stated that legal actions are underway.

Ashiqur Rahman, a 30-year-old Youth League leader from Sonargaon, Narayanganj, died after setting himself on fire over a family dispute. He sustained severe burns on April 7 after pouring kerosene on himself and was admitted to the National Burn Institute. Despite receiving treatment, he passed away on April 10. Ashiqur was the general secretary of Ward 8 Youth League in Shambhupura Union. Police have acknowledged the incident and stated that an investigation is underway, with legal action to follow.

A high-level meeting was held between Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis. The Adviser stressed the need for careful analysis of all plans and activities. She suggested that at least two or three projects should be implemented as a practical step forward, with a focus on rapid and effective climate actions, river restoration, and integrated environmental management. The discussion also covered the Climate Prosperity Plan, updated NDC, and potential collaborations with the ADB, EU, and Sweden. Rizwana Hasan highlighted the need for river recovery, canal restoration, and the implementation of the Delta Plan, urging the inclusion of mandatory public hearings in every development project to ensure transparency and public participation.

Ali Ahsan Junaid has announced the launch of a new political platform named ‘United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh)’. He stated that the platform’s primary goals include demanding justice for the Pilkhana, Shapla, and July massacres, advocating for the banning of the Awami League, and economically empowering the families of injured warriors and martyrs of July. Junaid further emphasized that the long-term vision of the platform is to bring about a shift in Bangladesh’s political culture, establish competent and ethical leadership across all societal levels, ensure social justice and human dignity, and rebuild the nation based on a social contract that respects religious beliefs and values. He also declared a commitment to eradicating fascism, imperialism, religious intolerance, and corruption from the country.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh has proposed renaming the country constitutionally as the ‘People’s Welfare State of Bangladesh’ (বাংলাদেশ জনকল্যাণ রাষ্ট্র) as part of its broader reform agenda submitted to the National Consensus Commission today. The party supports proportional representation (PR) in elections to balance power and prevent authoritarianism. Among its key proposals: amending the fundamental principles of the constitution, creating a power balance between the President and the Prime Minister, limiting the Prime Minister to two terms, separating party leadership from governmental roles, and repealing Article 70. Out of a total of 182 proposals, the party agreed with 145, disagreed with 26, introduced 41 new proposals, and presented 4 core reforms.

Interior Adviser Jahangir Alam expressed outrage during a visit to the Sylhet Airport Police Station after seeing a red carpet reception and decorative arrangements. He immediately ordered all decorations to be removed, criticizing such flattery as unproductive. “Despite repeated warnings, this culture of appeasement hasn’t stopped,” he remarked. He further noted that while touring the country, he has seen the severe limitations faced by the police—lack of accommodation, insufficient vehicles, and food shortages. Many police stations and vehicles were burned during the recent unrest, and not a single new vehicle has been procured yet. However, funds have been allocated and gradual improvements are expected. The adviser asserted that the police are not afraid and have been instructed to take strict action against anyone taking the law into their own hands. He also reported no progress in the repatriation of Sheikh Hasina, an overall improvement in law and order, and noted that the recovery of looted assets remains below expectations.

Kiak Sung, founder of the Korean Export Processing Zone (EPZ), stated that Bangladesh, currently the world’s second-largest garment exporter among single countries, is well-positioned to claim the top spot. He emphasized that achieving this goal requires strategic reforms, increased use of technology, and the development of in-house production facilities for hand-spun yarn. Sung highlighted the importance of policy support and the need for more bonded warehouses to ensure the swift availability of raw materials. This, he said, will enable manufacturers to produce and export garments more efficiently. He also praised the Bangladesh government’s proactive response during the temporary suspension of tariff policies under the Trump-era trade regulations.