At a protest against Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Hefazat-e-Islam leader Mufti Jasim Uddin stated that the blood of oppressed Palestinians will not be shed in vain. He said their martyrdom will pave the way for victory and the eventual establishment of a free and sovereign Palestinian state. He compared Israel’s brutality to the historic destruction of Baghdad by Hulagu Khan and labeled the attacks as war crimes. He urged the UN and international organizations to take immediate and effective action.

Protests have erupted across the world, demanding an end to Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. In Washington, D.C., thousands rallied, calling for a halt to military operations in Gaza and for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state. Similar mass demonstrations took place in cities across Turkey, including in front of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, criticizing U.S. support for Israel. The largest rally occurred in Rabat, Morocco, where hundreds of thousands marched on Sunday. Berlin also witnessed significant protests.

The EkNojor team is fully aware of the ongoing, relentless genocide and severe human rights violations in Gaza. We join countless people around the world in strongly condemning the silence and inaction of global powers and international organizations. In solidarity with the global initiative “The World Stands for Gaza” taking place today, April 7, 2025, EkNojor has decided to suspend all operations for the day.

According to the Private University Students Alliance of Bangladesh (PUSAB), various private universities across Bangladesh have expressed solidarity with Gaza through the ‘The World Stops for Gaza’ initiative. Participating institutions include: East West University, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Hamdard University Bangladesh, United College of Aviation, Bangladesh Maritime University, Sonargaon University, Army Institute of Business Administration-Sylhet, Bangladesh University, Brahmanbaria University, BRAC University, Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib University, RTM Technical University, Royal University of Dhaka, European University of Bangladesh, Pundra University, Asian University, Bangladesh Islamic University, Central Women’s University, Khulna Khan Bahadur University, Rabindra Maitri University, North Badda Kamil Madrasa, Southern University, ZNRF University of Management Sciences, Bangladesh Army University, Primary University, Metropolitan University, and Chittagong Independent University. Additionally, many private, autonomous, and national universities are set to participate in the “No Work, No School” program on April 7th to show solidarity with Palestine.

Dhaka University law student Rezwan Ahmed Rifat announced that on April 7, educational institutions across Bangladesh will hold solidarity events demanding an end to the genocide in Palestine and calling for an independent Palestinian state. A central protest rally will be held at the Raju Memorial Sculpture at DU at 4 PM. Similar events will be held globally, including in front of the UN office in New York. “We urge everyone to join this global protest for justice,” he said.

A 17-year-old Palestinian boy, Walid Ahmed, has reportedly died in Israel’s Megiddo prison after allegedly being denied food. He had been held without charge for six months. Walid collapsed suddenly and died from a severe head injury. Following appeals from his family, Israeli authorities conducted an autopsy, overseen by Dr. Daniel Solomon. The findings revealed that Walid suffered from acute malnutrition, inflammation, colon complications, and scabies. Reuters reports that his body showed signs of extreme weight loss and muscle wasting.

Hamas’ military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, released a video on Saturday featuring two Israeli hostages. In the video, one of the captives says, “We want to breathe in a free home, see the moon and stars. Please save us. The Israeli army is bombing us — even the building we’re in was hit.” He continued, “Hamas fighters saved our lives. They pulled us into tunnels 30 meters underground to shield us from the bombs. There is no sunlight here.” Another hostage in the video urges the Israeli public not to trust the government. “They claim they’re pressuring Hamas, but all they’re doing is bombing — even if it means we get hurt. Please pressure the government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for our release.”

Adviser Asif Mahmud condemned Israel’s ongoing massacre in Gaza while attending National and International Sports Day events. “As we celebrate sports, the world witnesses one of the darkest days in humanity,” he said. He described how bombs were tearing people apart and added, “May all acts of inhumanity end forever.” Bangladesh national team cricketer Nahid Rana also expressed sorrow and criticized world leaders for their silence.

Following a meeting with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson in Dhaka, Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin said the counter-tariff measures by the Trump administration are unlikely to be suspended. “This gives us insight into how economies like ours are responding. We discussed barriers and aspirations and explored solutions,” he said, stressing that Bangladesh will adopt necessary economic steps to safeguard its interests.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain stated that no attempt to retain power without elections will succeed. “Even writing about elections on Facebook draws coordinated abuse, but we’re not backing down,” he wrote. He emphasized that over 125 million voters deserve a chance to vote. “We’ve been demanding fair elections under a neutral government since 2011. This year, it must happen, InshAllah,” he added. He also said the opposition would respect the public mandate and cooperate with the elected government.

While visiting a model mosque under construction in Ramu, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain warned that no mismanagement in Hajj operations will be tolerated. He assured that any allegations of corruption against Hajj agencies will be promptly investigated and necessary actions will be taken without delay. He added that the Ministry of Religious Affairs is in continuous communication with all Hajj agencies this year to ensure quality service for pilgrims. The adviser also expressed dissatisfaction over the mosque’s slow progress and instructed that construction must be completed within the next three months.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir left for Singapore on Sunday for medical treatment, accompanied by his wife Rahat Ara Begum. Delwar Hossain, a potential Jamaat candidate from Fakhrul’s constituency (Thakurgaon-1), sought public prayers for him. “May Almighty Allah grant our respected leader complete healing,” he posted.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed two separate cases against Awami League Joint General Secretary Hasan Mahmud and his wife, Nuran Fatema, for allegedly amassing illegal wealth. Investigations revealed transactions worth Tk 722.91 crore across 65 bank accounts. Hasan is accused of possessing unexplained wealth worth Tk 1.11 crore, while Nuran is accused of acquiring Tk 5.52 crore beyond known sources of income.

Adviser Rizwana Hasan stressed the need for proactive and creative approaches in environmental protection. “A priority list has been prepared, and actions must follow it. Complaints should be addressed immediately with regular monitoring,” she said. She urged officials to act with professionalism and sincerity and instructed the Water Resources Ministry to excavate ponds and water bodies to ensure drinking water in drought-prone areas like Koyra, Ashashuni, Subarnachar, and Patiya.

BNP Vice Chairman Abdus Salam Pinto alleged an international conspiracy to destabilize Bangladesh, claiming that Sheikh Hasina and her party are behind it. Fellow BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan accused certain groups of trying to delay elections under the guise of reforms. “They want to derail democracy, but they will not succeed,” he said. BNP continues to advocate for reform across various sectors.