NCP leader Sargis Alam stated, “This country doesn’t belong to any specific religious group; it belongs to all citizens of this nation. We live together in harmony. Since August 5, many people have left various places. This causes bleeding in our hearts because those behind these actions are opportunistic occupiers. These actions occurred during the time of the Awami League and are still happening. We must resist them.” On a recent altercation with a BNP leader at a local office, he added, “National-level leaders share a respectful mutual relationship. However, at the local level, certain parties seem to assume that they are opponents.”

During a meeting with China’s Minister of Water Resources, Li Guoying, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus sought China’s expertise in developing a 50-year master plan for Bangladesh’s river and water management. He highlighted Bangladesh’s unique delta landscape, stating, “Water is our lifeline, but it can also become our enemy. With a rapidly growing population, we must be cautious about its environmental impact.” Recognizing China’s mastery in water management, he urged President Xi Jinping to share China’s strategies with Bangladesh. In response, the Chinese minister assured collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, currently visiting London, faced protests during her speech at Oxford University’s Kellogg College. The session was interrupted by audience members questioning her on the murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Hospital, post-election violence, and recent incidents at Jadavpur University. Protesters attempted to raise their concerns by shouting during her speech. Mamata responded calmly, saying, “Do not bring politics here. This is not a political stage. If you want to engage in politics, come to my state and do it with me.”

The Government of Bangladesh has secured commitments worth $2.1 billion in investments, loans, and grants from the Chinese government and private companies. According to the ‘Chief Advisor GOB’ Facebook page, Dr. Muhammad Yunus invited Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector, resulting in pledges from 30 Chinese companies to invest $1 billion in a dedicated Chinese industrial zone. Additionally, China has allocated $400 million for the modernization of Mongla Port, $350 million for the Chinese industrial economic zone, and $150 million in technical assistance loans. The remaining funds will be distributed as grants and other financial aid.

Following Friday prayers, the Al-Quds Committee Bangladesh organized a protest at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, condemning Israel’s brutal attacks on Gaza. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Intifada Zindabad” and “Down with Zionism, Free Palestine.” Speakers criticized the global silence while Muslims observe Ramadan, while Palestinian children and women face mass killings. They urged world leaders to take action against genocide and support an independent Palestinian state.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi defended the protests, stating, “Some question whether the protests were solely about the election. The reality is, the movement happened because the election was not fair.” He emphasized that the interim government was formed through widespread protests and sacrifices, gaining public support despite not being elected. Rizvi criticized the uncertainty surrounding the election date, saying, “One day they say it will be in December, then March, then June. The nation deserves a clear date.” He also asserted that Ishraque Hossain rightfully earned his mayoral recognition through judicial processes, dismissing social media criticisms as irrelevant.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam described the bilateral meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus as “highly successful, productive, and constructive.” He stated that extensive discussions took place, with President Xi reaffirming China’s support for Bangladesh’s interim government. Xi also encouraged Chinese investments in Bangladesh and pledged to facilitate the relocation of Chinese manufacturing firms. Additionally, China expressed willingness to lower interest rates on loans and collaborate on water resource management.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has issued 12 key directives to District Commissioners (DCs). The official letter highlights that all public services—including birth certificates, national IDs, passports, and land registration—must be provided without harassment or corruption. DCs are instructed to work without fear and focus on their responsibilities while avoiding unnecessary government praise. The directives also include issuing passports without police verification, ensuring price stability, and maintaining law and order. Officials are required to strictly adhere to legal guidelines. Cabinet officials stated that the government is closely monitoring field-level administration.

Despite a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake hitting Myanmar on Friday afternoon, Bangladeshi nationals in the country remain safe, according to Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Monowar Hossain. His statement on Facebook reassured that, while the quake has claimed 20 lives in Myanmar and three in Thailand, the number of casualties is expected to rise to over a hundred. Many remain trapped under the rubble as rescue operations continue.

Political leader Ishraq Hossain expressed relief after receiving a long-awaited court verdict. “After almost five years of legal battles, I finally got the ruling yesterday. This verdict is a victory for justice,” he said. Addressing online speculation and misunderstandings, Ishraq clarified, “Some people mistakenly believe the case was filed after August 5, but according to local government election laws, complaints must be lodged within 30 days of the election. This case was filed within that timeframe. However, the authoritarian government deliberately delayed its resolution, which should have been completed within 180 days.”

Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdh announced that the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation has provided financial assistance to 87.13% of gazetted martyr families. He stated that since the foundation’s launch on September 10 last year, it has disbursed a total of $37.25 million to 745 martyr families. Legal complications have delayed assistance for 100 families. The foundation’s CEO further reported that $59.41 million has been allocated to 5,596 injured individuals, covering 38.39% of total casualties. Additionally, the foundation is advancing multiple projects for the injured.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has urged Chinese investors to take advantage of Bangladesh’s economic opportunities. Highlighting Bangladesh as the world’s second-largest garment producer after China, Yunus emphasized the country’s strategic geographic location, with major rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra flowing through it. He also underscored the potential of Bangladesh’s youthful workforce, stating, “Our young population—both men and women—actively contribute to the economy.” Yunus stressed the need for regional connectivity, pointing out that Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s northeastern states are landlocked and would benefit from stronger trade ties with Bangladesh.

A proposed bilateral meeting between Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok will not take place. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Modi’s only scheduled bilateral meeting during his Thailand visit will be with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on April 3 to review bilateral relations. Following this, Modi will travel to Sri Lanka.

A powerful earthquake struck Southeast Asia on Friday, causing a construction site collapse in Bangkok and several buildings to crumble in Myanmar’s Mandalay, resulting in at least 20 deaths. Additionally, an old bridge over the Irrawaddy River collapsed, and many residential buildings were destroyed, trapping numerous people under the debris. Mandalay Airport and a monastery in Taunggyi suffered severe damage. Reports indicate a fire at Mandalay University, with concerns of casualties. In Bangkok, one body was recovered from the rubble of the collapsed building, while several workers were rescued alive. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in six regions of Myanmar and Bangkok. The earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, caused significant structural damage across Bangkok, including the collapse of a 30-story under-construction skyscraper in the city’s north.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India soon, announced Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a televised statement on Thursday. “Preparations for the visit are underway,” Lavrov stated. He noted that following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia after his third-term re-election, it was now Russia’s turn for a diplomatic visit. However, Lavrov did not specify an exact date for Putin’s trip.