A tragic accident occurred in Begumganj, Noakhali, when a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw’s gas cylinder exploded, leaving six passengers, including five children, severely burned. The injured have been identified as Kahinur Hossain (55), Shahriar (9), Samiya Akter (14), Ruhi (11), Tawhid (5), and Shahana (10). The explosion took place in the evening when the passengers were traveling from Maijdee to Chowrasta. As the vehicle reached the Globe Factory area on the Maijdee-Chowrasta road, the cylinder suddenly burst, causing the injuries.

In 1552, Hurrem Sultan, wife of Ottoman Emperor Suleiman the Magnificent, established the Haseki Sultan Imaret, a charitable soup kitchen located just 100 meters from the Assembly Gate of Al-Aqsa Mosque. For over 450 years, it has been serving free meals to the underprivileged, Al-Aqsa Mosque staff, and visitors in Jerusalem. Until 1948, the Ottoman sultans directly managed its operations. Today, the Jordanian Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Holy Sites oversees its administration. According to director Abu Lubdi, the kitchen distributes food throughout the year, with meal distributions increasing significantly during the holy month of Ramadan.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has left for Bangkok to attend the BIMSTEC Summit. His flight, operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:55 AM on Thursday. According to a briefing by High Representative Dr. Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday, the Chief Adviser will remain in Thailand from April 3-4 for the summit. Accompanying him are Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin. During the visit, the Chief Adviser is expected to hold bilateral meetings with BIMSTEC leaders and participate in the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).

Within the last 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have claimed the lives of 77 more Palestinians, raising the total death toll since October 23 to approximately 50,423. Over a hundred more were injured and rushed to various hospitals in Gaza, bringing the overall injury count to 114,638 since the conflict began. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli air raids since March 18 alone have killed 1,080 Palestinians and injured more than 2,600 others.

Abul Kalam Azad Mazumder, Deputy Press Secretary, confirmed that U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Alex N. Wong held a teleconference with Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the Chief Adviser’s High Representative, on Wednesday evening. The discussion covered matters of mutual interest, and both parties agreed to maintain ongoing communication. The U.S. government has recently pledged an additional $73 million in humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees, bringing its total contributions since 2017 to approximately $2.4 billion. Additionally, in recognition of student leaders from Bangladesh’s pro-democracy movement, the U.S. has decided to confer the prestigious Madeleine Albright Honorary Group Award.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new wave of tariffs, citing economic independence as the rationale. Among the affected countries, Bangladesh will see its average import duty increase from 15% to 37%. Other countries facing significant tariff hikes include India (26%), Pakistan (29%), China (34%), the European Union (20%), Myanmar (44%), Laos (48%), Madagascar (47%), Vietnam (46%), Sri Lanka (44%), Taiwan (32%), Japan (24%), South Korea (25%), Thailand (36%), Switzerland (31%), Indonesia (32%), Malaysia (24%), Cambodia (49%), the UK (10%), South Africa (30%), Brazil (10%), Singapore (10%), Israel (17%), the Philippines (17%), Chile (10%), Australia (10%), Turkey (10%), and Colombia (10%). Additionally, a 25% tariff on foreign car imports will take effect from midnight.

On Wednesday evening, the residences of two Awami League leaders in Sylhet—former City Mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury and former MP Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel—were attacked and vandalized. Earlier that day, the banned Chhatra League held a sudden protest march in the city, which may have triggered the incidents. According to locals, a group of assailants stormed Nadel’s residence in Housing Estate, damaging CCTV cameras and laptops. Later, around 7:30 PM, another group attacked Anwaruzzaman’s home in Pathantula, destroying furniture. Despite the violence, no injuries were reported in either incident.

According to a Politico report, former U.S. President Donald Trump has informed his close allies and Cabinet members that Elon Musk will step down from his federal government role in the coming weeks. Musk has been serving as the head of an open office in Trump’s administration, tasked with reducing government spending. However, he is now expected to return to his business ventures while continuing to offer advisory support to the government. While Trump has been pleased with Musk’s contributions, both reportedly agreed that the time for Musk’s exit had arrived. Speculation suggests that Musk may continue to serve as an advisor to Trump after he leaves office.

BNP Vice Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan stated that Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus endured persecution similar to BNP members. “During the fascist era, 600,000 BNP leaders and activists were subjected to false charges and harassment. Dr. Yunus also faced hundreds of fabricated cases and was oppressed at every step,” he claimed. He emphasized that BNP stood by Yunus during his struggles. Now that he holds office, he must fulfill his promise of leading Bangladesh toward prosperity and ensuring free elections. Khan further announced that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will return to Bangladesh soon, followed by Tarique Rahman, and that the entire nation is eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Dr. Tasnim Zara, Senior Joint Secretary of NCP, praised Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus for instilling integrity and dedication in the people. In a Facebook post, she wrote, “Yunus Sir has given people a taste of honesty and devotion. They will not return to extortionists.” She added, “Now is the time for a new generation. Now is the time for a new Bangladesh.”

Jahidul Islam, the Central President of Chhatra Shibir, stated that the July-August movement is a fight against oppression, extortion, and terrorism. He accused certain individuals of being power-hungry and emerging as neo-fascists. “A fascist-free Bangladesh will never allow them to succeed,” he asserted. He claimed that patriotic and fearless students are ready to shed blood and even embrace martyrdom to resist neo-fascism. Islam also warned that those who betray the sacrifices of martyrs will face severe consequences, especially if they follow directives from foreign powers. Reflecting on past hardships, he expressed enthusiasm for celebrating Eid in better times.

Abdul Latif Khan, the Chief Executive Officer of Gazipur City Corporation, has urged residents to help keep the city clean. During a cleaning drive in Chandana Chowrasta, he requested citizens to dispose of waste in designated areas rather than littering. “As part of our daily inspections, I am here today to oversee our sanitation workers. Please use the designated spots for garbage disposal. Keeping the city clean is our responsibility, and we will ensure timely waste management,” he assured.

In an interview, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated, “It’s possible that after the election, I will step down.” Prior to his role as Press Secretary, Alam worked at AFP. When asked about his future plans, he expressed a personal desire to write books but acknowledged financial concerns might lead him back to journalism. “Some suggest I enter politics, but my wife does not approve,” he added. He also highlighted the Chief Adviser’s international reputation, mentioning that the German Chancellor personally requested an appointment with him. While admitting that the government has not fully met expectations regarding law and order, he emphasized its economic successes.

A prisoner named Sujit Chandra Dey (40), accused in a case related to attacks during the mass uprising, has died while receiving treatment at Kishoreganj District Jail. Jail Superintendent Ritesh Chakma stated that at 1:40 AM on Tuesday, Sujit complained of severe chest pain and was immediately transported via ambulance to Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital. Despite receiving medical attention, he was pronounced dead at 2:20 AM. Sujit was arrested on February 18 following a case filed at Mithamoin police station on September 9 last year.

Jamaat-e-Islami has issued a statement condemning the inclusion of idols and symbolic representations in an Eid celebration rally. Golam Parwar, a Jamaat leader, criticized the display, claiming that under the “fascist government,” public enthusiasm for Eid had diminished. However, this year’s celebrations felt more genuine to many. Despite the government’s efforts to add grandeur to the festivities, the presence of idol-like symbols in the Dhaka rally deeply shocked Jamaat leaders. Parwar stated, “Islam does not permit religious joy to be expressed through idols, statues, or visible representations. There is no historical precedent of the Prophet (PBUH), his companions, or later caliphs celebrating Eid in this manner.” He urged authorities to investigate those responsible for the controversy and ensure such incidents do not recur.