Environmental adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has warned that climate change poses a severe threat to Bangladesh’s national security, territorial integrity, and social stability. “Climate change isn’t just about water turning salty — it’s about losing land, displacing people, and endangering our sovereignty,” she said. Crop failures, water shortages, and mass displacement will lead to conflicts, she warned. Hasan highlighted the plight of coastal women suffering from saline water exposure and the hopelessness among farmers, calling for long-term rehabilitation plans. She also noted that in the future, the military may need to focus not only on disaster management but also on handling climate refugees. Citing alarming projections, she stated that a one-meter rise in sea level by mid-century could submerge 21 coastal districts, and by 2100, 52 small island nations — including the Maldives — could disappear entirely. “This is not just a fight to save trees; it’s a fight to save our country. If we fail, the future generations will inherit a Bangladesh unrecognizable from today’s map.”

The Border Security Force (BSF) of India has reportedly obstructed a road construction project near the Kathgir border in Bhurungamari, Kurigram. The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) is currently paving a 2.5 km road from Aziz Doctor’s house to the residence of the late Kashem Member. According to contractor Shahin Sikder, the project, funded with BDT 26.1 million, faced resistance from BSF during excavation near the border, specifically for a 250-meter stretch. BSF also instructed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to halt work. A meeting between BGB and BSF took place at noon on Monday, though the discussion outcomes remain undisclosed. Work continues on the rest of the road, with hopes that the final section will resume pending resolution. Officials have confirmed there is no current tension at the site.

Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refat Ahmed stated that reforms in any sector will fail to sustain without foundational changes in the judiciary. “Judicial reform has become synonymous with national reform,” he said. Recalling his tenure, the Chief Justice highlighted a comprehensive infrastructural and constitutional reform proposal he presented to the nation. While significant portions have been implemented, he emphasized that many critical and challenging steps remain ahead.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has sent a letter to Donald Trump requesting a three-month suspension of U.S. tariffs on Bangladeshi products. He emphasized that this grace period is critical to executing planned economic reforms and requested time for consultative meetings with U.S. officials.

Bangladesh’s Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam has ordered the arrest of those responsible for attacks on shops and businesses during recent Gaza protests. The police are analyzing video footage to identify the culprits. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that while peaceful protests are allowed, violence will not be tolerated. BIDA’s Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun expressed regret, noting that several affected businesses were tied to local entrepreneurs and foreign investors, providing vital employment opportunities.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Rezaul Karim launched a scathing attack on Israel, accusing it of genocidal acts that surpass the brutality of pre-Islamic barbarism. He declared that Israel has become a terrorist state and called for its complete eradication from the world map. Karim urged a global boycott of not just Israeli products but also Jewish establishments worldwide. He warned that unless Israel halts its aggression, Muslim youth will be forced to march on Israel.

Islamic scholar Maulana Mizanur Rahman Azharī announced he will physically attend the “March for Gaza” mass protest organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh. The march will begin from Shahbagh and end at Manik Mia Avenue on April 12 (Saturday). He called on people from all walks of life—regardless of political affiliation—to unite for humanity, justice, and Gaza.

Ali Riaz, Vice President of the National Consensus Commission, emphasized the need for inclusive dialogue to build a true national consensus. Speaking during talks with the AB Party, he said that representation should not be limited to a specific group and that citizens must have avenues to participate in reform discussions. Public input will be gathered through the commission’s website and national surveys, with detailed plans to be announced soon.

The U.S. has revoked student visas of over 400 international students, including five from Bangladesh, for participating in pro-Palestine protests. Senator Mark Rubio claimed many were involved in violent activities. Coordination with universities led to their identification. Restrictions on employment for those involved in protests have also been introduced. Harvard University condemned the move, stating that students were targeted and arrested without its consultation.

As part of the ‘Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025,’ organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), a delegation of 70 foreign investors visited two special industrial zones in Chattogram on the summit’s opening day. They toured factories and received a briefing from Youngone Corporation about its operations in the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ). Investors inquired about product lines, export volumes, employment statistics, and challenges in foreign investment. Despite administrative hurdles, representatives noted that Bangladesh remains a profitable investment destination.

BNP leader Emran Saleh Prince has called on the Muslim world to unite in resistance against Israeli aggression. Highlighting the global protests against the Gaza attacks, he said the world cannot remain silent in the face of such atrocities against Palestinian men, women, and children. He urged the United Nations to take decisive action and demanded timely national elections to address broader conspiracies.

French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned Israel’s recent attacks on Gaza and the breach of ceasefire agreements. Speaking at a joint press conference in Cairo with Egypt’s President, Macron called for immediate talks to establish a ceasefire. He reiterated France’s opposition to the forced displacement of people from their homeland and the occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. Macron described the Israeli aggression as a gross violation of international law and a direct threat to regional security. He joined a summit with Egyptian President El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin has written to the U.S. Trade Representative seeking the removal of unfair tariffs on Bangladeshi exports. He noted that while Bangladesh imposes an average 6.10% duty on U.S. imports (with raw cotton and iron scrap at 0% and 1% respectively), the U.S. has withdrawn preferential treatment and imposed 15% tariffs on all Bangladeshi goods. Bangladesh is now considering adding 100 more U.S. products to its duty-free list as part of ongoing trade cooperation under the bilateral TIFA agreement.

The government of Bangladesh has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s continued attacks and gross human rights violations in Gaza. In an official statement, it noted that since the ceasefire breach, Israeli strikes have killed numerous Palestinians, many of them women and children, while also blocking humanitarian aid. Bangladesh urged Israel to cease all military actions and uphold international humanitarian law and called upon the UN and global community to take action. It reiterated support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.

As part of the global ‘The World Stops for Gaza’ campaign, protests and human chains were organized across Bangladesh. Demonstrations were reported in Science Lab, Mohammadpur, and Badda, with students boycotting classes and exams to join. Employees from various institutions also participated, holding placards that read “Free Palestine” and “Stop Killing in Gaza.” BUET students, along with demonstrators at the Raju sculpture and university campuses like JU, RU, JnU, BRUR, BAU, RUET, CUET, GUB, MaWUB, and DUET, joined in support.