Following the breakdown of a ceasefire, renewed Israeli attacks on Gaza are causing devastating harm to children, with at least 100 children killed or injured daily, said UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini. “This war is not theirs, yet it is claiming their lives,” he stated, urging immediate action to protect Gaza’s children. Lazzarini added that nearly 15,000 children have reportedly died since the war began a year and a half ago. Pakistan has called on the UN Security Council to take immediate steps to halt the war.

U.S. stock markets took a major hit following China’s announcement of retaliatory tariffs, with major indices dropping around 6%. After former President Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese imports, China responded by slapping an additional 34% tariff on all U.S. goods starting April 10. The S&P 500 fell 6%, Nasdaq dropped 5.8%, and Dow Jones declined 5.5%, while the Russell 2000 dipped 4%. Analysts say this is the worst trading day since the onset of COVID-19.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated on Facebook that during a bilateral meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed great respect for Professor Muhammad Yunus. Praising Yunus’ work, Modi reportedly said, “We have seen the disrespectful treatment you received from Hasina, despite our good relationship with her. But we have always respected you.” Shafiqul further revealed that when Professor Yunus raised the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, India’s response was not negative. “We are confident that one day Hasina will be extradited to Dhaka and we will witness the trial of the century!” he said. Modi also reportedly emphasized several times that India’s relationship is with the people of Bangladesh, not with any one party or individual.

Swechchhasebak Dal leader Shahin Mia (27) was allegedly abducted and beaten by a group led by Swechchhasebak League leader Sarol in Siddhirganj. Shahin said he was setting up a tea stall when Sarol’s group demanded Tk 50,000 in extortion. Upon refusal, he was forcibly dragged into a private car by Sarol, his brother Nishad, and others. He was released only after promising to pay the amount. A case has been filed, and Shahin claimed he was also threatened with being blackmailed via a video involving local weapons.

Hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees gathered along the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Kurigram to participate in the sacred Astami Snan ritual. The ritual, which started at 4 a.m., is expected to continue until 5 p.m. along a two-kilometer stretch from Ramna Bandar to Putikata in Chilmari. To accommodate the pilgrims, 22 educational institutions were opened for lodging, while 44 temporary booths were set up for changing clothes and overnight stay. Security has been intensified to ensure safety during the event.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam highlighted the shift in Bangladesh’s diplomatic posture, writing, “Dr. Khalilur was the first BCS-recruited diplomat to reach top ranks at the UN. He brought significant dynamism to foreign policy.” Alam mentioned a pivotal moment when Dr. Khalilur held a 15-minute talk with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister and a one-hour discussion with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, opening new diplomatic avenues. He emphasized, “Bangladesh is no longer known for timid diplomacy.” Yunus also thanked the UN chief for visiting the Rohingya camps during iftar.

A violent clash erupted in Jajira, Shariatpur between supporters of Union Parishad Chairman Kudduz Bepari and Swechchhasebak League leader Jalil Madbor. The long-standing rivalry over local dominance escalated when both groups engaged in a confrontation in the Durbadanga area. A 15-second viral Facebook video shows people throwing homemade bombs from buckets in an open field, followed by loud explosions and heavy smoke.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said, “I have spoken with President Xi. Bangladesh needs support in these critical times, and China has shown interest.” Yunus emphasized that Bangladesh presents new opportunities for economic and trade development, attracting interest from Chinese investors and entrepreneurs. On poverty, Yunus noted, “The face of poverty is the same everywhere. The solution lies in recognizing human creativity and supporting it institutionally.” He drew parallels between his “Three Zero” philosophy and President Xi’s modernization framework, stating they align closely in values.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met with his long-time friend and former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The two reminisced about past collaborations, including Thaksin’s visit to Bangladesh in 2001 after becoming Prime Minister, where he was inspired by Yunus’s Grameen Bank model to launch a similar microcredit initiative in Thailand. They discussed the potential resumption of direct flights between Chiang Mai and Chattogram—a route that once took only an hour. Thaksin recalled traveling on the inaugural flight with former PM Khaleda Zia. Yunus sought Thaksin’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to join ASEAN and emphasized the importance of Thai cooperation in resolving the Rohingya crisis.

Cities across India — including Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad — witnessed mass protests on Friday against the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act. Thousands from the Muslim community took to the streets, accusing the government of interfering with religious properties. Effigies were burned in anger, and in some places, police clashed with demonstrators. In Gujarat, authorities forcibly removed elderly protestors sitting on the streets. The protest in Chennai was organized by a political party led by actor Vijay. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also voiced strong opposition, assuring the state’s Muslim population that their rights would not be compromised.

A passenger bus operated by Itihas Paribahan was robbed while in motion on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway, marking the third such incident in recent weeks in Savar. Armed robbers disguised as passengers took control of the vehicle and looted gold jewelry, cash, and other valuables worth several lakhs of taka. The bus driver, Rojob Ali, and his assistant, Emdadul Haque, have been taken into custody for questioning by Savar Model Police Station. After holding passengers at knifepoint and seizing their belongings, the robbers fled after stopping the bus near Rajfulbaria.

Myanmar’s Prime Minister and State Administration Council Chairman Min Aung Hlaing met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Bangkok on Friday. During the meeting, Professor Yunus expressed deep condolences for the recent earthquake casualties and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s solidarity with the people of Myanmar. “Rescue teams have already been deployed and we are ready to provide additional assistance, including ships, if needed,” Yunus said. Min Aung Hlaing congratulated Yunus on assuming the BIMSTEC chairmanship. Myanmar also confirmed that it has finalized the identities of 180,000 Rohingya refugees, preparing for their repatriation.

At least 40 people were injured when a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims overturned on the Hemayetpur-Manikganj regional highway in Savar. The accident occurred while the bus was crossing the Bhasha Shaheed Rafique Bridge. The pilgrims were en route to the Gangasnan festival at Nangalbandh in Narayanganj, having started their journey from the Kalibari Temple in Manikganj. The bus, operated by Shuvojatra Paribahan, was chartered for the religious trip before it crashed mid-journey.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a new immigration initiative dubbed the “Gold Card” visa. Priced at $5 million, the visa offers foreign nationals the opportunity for permanent residency in the United States. The card features Trump’s image along with the inscription “The Trump Card.” Trump announced, “This exclusive visa will be available in less than two weeks. I’m the first buyer myself.” The program is being pitched as a premium alternative to the traditional Green Card, with Trump claiming it could create jobs and help reduce the national deficit. In February, he expressed hopes of selling around one million of these visas.

The United States has moved forward with the sale of more than 20,000 assault rifles to Israel, a deal initiated during the Trump administration. Although the Biden administration initially paused the sale over concerns that the weapons could be used by extremist settlers in the occupied territories, a March 6 notification from the U.S. State Department to Congress indicates the transaction is now back on track. According to documents reviewed by Reuters, the sale includes 5.56mm caliber fully automatic Colt carbines, worth an estimated $24 million. Earlier, President Biden had imposed sanctions on individuals and organizations allegedly involved in violence in the West Bank — sanctions that were swiftly revoked by Trump upon taking office.