Foreign ministers of BIMSTEC nations have signed a maritime transport cooperation agreement in Bangkok, aiming to enhance regional connectivity. The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry issued a statement highlighting the significance of this agreement in strengthening economic integration. During the meeting, Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain raised concerns about the 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and urged Myanmar to create favorable conditions for their repatriation with full rights and security.

Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad, confirmed that the Chief Adviser is set to deliver a speech at the BIMSTEC Young Gen Forum on “Future-Ready BIMSTEC: Role of the Young Generation Toward Pro-BIMSTEC.” He arrived in Bangkok on Thursday at noon and was welcomed by Thai Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai. The forum will focus on seven key pillars of regional cooperation: trade and investment, climate change, security, agriculture and food security, people-to-people connectivity, science and innovation, and infrastructure development. The Chief Adviser will also hold bilateral meetings with regional leaders.

Three individuals, including the main suspect, Shoaib Rahman Jishan (25), have been arrested for harassing and assaulting a female journalist in Dhaka’s Banasree area. The victim stated that while she and her younger brother were at a juice shop around 7:30-8:00 PM, a group of local youths started harassing her. When her brother protested, they attacked him. When she intervened, they physically assaulted her as well. The incident went viral on social media, leading to police action.

US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose high import tariffs has drawn criticism from world leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Meloni labeled the 20% tariff on EU products as a “mistake,” while Albanese called the 10% duty on Australian goods “unjustifiable.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez vowed to protect Spanish businesses and workers, reaffirming commitment to a free global market. Ireland’s Taoiseach Michael Martin called Trump’s move “deeply regrettable.” China, facing a 54% tariff on its exports, urged Washington to withdraw the tariffs immediately, warning of retaliatory measures if ignored. South Korea remarked that a full-scale global trade war is now a reality, while Japan and Thailand also expressed concerns over the economic impact.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared plans to tighten military control over Gaza by securing the Morag Corridor, similar to the already-occupied Philadelphi Corridor. Israeli forces attempted to seize the corridor on Tuesday night. Located between Khan Younis and Rafah, the corridor was named after a former Israeli settlement vacated in 2005. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will continue escalating military action and the blockade until all hostages are returned.

A violent altercation between two factions of the BNP left at least 10 people injured in Kaina village, Bauphal, Patuakhali. The conflict erupted over a music event organized near a local mosque. The incident occurred when Sohrab Mridha, Yusuf Mridha, and Nasir Mridha got into a heated argument with event organizer Chunnu Mridha. At one point, Chunnu and his group—comprising Dulal, Liton, Mojibor, Jashim, Ujjal, and 10-15 others—attacked them with sharp weapons and sticks. When local residents attempted to intervene, they too were assaulted. Both factions are affiliated with the BNP.

British MP Tulip Siddiq has stated that her legal team is prepared to address any formal questions regarding corruption allegations against her in Bangladesh. When asked if she regrets her past association with the fallen Awami League after the mass uprising, she responded, “Check my legal letter and see if there’s anything for me to answer. The Bangladeshi authorities have never contacted me, but I am waiting to hear from them.” Last month, Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus told Sky News that Tulip Siddiq had left assets in Bangladesh and should be held accountable for them.

The interim government of Bangladesh has shown little enthusiasm for implementing the IMF’s loan conditions, deeming them contrary to national interests. As a result, the IMF has delayed three installments of its loan disbursement. The key conditions set by the IMF include raising the exchange rate of the dollar, increasing electricity prices, and boosting tax revenue. However, with Bangladesh’s economic condition improving, the government feels less pressured to comply. Meanwhile, the IMF faces mounting resistance from multiple nations due to its stringent policies, forcing it to consider relaxing the conditions for Bangladesh.

In response to the recent tariff hikes imposed by the US—ranging from 15% to 37% on Bangladeshi products—the government is reviewing import duties on US goods. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, stated, “The National Board of Revenue is evaluating options for tariff rationalization.” Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Faiz Tayeb Ahmed, emphasized that while global economies brace for these new trade barriers, Bangladesh is positioning itself as an attractive destination for international investors by ensuring streamlined registration processes, export incentives, secure industrial zones, stable electricity, and reliable internet in its EPZs, Hi-Tech Parks, and Special Economic Zones. The US remains the largest market for Bangladesh’s garment industry, raising concerns over the long-term impact of these tariffs.

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.