After meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former U.S. President Donald Trump said ceasefire negotiations in Gaza are ongoing. Trump noted efforts to rescue hostages and described Gaza as a death trap that will take years to rebuild. He criticized Israel for previously withdrawing from Gaza and said some countries are willing to accept Palestinian refugees to ease their suffering. Trump reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel, citing the annual $4 billion in aid, and noted that although freed hostages were physically unharmed, many were severely traumatized.

Israeli forces have now taken control of more than half of the Gaza Strip. The military reported that the largest continuous area under Israeli control is near the Gaza border, where homes, farmland, and infrastructure have been destroyed. The military buffer zone has doubled in recent weeks. Israeli troops have also occupied the Netzarim Corridor, effectively cutting off northern Gaza, including Gaza City, from the south—home to over two million people. Prime Minister Netanyahu has announced plans to create another corridor through southern Gaza to isolate Rafah.

Following attacks and vandalism at Bata showrooms in eight districts across Bangladesh, allegedly due to misconceptions that the company is linked to Israel, Bata has issued an official statement. The statement clarified that Bata is a private, family-owned company with no political affiliation or ownership ties to Israel, nor any involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The company expressed deep regret over the vandalism of its retail outlets, stating that these incidents were fueled by false claims. “We strongly condemn all forms of violence,” the statement concluded.

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.