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imposes an average 6.10% duty on U.S. imports (with raw cotton and iron scrap at 0% and 1% respectively), the U.S. has withdrawn preferential treatment and imposed 15% tariffs on all Bangladeshi goods.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.

Following the launch of 10 rockets toward Ashdod and Ashkelon on Sunday night, Hamas spokesperson Jihad Taha stated that the group possesses the capability to shake Israel. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Taha criticized the international community’s inaction against what he called Israel’s genocide and war crimes in Palestine, carried out by a fascist regime. He said the attacks on Ashdod and Ashkelon were acts of defense. Taha condemned Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to the Temple Mount and vowed that as long as Israel continues its occupation, land seizures, and desecration of holy sites, the resistance will persist.

As Israeli attacks in Gaza intensify, a group of youth staged a demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka to show solidarity with the Palestinian people. Protesters stated their unwavering moral stance against this brutality and chanted slogans in support of Gaza. Security forces, including military personnel, were deployed in the area, forming a human barrier and conducting searches. Police later confirmed that the protest remained peaceful.

Sargis Alam, Chief Organizer of the NCP, accused Indian PM Narendra Modi of further cementing his status as an extremist Hindu nationalist. Referring to the approval of the controversial Waqf Bill, Alam called it a “black law” that compromises India’s secular democratic ideals. He stressed that true national consensus in India requires removing leaders like Modi from power.

Students, faculty, and staff of Eastern University formed a human chain in front of the university’s main gate on Monday to express solidarity with the people of Palestine. They protested peacefully against the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, holding placards, participating in prayers, and condemning the oppression and human rights violations. The protestors demanded an immediate end to the attacks and called for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories. Academic activities at Eastern University were suspended for the day. Several other private universities, including BRAC, ULAB, and East West, also observed a “No Work, No Class” day in solidarity with Palestinians.

At a protest rally in Dhaka against Israeli aggression in Gaza and India’s controversial Waqf Bill, the Dhaka Committee of the National Committee for People’s Rights (NCP) voiced strong condemnation. Speaking at the event, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain declared, “Just as a ‘July revolution’ has occurred in Bangladesh, a day will come when Palestine too will witness its own July.” He criticized global powers that continue to defend Israel’s crimes against humanity and called on the international community to take immediate and effective steps to stop the genocide in Gaza. Akhtar also demanded the cancellation of surveillance equipment procured from Israel during the Awami League’s tenure, labeling it a threat to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence. The protest also included strong condemnation of India’s recently passed anti-Muslim Waqf Bill, with NCP leaders accusing both Israel and India of targeting Muslim communities with oppressive policies.

At a protest against Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Hefazat-e-Islam leader Mufti Jasim Uddin stated that the blood of oppressed Palestinians will not be shed in vain. He said their martyrdom will pave the way for victory and the eventual establishment of a free and sovereign Palestinian state. He compared Israel’s brutality to the historic destruction of Baghdad by Hulagu Khan and labeled the attacks as war crimes. He urged the UN and international organizations to take immediate and effective action.

Protests have erupted across the world, demanding an end to Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. In Washington, D.C., thousands rallied, calling for a halt to military operations in Gaza and for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state. Similar mass demonstrations took place in cities across Turkey, including in front of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, criticizing U.S. support for Israel. The largest rally occurred in Rabat, Morocco, where hundreds of thousands marched on Sunday. Berlin also witnessed significant protests.

The EkNojor team is fully aware of the ongoing, relentless genocide and severe human rights violations in Gaza. We join countless people around the world in strongly condemning the silence and inaction of global powers and international organizations. In solidarity with the global initiative “The World Stands for Gaza” taking place today, April 7, 2025, EkNojor has decided to suspend all operations for the day.

According to the Private University Students Alliance of Bangladesh (PUSAB), various private universities across Bangladesh have expressed solidarity with Gaza through the ‘The World Stops for Gaza’ initiative. Participating institutions include: East West University, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Hamdard University Bangladesh, United College of Aviation, Bangladesh Maritime University, Sonargaon University, Army Institute of Business Administration-Sylhet, Bangladesh University, Brahmanbaria University, BRAC University, Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib University, RTM Technical University, Royal University of Dhaka, European University of Bangladesh, Pundra University, Asian University, Bangladesh Islamic University, Central Women’s University, Khulna Khan Bahadur University, Rabindra Maitri University, North Badda Kamil Madrasa, Southern University, ZNRF University of Management Sciences, Bangladesh Army University, Primary University, Metropolitan University, and Chittagong Independent University. Additionally, many private, autonomous, and national universities are set to participate in the “No Work, No School” program on April 7th to show solidarity with Palestine.

Dhaka University law student Rezwan Ahmed Rifat announced that on April 7, educational institutions across Bangladesh will hold solidarity events demanding an end to the genocide in Palestine and calling for an independent Palestinian state. A central protest rally will be held at the Raju Memorial Sculpture at DU at 4 PM. Similar events will be held globally, including in front of the UN office in New York. “We urge everyone to join this global protest for justice,” he said.

A 17-year-old Palestinian boy, Walid Ahmed, has reportedly died in Israel’s Megiddo prison after allegedly being denied food. He had been held without charge for six months. Walid collapsed suddenly and died from a severe head injury. Following appeals from his family, Israeli authorities conducted an autopsy, overseen by Dr. Daniel Solomon. The findings revealed that Walid suffered from acute malnutrition, inflammation, colon complications, and scabies. Reuters reports that his body showed signs of extreme weight loss and muscle wasting.

Hamas’ military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, released a video on Saturday featuring two Israeli hostages. In the video, one of the captives says, “We want to breathe in a free home, see the moon and stars. Please save us. The Israeli army is bombing us — even the building we’re in was hit.” He continued, “Hamas fighters saved our lives. They pulled us into tunnels 30 meters underground to shield us from the bombs. There is no sunlight here.” Another hostage in the video urges the Israeli public not to trust the government. “They claim they’re pressuring Hamas, but all they’re doing is bombing — even if it means we get hurt. Please pressure the government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for our release.”