In a New Year’s message on Facebook, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman said, “Happy New Year 1432! Heartfelt greetings to all at home and abroad.” He expressed gratitude to Allah that people of all beliefs can celebrate freely. “I firmly believe that our youth, with their sense of responsibility, will elevate the nation to new heights and fulfill the people’s aspirations.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, from prison, issued a message on the Bengali New Year urging the restoration of voting rights. “People’s fundamental rights were snatched by the fascist Hasina regime to establish autocracy,” he stated. Recalling the ongoing July Movement, he said, “Even in prison, I hear the fiery spirit of the youth. Police admit that when one protester is shot, another takes their place.” Rizvi also condemned cultural manipulation over the past 15 years, including propaganda targeting BNP leadership during festivals. “Why is electoral reform seen as separate from democracy? Democracy is a flowing river—voting rights are its lifeblood.”

Nahid Islam, convenor of the National Consensus Party (NCP), criticized previous governments for turning Pohela Boishakh into a political tool. “Its inclusive spirit was lost,” he said. “For the first time, we are celebrating a Boishakh free of fascist influence and the Hasina regime.” Emphasizing that the July Movement is for state transformation, not individual change, Nahid said, “The ongoing reforms must be implemented swiftly. Justice and change must be visible soon. The NCP is advancing with the agenda of forming a Constituent Assembly to dismantle fascism and restructure the state.”

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has demanded that the national daily Prothom Alo publicly apologize for using an image of a dog in an Eid greeting cartoon published on March 30. Recalling a previous instance where the editor apologized publicly at Baitul Mukarram for alleged disrespect toward the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, he said, “This act shows a deeply offensive mindset. Even a sacred celebration like Eid was not spared. This cartoon must be retracted, and an apology to the nation is mandatory.”

A Hamas delegation currently participating in negotiations in Cairo has described the ongoing talks aimed at ending the war in Gaza and opening border crossings for humanitarian aid as “responsible” and “positive.” Hamas confirmed that discussions are also underway with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah regarding the reconstruction of Gaza and the integration of Palestinian institutions in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. “We remain open to new proposals as long as the talks focus on a full cessation of hostilities in Gaza and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces,” the group stated. “We will not compromise on our legitimate demands: a total end to the war, Israeli withdrawal, Gaza’s reconstruction, recognition of our political rights, and an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki claimed that the Mongol Shobhajatra had previously been exploited by certain political groups for their own benefit. This year, he said, the procession returned to its roots—a celebration by and for the people, free of political interference.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam declared that the nation has already rid itself of many negative elements, and whatever remains will soon disappear. Speaking during the New Year festivities, he emphasized that the festival has turned into a joyful national gathering. “This celebration is for everyone—plains or hills, all ethnic groups,” he said, also noting the continued progress of the country.

In the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 37 Palestinians across Gaza, including six brothers who were distributing food to the hungry. The WHO reported that bombing near Al-Ahli Arab Hospital resulted in a child’s death due to disrupted medical services. Since 2023, Israel’s military campaign has killed 50,944 people and injured 116,156 in Gaza. Since March 18 alone, 1,574 Palestinians have died and 4,115 more injured.

Myanmar has returned 20 Bangladeshi nationals who were detained for attempting to travel illegally to Malaysia by sea. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Dr. Md. Monwar Hossain, oversaw the repatriation and reiterated the embassy’s commitment to verifying and facilitating the return of all detained Bangladeshis. Over the past two years, 352 citizens have been repatriated, including 85 last September.

With the theme “Harmony of the New Year, End of Fascism,” this year’s Mongol Shobhajatra concluded back at the Faculty of Fine Arts after traversing Shahbagh, TSC, Central Shaheed Minar, Doel Chattar, and Bangla Academy. Starting at 9 AM, thousands from all walks of life joined the jubilant procession, celebrating the Bengali spirit with vibrant art and cultural performances.

Participants in this year’s Mongol Shobhajatra expressed strong solidarity with Palestine. Many carried Palestinian flags and placards reading “Free Palestine.” A giant watermelon sculpture, symbolizing resistance and resilience, was also featured. Organizers explained that the colors of the watermelon reflect those of the Palestinian flag, making it a powerful cultural symbol of their ongoing struggle.

In a tragic incident in Chandina, Cumilla, a man named Md. Sabuj attempted self-immolation after being falsely accused of theft. Sabuj, whose body sustained 30–35% burns, was hospitalized in Cumilla Medical College. The incident followed an unfair fine of BDT 50,000 imposed by local leaders after two auto-rickshaws went missing during his night watch. Unable to pay, Sabuj refused the judgment. On Sunday, under pressure and provocation, he was detained and his rickshaw seized—leading to the desperate act.

At the close of its Pahela Baishakh program at Ramna Batamul, Chhayanaut observed a one-minute silence to honor those killed in Gaza. At 8:30 AM, performers and attendees stood in solemn remembrance. Executive President Dr. Sarwar Ali condemned the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, especially the killing of children, and expressed solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for justice and dignity.

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck south of the Fiji Islands on Monday morning at 8:03 AM. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake originated at a depth of 174 kilometers. No casualties or tsunami warnings were reported. The quake follows a series of tremors that shook India, Myanmar, and Tajikistan on Sunday.

The traditional Mongol Shobhajatra (procession of goodwill) began with a burst of colors and symbolic artwork, including masks, puppets, and large bamboo sculptures of animals and nature. Participants included teachers, students, artists, and citizens of all ages—including many foreign nationals. This year’s Shobhajatra, the first in a “New Bangladesh,” featured artistic representations of rural life, nature’s harmony, and a massive portrait of Sheikh Hasina. The procession, organized by the Faculty of Fine Arts, started at 9 AM and circled through Shahbagh, TSC, the Central Shaheed Minar, Doel Chattar, and returned to its point of origin.