As temperatures soared during the massive ‘March for Gaza’ gathering in Dhaka, the Tawheed Foundation stepped in to offer free water and juice to attendees. Organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh, the event drew large crowds. A volunteer said, “We just wanted to provide some comfort to the people here. We also hope everyone boycotts Israeli products.”

Thousands gathered in Dhaka today for the ‘March for Gaza’ rally, with processions arriving from every direction. Protesters came on foot, by bus, pickup truck, rickshaw—and even on horseback. Demonstrations converged from locations like Paltan, Gulistan, Shahbagh, and Nilkhet, all heading to Suhrawardy Udyan. A declaration of solidarity with Palestine will be read out in Bangla, English, and Arabic, followed by prayers to conclude the event.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order removing household water usage limits, originally introduced to conserve water. According to Al Jazeera, Trump criticized the regulations, saying, “I want to shower properly and take care of my beautiful hair. But I have to stand under the water for 15 minutes for it to even get wet. It’s ridiculous.” The previous limits were introduced by Obama in 2009, reinstated by Biden, and now scrapped again by Trump, who argued, “Water remains the same, and we’re opening it up for the people so they can live.”

According to Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal, Israeli forces have resumed airstrikes on Gaza in violation of the ceasefire, killing at least 500 children. One such strike targeted a newborn named Sham and her family. She lost her arm in the blast and died hours later. On the same day, orders were issued for evacuations in Shuja’iyya and Khan Yunis, leaving many Palestinians without any clear destination. Since March 18, over 1,500 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 3,800 wounded in renewed Israeli airstrikes.

NCP Joint Convenor Sarwar Tushar has alleged that TV producers are being pressured politically to reduce his participation in talk shows. In a Facebook post, Tushar wrote, “I was going to ignore it, but I can’t stay silent anymore. Three different producers told me the same thing over the past week—they’re under ‘political pressure’ and only trying to include me on air.” He questioned, “What is this political pressure? Who is behind the effort to silence me? And why?”

Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has strongly condemned the burning of the effigy symbolizing fascism, reportedly associated with Prime Minister Hasina, at the Faculty of Fine Arts early yesterday. “Whether they belong to the soft Awami League or the so-called ‘B Team,’ everyone involved must be brought to justice swiftly,” Farooki said. He also emphasized that the upcoming rally must carry even greater significance. “This year’s initiative was the most inclusive so far. We even tried to understand the university authority’s position. But after yesterday’s incident, the presence of this symbolic demon feels more inevitable than ever. July marches on,” he added.

Popular Islamic preacher Mizanur Rahman Azhari encouraged citizens to join the ‘March for Gaza,’ organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh. From early morning, crowds began pouring into Suhrawardy Udyan from Shahbagh, Doel Chattar, and Nilkhet. Azhari posted that he was en route himself, urging others to participate in solidarity with the people of Gaza.

In response to Trump’s hike in tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, Beijing imposed up to 125% tariffs on U.S. imports but declared it would not escalate further. The news triggered a global stock market downturn, a dip in the dollar’s value, and a rush on U.S. government bonds. Gold prices soared to record highs. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bassent said bilateral trade deals could stabilize markets. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a meeting with Spain’s PM, urged joint EU-China resistance to U.S. “bullying” and expressed interest in rules-based global trade.

The Israeli military has dismissed about 1,000 reservists after they signed a letter demanding an end to the war in Gaza. Chief of Staff General Herzi Halevi approved the dismissals on Thursday. The open letter, signed earlier this week by several Israeli Air Force members, described the war as politically motivated rather than for national security. The signatories argued that hostages could only be freed through a ceasefire, not continued conflict.

Amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, former U.S. President Donald Trump took a hardline stance, maintaining sanctions and threatening tougher actions. Ahead of a key nuclear deal negotiation with Iran, the U.S. deployed the USS Carl Vinson to the Gulf region. It joins the USS Harry Truman, already stationed there for operations against Houthi rebels. Washington claims both deployments aim to pressure Iran into compliance.

Border Guard Bangladesh detained three Bangladeshi nationals — Parimal Shahji (33), Santosh Shahji (25), and Bipasha Sarkar (18) — at the Dharmaghar border in Brahmanbaria while they attempted to cross into India illegally. They were reportedly trying to enter Agartala via a trafficker named Kamrul Islam. Two men were seeking employment at a sweet shop, while the woman was seeking medical treatment. Mobile phones, SIM cards, Indian rupees, and Bangladeshi currency were seized from them.

Thousands are expected to gather today at Suhrawardy Udyan for the ‘March for Gaza,’ organized by the Palestine Solidarity Movement Bangladesh. The event, starting at 3 PM, will be presided over by Baitul Mukarram Khatib Maulana Abdul Malek. Organizers have completed preparations, including a stage, watchtower, power supply, and the installation of 200 loudspeakers across the venue. People began arriving since morning, waving Bangladeshi and Palestinian flags. Participants include people from all walks of life and representatives from across the political spectrum.

A new political party named “Democratic Citizens’ Force” has been launched with a slogan focused on national liberation, equality, democracy, and a prosperous Bangladesh. Chairman Dr. Abdul Malek Farazi called for leadership by capable individuals like Dr. Muhammad Yunus. He criticized past governments for serving foreign interests and vowed to pursue politics free of foreign influence. The party’s joint convenor, Sohel Hossain Khan, read the declaration. Farazi was previously associated with Gono Odhikar Parishad.

An effigy titled ‘The Face of Fascism,’ representing Sheikh Hasina, was burned early Saturday morning at Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Faculty. The artwork, created for the Pahela Baishakh rally, stood 20 feet tall and featured a terrifying female face with horns and hollow eyes. Another installation, a ‘Peace Dove,’ was also destroyed. The incident occurred during a brief lapse in security around Fajr prayer, according to Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed.

OpenAI has filed a countersuit against Elon Musk, escalating their ongoing legal conflict. The tech firm accused Musk of harassment and asked the court to prevent him from taking further “unlawful and unjust actions” against the company. Musk co-founded OpenAI with Sam Altman in 2015 but left in 2018. After launching xAI in 2023, Musk has been accused of attempting to block OpenAI from becoming a for-profit entity. He previously sued OpenAI to halt changes to its corporate structure.