Nine out of the world’s ten richest individuals have lost a combined $370 billion since the beginning of the year, primarily due to market instability triggered by former US President Donald Trump’s trade war policies.

Warren Buffett stands out as the only billionaire who saw his fortune grow—by $11.5 billion—during this period. Others were not so lucky: Elon Musk lost $135 billion, Larry Ellison $44.9 billion, Jeff Bezos $42.6 billion, Larry Page $34.7 billion, Sergey Brin $32.5 billion, Bernard Arnault $26.2 billion, Mark Zuckerberg $24.5 billion, Steve Ballmer $20.4 billion, and Bill Gates $9.45 billion.

Experts warn that continued trade tensions may deal a heavy blow to the global tech industry. China has already signaled this possibility by tightening controls on its tech exports.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur led a delegation to London from March 17 to 21 as part of a high-profile diplomatic initiative to recover laundered assets and participate in global workshops on financial inclusion and interconnectivity.

As head of the asset recovery task force, Governor Mansur was the keynote guest at a meeting held at Portcullis House, UK Parliament. The event was attended by UK MPs Jo Powell, Rupa Huq, Baroness Uddin, and former Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk.

During the meeting, Dr. Mansur called for stronger cooperation in recovering stolen wealth and urged the UK government to impose sanctions on those involved in money laundering. He also met with Catherine West, Minister for Asia at the UK Foreign Office, expressing gratitude for the UK’s support. The visit included engagements with legal professionals and media representatives to build momentum around the issue.

Six individuals were arrested by the army during a raid on a house in Adabor, Dhaka. The suspects—members of the ‘Kobji Kata Anwar’ gang—were found with two hand grenades, 16 machetes, two samurai swords, two Chinese axes, three knives, and a large cleaver. They allegedly gathered at a house in Shyamoli Housing before committing robberies and assaults.

Aman Azmi, son of former Jamaat chief Ghulam Azam, claimed that on January 18, 1970, two individuals were martyred while shielding his father during an attack by Chhatra League and Awami League members at a rally in Paltan. He said his father personally treated the wounded, who took shelter near their home. Azmi added that after Yahya Khan took power in 1969, Governor M.N. Huda offered his father a ministerial post, which he refused to retain his freedom to criticize the government.

In a sharp escalation of trade tensions, China has announced an 84% tariff on all American goods, effective from Thursday. This move comes in retaliation to the United States imposing a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, which Beijing has described as “oppressive.”

The Chinese Ministry of Finance stated that the new tariffs are a necessary response to the U.S.‘s aggressive trade policies. Analysts believe this development marks the beginning of another round of trade war between the world’s two largest economies—raising concerns about potential negative impacts on the global economy.

Despite the escalation, China has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with the U.S. government to resolve the conflict. In a white paper released on Wednesday, Beijing emphasized its consistent efforts to maintain mutually beneficial trade relations with Washington. The document acknowledges that trade disputes are “normal” but stresses the importance of safeguarding China’s national interests.

In a joint meeting on Wednesday, Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh and the National Citizen Party (NCP) reached a consensus on several key issues. Both parties agreed that the Awami League should be tried for genocide and its registration as a political party must be revoked. They also demanded the swift withdrawal and resolution of politically motivated cases filed during the Awami League’s tenure. Additionally, they called for a suspension of all Awami League political and organizational activities until the trial is concluded. Both parties emphasized the importance of initiating this legal process before the next election and supported declaring the Awami League a terrorist organization prior to the polls.

BNP will organize nationwide protest and solidarity rallies on Thursday to condemn Israeli atrocities in Gaza and Rafah. The central rally will begin at 4 PM in front of BNP’s Naya Paltan office and proceed through Kakrail, Malibagh, and Moghbazar before ending at Banglamotor. The party has urged all members and the public to join.

During a meeting with UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, Baroness Rosie Winterton, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus called for enhanced cooperation with the UK to strengthen Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Regarding the upcoming national election, Dr. Yunus stated, “If political parties can agree on a short-term reform process, elections could be held in December. However, if a broader reform agenda is adopted, elections may be pushed to June.” Baroness Winterton expressed satisfaction with the reform roadmap, noting the strong historical ties between the two nations. Dr. Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s transition period, highlighting a shortage of nurses. “Nursing is not only a national issue—it’s a global need. We aim to train more nurses for both Bangladesh and the world,” he added, seeking comprehensive UK support across sectors.

India has revoked the transshipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to export goods to third countries via Indian land customs stations, ports, and airports. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs issued the cancellation order on April 8, also scrapping a 2020 directive that enabled the process. Goods already in transit through India will be allowed to exit. The move follows lobbying from India’s apparel exporters. This decision impacts exports to Nepal and Bhutan, which relied on Indian territory for transport.

The Dhaka Education Board announced that students can fill up HSC forms with late fees from April 13 to 21 and must complete payment via Sonali Sheba by April 22. Institutions are responsible for ensuring form completion. HSC exams start June 26 and run through August 10, with practicals from August 11 to 21.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stressed that elected governments earn more trust from investors. Referring to a speaker at the investment summit, he echoed that maintaining democratic continuity via elections is crucial. He pointed out that the growth of the garment industry and private sector in Bangladesh was rooted in BNP’s policies, highlighting that when BNP left power 21 years ago, the GDP growth rate was 7.06%.

In a recent interview, Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam emphasized that a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) could lead to an employment boom in Bangladesh. Citing Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, he noted the country’s urgent need for large-scale FDI to create massive employment opportunities.

“We need to knock on every door and say, ‘We are ready—come and invest,’” he said. Shafiqur added that wherever he travels—be it China, the US, New York, or Dublin—he presents Bangladesh as an attractive investment destination.

“If this happens, there will be a flood of jobs in the country,” he said, stressing that these jobs must be quality positions, not ineffective or low-grade ones. He also pointed out the need for stronger infrastructure and logistical support to accommodate such growth and mentioned that establishing Bangladesh as a global manufacturing hub is a dream of the Chief Adviser.

BNP is seeking a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus by December to discuss a roadmap for the upcoming national election. Salahuddin Ahmed stated that resolving election-related uncertainty requires a clear timeline. He also emphasized restoring the pre-15th amendment constitutional balance, although the party has not proposed removing secularism. BNP is also not in favor of declaring a state of emergency.

The government has amended the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Rules, 2009, allowing both manual and online registration. Required signatories can now digitally sign or provide fingerprints for online registration. Legal barriers to implementing the online system have been resolved, and software development is underway.

Election Commissioner A.F.M. Sanaullah announced that an advisory team comprising experts will be formed today to ensure the voting rights of Bangladeshi expatriates. He noted that 115 out of 178 countries allow overseas citizens to vote, primarily through embassies, postal ballots, and online or proxy voting. Due to limitations in embassy reach, these three options are being studied for implementation in Bangladesh.