A 13-year-old tourist drowned while bathing in the Piyain River at Jaflong Zero Point in Sylhet on Monday afternoon. The deceased, identified as Nayon Mia, was from Dirai upazila in Sunamganj, according to the police. According to locals, Nayon had come to visit Jaflong with his friends on Eid day. While bathing in the river near Zero Point, he was swept away by the strong current and went missing. Woman beaten to death in C'nawabganj His companions and locals rescued him and rushed him to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Sarkar Tofayel Ahmed, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gowainghat Police Station, said, “The body of a tourist who drowned at Jaflong has been recovered. After completing legal procedures, it will be handed over to the family.”

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to visit Pakistan at his convenience as he sees "bright future" for Dhaka-Islamabad ties. He shared the information regarding his telephone conversation through his verified X handle. The Pak prime minister had a "pleasant telephone conversation" with Dr Yunus on Monday and exchanged Eid ul Fitr greetings. Sharif reaffirmed their "shared commitment" to further strengthen Bangladesh-Pakistan ties. Pakistan eager to hold foreign secretary level talks with Bangladesh to boost ties He said they looking forward to Pakistan deputy prime minister and foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar's visit to Dhaka on April 22 accompanied by a trade delegation. Apart from reiterating his "cordial invitation" to Dr Yunus to visit Pakistan at his convenience, the Pakistan PM invited a cultural troupe from Bangladesh to Pakistan with legendary singer Runa Laila. "The future looks bright for Pakistan-Bangladesh ties, Inshallah," Sharif said. Prof Yunus also felicitated the people of Pakistan on the occasion of the Eid, said the Chief Adviser's press wing. The leaders of two of the largest majority Muslim nations earlier met in Cairo during the D-8 Summit in December and during the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September last year.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday vowed to build a new Bangladesh keeping the nation united despite numerous obstacles. "Despite hundreds of obstacles, we will build a new Bangladesh as a united nation," he said, highlighting the importance of national unity. Dr Yunus offered Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the National Eidgah Maidan and delivered the speech before offering Monajat. 6 lakh devotees offer Eid prayer in Kishoreganj’s Sholakia ground He called for unity on this holy day of Eid, noting that Eid is a day of overcoming distance, a day of closeness, a day of love. "Let us celebrate thist day with deep love, let us convey the message to everyone." Dr Yunus said they will definitely realise that dream. "Despite hundreds of obstacles, no matter how many obstacles we face, we will build a new Bangladesh as a united nation, Inshallah.”

A large number of devotees gathered for Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in Khulna on Monday, with the main prayer held at the Khulna Circuit House ground at 8 am. The prayer was led by the President of the Khulna District Imam Council, Principal Maulana Mohammad Saleh. Khulna Divisional Commissioner Firoz Sorkar and Deputy CommissionerSaiful Islam also attended the prayer. A special prayer was offered during the Eid prayers for the souls of those who lost their lives in the July uprising as well as for the swift recovery of the injured. The congregation also prayed for the peace of the souls of those killed in the recent brutal attacks by Israeli occupying forces in Gaza and other parts of Palestine and for the recovery of the wounded. In addition to the main prayer, other Eid prayers were held at various locations across Khulna. At 8:30 am, the Eid prayer was conducted at the Model Mosque near Khulna Alia Madrasa, and at 9 am, another prayer took place at the Khulna Town Jame Mosque. Meanwhile, two Eid prayers were held at the Baitun Noor Jame Mosque, operated by the Khulna City Corporation. The Khulna City Corporation, under the supervision of ward officials, also arranged separate Eid prayers in every ward of the city. The first prayer was held at 8 am, the second at 9 am, and the third at 10 am at the Khulna Town Jame Mosque. In a notable first, Khulna University organised an Eid prayer at its central field, where a single prayer was held at 8 am. After the prayer, a special supplication was made for the greater Muslim Ummah, for the prosperity and success of the nation, and for the ongoing success and progress of Khulna University.

Thousands of worshippers gathered at Sylhet Shahi Eidgah for the main Eid ul-Fitr congregation on Monday. The congregation, which started at 8:30 AM, was led by Maulana Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, the Imam and Khatib of the Bandar Bazaar Central Jame Masjid. Prior to the prayer, a sermon was delivered by Hafiz Maulana Kamal Uddin, the Imam and Khatib of the same mosque. Eid Through Generations: A three-dimensional celebration in Dhaka SMP’s Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media), Mohammad Saiful Islam, said, “The sacred Eid ul-Fitr congregation was held at the Shahi Eidgah with the participation of thousands of worshippers under adequate security arrangements.” Notably, the sermon and the supplication following the prayers were led by the renowned scholar of the subcontinent, Shaykhul Hadith Allama Mufti Rashidur Rahman Faruk (Baruni). During the prayer’s conclusion, worshippers raised their hands in heartfelt supplication, seeking forgiveness for their sins. Many were moved to tears as they prayed for peace, welfare, and the well-being of the nation, as well as for the Muslim community worldwide. After the prayer, a spirit of unity and warmth filled the air as worshippers greeted each other with hugs, creating a harmonious atmosphere across the Eidgah grounds. The congregation at the Eidgah saw the participation of various political leaders, senior administrative officials, journalists, and people from different professions, all coming together to offer their prayers. This year, Sylhet’s second-largest Eid congregation was held at the Dargah Hazrat Shah Jalal (R.) shrine mosque, while the third-largest congregation took place at the Aliya Madrasa field. In addition to these, Eid congregations were also held at Kudrat Ullah Jame Masjid, Shah Paran (R.) shrine mosque, and the Tabligh Jamaat gathering place at Khozarakhla Jame Masjid. According to the police administration, a total of 2,846 Eid congregations took place in Eidgahs and mosques throughout Sylhet district and city. Of these, 392 congregations were held in Sylhet city, with 305 held in mosques and 87 in Eidgah. In the wider Sylhet district, 2,454 Eid congregations took place, with 2,043 in mosques and 411 in Eidgah. This information was confirmed by both the Sylhet District and Metropolitan Police and the Islamic Foundation. Given the changed circumstances this year, the Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) and district police established a special security ring for the first Eid celebration. Strict security measures were also implemented for the Eid congregations and in the subsequently quieter city and tourist spots. To ensure safety, the police established a four-layer security ring around the Eid congregations. Traffic and patrol police were stationed at checkpoints, and thorough searches were conducted in the Eidgah grounds and surrounding areas. 6 lakh devotees offer Eid prayer in Kishoreganj’s Sholakia ground Additionally, all police units remained on high alert to prevent crimes such as house thefts, highway robberies, and muggings in the deserted streets. The Tourist Police were also prepared to provide enhanced security in tourist areas.

Two people died and two others injured after a bus hit a CNG-run autorickshaw in Gazipur on Monday. The accident happened around 10 am in the Shibbari area of Gazipur city. The identities of the victims were yet to be confirmed, said Sub-Inspector (SI) Swapna Akter of Joydebpur Police Station. It was suspected that a bus belonging to Gazipur Paribahan, travelling at high speed towards Dhaka, lost control and struck the autorickshaw. As a result, two people died at the scene. The two injured were transported to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, said Gazipur Fire Service Station Master Samad Mia. After the collision, the crowd, angered by the incident, set the bus on fire. A fire service unit arrived at the scene and brought the fire under control, he added. The bodies of the deceased were sent to Gazipur Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital morgue, said the SI.

The historic Sholakia ground in Kishoreganj witnessed an unprecedented congregation of about 600,000 worshippers for the 198th Eid-ul-Fitr prayer, held peacefully amid tight security measures on Monday. The congregation, which took place at 10 am, was led by Mufti Abul Khayer Mohammad Saifullah. "For the largest Eid congregation in recent memory, approximately 600,000 worshippers performed their prayers," said President of the Sholakia Eidgah Management Committee. Following the prayer, special prayers were offered for the martyrs of significant historical events, including the 1952 Language Movement, the 1971 Liberation War, and the 2024 People's Uprising. Additionally, a prayer was made for the martyrs of Gaza in Palestine and for the oppressed Muslim Ummah worldwide. As favourable weather conditions prevailed, a large crowd gathered, stretching across several kilometres around Sholakia Field. In keeping with tradition, three gunshots were fired before the prayer to signal the beginning of the ceremony, ensuring that all preparations were in place. The congregation saw the participation of a wide array of dignitaries, including Kishoreganj’s Additional District Commissioner, Mejazabe Rahmat, Superintendent of Police Hasan Chowdhury, and various administrative officials, as well as numerous politicians. According to the Sholakia Eidgah Management Committee and the Kishoreganj District Administration, this year’s gathering was the largest Eid congregation in recent memory, with an estimated 600,000 worshippers offering their prayers. To ensure safety and manage the large number of attendees, an extraordinary five-tier security system was put in place for the event. Personnel from the BGB, RAB, police, and Ansar forces were deployed throughout the area, and worshippers underwent security checks with metal detectors before entering the grounds. For the first time, the security duties were entrusted to the army. The arrival of devotees began early in the morning, with people flocking to the Sholakia Eidgah, located on the eastern edge of the district town near the Norosunda River. Traffic in the surrounding areas was halted for several hours to accommodate the immense influx of people. Additionally, to facilitate the participation of worshippers from far-off places, two special trains, dubbed the 'Sholakia Special,' were arranged. One train departed from Mymensingh at 5:45 am, and another left Bhairab at 6 am, both carrying thousands of worshippers to the Sholakia grounds. The establishment of the Sholakia Eidgah dates back to 1828, when Dewan Haybat Khan Bahadur, the sixth descendant of Munsid-i-Ala Isha Khan, founded it along the banks of the Norosunda River, covering an area of approximately seven acres. Local lore has it that during one Eid congregation, more than 1.25 lakh worshippers gathered at Sholakia for prayer, which led to the field being named ‘Sowa Lakhia,’ now known as Sholakia. Today, the field, covering almost seven acres, consists of 265 rows for the worshippers.

Consumers in vast areas around the capital may experience low gas pressure for 24 hours, from Tuesday to Wednesday. According to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC, due to urgent tie-in work at GTCL's off-transmission point, low gas pressure may prevail in the Titas Gas-affiliated areas of Joydevpur, Tongi, Chandra, Konabari, Ashulia, Savar, Dhamrai, Manikganj, and adjacent areas. This will occur for a total of 24 hours, from 8 am on Tuesday (April 1) to 8 am on Wednesday (April 2). Titas Gas authorities have apologised to their customers for the temporary inconvenience.

Khagrachhari is expected to witness a massive influx of tourists during the nine-day Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. Tourism entrepreneurs are hopeful about making good business with the surge in tourists. Uttam Kumar Majumder, manager of the Khagrachhari Tourism Motel, said, "A huge number of tourists will visit Khagrachhari during Eid this time. Most of the hotels and motels in the city have already been booked. We hope that if everything remains normal, business will be good during this Eid holidays." Dr Yunus offers Eid prayers at National Eidgah Industry insiders estimate that between 100,000 and 150,000 tourists will travel to Khagrachhari and Sajek during the nine days Eid vacation. Popular attractions such as the mysterious Alutila tunnel, the hanging bridge, Tareng, and the Richang waterfall are set to be bustling with visitors, much like previous years. Hotel and motel businesses are anticipating a significant rise in customers during the Eid season. To ensure the safety of tourists, dedicated tourist police will be deployed at all major attractions. As seen in previous years, tourism businesses are optimistic about an overwhelming number of visitors flocking to Khagrachhari during the Eid holidays. Nature enthusiasts and travel lovers are expected to head to the hills to explore the region’s mountains, forests, and waterfalls. While the district attracts tourists throughout the year, stakeholders believe the number will multiply several times during the Eid break. The district’s tourist spots are fully prepared to welcome visitors, with additional security measures already in place at key locations like Alutila. Zahidul Karim, Zone In-Charge of the Khagrachhari District Tourist Police, said, "The district tourist police are working to ensure the safety of incoming tourists. For additional security, our mobile team will conduct regular patrols in the tourist spots. Security has already been strengthened at all locations." Eid being celebrated in Barishal with solemnity, festivity With full preparations in place, Khagrachhari is gearing up for a vibrant and bustling tourism season this Eid.

Muslims across Bangladesh are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, their biggest religious festival on Monday after a month of fasting. The Shawwal moon was sighted on Sunday evening, confirming the end of Ramadan. Dr Yunus offers Eid prayers at National Eidgah Thousands have already left Dhaka to celebrate Eid with their families in their village homes. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus offerrd Eid prayers at the National Eidgah grounds at 8:30 am. He will later exchange Eid greetings with dignitaries at his office in Tejgaon. Earlier, the Chief Adviser greeted the people of the country on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. "I wish everyone a joyful Eid Mubarak. During Eid, may you travel to your homes peacefully and joyfully with your family," he said. Meanwhile, a Eid joy procession, organised by Dhaka South City Corporation, started from Agargaon and ended in front of the National Parliament Building, reports our photographer from the spot. Television channels and radio stations will air special programmes marking the occasion. Besides, special meals will be served at hospitals, jails, government children’s homes (Chotomoni Nibash), centres for persons with disabilities, shelter homes, orphanages and vagrant and destitute welfare centres. Several villages in Chandpur, Faridpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Chattogram, Jhenaidah, and Bhola celebrated Eid on Sunday, aligning with Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. Earlier on Sunday, DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali assured that there was no security threat in Dhaka during Eid. Eid being celebrated in Barishal with solemnity, festivity “The residents of Dhaka remained safe throughout Ramadan, and police effectively controlled petty crimes,” he said after inspecting security arrangements at the National Eidgah, where the main Eid congregation will take place. To ensure public safety, 15,000 police personnel will be deployed across the capital.