11-party alliance called for a protest program

On Friday (April 3), Bangladesh is navigating a critical period marked by a deepening energy crisis, significant policy shifts, and intense political friction. To combat a severe fuel shortage and a 9-day diesel reserve, the government has announced that starting Sunday (April 5), all public and private offices will operate on a reduced 7-hour schedule (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM), while shopping malls must close by 6:00 PM. This follows a massive Tk 387 hike in the price of a 12kg LPG cylinder, now set at Tk 1,728. Amidst these economic pressures, the political arena remains heated as the 11-party alliance called for a mass protest at Baitul Mukarram this Saturday to demand constitutional reforms, a sentiment echoed by Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman during a sharp parliamentary debate with the Home Minister over procedural truthfulness. On the global front, the Middle East conflict entered its 33rd day, prompting Iran to report 7 million military volunteers and forcing Bangladesh to bypass the Strait of Hormuz by importing 100,000 tons of crude oil via the alternative Yanbu Port in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, in the sports and social sectors, State Minister Md. Aminul Haque highlighted plans for Sports Tourism in Cox’s Bazar, and Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal urged for cultural engagement to protect the youth from drug addiction.