West Bengal Police took Faisal Karim Masud, the main accused in the murder of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, and his associate Alamgir Hossain into 14-day remand for questioning. Amid this, a photocard circulated on social media claimed that Hasnat Abdullah, Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4 and leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP), made a controversial statement about the case.

According to an investigation by the Rumor Scanner team, Hasnat Abdullah did not make the alleged comment. The claim originated from a satirical Facebook page called 'Dainik Mollardesh', which had posted the photocard on March 9. The page identifies itself as a satire and parody platform, and similar humorous posts were found there.

The investigation found no credible media or official sources supporting the claim. Review of Hasnat Abdullah’s verified Facebook page also revealed no such statement, confirming that the viral photocard was a satirical creation misrepresented as real news.

Iran has issued a stern warning that it will target US-linked installations across the Middle East if attacks by the United States and Israel intensify. According to Al Jazeera, Ibrahim Zulfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated that any strike on Iranian infrastructure would prompt Tehran to destroy all American assets and facilities in the region.

Zulfaqari said the warning was in response to continued threats from US President Donald Trump, who had mentioned plans to destroy Iran’s bridges, power plants, and energy infrastructure. He added that if such threats were carried out, Iran’s armed forces would target US and Israeli energy, economic, and infrastructure sites throughout the Middle East, including in allied countries hosting American military bases.

He further cautioned those countries to expel US forces if they wished to avoid damage. The warning followed Trump’s recent claim that US forces had destroyed one of Iran’s largest bridges, sharing images of a collapsed suspension bridge between Tehran and Karaj on social media.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has described fascism as a contagious disease reflected in the current government's actions. Speaking at a leadership gathering in Keraniganj on Friday, April 3, he said the struggle of Jamaat and 11 allied parties would continue until people's rightful demands are fulfilled. He urged unity against oppression and warned that any attempt to create chaos would be met with a firm response.

During his address, Rahman criticized the government’s handling of the fuel crisis, saying official statements made it seem as if Bangladesh was floating on oil. He also condemned the decision to close schools and shift education online, calling it a sign of government foolishness.

The remarks came amid broader political tensions, with opposition groups continuing to challenge the government’s policies and governance style.

A recent US intelligence assessment found that Iran has managed to keep about half of its missile launchers intact despite weeks of attacks by the United States and Israel, according to sources cited by CNN. The report also indicated that Tehran still possesses thousands of one-way attack drones, with roughly 50 percent of its drone capability remaining operational.

The assessment contrasts with recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who claimed that Iran’s missile and drone capabilities had been largely destroyed, leaving only a few launchers and factories intact. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated last month that ballistic missile attacks on US forces had dropped by 90 percent since the conflict began, and the use of one-way or “kamikaze” drones had also decreased by a similar margin.

The differing assessments highlight uncertainty over the true extent of Iran’s remaining strike capacity following sustained US and Israeli operations.

BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister’s adviser Mirza Abbas has been transferred from the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) to a cabin at Singapore General Hospital. The development was confirmed on Friday, April 3, by BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan. Abbas had been taken to Singapore by air ambulance on March 15 and admitted to the hospital the same day. After spending about 18 days in the CCU, he was moved to a cabin early Friday morning.

According to medical advice, Mirza Abbas is now able to speak a little with others, and his physical condition has improved compared to before. The update indicates gradual recovery following weeks of intensive care in Singapore.

Further details about his treatment or expected discharge have not been disclosed in the report.

Concerns have grown after reports that recent US-Israel attacks in Iran targeted civilian infrastructure, including universities and heritage landmarks. According to the report, US President Donald Trump suggested on Truth Social that further large-scale strikes could follow, mentioning bridges and power plants as potential targets. The statement has intensified fears of escalating destruction of Iran’s remaining infrastructure.

Under international law, attacks on hospitals, educational institutions, religious sites, and other civilian facilities constitute clear violations of the Geneva Conventions. Since the joint US-Israel military campaign began on February 28, several key civilian sites have reportedly been struck, raising questions about compliance with humanitarian norms.

Observers warn that such actions not only deepen the humanitarian crisis but also represent serious breaches of international law. The situation has heightened regional tensions, with Iran warning of retaliation if attacks continue.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Bangladesh has cancelled all types of leave for doctors, officers, employees, and health workers at government health institutions. The directive, issued on Thursday by the DGHS administration branch, comes in response to a growing outbreak of measles-related pneumonia among children across the country.

According to the office order, both earned and casual leaves are suspended until further notice. The decision aims to ensure uninterrupted medical services during the emergency and to strengthen the ongoing measles vaccination campaign. The suspension applies to all officials and staff under the DGHS and its affiliated institutions.

The move reflects the government’s effort to mobilize the entire public health workforce to contain the outbreak and maintain continuous healthcare delivery during the crisis.

A mild to moderate heatwave is currently sweeping across the northwestern region of Bangladesh, causing widespread discomfort amid rising temperatures. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the heatwave expanded on Friday to cover districts in Khulna and Rajshahi divisions as well as Tangail, Manikganj, Faridpur, and Nilphamari. The department forecasts that the situation may persist until Sunday, with daytime and nighttime temperatures expected to rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists said that Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature on Thursday at 38.5°C, followed by Mongla at 38°C and Rajshahi at 37.5°C. The lowest temperature was 19.7°C in Tetulia. The department also noted that this year’s heatwave is likely to be less intense than in 2023 and 2024, when heatwaves lasted 22 and 26 consecutive days respectively, as intermittent rainfall is expected this time.

The weather office further predicted that two to four mild to moderate heatwaves and one to two severe ones may occur later in April, with temperatures possibly reaching 40–42°C. Some areas in Sylhet and Chattogram divisions may experience scattered rain, gusty winds, or hailstorms during this period.

A severe shortage of petrol and octane has disrupted fuel supply across Bangladesh, with long queues forming at filling stations in Dhaka and other regions. Many pumps have limited sales, allowing only small purchases per vehicle, while some stations remain closed due to depleted stocks. Despite the crisis, Bangladesh produces a significant portion of its petrol and octane domestically from condensate extracted at gas fields, particularly in Sylhet and Habiganj.

Officials and experts attribute the shortage mainly to panic buying and hoarding triggered by fears over global oil supply disruptions linked to the Iran war. The government maintains that the country has sufficient reserves and continues to import additional fuel to stabilize supply. Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said measures such as QR code systems for motorbikes, fuel cards, and alternating supply days have been introduced to curb misuse and ensure fair distribution.

Analysts warn that while domestic production can meet part of the demand, reduced condensate output and rising global prices may pose future challenges for diesel, crude oil, and LNG imports.

A vessel named MT Yuan Jing He carrying 27,300 tons of diesel arrived and anchored at Chattogram Port on Friday, April 3, 2026. The ship, which came from Singapore, was berthed at the port’s Dolphin Jetty at noon. Officials from Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) confirmed the arrival and inspection of the vessel at 2 p.m. The ship is the ninth diesel carrier to reach Chattogram since the onset of the Middle East conflict.

According to BPC sources, the arrival is part of ongoing efforts to maintain stable fuel supplies in Bangladesh despite regional instability. Two additional large vessels carrying LPG and LNG were also anchored at the outer mooring of the port, expected to further ease the country’s energy supply system. BPC stated that alongside existing pipeline reserves, imports from alternative sources outside the Middle East have been strengthened to prevent shortages.

The corporation noted that fuel tankers have been arriving at Chattogram Port in succession in recent days as the government seeks to stabilize supply through diversified import channels.

Former Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif has said that Tehran should declare victory and end the ongoing war. In an article published in the U.S.-based journal Foreign Affairs, Zarif called on Iran to pursue an agreement that would both conclude the current conflict and prevent future hostilities.

Zarif, who previously led Iran’s negotiations with the United States and other countries over its nuclear program, outlined a framework for ending the war under favorable terms for Tehran. His proposal includes lifting all sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear activities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He also suggested that Iran and the United States commit to refraining from attacking each other in the future and explore economic cooperation beneficial to both nations.

According to Zarif, such an agreement could represent a pragmatic path toward stability and mutual benefit, potentially marking a shift in Washington’s willingness to engage under new conditions.

The government of Pakistan has increased petrol prices by 43 percent and high-speed diesel prices by 55 percent, citing rising global oil costs caused by the ongoing war in Iran. The announcement was made on April 3, 2026. The country’s energy minister stated that government resources are limited and that the conflict shows no sign of ending soon.

Pakistan relies heavily on imported oil, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The government recently reported securing safe passage for some Pakistan-flagged vessels through the strait, which Iran has effectively closed. This marks the second fuel price hike since the start of the Iran war.

Compared to pre-war levels, petrol prices in Pakistan are now 77 percent higher and diesel prices 87 percent higher. The government said certain users will continue to receive subsidies.

City Bank PLC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at accelerating climate finance in Bangladesh. The agreement, signed at City Bank’s headquarters in Dhaka by Managing Director and CEO Mashrur Arefin and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller, focuses on advancing the country’s emerging green and thematic bond market.

Under the partnership, UNDP will provide technical assistance to City Bank for issuing green bonds. City Bank stated that it is preparing to issue its first green bond, viewing the collaboration as a step toward expanding sustainable finance and strengthening Bangladesh’s green bond ecosystem. UNDP emphasized that unlocking new sources of climate finance is vital for the country’s sustainable development.

The partnership is expected to set standards for future thematic bond issuances and encourage greater private sector participation in sustainable finance. City Bank reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmental, social, and governance practices and supporting Bangladesh’s climate priorities through a more sustainable financial ecosystem.

Extensive waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall and blocked drainage has submerged vast areas of Boro paddy fields across Sunamganj, leaving farmers in distress. Field visits revealed that many haor lands are under waist-deep water, with paddy stems rotting. Farmers blame the Utharia embankment for trapping water despite the presence of sluice gates. Some demand cutting the embankment to release water, while others fear it could flood the area further. The Water Development Board acknowledged waterlogging as a recurring issue and suggested new plans including sluice gates and canal excavation.

Farmers from multiple upazilas, including Tahirpur, Dirai, Jamalganj, and Madhyanagar, reported crop damage and sleepless nights fearing more rain. Many said hybrid paddy varieties are more vulnerable to submersion compared to traditional tall varieties. The Department of Agricultural Extension confirmed that 1,189 hectares of land are already submerged and advised farmers to drain water quickly. The district administration held meetings with farmers and representatives to discuss long-term solutions and informed the government of the need for new water management plans.

This season, Boro cultivation covered about 223,000 hectares in Sunamganj, targeting 1.4 million metric tons of production, now at risk due to persistent waterlogging.

The White House has announced a 100% tariff on imported patented foreign medicines, marking a major shift in U.S. trade and health policy. Exporting companies can avoid the high tariff by signing agreements with the U.S. government. The move, formally declared on Thursday, fulfills President Donald Trump’s long-standing warning to impose tariffs on imported drugs. Officials said the policy aims to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce national security risks.

Analysts noted that the immediate impact may be limited since the measure excludes generic drugs, which dominate U.S. consumption. Several major pharmaceutical firms have already signed agreements exempting them from the tariff, and more are expected to follow. Companies pledging to begin U.S. production by January 2029 will face a reduced 20% tariff, while those agreeing to government pricing terms could see tariffs fully lifted.

The White House stated that the policy has already prompted about $400 billion in pledged investments. However, experts warned that smaller firms may face higher costs, and the long-term effects remain uncertain after Trump’s term ends in January 2029.