Factory.ai has released its new Factory desktop app, a native interface for managing Droids across software workflows. The app is available immediately on macOS and Windows and supports running multiple Droid sessions simultaneously. Each session maintains its own context, progress, and history, allowing users to manage different tasks such as feature builds or migrations without interruption. The app also introduces persistent Droid Computers that retain installed packages, repositories, and credentials between sessions.

The release expands Factory’s ecosystem with support for both cloud-managed and user-provided machines. Teams can register their own hardware, including GPU-equipped systems, to run local AI models through Factory’s BYOK system, ensuring data remains within secure networks. The desktop app integrates with VS Code, supports AI-native visualizations, and provides a unified interface for monitoring logs, configurations, and system status. It also extends to mobile devices, enabling users to manage sessions remotely.

Factory.ai reports that enterprise adoption of Droids increases significantly when both CLI and desktop interfaces are available, suggesting broader accessibility for non-engineering roles such as designers and product managers.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) returned the body of Bangladeshi citizen Ali Hossain, aged 38, nearly 17 hours after he was shot dead along the Patgram border in Lalmonirhat. The handover took place at 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, near border pillar 868/3 in the presence of both Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and BSF officials. The process was confirmed by Lieutenant Colonel Syed Fazle Munim, commander of the Teesta-61 BGB battalion. Earlier, Indian police from Mathabhanga station had handed the body to Patgram police, who later delivered it to Hossain’s elder brother, Anwar Hossain.

According to local sources, the incident occurred late Tuesday night when Ali Hossain reportedly crossed the zero line near the Dhabalguri border and entered about 500 yards inside Indian territory. The BSF claimed that 7–8 Bangladeshis had entered India to cut the barbed-wire fence, prompting warning shots. During a scuffle, Ali Hossain was hit by a bullet and later declared dead at an Indian hospital.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions and risks faced by civilians along the Bangladesh-India border.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described Israel’s one-day assault on Lebanon on Wednesday, April 8, as 'atrocious', citing reports of at least 254 deaths and widespread destruction. His statement, reported by Al Jazeera, came just hours after Israel had reportedly agreed to a ceasefire with Iran.

Türk said the killings and devastation were 'nothing short of horrific' and warned that such violence placed immense strain on a fragile peace that was vital for civilians. He emphasized that all attacks must comply with the core principles of international humanitarian law—distinction, proportionality, and precaution—to ensure civilian protection.

The UN official reiterated that these principles are non-negotiable and must be upheld in all armed conflicts under any circumstances.

The Gaza Government Media Office reported that at least 262 journalists have been killed in Israeli attacks since the start of the ongoing war in Gaza. The office stated that the death toll rose following the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Mohammad Wishah. The information was cited in a report by Al Jazeera on April 9, 2026.

In its statement, the Gaza Media Office accused Israeli occupation forces of systematically targeting, killing, and assassinating Palestinian journalists. It strongly condemned these actions and described them as deliberate and brutal crimes. The office also held Israel, along with the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, fully responsible for what it called crimes of genocide.

The statement reflects continued tension and international concern over the safety of journalists covering the conflict in Gaza, as well as broader accusations of accountability directed at Israel and its allies.

A leader of the Bangladesh Jubo Dal’s Airport Thana unit, Russell Sarkar, has submitted a written petition to the Prime Minister seeking organizational and disciplinary action against Al Amin Hossain Shanto, general secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s Airport Thana branch. The letter was received by the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday. The petition accuses Shanto of extortion, assault, and misuse of power in the Uttara area, alleging that he has become a source of fear and controversy since August 5 and has grown more reckless after the national election.

According to the complaint, Shanto faces two separate cases: one filed on March 7 at Uttara East Police Station for allegedly assaulting fuel station staff and looting Tk 90,000, and another filed on April 4 at Dakshinkhan Police Station for attacking Jubo Dal leaders over a dispute involving government soil sales. The petition also claims that Shanto operates under the protection of Dhaka North Chhatra Dal president Salahuddin Ahmed, which has prevented internal disciplinary measures.

Russell Sarkar urged the Prime Minister to ensure justice and take steps to protect the image of both the government and the BNP by holding Shanto accountable.

A new public opinion poll has found that most Americans want Congress to begin impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump without delay. The survey, conducted among 790 registered voters, revealed that 52 percent favored impeachment while 40 percent opposed it. The poll, sponsored by progressive activist groups 'Impeach Trump. Again.' and 'Free Speech for People,' also showed that one in seven Republicans supported Trump’s removal.

The poll’s findings carry political significance as Trump was impeached twice during his first term but acquitted both times in the Senate. His second impeachment followed the January 6 Capitol riot, when 57 senators, including seven Republicans, voted to convict him—short of the required two-thirds majority. The latest impeachment calls have intensified following Trump’s recent military action against Iran, which has reshaped political dynamics in Washington and among voters.

The survey, led by Free Speech for People president John Bonifaz with pollster Celinda Lake’s firm, had a margin of error of 3.9 percent. Bonifaz described the early-stage results as unprecedented, noting that public opinion against Trump has shifted faster than it did during Richard Nixon’s presidency.

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight bound for Chennai returned to the boarding bridge at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after a passenger became seriously ill just before takeoff. The BG-363 flight was scheduled to depart at 11:20 a.m. on Wednesday. While the aircraft was on the runway preparing for departure, cabin crew informed the pilot about the passenger’s sudden illness. The pilot immediately contacted air traffic control, canceled the takeoff, and requested permission to return.

Air traffic control informed the pilot that two military aircraft were about to land and that the flight could return once they had landed. The pilot confirmed that ground services were ready and that oxygen was being administered to the passenger onboard. After the military aircraft landed, BG-363 was cleared to return to the boarding bridge, where the passenger was safely disembarked and given medical assistance.

According to airport authorities, the flight resumed its journey at 1:10 p.m. and landed in Chennai at 3:07 p.m. Biman Bangladesh Airlines stated that passenger safety and emergency medical support were given top priority.

A meritorious student from Mahishakhola village in Kushtia’s Kumarkhali upazila, Omar Osman Raju, received financial assistance from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami after struggling to afford university admission fees. Despite passing the Jahangirnagar University entrance exam for the 2025–26 academic year, Omar had been working as a laborer harvesting onions due to his family’s financial hardship.

Omar lost his father to kidney disease at a young age, and his mother has since supported the family by working in others’ homes. He completed his SSC in 2023 with GPA 5 and HSC in 2025 with GPA 4.92, preparing for admission tests with help from a local coaching teacher. The Mohammadpur East Thana branch of Jamaat-e-Islami provided him with cash assistance under the supervision of Jahangirnagar University Students’ Union General Secretary Majharul Islam.

The initiative, attended by local Jamaat leaders and student representatives, has drawn local appreciation for supporting talented but financially challenged students like Omar.

Two workshop workers were killed when a tin-roof structure collapsed at a warehouse in Sonai Chhari Union’s Bara Auliya Baktarpara area of Sitakunda upazila, Chattogram, on Wednesday afternoon. The victims were identified as Md Faruk, 30, from Noakhali, and Md Zahir, 35, from Cumilla. The incident occurred at a facility named All Trade International, located near the coastal area. Families of the deceased have filed two separate cases against the factory owner and management authorities.

According to local sources, several workers were cutting a tin-roof sheet with a welding machine when the structure suddenly gave way, trapping Faruk and Zahir underneath. They were rescued with the help of a crane but were declared dead at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. Locals alleged that the workers were made to work in unsafe conditions without proper safety measures. The former chairman of Sonai Chhari Union Parishad said the factory processed dust from rolling mills for export, but its legal approval status needs verification.

Police have visited the site and confirmed that investigations are underway to determine negligence and the factory’s authorization status. No arrests have been made so far.

North East University Bangladesh (NEUB) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Engineer Mohammad Iqbal stated that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the education system. Speaking on Wednesday as the chief guest at a two-day training and seminar organized by NEUB’s Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), he emphasized that continuous learning and skill development are essential to remain competitive globally. He also highlighted the need for both teachers and administrative officials to enhance their skills through training to build a competent and qualified workforce.

The event, held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the university’s auditorium and conference room, focused on improving professional skills, institutional capacity, and ensuring quality education. Certificates were distributed among participants. The program was presided over by IQAC Director Professor Dr. Ranjit Kumar Dey and conducted by Additional Director Rathindra Chandra Gop.

Deans, department heads, members of the Board of Trustees, and administrative officials attended the event. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to improving skills, institutional capacity, and maintaining a quality learning environment.

The schedule for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s foreign trip has not yet been finalized, according to an official clarification issued on Wednesday, April 8. Assistant Press Secretary Sujan Mahmud stated in a Facebook post that reports circulating in various media outlets about the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit abroad were inaccurate.

Sujan Mahmud wrote that the dates and destinations for the Prime Minister’s possible foreign trip remain undecided. He also urged the public not to believe rumors spreading on social media regarding which country Rahman would visit first. Earlier in the day, several media reports claimed that the Prime Minister would make his first official trip to India by May 10, but those reports were later confirmed to be incorrect.

The clarification aims to dispel misinformation and ensure that the public relies only on verified updates about the Prime Minister’s official engagements.

Iran carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia’s crucial east-west oil pipeline, according to a Reuters report citing relevant sources on Wednesday. The same sources said several other Saudi installations were also targeted. The assault may disrupt oil supply through the pipeline, and authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage.

In a statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that it used drones and missiles to strike multiple targets in the region. Among the targets were oil facilities operated by American companies located in Yanbu. Experts warned that the incident could further intensify what is already one of the world’s most severe energy crises.

The full scale of the damage and the potential impact on global oil markets are still being evaluated, with no immediate details on restoration efforts.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that delegations from the United States and Iran are expected to arrive in Pakistan on Friday for talks. However, conflicting reports have emerged about who will participate in the meeting.

According to two unnamed Pakistani sources cited by Reuters, US Vice President J.D. Vance will lead the American delegation, which is scheduled to meet in Islamabad with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Meanwhile, US media outlets quoted President Donald Trump as saying that direct talks with Iran would take place “very soon,” though security concerns might prevent Vance from attending.

The meeting, if confirmed, would mark a rare diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, with Pakistan serving as the host venue. Details about the agenda and participants remain uncertain.

A joint operation has been launched in the western Sundarbans of Satkhira to combat forest bandits. Beginning on Wednesday morning, April 8, the campaign involves coordinated efforts by the upazila administration, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, police, and the Forest Department. The forces are conducting searches across canals and remote forest areas, focusing on suspected hideouts of the bandits.

The operation follows recent incidents of forest workers being kidnapped and one being injured by gunfire from bandits. Authorities stated that the main objective is to ensure the safety of local forest workers and to completely eliminate bandit activity from the Sundarbans. Shyamnagar Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Rashed Hossain said the operation will continue until the forest is free of bandits and that coordinated law enforcement efforts aim to secure the area.

Local forest workers and residents have expressed relief over the operation and called for a permanently bandit-free Sundarbans.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has initiated a joint operation to prevent artificial shortages and stabilize prices of essential commodities, including fuel and edible oil. The operation began at noon on April 8, 2026, in the outer anchorage of Chattogram, following intelligence reports that some unscrupulous traders were illegally hoarding goods on lighter vessels. Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon confirmed the operation.

According to the Coast Guard, the operation is being conducted in coordination with the Bangladesh Navy, the Department of Shipping, and the Chattogram Port Authority. The initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods and prevent manipulation of the market amid global fuel concerns. The Coast Guard has also intensified security and intelligence surveillance around the port and outer anchorage areas.

Authorities have instructed that no vessel carrying food, fuel, or edible oil may remain anchored for more than 72 hours. The Coast Guard will continue similar operations in the future to maintain market stability and protect public interest.