NASA’s Artemis-2 mission began its journey toward the Moon on April 1, 2026, from the Kennedy Space Center, marking humanity’s return to lunar travel after 53 years. The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket carried the Orion spacecraft with four astronauts on board. The mission has entered its third day, with NASA confirming that the crew successfully completed the trans-lunar injection phase, sending them out of Earth’s orbit toward the Moon. The astronauts have tested life support, communication, and manual control systems and are reported to be in good health and spirits.

The crew includes Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover—the first Black astronaut on a lunar mission—Mission Specialist Christina Koch, the first woman to travel to the Moon, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency, the first non-American in such a mission. The 10-day mission will not land on the Moon but will orbit about 7,400 kilometers above its surface before returning to Earth.

NASA expects Orion to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and splash down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026. The mission’s success will determine the feasibility of the Artemis-3 mission planned for 2027 or 2028.

Iran has reintroduced the concept of the 'oil weapon' by restricting oil tanker movement through the Hormuz Strait in response to continued US and Israeli airstrikes in the Gulf region. This move has triggered a global oil shortage and sharp price increases, with Brent crude trading above $100 per barrel and analysts warning prices could reach $140 if the conflict continues. On March 20, the Trump administration temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil for 30 days to stabilize prices, signaling limited policy options.

The article draws parallels between Iran’s current strategy and the 1973 Arab oil embargo, when Arab OPEC members halted exports to Israel-supporting nations, causing a fourfold price surge and forcing the US to alter its Middle East policy. Then, as now, energy restrictions achieved political leverage over Western powers.

Experts cited in the report note that despite larger petroleum reserves among OECD countries today, these would only cushion short-term disruptions. Iran’s actions have exposed the limits of US military power and underscored that oil remains a potent geopolitical tool even after five decades.

In Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh, allegations have surfaced that a government canal in Chhoto Baraihati village was illegally filled and part of the Gafargaon–Bormi regional road land excavated to build a fish farm. The action has raised fears of waterlogging during the monsoon and irrigation problems in the dry season for hundreds of farmers across several nearby villages.

The Baumra canal, also known locally as Shukline, runs through multiple unions before joining the Sutia River. Farmers depend on it for drainage and irrigation. Locals claim that Awami League activist Abul Kashem filled about 200 feet of the canal and dug a deep pond on occupied road land, creating risks for the adjacent road. Several residents, including retired army personnel and a freedom fighter, accused him of land grabbing and warned of potential road collapse.

Kashem denied the allegations, stating he only developed his own land. The local agriculture officer said an investigation would be conducted, while the upazila executive officer confirmed that filling a government canal is illegal and directed the assistant commissioner (land) to take action.

A month-long closure of the Strait of Hormuz has raised fears of a global energy crisis worse than the 1970s oil shock. Former Maersk director Lars Jensen told the BBC that the U.S.-Israel war with Iran could trigger economic disruption far greater than that of the 1970s. International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol echoed this concern, calling it the biggest global energy security threat in history. The blockade has severely disrupted oil and gas shipments from Gulf countries, which supply about one-fifth of the world’s oil.

Analysts note that the 1970s crisis stemmed from a deliberate oil embargo by Arab producers during the Yom Kippur War, causing prices to quadruple and triggering global recession and inflation. In contrast, experts say today’s market is more diversified and resilient, though developing nations remain highly vulnerable.

Consultants warn that even if the strait reopens soon, supply shortages and high energy costs could persist for six to twelve months, with stability depending on the de-escalation of the ongoing conflict.

The Bangladesh government is facing severe fiscal pressure as revenue collection in the first eight months of the 2025–26 fiscal year fell short by over Tk 710 billion, while foreign loan disbursements remained far below expectations. To cover expenses, the government borrowed Tk 1.05 trillion from domestic sources, mostly from the banking sector. Rising global oil prices have increased import costs, forcing the government to provide large fuel subsidies, including Tk 160.45 billion for diesel and octane between March and June.

Exports have declined for eight consecutive months, with earnings down 4.85 percent in the first nine months of the fiscal year. Despite record remittance inflows of USD 3.75 billion in March, economists warn that the Middle East conflict could disrupt this key source of foreign exchange. Former World Bank economist Dr. Zahid Hossain noted that balancing income and expenditure has become difficult and warned that further borrowing or money printing could fuel inflation.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury acknowledged three major challenges—weak inherited economy, election pledges, and rising oil prices—while emphasizing investment and resource efficiency over money printing. Economic advisers stressed the need to rely on revenue mobilization and reduce subsidies to maintain stability.

Bangladesh has begun experiencing widespread power outages even before the onset of summer due to a severe fuel shortage and rising electricity demand. On Sunday, the national grid supplied 12,894 megawatts against a demand of 13,530 megawatts, resulting in 607 megawatts of load shedding across the country. Officials from the Power Division and related agencies said that fuel shortages have limited electricity generation capacity, with oil-based power production dropping by nearly half within a day.

According to official data, gas-based plants are producing between 4,500 and 5,000 megawatts, while coal-based plants contribute about 4,000 megawatts. Imports from India’s Adani, Bheramara, and Tripura plants average 1,800 megawatts. The Power Development Board (PDB) owes around Tk 46,000 crore to power producers, including Tk 14,000 crore to private oil-based plants. The PDB has requested Tk 20,000 crore in emergency funds to maintain supply during the summer and irrigation season.

The government has also adjusted its energy-saving measures, allowing shops and malls to remain open until 7 p.m. instead of 6 p.m., following appeals from business owners.

Hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates in the United Arab Emirates are facing severe hardship as regional conflict and economic stagnation disrupt their livelihoods. The report describes widespread fear of drone and missile attacks, coupled with a sharp decline in income as schools and tourism sectors have stalled. Taxi drivers have seen earnings fall by about 70 percent, while many cleaners and construction workers have lost their jobs. Rising food and housing costs have pushed many into crisis, and several expatriates have been detained for unknowingly sharing war-related videos online.

Information technology specialist Mohammad Minhaj Uddin and Dubai-based worker Mohammad Zahed Ullah told the newspaper that many Bangladeshis are living in uncertainty and fear, with some killed or injured in recent attacks. They said diplomatic support from Bangladesh remains limited, while supply chain disruptions through the Hormuz Strait have driven up prices of essentials and fuel. Companies are cutting costs and delaying salaries, forcing many workers to consider returning home.

According to official data, the UAE hosts 1–1.2 million Bangladeshi workers, contributing 15–18 percent of Bangladesh’s total remittance. Prolonged instability could significantly affect the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that the Dhaka-Chattogram highway will be expanded to 10 lanes, with a feasibility study currently in progress. He made the statement on Sunday, April 5, in response to a question from Comilla-6 Member of Parliament Monirul Haque Chowdhury during a session of the National Parliament presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

The minister said that steps will be taken to improve the highway and ease traffic congestion in the Paduabazar area. A design has already been prepared to expand the existing overpass, and the government expects to complete the work quickly. The feasibility study also includes plans for three new underpasses, along with two additional underpasses under the current intersection design, bringing the total to five underpasses in the region.

Sheikh Robiul Alam added that the government is coordinating efforts to revise and continue the previous administration’s project where possible. Officials from the Roads and Highways Department have already inspected the site, and visible progress is expected soon.

The Bangladesh government plans to raise an additional Tk 5,000 crore through a special auction of 91-day treasury bills on April 8, according to the central bank. The move follows increased fiscal needs, prompting the government to seek extra funds beyond its regular bank borrowing. Officials said a similar auction was held on April 1, when the government borrowed the same amount.

Sector insiders attributed the rising borrowing demand to several factors, including election-related expenses of the interim government, higher energy import costs due to the Middle East conflict, and slow revenue collection. The National Board of Revenue collected 28 percent less than its target in the first eight months of the fiscal year. New government programs such as card initiatives and agricultural loan waivers have further increased funding requirements.

Economists warned that heavy reliance on central bank borrowing could pose risks. With private sector credit growth slowing to 6.03 percent in January, banks have shown greater interest in lending to the government, raising concerns about inflation and financial pressure.

Blockbuster Cinemas, one of Dhaka’s most popular multiplexes, announced on Saturday that all movie shows scheduled after 6 PM will remain suspended indefinitely. The management said the decision follows a recent government directive requiring all shops and markets to close after 6 PM starting Sunday. Customers who purchased advance tickets for evening shows will receive refunds through designated procedures.

The announcement comes just after the Eid festival period, disappointing many moviegoers who typically attend evening screenings considered prime time for cinemas. Following Blockbuster’s move, concern spread among audiences of Star Cineplex, the country’s largest multiplex chain, as most viewers prefer evening shows.

Star Cineplex’s senior marketing official Mesbahuddin Ahmed stated that they are reviewing the government directive and have suspended all post-6 PM shows until Monday. Other theaters across the country are reportedly taking similar steps, which analysts believe could deliver a fresh blow to the already struggling cinema market.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid has assured that there will be no fuel shortage for harvesters during the rice harvesting season in the Haor region. He made the statement on Sunday at a review meeting held at the Ministry of Agriculture in Dhaka, focusing on the cultivation, production, and harvesting of Boro rice in the Haor areas. The minister instructed officials to work closely to prevent any crop damage and to ensure smooth harvesting operations.

Describing the Haor region as a vital rice-producing area of the country, the minister emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among local administrations and representatives to protect the harvest. He directed that sufficient combined harvesters be made available on time and that any non-functional machines be repaired quickly. If necessary, harvesters should be rented from nearby areas to complete harvesting on schedule.

The minister also urged officials to monitor weather conditions closely and prepare for any adverse situations. He instructed that arrangements be made for manual harvesting by agricultural workers alongside the use of machines.

Bangladesh’s overall inflation rate declined slightly in March 2026, falling to 8.71 percent on a point-to-point basis from 9.13 percent in February, according to updated data released Sunday by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The report also showed that inflation was lower than the 9.35 percent recorded in March 2025, indicating a modest downward trend.

The BBS attributed the improvement mainly to easing food price pressures. Food inflation dropped to 8.24 percent in March from 9.30 percent in February, while non-food inflation edged up marginally to 9.09 percent from 9.01 percent. Analysts noted that prices of daily essentials have become relatively stable, offering some relief to consumers, though costs in housing, transport, fuel, and services remain elevated.

Economists said the overall decline in inflation is a positive signal for the economy, but living expenses for low-income groups remain high. They cautioned that it may take more time before ordinary households experience tangible relief from the cost-of-living burden.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, told parliament that the ongoing war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has disrupted the process of sending Bangladeshi workers to several Middle Eastern labor markets, including the United Arab Emirates. He made the statement on Sunday in response to a question from BNP lawmaker Shafiqul Rahman during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

The minister explained that the government alone cannot manage the overseas employment process and therefore issues licenses to private recruiting agencies to involve them in manpower export. He highlighted government initiatives to expand labor markets in Dubai and other Asian countries. Chowdhury also reported that in 2025, a total of 1,132,519 Bangladeshis secured overseas employment, including 62,352 women workers. He added that over 15 million Bangladeshis are currently working in 176 countries worldwide.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the rights and welfare of expatriate workers and noted that previous administrations had neglected these issues. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and competition in labor recruitment, particularly regarding Malaysia.

State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Rajib Ahsan announced that all vessels in Bangladesh will soon be brought under a digital registration system to make the country’s waterways safer, more organized, and modern. He said a comprehensive policy will also be formulated to ensure proper registration, operation, and discipline in water transport. The announcement came on Sunday during a meeting at the Department of Shipping headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, focused on resolving fuel shortages for lighter vessels engaged in cargo transport.

The state minister stated that there is currently no fuel crisis affecting passenger or cargo vessels and that water transport operations are running normally. To prevent potential future shortages, the ministry plans to form a coordination cell to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply and hold meetings with fuel-supplying companies. He emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining safe and smooth navigation and urged vessel operators to comply with laws and avoid hoarding or wastage amid the global fuel situation.

The initiatives aim to strengthen discipline and efficiency in the country’s maritime transport system through digitalization and better coordination.

NASA’s Artemis-2 mission, launched from Florida, will send four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor J. Glover, and Jeremy Hansen—on a 10-day journey around the Moon without landing. The mission, originally planned for November 2024, was delayed due to technical issues. It aims to test flight strategies and prepare for Artemis-3, scheduled for next year. The next human landing on the lunar surface is expected with Artemis-4, planned for 2028.

The Artemis program, launched in 2017 after several canceled projects, involves thousands of people and an estimated cost of $93 billion. It seeks to establish a sustainable lunar presence through a lunar orbit station and a surface base, paving the way for future Mars missions. NASA has partnered with private companies, selecting SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s lander designs for future lunar landings.

NASA’s renewed lunar focus also reflects growing geopolitical interest, as both the United States and China aim to explore resource-rich regions of the Moon. Artemis-2 will mark the first time in over 50 years that humans view the Moon’s far side directly, capturing images for future scientific analysis.