The Actors’ Association of Bangladesh has announced a special memorial event titled “Bondhu Priyo Shams Sumon… Smritite Amlan” to honor late National Film Award-winning actor Shams Sumon. The event will take place on Thursday, April 9, at 6 p.m. at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The association’s general secretary, Rashed Mamunur Rahman Apu, confirmed the arrangement.

According to the organizers, the gathering will feature a video documentary on Shams Sumon’s life and work, followed by recollections from his colleagues. Shams Sumon, who passed away on March 17, had a long and diverse career across stage, television, and film. He earned the National Film Award in 2008 for his supporting role in the film “Swapnopuron.” He also served as the station head of Radio Bhumi and as program director at Channel i.

Once a familiar face in television dramas, Shams Sumon was admired for his acting talent, personality, and sincerity toward his peers, which made him beloved across the entertainment community.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that 10,568 technical and madrasa educational institutions across Bangladesh will receive free Wi-Fi within the next six months. He made the statement on April 8 during the first parliamentary session’s question-and-answer segment, responding to a query from MP Md. Selim Reza of Sirajganj-1. The initiative aims to modernize technical and madrasa education nationwide.

Rahman said the government plans to establish technical schools and colleges in every upazila and polytechnic institutes in every district. Alongside free Wi-Fi, smart classrooms, teacher training, and inclusion of technical courses will be introduced to make madrasa education more modern and relevant. The Prime Minister also mentioned plans to expand school feeding programs and install multimedia classrooms in all primary and secondary institutions.

To reduce digital inequality, the government will provide free Wi-Fi to 1,500 additional institutions and introduce unique digital IDs for students and teachers. The Bangladesh Computer Council will also launch training programs in fields such as agriculture intelligence, cybersecurity, mobile app development, Python programming, and digital marketing within six months.

A retail shop in Crystal Lake, Illinois, known as the 'Trump Truth Store + Hangout,' has temporarily closed due to a sharp decline in customer traffic. Owner Lisa Fleischman announced the closure on Facebook, citing the ongoing Iran war as the main reason for the drop in sales. She said that since President Donald Trump launched 'Operation Epic Fury' against Iran on February 28, sales of political T-shirts, hats, and memorabilia have plummeted.

Fleischman told The Chicago Tribune that public interest in items such as red caps, flags, and shirts bearing slogans like 'God, Guns, and Trump' has fallen dramatically. She noted that customers appear uncertain and hesitant to wear such merchandise amid the current conflict. In recent days, she had hinted at the closure, mentioning health issues and considering shifting the business online.

Fleischman added that she could no longer cover even half of her rent and was unsure how long she could sustain the business. The store will remain closed until further notice.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has called for greater involvement of young people in addressing the growing global environmental and climate crises. He made the appeal on Wednesday, April 8, at the inauguration of the two-day 'Green Energy Olympiad 2026' held at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka.

The minister described environmental challenges as global issues that are often not fully realized until their impacts are felt. He emphasized the need to raise awareness and spread environmental consciousness across generations. Swapan highlighted that environmental crises differ from short-term development problems due to their long-term and far-reaching effects, stressing the importance of awareness and behavioral change for sustainable living, responsible urbanization, and nature-friendly development.

He further noted that global energy shortages and international political dynamics directly affect both the environment and the economy. The minister urged integrating education and research with environmental, political, and economic considerations to build practical knowledge, describing such initiatives as strategic investments for future generations.

Salaries for MPO-listed teachers working in private schools and colleges have not yet been disbursed for March, as processing in the government’s iBAS software remains incomplete. According to an official from the EMIS Cell of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, the delay has prevented the transfer of funds to teachers’ bank accounts. The disbursement process is expected to begin by Thursday.

The Ministry of Education approved the March salary proposal for MPO-listed teachers and staff on April 5. The approval covers 303,888 teachers and employees from 17,237 schools and 87,982 teachers and employees from 2,619 colleges. Although the ministry issued the necessary government order and banks began processing payments, the incomplete iBAS work has caused the delay.

Officials indicated that once the iBAS processing is finalized, the salary payments will proceed without further delay.

In Haimchar upazila of Chandpur, illegal sand extraction from the banks of the Meghna River has completely eroded a local playground and put a river protection embankment worth hundreds of millions of taka at serious risk. Police confirmed on Tuesday night, April 7, that five individuals were arrested in connection with the incident. The seized equipment includes a bulkhead named “MB Mim Enterprise” and an unloading vessel called “Ma-Babar Doa.”

Local residents reported that the playground in Gazinagar, where children regularly played football, disappeared overnight after sand was removed using dredgers. Community members expressed anger and fear that the erosion could destroy their homes if the embankment collapses. Haimchar BNP’s general secretary demanded strict punishment for those responsible, regardless of political affiliation.

Haimchar’s Upazila Nirbahi Officer said the site has been inspected and repair work ordered with the help of the Water Development Board. The board’s sub-divisional engineer stated that stored blocks are being used to prevent further erosion while awaiting higher authority decisions.

A severe fuel shortage has spread across Bangladesh, disrupting transportation, irrigation, and industrial operations. Farmers, vehicle drivers, and factory owners are crowding petrol stations daily, often leaving empty-handed. In Faridpur’s Sadarpur, diesel scarcity has halted irrigation, forcing both men and women to queue for hours in hopes of obtaining fuel. Similar shortages have been reported in Mymensingh’s Valuka, where many filling stations have suspended sales and posted “no fuel” signs.

Station owners attribute the crisis to supply shortfalls and global import disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Local administrations are attempting to control hoarding and manage distribution. In Shariatpur, authorities have launched two mobile apps to ensure fair fuel allocation for farmers and vehicles, which officials say is beginning to restore order. Meanwhile, in Boalmari, Faridpur, tensions arose during diesel distribution organized by local officials and lawmakers.

Officials warn that if the shortage persists, industrial production could face major setbacks, while farmers fear reduced crop yields due to lack of irrigation fuel.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast Kalbaishakhi storms and rain across eight divisions on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The affected regions include Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet, where temporary gusty winds, lightning, and scattered hail may occur. The department also noted that daytime temperatures could drop by one to two degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged.

According to the morning forecast, areas such as Jashore and Kushtia in the Khulna division may experience storms moving from the west or northwest at speeds of 45 to 60 kilometers per hour, accompanied by rain or thunderstorms. River ports in these regions have been advised to hoist cautionary signal number one. The recent rainfall and storms have reduced the intensity of heat across the country, including in Dhaka, where the morning temperature dropped to 21.6 degrees Celsius from 22.8 the previous day.

The forecast also indicated that skies over Dhaka may remain partly cloudy until noon, with chances of rain or thunderstorms during the day.

The Tengragiri Ecopark crocodile breeding center in Barguna’s Taltoli upazila has failed to achieve success even after more than a decade of operation. Despite regular egg-laying by the crocodile pair named Tengra and Sokhina, none of the hatchlings have survived in the past 13 years. The center, established in the 2011–12 fiscal year by the Forest Department to conserve and breed freshwater crocodiles, has seen over a hundred hatchlings die since its inception, sparking public frustration and disappointment.

According to the breeding policy, hatchlings should be separated from adult crocodiles immediately after hatching for safe rearing. However, allegations suggest that this procedure has not been properly followed, leading to most hatchlings being killed by adult crocodiles. Environmental activist Shahidul Islam Milon said the failure to increase crocodile numbers at Tengragiri, unlike other centers, highlights weak management. Forest officer Rahimul Islam Jumel admitted the lack of skilled manpower to protect hatchlings, while Taltoli Upazila Nirbahi Officer Zahidul Islam stated that higher authorities have been informed and discussions are underway to recruit skilled staff and improve management.

Officials indicated that without urgent action, the center risks losing its conservation and tourism potential.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh fell by nearly 26 percent year-on-year during October to December, according to the Bangladesh Bank’s quarterly update released on Tuesday. The report shows net FDI at 363.8 million dollars, down from 490 million dollars in the same period a year earlier. However, compared with the previous quarter, investment rose 15.47 percent from 315 million dollars in July–September.

The interim government has managed to stabilize the financial sector after the fall of the previous Awami League administration, preventing further decline in foreign reserves and improving remittance inflows. Yet, new foreign investment remained weak amid political unrest, energy shortages, high inflation, and elevated interest rates. Sector insiders said these factors discouraged investors and slowed business activity.

China was the top investor during the quarter with 77.2 million dollars, followed by Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Singapore. The power sector attracted the highest investment at 102 million dollars, followed by banking, textiles, and telecommunications. Despite some quarterly improvement, the overall investment climate remained unsatisfactory, the report indicated.

Oil prices dropped sharply following the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, leading to a positive shift in global financial markets. According to Reuters, the change was observed on Tuesday night New York time. U.S. crude oil prices fell by about 16 percent to $94.59 per barrel, while Brent crude declined by roughly 15 percent to $92.35 per barrel.

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas is transported, is closely linked to this development. Following the ceasefire announcement, markets reacted quickly: oil prices fell, bond prices rose, and U.S. stock markets gained. Investors believe oil supply could stabilize after recent disruptions.

The announcement came just before the expiration of a deadline set by President Donald Trump, bringing relief to investors. Analysts noted that despite the sharp drop, oil prices remain higher than at the end of February.

A high-level Bangladeshi delegation is traveling to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday for a four-day visit aimed at reopening Malaysia’s closed labor market. The team includes Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Expatriate Affairs Dr. Mahdi Amin. Ministry sources confirmed that ministerial-level meetings will be held with Malaysia’s Human Resources and Home Ministers. The issue of a pending case against a syndicate involved in manpower export may also receive attention during the talks.

According to ministry officials, the closure of this major labor market has hurt Bangladesh’s manpower exports and economy. Despite repeated efforts, Dhaka has struggled to persuade Malaysia to lift the suspension, as Kuala Lumpur has not clarified its conditions and continues to delay. Recruiting agencies and the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) have objected to three of Malaysia’s ten conditions, prompting the ministry to request their relaxation.

Officials said the government remains committed to reopening the market, though early discussions may face challenges due to Malaysia’s unclear stance. The labor market was last closed on May 31, 2024, leaving about 18,000 workers unable to depart.

Global oil prices fell sharply following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a two-week ceasefire. Within just 15 minutes of the announcement, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped by more than 12 dollars per barrel. By Tuesday night in New York, the May delivery price of WTI crude had fallen by 12.4 dollars, or 10.66 percent, to 100.90 dollars per barrel.

The announcement came just before the expiration of Trump’s previously set deadline, bringing relief to investors who had been unsettled by escalating tensions. Earlier, a US attack on Iranian oil fields and Tehran’s threat to close the Strait of Hormuz had caused severe volatility in the oil market.

The ceasefire news eased immediate market fears, though the report did not specify how long the price stability might last or what further diplomatic steps could follow.

France has finalized the sale of its remaining gold holdings stored at the U.S. Federal Reserve, completing a long-term initiative to repatriate and modernize its gold reserves. The Banque de France earned nearly 13 billion euros, or about $15 billion, after upgrading 129 tonnes of gold between July 2025 and January 2026 and replacing them with new, compliant bars now stored in Paris. The central bank stated that the move was a practical financial decision, not a political one.

By consolidating its reserves in Paris and adopting modern-standard bars, France has made its gold easier to manage and trade internationally. The transaction, which represented about 5 percent of France’s total 2,437-tonne reserve, took advantage of high gold prices and favorable market conditions. Instead of refining and transporting the old bars, the bank purchased equivalent new gold in Europe, maintaining the overall reserve size.

According to Reuters, the Banque de France reported 11 billion euros in exceptional foreign exchange income in 2025, with total gains reaching nearly 13 billion euros after 2026 transactions. The bank plans to upgrade an additional 134 tonnes of gold to international standards by 2028.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has connected its ASYCUDA World customs system with Bangladesh Bank’s Foreign Exchange Transaction Management System (FXTMS) to enable real-time online verification of bank invoices. The integration was formally inaugurated by NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan on Tuesday. According to NBR, customs officials will now be able to verify commercial invoices digitally without requiring hard copies.

Before this integration, banks had to submit certified commercial invoice hard copies to customs offices. Now, all invoice data will automatically transfer from the central bank’s FXTMS to the ASYCUDA system in real time. NBR stated that once the process is fully implemented, commercial invoices will be mandatorily attached to bills of entry. The initiative, jointly implemented by NBR and Bangladesh Bank with support from all commercial banks, marks a major step toward a paperless customs system.

The new connection is expected to reduce paperwork, curb revenue evasion, simplify and speed up import-export clearance, limit trade-based money laundering, and create a reliable database for product valuation.