The White House on Tuesday dismissed suggestions that the United States would use a nuclear weapon against Iran after President Trump warned that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Tehran failed to reach a deal by an 8 p.m. deadline. The administration’s Rapid Response account on X called such claims baseless, responding to a post implying that Vice President Vance’s remarks in Hungary hinted at nuclear options. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that only the president knows what actions he will take if Iran does not comply by the deadline.

The controversy followed Trump’s social media posts setting the 8 p.m. deadline and threatening severe consequences if Iran did not open the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. also struck military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, a key hub for the country’s oil exports. Vice President Vance said the strike did not represent a change in strategy but emphasized that the president understands leverage and expects a response from Iran by the deadline.

The White House’s firm denial aimed to counter speculation about nuclear escalation while maintaining pressure on Tehran to respond to U.S. demands.

Pope Leo, the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church, has openly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for issuing what he called an “unacceptable” threat against Iran. Speaking on April 8, 2026, the pontiff referred to Trump’s post warning that an entire civilization could be destroyed if Iran did not open the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a threat directed at all Iranian people.

Pope Leo, known as a vocal critic of the Iran war, urged people worldwide to contact their political representatives to help end the escalating regional conflict. His remarks came amid growing international concern over tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Earlier, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement urging President Trump to step back from the brink of war and pursue a fair settlement in the interest of peace, according to Al Jazeera.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to extend the deadline related to the Iran agreement by two weeks. In a post on social media platform X, Sharif also called on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open during this period as a gesture of goodwill. He said that diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East were progressing strongly and consistently, with hopes of achieving significant results soon.

Sharif emphasized that extending the deadline would allow diplomacy a fair chance to succeed. He appealed to all warring parties in the region to observe a two-week ceasefire everywhere, arguing that such a pause could pave the way for a final resolution of the war through negotiations.

The appeal comes amid heightened tensions in the region, including reports of missile attacks near the Iraq-Iran border and strong international criticism of recent threats and military actions.

In Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet, acting Union Parishad chairman Md. Kabir Ahmad has made serious allegations against Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Munmun Nahar Asha. At a press conference on April 6, Kabir Ahmad claimed that the UNO threatened him for refusing to sign documents related to an election CCTV project and later arranged his removal from office. He alleged that the UNO recommended his dismissal and the appointment of an administrator despite a pending Supreme Court case regarding his position.

According to Kabir Ahmad, the Election Commission allocated Tk 656,000 for installing CCTV cameras in 20 high-risk polling centers during the February 12 national election. He alleged that the UNO concealed the project and instead instructed him to submit a separate proposal worth Tk 605,000 under local tax funds. He further claimed that similar projects totaling Tk 3.8 million were imposed on other unions, with signatures obtained under pressure.

Kabir Ahmad described the actions as retaliatory and damaging to the government’s image, urging administrative and anti-corruption authorities to investigate the alleged irregularities.

In Sitakunda upazila of Chattogram, BNP leaders and activists held a large rally on Tuesday afternoon celebrating the formation of a new convening committee. The procession began at Uttar Bazar and ended at the municipal premises, followed by a brief street meeting attended by thousands from nine unions and the municipal BNP and its affiliated organizations.

Speakers at the event alleged that certain corrupt industrialists and businessmen, with the support of some officials, were involved in corruption, land grabbing, and filing false extortion cases to harass BNP members. They issued stern warnings against such actions and cautioned that those responsible would face accountability if the harassment continued. Committee convener Dr. Kamal Kader emphasized recognizing long-time activists and outlined plans for employment generation, sports facility development, and infrastructure improvement under Aslam Chowdhury’s leadership.

Other leaders criticized past leadership practices that sidelined grassroots activists and pledged to build a stronger organization based on dedication and merit. The new committee was also formally welcomed at a reception on April 5, attended by a large number of BNP members and supporters.

Michael Becker, a professor of international human rights law at Trinity College Dublin, described former U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest threat as both morally reprehensible and legally unacceptable. Becker said Trump’s statement, which implied indiscriminate destruction, suggested the possibility of large-scale war crimes. He added that any attack on Iranian civilians would constitute a crime against humanity.

Becker referred to Trump’s social media post in which he wrote that “an entire civilization will be destroyed tonight,” though Trump also claimed he did not want that to happen. Becker argued that whether the language was genocidal was irrelevant, as the statement itself represented an unlawful threat of further aggression. He urged members of the Republican Party to unconditionally condemn such shameful remarks.

The comments were reported by Al Jazeera and come amid heightened tensions following deadly missile attacks near the Iraq-Iran border and growing international criticism of Trump’s rhetoric toward Iran.

White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt announced that Iran has been given seven hours to reach an agreement with the United States. She stated that if Tehran fails to comply, only President Trump knows how he will respond. Levitt told Al Jazeera that the Iranian government has until 8 p.m. Eastern Time to address the current challenge and finalize a deal with Washington.

The statement highlights a tense diplomatic moment between the United States and Iran, with the White House emphasizing that the president alone is aware of the potential course of action. The situation comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing disputes involving Iran’s activities and international negotiations.

The source also mentions related developments, including Iran’s vice president dismissing Trump’s threats, a Chinese and Russian veto on a UN Security Council resolution over the Strait of Hormuz, and reports of U.S. strikes causing power outages on Iran’s Kharg Island.

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that the country is not afraid of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy Iran. His remarks came in response to a message posted by Trump on social media warning that he could destroy Iran 'tonight.' Aref emphasized that Iran’s ancient civilization has repeatedly overcome the 'misconceptions' of its enemies and will not be intimidated by such threats.

He added that Iran would respond to any aggression with firm resolve and by relying on its national strength. The statement reflects Tehran’s defiant stance amid heightened tensions following Trump’s online warning. The exchange underscores the continuing strain in U.S.-Iran relations.

The report also mentioned related developments, including a U.N. Security Council veto by China and Russia over the Hormuz Strait issue, a U.S. attack that caused a power outage on Iran’s Kharg Island, and calls for youth human chains around Iranian power plants.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has issued show-cause notices to 28 lower court judges for allegedly making critical remarks about their appointing and controlling authorities on social media. The ministry directed the judges to submit written explanations within seven working days. The letters, confirmed by officials of the Judicial Service Association, stated that such comments violated the Supreme Court’s directives on social media use and constituted misconduct under the Bangladesh Judicial Service (Discipline) Rules, 2017.

According to the ministry’s notice, the judges’ actions were deemed harmful to service discipline and contrary to the conduct expected from members of the judiciary. The letters warned that failure to respond within the stipulated time could lead to further action under the relevant disciplinary provisions.

Several judges, speaking anonymously, denied posting any such remarks on social media. They claimed that their discussions took place on private platforms and alleged that the government had been misinformed. Some judges suggested that the move aimed to discourage collective efforts concerning issues like a separate judicial secretariat and judicial appointment ordinances.

US President Donald Trump has again threatened to bomb Iran across the country, asserting that God supports America’s actions in the ongoing war. Speaking at a White House press briefing on Monday, Trump said he believes God endorses the joint US-Israel campaign against Iran, which has lasted five weeks and caused thousands of deaths, injuries, and the loss of 13 US soldiers. He added that while God dislikes conflict, He wants people to be safe.

Trump’s remarks mark a shift in his rhetoric, as he increasingly frames the conflict in religious terms after previously offering varied explanations for US involvement, including uncertainty over regime change as a goal. He also warned that Iran’s power and transport infrastructure could be destroyed, claiming that Iranians want their government overthrown and are urging the US to continue airstrikes.

When asked whether he sought divine guidance amid the escalating violence, Trump did not answer directly but suggested that God supports US actions despite disliking violence.

UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram MP at his office in Dhaka. The meeting was attended by UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne, Assistant Resident Representative Anwarul Haque, Assistant Programme Advisor (Governance) Dragan Popovic, and Senior Governance Specialist Tanvir Mahmud. Discussions covered e-governance, e-parliament initiatives, parliamentary standing committee activities, and procedural matters.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad emphasized the need to identify areas of cooperation between the UNDP and the National Parliament. He suggested that UNDP could assist in orientation courses for new members of parliament to familiarize them with their duties and responsibilities. He also proposed bilateral exchange visits, particularly involving women MPs, and highlighted the importance of digital library systems, smart technology in parliamentary sessions, and an in-house printing press.

Stefan Liller described the current parliament as vibrant and reaffirmed UNDP’s long-standing partnership with Bangladesh. Both sides also exchanged views on the ongoing energy crisis and democratic governance, noting the neutral stance of several European countries.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited international controversy by threatening potential military strikes on Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including power plants, bridges, and oil facilities. Asked at a Monday press conference whether such actions could constitute war crimes under international law, Trump said he was “not concerned,” arguing instead that allowing Iran to acquire nuclear weapons would be the real war crime.

His remarks followed earlier warnings that the United States might attack key Iranian infrastructure if Tehran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a set timeframe. Experts noted that such attacks could severely impact civilians, violating humanitarian law. Trump’s comments drew sharp criticism from human rights groups and U.S. lawmakers. Democratic Congresswoman Yasamin Ansari accused him of provoking an “illegal war” and called for impeachment proceedings, while Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Chris Murphy condemned his statements as reckless.

Even Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the threats, and the UN Secretary-General’s office reminded that civilian infrastructure strikes are prohibited under international law. Reports indicated a 45-day ceasefire proposal with Iran was under review but not approved, leaving tensions high.

The High Court has directed the government to establish an independent and separate secretariat for the Supreme Court of Bangladesh within three months. The full 185-page verdict, delivered by a bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury, was released on Tuesday. The ruling returns the authority over the control and discipline of subordinate court judges to the Supreme Court.

According to the judgment, the government must implement the directive based on the Supreme Court’s proposal and complete the formation of the secretariat within the specified timeframe. The verdict marks the final directive for creating a distinct administrative structure for the judiciary.

The bench had originally issued the ruling on September 3 of the previous year, and the publication of the full text now sets a clear timeline for the government to act on the order.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, MP, at the minister’s office in the National Parliament Secretariat on Tuesday. State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, MP, was also present during the meeting.

During the meeting, Minister Anee described China and Bangladesh as long-standing and trusted friends. He noted that after assuming responsibility for the Water Resources Ministry, he accepted the Chinese ambassador’s invitation for this courtesy exchange. The discussion included mutual greetings and expressions of goodwill.

Ambassador Yao Wen expressed China’s interest in working with Bangladesh to preserve water resources and maintain environmental balance. The meeting began with the ambassador presenting flowers and congratulations to the minister.

Former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury was sent to jail on April 7, 2026, after a Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate court rejected both her bail and remand petitions in the Lalbagh police case over the attempted murder of Ashraful. The decision was delivered by Magistrate Jewel Rana, who ordered her detention following her arrest the previous night from Dhanmondi. As police escorted her from the courtroom, pro-Awami League lawyers chanted “Joy Bangla” and other slogans in her support.

According to the case, the incident occurred on July 18, 2024, during the quota reform movement when a peaceful rally in Azimpur was attacked, allegedly under the direction of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other senior leaders. Ashraful, the complainant, was seriously injured and later filed a case in May 2025 naming 130 accused, including Shirin Sharmin as the third defendant. The prosecution argued that she played a key role in state decisions linked to the violence, while the defense claimed she had resigned earlier and was being unfairly implicated.

The court’s order keeps Shirin Sharmin in custody as the investigation continues into the alleged political violence and its organizers.