The Supreme Court administration of Bangladesh has relaxed the mandatory dress code for judges and lawyers in subordinate courts due to an ongoing severe heatwave. Effective from Tuesday, April 7, 2026, they are no longer required to wear black coats and gowns during court sessions. The directive was issued under the order of the Chief Justice to provide comfort to legal professionals performing their duties in extreme heat.

According to the notification, judges in all subordinate civil and criminal courts and tribunals may now wear white full-sleeve shirts, white sarees, or salwar kameez with a white neckband or black tie instead of the traditional black coat and gown. The same relaxation applies to lawyers, who may follow similar attire without the obligation to wear coats or gowns.

The Supreme Court administration stated that the order will remain in effect from April 7 until further notice. The decision was described as a humane measure to ease the discomfort faced by judges and lawyers during the intense heatwave.

Independent Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana from Brahmanbaria-2 has expressed gratitude to the BNP for not nominating her in the thirteenth national election, saying it allowed her to understand the love and support of millions across Bangladesh. Speaking during the discussion on the presidential address in parliament, she also sharply criticized the appointment of politically affiliated individuals to positions in Bangladesh Bank and public universities, calling it an unfortunate trend that undermines merit-based recruitment.

Farhana highlighted the lack of balance between the powers of the president and the prime minister, noting that despite repeated discussions, the president still delivers a cabinet-approved speech rather than an independent one. She reflected on the sacrifices of ordinary citizens who dreamed of building an inclusive Bangladesh free from discrimination and called for recognition of women’s leadership in past movements.

Addressing economic issues, she warned about rising foreign debt, high inflation, and capital flight, urging diversification of exports, creation of an investment-friendly environment, and curbing false invoicing to restore economic stability.

Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced a protest rally and assembly in Dhaka on Wednesday to oppose what it calls the government’s delay in implementing the public verdict reflected in the recent referendum. The demonstration, organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan East branch of the group, will begin at 5 p.m. from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

Following the rally, a gathering will be held under the chairmanship of Asif Abdullah, a member of the organization’s central executive committee and transport secretary of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union, who also serves as president of the Dhaka Metropolitan East branch. The information was confirmed on Tuesday by Muhammad Dawood Khan, the branch’s publicity and media secretary.

The announcement comes amid broader calls for protests across the country demanding the implementation of the referendum’s outcome, as reported by the same source.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) has stated that the government will take initiatives to reduce the overall cost of the 2027 Hajj package. He made the announcement in parliament on Tuesday in response to a question from ruling party member Lutfur Rahman, representing Cox’s Bazar-3. The minister said the upcoming package will be designed considering the needs and facilities of pilgrims.

He explained that the 2026 Hajj package has already been finalized, with payments completed for various expenses in both the Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh segments. According to the Saudi timeline, all visa and related procedures have been completed, and Hajj flights are scheduled to begin on April 18.

The statement indicates that while the 2026 Hajj preparations are in their final stage, the ministry is already planning adjustments for the following year to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Bangladeshi pilgrims.

Severe chaos broke out during the remand hearing of former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury at a Dhaka court on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred in the courtroom of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana when the investigation officer sought a two-day remand. After the hearing, the court rejected the remand plea and ordered her to be sent to jail. Following the order, defense lawyers began shouting inside the courtroom, creating a scene of disorder.

Witnesses said the judge remained seated silently as the situation escalated. When he failed to control the lawyers, the judge expressed anger toward journalists who were present for professional coverage and ordered them to leave the courtroom. Public Prosecutor Advocate Omar Faruk Faruki attempted to restore order. The unexpected treatment of journalists drew surprise and criticism from lawyers and observers present.

The incident has raised questions about courtroom discipline and the treatment of media representatives during judicial proceedings, prompting concern among legal professionals and the public.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that more than 14 million Iranians are prepared to sacrifice their lives for the defense of the country. He made the declaration in a message posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, emphasizing his own commitment to Iran’s cause.

The statement comes amid ongoing conflict that began on February 28, during which Israel has reportedly targeted and killed several senior Iranian leaders, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani. According to official figures, at least 2,076 people have been killed and 26,500 injured in Iran since the war began.

The message underscores the Iranian leadership’s portrayal of national unity and resilience in the face of escalating hostilities with Israel, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The date for the 2026 Independence Award ceremony in Bangladesh has been changed. Originally scheduled for Thursday, April 9, the event will now take place on Thursday, April 16, at 4 p.m. at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The change was announced on April 7 through a press release from the Department of Information, citing the Cabinet Division as the source.

According to the announcement, the rescheduling was made due to unavoidable circumstances. The Independence Award is the highest state honor in Bangladesh, recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions at the national level. This year, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, along with 14 other distinguished individuals and five institutions, has been selected for the award.

The new date ensures the ceremony will proceed with the same recipients and venue, maintaining the tradition of honoring national excellence despite the brief postponement.

Local Government State Minister Mir Shah Alam told Parliament that outgoing interim government chief Dr. Muhammad Yunus is visiting London to hand over the July Movement trophy to current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and bring back the election date. He made the statement on Tuesday during discussions on the President’s address in the National Parliament.

Mir Shah Alam asserted that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) holds the trophies of three major movements—1971, 1990, and July-August—arguing that no other political party can claim all three. His remarks triggered protests from opposition members, prompting the Speaker to call for order. The minister further said that Dr. Yunus’s London visit proves which party and leader played the leading role in the student and public movements that led to a free and fair election.

Opposition leader Shafiqul Rahman later objected to what he called false information presented in Parliament and requested the Speaker to expunge any untrue or unparliamentary statements. The Speaker assured that the remarks would be reviewed and corrected if necessary.

The government will investigate corruption allegations raised against the interim administration, according to Dr. Zahidur Rahman, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting. He made the announcement on Tuesday at a press conference held at the Department of Information in the Secretariat. Rahman stated that the Anti-Corruption Commission, once restructured, will lead the investigations and that the government will also examine whether any irregularities are occurring within its own ranks.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to curbing corruption and maintaining internal accountability. Addressing other issues, Rahman said that the government plans to bring battery-run autorickshaws under regulation due to concerns over excessive electricity use and road safety. He noted that many drivers lack training and that some vehicles are technically faulty, increasing risks on major roads.

On the banking sector, Rahman said it had weakened under the previous administration but that restructuring efforts have begun. He cautioned that rapid changes could undermine public confidence, so reforms are being implemented gradually and carefully.

Jamaat-e-Islami activist Bibi Sawda was released on bail on April 7, 2026, after being arrested under Section 54 in Bhola. She was detained from her home on April 5 for sharing a Facebook post about the ongoing fuel crisis. Upon her release, Sawda expressed anger and grief over what she described as suppression of freedom of speech, warning that if such rights were taken away, a new mass uprising could begin. Thousands of female Jamaat activists gathered at the Bhola District and Sessions Judge Court premises during her release.

Her lawyer, Advocate Abdullah Al Mamun, said the court granted unconditional bail as the case was bailable and the prosecution failed to present valid grounds to oppose it. The bail order was issued by Senior Judicial Magistrate Saurav Roy Mithu after hearing arguments from both sides.

Bhola district Jamaat leaders had earlier condemned the arrest, calling it inhumane since Sawda was taken away in front of her speech-impaired three-year-old child. They demanded her immediate release and warned of protests against what they termed authoritarian actions.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police have sought a two-day remand for former Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in an attempted murder case filed at Lalbagh Police Station. The remand petition was submitted to the court on Tuesday afternoon. Earlier that morning, she was shown arrested in the same case linked to the anti-discrimination movement.

According to the report, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was detained early Tuesday from her cousin Arif Masud Chaudhury’s residence in Dhanmondi and later interrogated at the Detective Branch office on Minto Road. She also faces a murder case related to the July uprising, in which a gold worker named Muslim Uddin was shot dead in Rangpur on August 27, 2024. Police said she has six cases filed against her in various police stations across Dhaka.

The report adds that Shirin Sharmin had been in hiding since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, and resigned from her position as Speaker on September 2 of the same year.

The Bangladesh Parliament passed nine bills on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, converting ordinances issued during the interim government into laws. The bills were approved by voice vote without any amendments or debate. Among them, the Haor and Wetland Conservation Bill was introduced by the Water Resources Minister, while the Law Minister Asaduzzaman presented several amendment bills, including the Code of Criminal Procedure, Civil Courts, International Crimes (Tribunals), and Registration Acts.

During the presentation of the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Amendment) Bill, the Law Minister stated that the bill includes enforced disappearance within the definition of crimes against humanity. He advised critics to review the law before claiming the government intends to abolish the disappearance law, asserting that the government is committed to justice for such crimes. Opposition Leader Shafiqul Rahman responded that the minister’s remarks were unnecessary, while the Speaker reminded members to keep discussions within parliamentary bounds.

Other bills passed were related to the health ministry, mainly to formalize name changes in existing laws. In the absence of the Health Minister, the Home Minister presented three health-related amendment bills, and later the Health Minister proposed another, all of which were passed by voice vote.

An eleven-party alliance, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party, has announced a series of nationwide protests demanding the implementation of a referendum verdict. The announcement came on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, following a meeting at the Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish leader Maulana Mamunul Haque declared the program, accusing the government of opposing the referendum’s outcome.

According to the announced schedule, leaflet distribution at Shahbagh will begin on April 9, followed by protest marches at upazila and thana levels on April 11, district-wide rallies on April 12, and a seminar in Dhaka on April 13 in support of enforcing the referendum verdict. Mamunul Haque stated that the alliance would continue its street movement until the verdict is implemented and criticized the BNP for ignoring interim government reform decisions.

The press conference was conducted by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad, with senior leaders from several allied parties present, including Jamaat, Khelafat Majlish, the National Citizens Party, and others.

Several US lawmakers have called for invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office. The amendment allows the transfer of presidential powers to the vice president if the president is deemed unable to perform duties. Arizona Congresswoman Yasamin Ansari most recently urged this step, accusing Trump of inciting an illegal war, threatening potential war crimes, and targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran. Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, New Mexico Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury, former Illinois Republican Congressman Joe Walsh, and Democratic Senator Chris Murphy also voiced similar demands.

The calls emerged amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, following Trump’s strong rhetoric and actions related to the conflict. Lawmakers described the situation as abnormal and alarming, urging immediate constitutional action by Congress and the Cabinet.

The debate underscores growing concern in Washington over Trump’s handling of the Iran crisis and its potential consequences for US foreign policy and global stability.

Former Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury has been shown arrested in a case filed at Lalbagh Police Station in connection with the anti-discrimination movement. The arrest was confirmed on Tuesday morning by Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police Joint Commissioner Md. Nasir Uddin. Authorities stated that she faces six cases across various police stations in the capital, including the Lalbagh case. Earlier that morning, she was detained from her cousin Arif Masud Chowdhury’s residence in Dhanmondi and later questioned at the Detective Branch office on Minto Road.

Police sources said Shirin Sharmin is also accused in a murder case related to the July uprising, where a gold worker named Muslim Uddin was shot dead in Rangpur. The case was filed on August 27, 2024, by the victim’s wife against Shirin Sharmin, former Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, and 15 others. Tipu Munshi is currently in jail over that case.

According to police, Shirin Sharmin had been in hiding since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, and resigned from her post as Speaker on September 2 of the same year.