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.

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.