Recent reports suggest that the Republican Party may face a major setback in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections scheduled for November 2026. Once considered politically dominant after Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2024, the party is now struggling with declining public support. Polls by RealClear Politics show Trump’s approval at 41.3 percent, with 56.3 percent disapproving. Republicans risk losing control of both the House and the Senate, with Democrats needing only three seats to reclaim the House. Key Republican strongholds such as Texas, Iowa, and Ohio are now viewed as competitive.

The downturn is largely attributed to economic dissatisfaction. Despite Trump’s promises of strong growth, the year began with job losses, rising fuel prices, and growing uncertainty. Unemployment rose to 4.7 percent, and gasoline prices increased by 19 percent. Trump’s approval on inflation has dropped to minus 34 points. Additional controversies, including the release of the Epstein Files and the Iran war, have deepened internal party divisions.

Analysts note that Democrats are outperforming expectations in special elections, signaling voter backlash against Trump’s policies rather than a surge in Democratic enthusiasm.

The government has announced a general holiday on April 13 in three hill districts—Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban—on the occasion of Chaitra Sankranti. The decision was confirmed through a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, according to the report published on April 6, 2026.

The notification stated that while the day will be a general holiday in these three districts, it will be treated as an optional holiday for members of the relevant communities in other parts of the country. Chaitra Sankranti marks the end of the Bengali calendar year and is traditionally observed with various cultural and religious events in the hill regions.

The announcement ensures that local communities in the hill districts can celebrate the festival with official recognition, while others across Bangladesh may also observe it voluntarily.

A delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), led by Resident Representative Stefan Liller, met Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday afternoon at his official residence on Bailey Road. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including law and order, police reform, the establishment of an independent police commission, the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, the draft ordinance on enforced disappearance prevention and remedy, and the Rohingya issue.

During the meeting, the home minister welcomed the delegation and expressed belief in gradual and continuous development, noting that UNDP could assist in police restructuring and capacity building. The UNDP representative highlighted the organization’s long-standing cooperation with the National Human Rights Commission and said international best practices were being incorporated into the draft ordinance. The minister stated that both the human rights and enforced disappearance ordinances would be presented to parliament as bills after necessary review.

He also mentioned that the Armed Police Battalion responsible for security in Rohingya camps is not an investigative body but assured that security measures in the camps would be further strengthened.

The Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh has transferred six police officers, including two of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank, in a simultaneous reshuffle. The order was issued on Sunday by the Police-1 branch of the ministry. According to the notification, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner (Additional DIG) Raihan Uddin Khan has been transferred to the Police Headquarters as Additional DIG. AIG Saheli Ferdous, recently promoted to Additional DIG, has been posted to the Armed Police Battalion (APBn). Highway Police Superintendent Kazi Md. Shoaib has been reassigned to the Barishal Range DIG office as Superintendent of Police.

The same order also transferred Superintendent of Police Md. Moniruzzaman to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as SP. DIG Saleh Mohammad Tanvir of Police Headquarters (TR post) has been reassigned within the same office, while DIG Mahfuzur Rahman of the TR post has been transferred to the Rajshahi Sardah Police Academy as DIG. The notification, signed by Deputy Secretary Tawsif Ahmed, stated that the transfers were made in the public interest and would take immediate effect.

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again threatened Iran with an ultimatum, warning that the country must reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Monday, April 6, or face severe consequences. According to BBC reports cited by the source, Trump reiterated his warning on April 5, following a series of previous ultimatums issued since the start of the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.

Trump’s first ultimatum on March 21 demanded that Iran reopen the waterway within 48 hours or face the destruction of its power plants. On March 23, he announced that productive talks had led to a five-day suspension of planned strikes. A third ultimatum on March 27 extended the deadline to April 6 at Iran’s request. As the deadline approached, Trump issued a final 48-hour warning on April 4 and repeated the same threat on April 5, adding that Iran’s power plants and bridges would be targeted if no deal was reached.

The Iranian government has repeatedly rejected Trump’s claims, asserting that his statements lack any factual basis.

At least ten people, including the officer-in-charge of Lakshmipur Sadar Model Police Station Wahid Parvez, were injured when police clashed with anti-discrimination student protesters in Lakshmipur town on Sunday evening. The confrontation occurred around 5:30 p.m. in front of Chawk Bazar Mosque after Section 144 had been imposed to prevent gatherings. The situation led to panic in the area, with shops closing and additional police deployed.

According to police and local administration, the tension began the previous night following an altercation between a member of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and a district Chhatra Dal leader. In response, the student group called for a protest march, while Chhatra Dal supporters under the banner of July Fighters announced a counter rally. Authorities imposed Section 144 from 4:30 p.m. to prevent unrest.

Leaders from both groups blamed each other for the violence. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement alleged police used force against their peaceful protest, while police said the clash erupted as both sides attempted to hold simultaneous programs despite restrictions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has alleged that Kurdish groups retained weapons that Washington had attempted to send to anti-government protesters in Iran earlier this year. In an interview with Fox News, Trump revealed that the United States tried to deliver a large number of guns to Iranian demonstrators in January, but the weapons never reached their intended recipients.

Trump stated that the arms were sent through Kurdish intermediaries, though he did not specify which Kurdish group was involved or provide further details about the operation. According to him, the Kurds kept the weapons for themselves instead of passing them on to the protesters.

The remarks shed light on a previously undisclosed U.S. effort to support Iranian protesters and raise questions about the role of Kurdish groups in the failed transfer.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called for a detailed discussion in the National Parliament on 133 ordinances. He raised the proposal on Sunday, April 5, during the eighth sitting of the first session of the 13th Parliament, drawing the Speaker’s attention before the second agenda began. Rahman noted that a special committee had reviewed the ordinances and submitted a report recommending that some be allowed to lapse, which he argued were significant and linked to the 'July Spirit'.

Responding to the proposal, the Speaker referred the matter to the Law Minister, who initially stated that two bills mentioned by the opposition leader were new and not derived from the ordinances. However, after the recess, the minister corrected himself, confirming that the two bills were indeed among the 133 ordinances. He assured that all ordinances would be presented in Parliament for first and second readings, allowing opportunities for discussion. The Speaker also reminded members that around 93 bills needed to be passed by April 9.

The opposition leader reiterated that the ordinances proposed for lapse were crucial for protecting citizens’ rights and should be debated in Parliament.

The government of Nepal has decided to introduce a two-day weekend for all public offices and educational institutions. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting held on Sunday. According to administrative experts, the initiative could bring positive outcomes if implemented properly, but poor management might lead to public inconvenience.

Former chairman of the Administrative Court and coordinator of the Administrative Reform Advisory Committee, Kashi Raj Dahal, said the move would be beneficial if proper management is ensured. He noted that it could help save energy, allow employees living near workplaces to engage in farming, and give them more time with their families. However, he cautioned that essential services must remain open and that offices with heavy public demand might not be able to adopt the two-day closure.

Dahal also emphasized the need for strict adherence to working hours once the new rule takes effect. He warned that if employees misuse the schedule by leaving early or arriving late, the reform could create complications instead of benefits.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran during an interview with Fox News, saying that if Iran does not agree to a deal soon, the United States will destroy the country’s power plants and bridges. He added that he would consider taking control of Iran’s oil resources if Tehran continues to delay. Trump stated that people would soon witness the collapse of infrastructure across Iran, according to a BBC report.

Despite the harsh rhetoric, Trump claimed that some Iranian officials have already joined negotiations and expressed optimism that a deal could be reached by Monday. His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran over unresolved issues related to sanctions and regional security.

Iranian officials have repeatedly denied Trump’s claims, asserting that his statements about ongoing talks and potential agreements have no factual basis, according to the same report.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has warned that it will declare the current government illegal and launch a movement if the administration fails to honor the referendum verdict held on the day of the national election regarding state reforms. The warning came from NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan during an emergency press conference at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. The event addressed the BNP government’s alleged disregard for the referendum outcome, cancellation of reform ordinances, and other current issues.

Bhuiyan accused the government of exhibiting authoritarian tendencies and said the NCP initially sought cooperation but was hindered by the government’s lack of goodwill. He stated that the opposition alliance had not planned immediate street protests but was compelled by the unfolding situation around the referendum. Bhuiyan also criticized the government for violating the constitution by retaining ordinances that allow the removal of elected local representatives and for restoring broad phone surveillance powers to multiple agencies.

He further compared the current referendum to that of Ziaur Rahman’s era, emphasizing that the recent vote was aimed at structural reform, with the public supporting change.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that Washington attempted to send weapons to Iranian protesters earlier this year amid ongoing unrest in Iran. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the weapons were sent through Kurdish intermediaries but ultimately did not reach the protesters. The report was carried by Al Jazeera, citing Trump’s remarks.

Trump stated that many weapons were sent via the Kurds, though he did not specify which groups or individuals were involved in the operation. He added that he believed the Kurds kept the weapons for themselves. The comments come at a time of heightened tension between the United States and Iran, and the statement is expected to spark new controversy.

The report also referenced related developments, including Trump’s earlier threats against Iran and remarks from Iranian leaders criticizing his stance, suggesting the issue could further strain relations between the two nations.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman spent time with injured July fighters who visited the National Parliament session on Sunday. During the session break, he personally met the 53 visiting fighters, inquired about their well-being, and listened attentively to their experiences from the July events. He comforted several of them by placing his hand on their shoulders and heads, creating a deeply emotional moment in the gallery.

Before the meeting, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni informed the Parliament about the presence of the injured July fighters and extended congratulations for their attendance. Both government and opposition members welcomed them by tapping on their desks, while the Speaker, Hafizuddin Ahmed, acknowledged their presence from the VIP gallery. The fighters responded by waving to the members, and excitement grew when security personnel announced the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit.

The meeting concluded with several fighters sharing their contributions and hardships with the Prime Minister. A few female fighters described their struggles in emotional voices, filling the gallery with a heartfelt atmosphere. The Law Minister and several whips were also present during the encounter.

At a press conference on Sunday, April 5, 2026, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan warned that the current government is showing clear signs of authoritarianism. He cautioned that if the government fails to respect the referendum verdict, the NCP will declare it an 'illegal government.' Bhuiyan compared the situation to past uprisings, saying that if the spirit of the 2024 mass movement is not preserved, similar events could recur in 2026 or 2027.

The press conference was organized to address the BNP government’s alleged disregard for the referendum outcome, the repeal of reform ordinances, and the overall political situation. Bhuiyan accused the government of violating the constitution by retaining executive powers that allow the removal of elected representatives and by restoring broad surveillance powers to 18–19 agencies without court oversight. He said these actions undermine democratic accountability.

Bhuiyan added that the NCP initially sought cooperation with the government but now sees no alternative to street protests due to the controversy surrounding the referendum. He warned that such confrontation would not benefit any side.

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, saying Trump remains “stuck in the Stone Age.” Aref made the remarks in a post on social media platform X, responding to Trump’s recent comments threatening to destroy Iran’s power plants and bridges. The statement was reported by Al Jazeera on April 5, 2026.

According to U.S. media reports cited in the source, Trump said his administration could not fund healthcare and childcare programs because of increased military spending. Aref argued that a leader who abandons his own people’s welfare while threatening others is still living in the Stone Age. He added that Iran has chosen a path of development and construction despite external pressure.

Aref’s comments came after Trump had repeatedly threatened to “send Iran back to the Stone Age.” The exchange underscores continuing verbal hostilities between Washington and Tehran over military and economic issues.