Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered the country’s armed forces to halt shelling, while emphasizing that the ceasefire does not signify the end of the war. His directive was broadcast on Iran’s state television on April 8, 2026, where he instructed all branches of the military to comply with the order to stop firing. Tehran clarified that the ceasefire should not be interpreted as a conclusion to the conflict. The Iranian leadership warned that its forces remain ready to respond to any attack from the United States or Israel, stating that their hands remain on the trigger. Following the ceasefire announcement, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council reiterated that any hostile move from the adversary would be met with full force. The statements underscore Iran’s cautious stance, signaling a temporary pause in active combat operations while maintaining readiness for potential escalation if provoked.

Serious allegations of irregularities and misappropriation have surfaced in the distribution of government-allocated rice under the special VGF program for fishermen in Dhulasar Union of Mahipur, Patuakhali. On April 7, it was observed that fishermen were receiving only 48 to 58 kilograms of rice instead of the government-fixed 80 kilograms. Reports indicate that their cards were withheld and they were forced to accept reduced quantities through slips. Each fisherman allegedly received 20 to 30 kilograms less rice, and even the sacks were found to be underweight by 2 to 3 kilograms. The government had allocated 40 kilograms of rice per month for registered fishermen under the jatka conservation program, totaling 80 kilograms for two months. For 1,450 fishermen in Dhulasar Union, this amounted to a significant allocation, but locals claim around 36 metric tons of rice were misappropriated. Fishermen also reported being charged 100 taka each for transportation costs. Attempts to contact the union chairman were unsuccessful, while local fisheries and administrative officials said they were aware of the issue and would take necessary action. Local fishermen expressed frustration and demanded a prompt investigation and accountability for those responsible.

Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The meeting took place in the Prime Minister’s Office at the National Parliament Secretariat in Dhaka. The information was confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman. The report did not provide details about the discussion or agenda of the meeting. Such courtesy meetings are typically part of regular official interactions between the head of government and senior military officials. The confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office indicates that the meeting was formal and scheduled. No further information was released regarding the topics discussed or any outcomes from the meeting.

A Dhaka court has scheduled April 16 for the charge framing hearing against British MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and former RAJUK assistant legal adviser Sardar Mosharraf Hossain in a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over allegedly acquiring a flat illegally in Gulshan-2. The case has been transferred to Dhaka’s Fifth Special Judge Court by order of Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez. Court officials confirmed that the gazette notification has been published and the case is ready for trial. Earlier, on February 18, the court accepted the charge sheet and issued arrest warrants against Siddiq and Hossain. The ACC later sought Interpol’s red notice to arrest Siddiq, which was approved by the court. The case stems from allegations that Siddiq and others misused power to occupy and register a flat from Eastern Housing Limited without payment. The ACC filed the case on April 15 last year under multiple sections of the Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. Siddiq had previously been sentenced to six years in prison in three separate fraud cases related to plot allocation.

US President Donald Trump has agreed to postpone a previously announced large-scale attack on Iran for at least two weeks. Following his announcement, Iran’s Supreme Security Council welcomed the decision, while the United Nations and several countries expressed support for the temporary ceasefire. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to comply with international law and uphold the ceasefire terms to pave the way for lasting peace. Australia’s Prime Minister’s office said the country hopes the ceasefire continues and leads to a resolution. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister’s office described the development as encouraging but warned that significant work remains to ensure lasting peace. Japan called for concrete steps, including ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq welcomed the ceasefire and urged sustained dialogue between the US and Iran. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced that the US, Iran, and their allies had agreed to a ceasefire effective immediately, including in Lebanon. However, Israel later clarified that Lebanon is not covered by the two-week truce.

A violent altercation broke out on Tuesday evening at the Ranisankail Upazila Parishad office in Thakurgaon when central leader of Gana Odhikar Parishad, Mamunur Rashid Mamun, along with local party leaders Sohrab Ali and Jafar Ali, confronted Project Implementation Officer (PIO) Nurun Nabi Sarkar over his presence at the office after hours. The dispute escalated into a physical attack on the PIO and an office assistant, which was recorded and quickly spread on social media. Following the viral video, activists from Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal gathered at the scene and retaliated against the Gana Odhikar Parishad leaders before police intervened to restore order. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khazida Begum and Officer-in-Charge Amanullah Al Bari visited the site after the incident. The office assistant Ayub Ali claimed both he and the PIO were beaten, demanding justice. Nurun Nabi Sarkar alleged that Mamun had previously sought a share of project benefits and attacked him after being refused. Mamun later claimed in a Facebook video that he was assaulted by Chhatra Dal members. Police confirmed no formal complaint had been filed yet. Authorities are monitoring the situation, though no arrests or charges have been reported so far.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted in Baghdad on March 31, has been released after a week in captivity. The Iran-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah earlier stated it would release her on the condition that she immediately leave Iraq. Rubio described the release as a reflection of the Trump administration’s commitment to the safety of US citizens worldwide. He expressed gratitude to Iraqi officials for their assistance in securing Kittleson’s release and said the United States is now working to ensure her safe departure from Iraq. The 49-year-old journalist’s abduction had prompted an Iraqi government response, with security forces pursuing suspects, leading to a vehicle crash and one arrest. According to the report, the release followed coordination between US and Iraqi authorities, though details of the negotiation process were not disclosed.

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.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the two-week ceasefire announced between the United States and Iran. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, confirmed the statement, noting that Guterres urged all parties to adhere strictly to international law and the terms of the ceasefire. The Secretary-General emphasized that the cessation of hostilities could open a path toward sustainable and comprehensive peace in the region. Guterres further stressed the urgent need to halt conflict to protect civilian lives and reduce humanitarian suffering. Dujarric also confirmed that the Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Jean Arnault, is currently in the region assisting efforts to establish lasting peace. The announcement reflects the UN’s continued engagement in promoting stability and humanitarian relief amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.

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.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States achieved a 'complete and final victory' in its war with Iran. In an interview with AFP, Trump said the claim followed the signing of a two-week ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran. He described the outcome as 'complete and final victory, one hundred percent,' adding that there could be no question about it. When asked whether he would carry out his earlier threat to destroy Iran’s civilian infrastructure if Tehran violated the agreement, Trump declined to answer, saying only that people would have to wait. Earlier, after Trump announced a two-week suspension of attacks on Iran, Iran’s Supreme Security Council welcomed the decision in a statement. Israel also agreed to halt its attacks. Following the announcement of the ceasefire, global oil prices dropped by 10 percent, according to CNN. The developments mark a temporary pause in hostilities, though uncertainty remains about the durability of the truce and future U.S.-Iran relations.

Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 away victory over Sporting CP in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal on April 8, 2026. The match at Lisbon’s José Alvalade Stadium remained goalless through regular time before substitute Kai Havertz scored in the first minute of stoppage time, sealing the win for Mikel Arteta’s side. Sporting created more shooting opportunities, registering 11 attempts with five on target, while Arsenal managed seven shots, four of which were on goal. Despite Sporting’s early pressure, including a sixth-minute strike from Maximilian Araujo that hit the crossbar, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya made several key saves to keep his team in contention. Sporting also had a goal disallowed for offside in the 63rd minute and missed another close chance in the 87th. With this result, Arsenal take a narrow advantage into the return leg at the Emirates Stadium next Wednesday, where both teams will battle for a place in the semifinals.

The United States and Israel have launched extensive attacks on Iran’s power plants, bridges, and rail infrastructure after President Donald Trump’s ultimatum for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz neared its deadline. The strikes, which damaged universities, hospitals, and oil facilities, killed at least 16 people across Iran. Washington and Tel Aviv also targeted Kharg Island, a key oil export hub, hitting around 50 sites and causing widespread power outages. Trump warned that Iran faced destruction if it failed to comply, while the White House denied any plan for nuclear strikes. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed that any further US attacks would draw responses beyond the Middle East. Tehran has already retaliated by striking American and Israeli-linked assets in the region, with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE reporting intercepted drones and missiles. Pakistan has been mediating between Washington and Tehran, but diplomatic progress remains stalled. As tensions escalate, both sides appear to be preparing for broader conflict. The US Central Command said it has hit over 13,000 Iranian targets under “Operation Epic Fury,” while Iran continues counterstrikes across the region.

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.