The Bangladesh Shop Owners Association has appealed to the Prime Minister to reconsider the government’s recent decision requiring all shops and shopping malls to close by 6 p.m. The measure was introduced in response to a deepening global energy crisis caused by ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The association argues that the early closing time could harm businesses and has proposed allowing shops to remain open until 8 p.m. instead. They also requested permission to open shops at 11 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. The proposal was discussed during an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s standing committee. Leaders stated that adjusting the schedule is essential to protect the livelihoods of approximately 7 million shop owners and 25 million employees across the country. They believe the revised hours would help maintain normal economic activity while still supporting energy-saving goals. Government authorities have not yet responded to the proposal, but association leaders expressed hope that a decision will be made soon.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over multiple attacks on healthcare facilities in Iran, including an airstrike on a major center in Tehran. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the Pasteur Institute, a key public health and research facility in the capital, was heavily damaged and unable to operate normally. The organization confirmed at least 20 attacks on health institutions across Iran. Iran’s state news agency ISNA reported that the Pasteur Institute has not completely halted operations, continuing vaccine and serum production. Photos shared by the Iranian Health Ministry showed extensive destruction of the building. Established in 1920, the institute is one of Iran’s oldest public health institutions and plays a vital role during emergencies, according to WHO. Tedros also called for emergency assistance for health systems in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, citing widespread conflict that has displaced about four million people and caused thousands of deaths and injuries. WHO has appealed for $30.3 million in emergency funding to strengthen healthcare, trauma response, and preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

US special forces reportedly entered Iran on Friday night to search for a missing crew member from a downed F-15 fighter jet, according to a report by The Telegraph. The aircraft was shot down by Iranian forces after entering Iranian airspace. While one crew member was rescued during a separate operation involving two US military helicopters and a refueling aircraft, the second pilot remained missing as of Friday night. The report noted that neither the US nor Iranian armed forces had officially confirmed the entry of US special forces into Iran at the time of publication. Iranian state media released footage showing local militias conducting searches for the missing airman and offering a $60,000 reward for his capture. Officials said both US helicopters were hit by Iranian fire during the rescue attempt, though one managed to return safely to Iraqi airspace. The incident has intensified tensions between the two countries as both sides continue efforts to locate the missing pilot.

A severe diesel shortage in Uzirpur upazila of Barishal has disrupted irrigation activities, threatening the ongoing Irri-Boro rice cultivation season. Farmers and local officials warned that many diesel-powered irrigation pumps have stopped operating, preventing timely watering of fields and putting seedlings at risk of drying out. Farmers said continued shortages could cause extensive crop damage across the region. Local farmers reported being forced to buy diesel at inflated prices from open markets, increasing production costs and reducing profit margins. Upazila agriculture officer Kapil Biswas said certification letters are being issued to ensure farmers can access diesel and prevent illegal hoarding. Agricultural extension officer Mahmudur Rahman noted that most of Uzirpur’s farmland is single-crop, making this irrigation season crucial for local food security. Fuel station operators said they are receiving only one-third of their required supply, while weekend depot closures have worsened the crisis. The upazila administration has instructed priority fuel distribution to farmers, but tensions persist among fuel-dependent sectors. Farmers urged immediate action to avert large-scale crop losses.

An eleven-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami organized a protest march in Dhaka on Saturday, April 4, demanding constitutional reform in line with the results of a recent referendum and the implementation of the July Charter. The demonstration took place after the Asr prayer at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The alliance announced the program following a liaison committee meeting held in Gulshan on April 2, chaired by coordinator and Jamaat assistant secretary general Hamidur Rahman Azad. At a press briefing, Azad criticized the government, accusing it of failing to meet public expectations and adopting authoritarian tendencies. He stated that street movements were the only remaining option to protect citizens’ interests. The alliance warned that if the government did not act promptly to implement the referendum’s verdict, a meeting of top leaders on April 7 would outline a tougher, long-term movement. Security measures around Baitul Mukarram were strengthened ahead of the protest. The decision followed Jamaat leader and opposition chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s walkout from parliament on April 1 in protest of government actions.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has issued an implicit warning regarding the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime passage linking the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The statement came on Saturday through a post on social media platform X, where Ghalibaf questioned how much of the world’s oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertilizer shipments pass through the strait and which countries and companies rely most on it. His remarks were interpreted as a clear caution to commercial vessels operating in the area. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, though less critical than the Strait of Hormuz, remains a vital route for global maritime trade, handling around 14 percent of commercial shipments, including about 5 percent of global oil supply. The strait’s security has been a growing concern for industries since Iran-backed Houthi forces, who control large parts of Yemen, became involved in regional conflicts. Iran has already maintained effective control over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts note that instability around Bab al-Mandeb could further strain global shipping and energy supply routes if tensions escalate.

Jamaat-e-Islami central Majlis-e-Shura member and Sylhet district Ameer Maulana Habibur Rahman said the party aims to build a justice-based society in Bangladesh and work for the welfare of humanity to attain divine satisfaction. He made the remarks on Friday, April 3, during a day-long educational camp for unit presidents and secretaries organized by Kotwali East Thana Jamaat in Sylhet city. Habibur Rahman stated that the path of the Islamic movement has never been easy and urged party leaders to remain prepared for any situation. He emphasized that Jamaat leaders must act as vigilant guardians for the nation and remain steadfast in their principles despite past conspiracies and oppression. The event was presided over by Thana Ameer Rafiqul Islam Mojumdar and conducted by Secretary Muhib Ali, with participation from all unit presidents and secretaries under Kotwali East Thana. Special guests included Sylhet city Jamaat Secretary Mohammad Shahjahan Ali and Baitul Mal Secretary Mufti Ali Haidar, who presented a Qur’anic lecture. Several local leaders and former student activists were also present at the program.

The White House has requested nearly $1.5 trillion for defense spending in the 2027 fiscal year budget proposal submitted to Congress. The proposed amount represents a 42 percent increase from the previous year and would mark the highest defense budget in modern US history. The proposal comes as the Iran war continues, underscoring the Trump administration’s focus on expanding military capabilities. According to the proposal, the funds would strengthen ammunition reserves, expand the US Navy, and initiate construction of President Donald Trump’s planned ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system. It also includes a 5 to 7 percent pay raise for all military personnel to support recruitment and retention. Of the additional $445 billion requested, $350 billion would be passed through a new law allowing Senate Republicans to approve it by majority vote without Democratic support. The budget also emphasizes defense-related priorities across other agencies. The Department of Energy proposed over $3.5 billion in additional funding for the National Nuclear Security Administration to develop new nuclear warheads, modernize existing ones, and advance technologies for future naval forces.

Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) will begin an emergency nationwide measles vaccination campaign on Sunday, following a sharp rise in infections. Over the past 19 days, 5,792 people have been hospitalized with measles-like symptoms, including 771 confirmed cases and nine confirmed deaths. Another 94 deaths are suspected to be linked to the disease. The DGHS said high-risk districts such as Rajshahi will receive priority in the vaccination effort. Officials reported that 947 new patients were admitted in the last 24 hours, with 42 confirmed measles cases. The DGHS has dispatched vaccines and arranged alternative syringe supplies, with half of the required funding already secured. The campaign will focus on children aged six months to five years, and areas with lower infection risk will receive vaccines through a rationing system. According to DGHS data, Dhaka Division has the highest number of confirmed cases at 358, followed by Rajshahi with 194 and Chattogram with 102. Health authorities expect the emergency program to help bring the outbreak under control if implemented successfully.

Bangladesh is facing an escalating plastic pollution crisis, with about 3.9 million tons of plastic waste contaminating its water bodies, forests, and farmland each year. Only 19 percent of this waste is recycled, while the remaining 81 percent ends up in landfills and rivers, worsening environmental degradation. The widespread use of single-use plastics has intensified the problem, releasing toxic chemicals into soil and water and contributing to air pollution when burned. Dhaka has become one of the world’s most polluted cities, and microplastics have entered the food chain, posing serious health risks. The article highlights that coastal areas such as Chattogram are suffering from marine pollution that threatens biodiversity, while poor communities face health hazards from burning plastic for livelihood. Scientists warn of long-term health impacts, and the economic cost of pollution is rising, with health expenditures consuming about three percent of GDP. The author calls for urgent government, civil society, and private sector collaboration to implement waste segregation, ban single-use plastics, and promote recycling. The report emphasizes adopting a zero-waste system, strengthening recycling infrastructure, and encouraging natural alternatives like jute and bamboo products. Strong political commitment, public awareness, and producer responsibility policies are deemed essential for Bangladesh to transition toward a sustainable, circular economy.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has filed a criminal case alleging the embezzlement of Tk 568 crore from the Market Development Fund (MDF) under the International Gateway Operators Forum (IOF). The case, lodged at Gulshan Police Station in 2025, names 27 accused, including members of the IOF executive committee and relatives of Salman F Rahman. Twelve of the accused have surrendered and secured bail, but the key decision-makers behind the alleged irregularities remain beyond legal reach. The IOF syndicate, formed around international gateway operators, is accused of manipulating international call termination rates and diverting government revenue over nearly a decade. Experts claim that under the guise of a test network topology, the state exchequer lost around Tk 8,000 crore. They have called for a full techno-commercial and forensic audit of the IOS structure, rate-setting mechanisms, and MDF expenditures to uncover the true extent of losses. BTRC has also decided to cancel operational approvals between IOF and IGW operators and announced plans to strengthen monitoring, bank guarantees, and regulatory controls in international call management.

The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has reported that more than one million people have been displaced in Lebanon over the past month due to Israeli aggression. According to UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch, the situation in Lebanon is becoming increasingly dire, with widespread displacement following Israeli evacuation orders and subsequent attacks. The report, cited by Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, said that one in every five people in Lebanon has been forced from their homes, with around 600 shelters now housing the displaced population. Baloch stated that the conflict shows no signs of slowing and is severely affecting both Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees living in the country. He added that over 200,000 people have fled Lebanon for Syria, averaging about 7,000 crossings per day. Many displaced individuals within Lebanon continue to move from place to place in search of safety. To support those affected, UNHCR is working to raise $300 million in humanitarian funding for displaced people across Lebanon.

A nationwide fuel shortage has raised concerns about an imminent disruption to Bangladesh Railway operations, with current diesel reserves sufficient for only 18 to 22 days of service. The railway requires around 5 million liters of diesel each month but received only about 4 million liters by March 28. Officials warn that if supply interruptions persist, freight train services could halt within 48 hours, severely affecting cargo transport from Chattogram and Mongla ports. Railway data show that the eastern zone needs 2.2–2.5 million liters and the western zone about 2.5 million liters monthly, with freight trains consuming the largest share. Port officials caution that a rail shutdown would cause container congestion within 24 hours, increase demurrage costs, and potentially reduce international shipping routes. Experts say the railway’s heavy reliance on diesel—costing Tk 6,600–6,900 crore annually—has made the logistics network vulnerable. Despite being prioritized for fuel supply as a strategic service, railway officials acknowledge uncertainty beyond the current stock period. They warn that any prolonged disruption could escalate into a national economic crisis affecting food, fertilizer, and industrial supply chains.

Delegations from Pakistan and Afghanistan are meeting in Urumqi, Xinjiang, for peace talks mediated by China to end renewed border clashes that began on February 22. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed the meeting on Friday, noting that both sides welcomed Beijing’s initiative and expressed willingness to continue discussions. China had earlier sent special envoys to Islamabad and Kabul in March to facilitate dialogue. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said Islamabad seeks a “permanent solution” and will raise its core concerns during the talks, emphasizing that peace depends on Kabul taking credible action against groups using Afghan territory to attack Pakistan. Meanwhile, Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi stated that Kabul’s delegation joined the talks at China’s request, aiming for balanced and ethical engagement based on good neighborly relations. The renewed talks follow earlier mediation efforts by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey after border clashes last October. Both sides now hope the Chinese-led dialogue will strengthen trade and security cooperation.

BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister’s political adviser Mirza Abbas is showing signs of recovery after being admitted to Singapore General Hospital. On Friday morning, he was moved from the Coronary Care Unit to a cabin as his condition improved. BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan confirmed that Abbas is gradually recovering under medical supervision and is now able to speak with others to a limited extent. Another BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister’s adviser, Nazrul Islam Khan, also traveled to Singapore on Tuesday for medical treatment at the National University Hospital. Party leaders and activists have expressed their wishes for the quick recovery of both senior leaders. Mirza Abbas had lost consciousness during iftar on March 11 and was initially admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where he underwent two brain surgeries before being transferred to Singapore on March 15 for advanced treatment.