Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy announced that the country has fully resumed operations of its key east-west oil pipeline following an attack on Thursday that targeted the pipeline and nearby energy infrastructure. According to the ministry, the incident had temporarily halted the transport of about 700,000 barrels of oil per day. The ministry explained that Saudi Arabia had reduced its reliance on the Strait of Hormuz after tensions escalated between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which had nearly stalled oil shipments through the strait. As an alternative, crude oil was redirected through the east-west pipeline to a terminal on the Red Sea. Following last week’s attack, the coastal Manifa production facility has also been reactivated, though repair work continues at the Khurais oil field within the country.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced on Sunday that edible oil prices will not increase for now. He made the statement after a meeting held to review the country’s edible oil supply situation. The minister said the government’s top priority is to prevent price hikes amid global instability and that regular reviews are conducted to monitor supply and imports of this sensitive commodity. The meeting took place at the Commerce Ministry with representatives from domestic edible oil suppliers in attendance. The minister noted that no decision had been made to raise prices at this stage. Earlier, the Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association had proposed a price increase in a letter to the ministry. After evaluation by the ministry and the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, the proposal was rejected. Discussions were also held about providing certain additional facilities to oil suppliers to help them adjust profits without raising prices, though the specific measures have not yet been finalized.

The Ministry of Education has directed the creation of a list of retired and physically capable teachers across Bangladesh to increase classroom teaching activities. According to an official letter signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Shirin Akter, managing committees of educational institutions have been instructed to recruit teachers from this list as needed. The directive was sent to all district commissioners, upazila executive officers, and the Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education. The ministry explained that teaching activities in classrooms are being disrupted due to a shortage of teachers and delays in recruitment by the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA). To ensure quality education, upazila-based pools of retired teachers will be formed with the approval of local managing committees and guidance from upazila executive officers. Institutions will cover honorarium expenses from their own essential funds. Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan also stated that retired teachers might be appointed as presidents of managing committees or governing bodies of schools, colleges, and madrasas. He added that a commission could be formed for this purpose, though no formal decision has yet been made.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sharply criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his comments regarding the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. In a post on social media platform X, Netanyahu said Israel would continue its operations against Tehran and its allied regional groups. Earlier in the week, following the US-Iran ceasefire, Erdogan had warned US President Donald Trump to avoid any form of provocation, though he did not specify whom the warning targeted. Responding to this, Netanyahu accused Erdogan of supporting groups aligned with Iran and of committing violence against the Kurdish population in Turkey. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and Turkey amid broader regional instability following the US-Iran ceasefire agreement.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced extensive security measures ahead of the Pahela Baishakh celebrations in the capital. The restrictions include a complete ban on carrying masks, bags, sharp objects, and flammable materials in and around Ramna Park. Additionally, the use of lanterns, fireworks, and noise-making whistles has been prohibited to maintain public safety and order. Following a security drill at the Botomul area of Ramna Park, the DMP’s acting commissioner Md. Sarwar stated that large crowds are expected across Dhaka on April 14. To ensure smooth participation and safety for all, the city has been divided into nine sectors and fourteen sub-sectors under a detailed security plan. The measures are part of the DMP’s broader effort to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration of the Bengali New Year in the capital.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and opposition chief whip, stated that the current BNP government will not implement reforms without a mass movement. Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting with July martyrs’ families and fighters organized by the 11-party alliance at the Diploma Engineers Institution auditorium in Dhaka’s Kakrail, he said that despite two years since the popular uprising, the nation remains at the same point of unity for reforming Bangladesh. He accused the government of rendering parliament ineffective and urged preparations for a mass movement, emphasizing that reforms are essential for protecting the country rather than serving any political party. Islam pledged that alliance leaders would lead from the front and resist any obstruction from the BNP or foreign powers. He also criticized the government for exploiting the families of July martyrs and wounded fighters for political legitimacy. According to Islam, Bangladesh has been regressing since the BNP came to power, rejecting the July charter and ordinances that once guided reform efforts.

The recent talks between the United States and Iran did not yield the expected results, but Pakistan continues its diplomatic engagement, according to Qamar Cheema, Executive Director of the Sanober Institute. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Cheema described the discussions as one of the most significant diplomatic efforts of the past decade. He said Iran received a final proposal and its delegation must now consult the country’s top leadership, especially after recent US-Israeli strikes killed several key Iranian figures. Cheema explained that Pakistan’s role was to bring both sides to the table, reduce mistrust, and rebuild confidence, a task he claimed Pakistan accomplished successfully. Both parties reportedly appreciated Pakistan’s mediation, earning it international recognition. He emphasized that the most important achievement of the process was the ceasefire, calling it the central outcome. Cheema expressed hope that Iran would soon decide on the proposal and return to the negotiation process, describing the situation as ongoing and the diplomatic efforts as continuing.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen met with Road Transport, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam MP at the Secretariat on Sunday. The meeting focused on mutual interests, particularly ongoing development projects in Bangladesh’s road, rail, and water transport sectors, and explored future cooperation opportunities. During the meeting, Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarek Rahman, the government is working tirelessly to modernize, secure, and sustain the country’s transport system. He expressed optimism about potential US investment and technical assistance in these sectors. Ambassador Christensen welcomed the current government and reaffirmed continued US support for road safety, modern transport systems, and sustainable infrastructure development. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, increasing investment, and sharing technological expertise to further advance Bangladesh’s communication and transport sectors. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division.

Information Minister Zahid Uddin Swapon stated that Bangladesh has not achieved significant progress in exploring new overseas labor markets, with migrant employment still concentrated in a few traditional destinations. He urged relevant ministries to identify and develop new markets through effective initiatives. The minister made these remarks while inaugurating the ‘Branding Bangladesh Beyond Borders’ conference in Dhaka, organized by the Center for NRB. Swapon emphasized that the country’s greatest asset is its working population and called for active involvement of non-resident Bangladeshis in expanding employment opportunities abroad. He highlighted that export of ready-made garments and remittances remain the main sources of foreign currency and suggested that increasing exports and remittances should be central to foreign policy. He also stressed the need to prioritize skilled manpower export, attract foreign investment, and maintain incentives to boost remittance inflows. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid acknowledged that Bangladesh’s missions abroad lack adequate capacity to deliver expected services and to project a positive image internationally. State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare Nurul Haque urged awareness against irregular migration, while speakers at the event emphasized skill development and stronger national branding.

US Vice President JD Vance described the collapse of talks with Iran as both good and bad news, following failed negotiations held in Islamabad. BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet reported that while the duration of the session was notable, the absence of any agreement was not surprising. Vance said Iran refused to accept US conditions, signaling a breakdown in efforts to reach a compromise. According to Doucet, Iran entered the talks believing it still held leverage despite suffering major military losses, particularly due to its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. She noted that Iran has its own limits on what concessions it can make. The situation echoes the long and difficult process that preceded the last nuclear deal between Tehran and Washington a decade ago. Doucet added that former President Donald Trump now faces a tough decision—either escalate the situation further or return to negotiations for a reassessment of the diplomatic path.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of deceiving and betraying the nation. He made the remarks on Sunday in Dhaka’s Kakrail during a discussion with families of martyrs and fighters linked to the July Charter implementation movement. Dr. Rahman alleged that the BNP is attempting to establish a one-party system. He stated that the July martyrs do not belong to any political group but have been used to create divisions for political gain. He further claimed that participants in the July movement were exploited to influence parliament and create instability. Opposition Chief Whip and NCP convener Nahid Islam warned that if necessary reforms are not implemented, preparations are underway to take to the streets, emphasizing that demands will be achieved through mass movements.

Iran’s Deputy Parliament Speaker Haji Babai has declared that the Strait of Hormuz is entirely under Iranian control and that all vessels using the route must pay tolls in Iranian rials. The statement follows recent discussions between Iran and the United States, which have reignited tensions over the strategic waterway. According to reports, nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas pass through this strait, making it a critical global energy corridor. The issue of securing safe passage through the Strait was a key condition in the conditional ceasefire between Iran and the United States, but it became a major point of contention during negotiations. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, after talks in Pakistan, avoided commenting on the matter, while President Donald Trump claimed on social media that the strait would soon reopen. The U.S. Central Command reported that two Navy destroyers had crossed the strait to clear mines, a claim Iran denied. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that any attempt by military ships to pass through the strait would be met with strong resistance, further heightening international concern over global energy supply stability.

Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Mahadi Amin announced that the government is actively working to reopen Malaysia’s labor market for Bangladeshi workers as soon as possible. Speaking at a briefing at the Secretariat on Sunday, he said he and the Minister of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Ariful Haque Chowdhury, recently visited Malaysia to discuss the reopening of the labor market, which has been closed for nearly two years. During the visit, they met Malaysia’s Prime Minister and senior policymakers to seek cooperation in resuming manpower exports from Bangladesh. Mahadi Amin stated that both governments discussed making the migration process more transparent and reducing costs for workers. Malaysia is reportedly planning a technology-driven platform using artificial intelligence to recruit workers from multiple countries, including Bangladesh. He emphasized that Bangladesh requested assurance that its workers could migrate through a fair and low-cost process. He added that a joint statement between Bangladesh and Malaysia has already been issued, marking a breakthrough in bilateral cooperation to ensure transparency and cost reduction in overseas employment procedures.

At least 30 people were killed in a stampede at a historic fortress in Haiti on Saturday, according to Culture Minister Emmanuel Menard. The incident occurred during a tourism event in the city of Milot, and authorities confirmed that the injured are receiving medical treatment, though the exact number of those hurt remains unclear. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé expressed deep condolences and said the tragedy took place amid a large gathering of young people attending the event. He confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the stampede. Local media reported that the event drew a large crowd of students and visitors after being promoted on social media. The fortress, built shortly after Haiti gained independence from France by revolutionary leader Henri Christophe, stands as a national symbol of freedom and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mongla Port has seen a significant rise in reconditioned car imports in recent years, contributing notably to Bangladesh’s import sector and national revenue. The port first began handling reconditioned cars in 2009, opening new opportunities for trade. According to port sources, around 60 percent of all imported cars in the country are now cleared through Mongla Port. On average, 1,000 to 1,200 units arrive monthly, supported by two modern storage yards capable of holding about 20,000 vehicles. Importers attribute this growth to improved infrastructure, enhanced security, and better road connectivity through the Padma Bridge. Many traders are increasingly choosing Mongla over Chattogram Port due to these advantages. Port officials stated that service quality has improved significantly, and facilities for importers are being expanded. In the 2024–25 fiscal year, 11,579 cars were imported through Mongla, while 8,770 units arrived in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, indicating sustained growth. Officials and stakeholders believe continued infrastructure and service development will further strengthen Mongla Port’s role in national trade.