The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) launched the 'Emergency Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026' on Sunday across 599 centers in its 10 regions. The program, running until May 11, aims to vaccinate around 500,000 children aged six months to five years. The campaign was inaugurated in the capital’s Korail area, with State Minister for Health Dr. M A Muhit as chief guest and DNCC Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan as special guest. According to the health ministry, the vaccination drive initially began in 17 upazilas and four city corporations, with a nationwide rollout planned from April 20. DNCC has set up 54 permanent and 502 temporary centers, along with 35 evening and eight Friday centers, to ensure wide coverage. A total of 594 vaccinators, 650 volunteers, and 203 supervisors are engaged in the campaign. DNCC officials urged all parents to bring their children to designated centers for immunization. The DNCC administrator also mentioned plans to convert the Mohakhali DNCC COVID Hospital into a general hospital to expand healthcare services using existing infrastructure.

A Palestinian youth was shot dead in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The ministry identified the victim as 23-year-old Ali Majed Hamadneh, who was critically injured when Israeli settlers opened fire during an operation in Deir Jarir village, northeast of Ramallah. He was taken to the Palestine Medical Complex, where he later died. Palestinian news agency Wafa confirmed the incident, reporting that armed settlers entered the village under Israeli military protection and fired at residents. The Israeli army confirmed a Palestinian death in Deir Jarir, stating that troops had responded to reports of stone-throwing at Israeli civilians. According to the military, the situation escalated into a violent riot, prompting a reserve soldier to fire warning shots before shooting one attacker. The army said the wounded man was taken to a hospital and later pronounced dead, adding that an investigation was underway. Violence in the occupied West Bank has intensified since the Gaza war began in October 2023 and further escalated after the Iran war started in February 2026, with at least six Palestinians killed in settler attacks since then.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard detained an Indian citizen in Bhola on April 11, 2026, for allegedly entering the country illegally. Acting on a tip-off, a Coast Guard team arrested Abdul Momin, 34, from the area near the Kheyaghat Bridge in Bhola Sadar upazila. He is the son of Bosar Ali and Hajera Khatun from Bashpukur village under Jatrapur police station in Sipahijala, India. According to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Mohammad Abul Kashem, Momin admitted during interrogation that he had crossed into Bangladesh on April 7, 2026, through the Birampur border in Dinajpur with the help of a drug trafficking group. He reportedly entered the country to go into hiding. The Coast Guard later handed him over to Bhola Sadar police for legal action. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Monirul Islam of Bhola Sadar Model Police Station confirmed that a case has been filed against Momin for illegal entry under case number 25 dated April 11, 2026. He will be sent to court for further proceedings.

Rajshahi University authorities have temporarily suspended the residential privileges of three students, including the Assistant General Secretary (AGS) of the Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall Students’ Union, following allegations of conducting an unauthorized search in a dormitory room. The incident occurred early Saturday when the students reportedly searched room 121 on suspicion that a woman had entered the hall. The hall provost, Professor Dr. Mahbubar Rahman, confirmed the decision in a notice issued at 4 a.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026. According to the notice, the allegation of a woman entering the hall was found to be baseless. However, the students were penalized for violating hall discipline by conducting the search without authorization. The hall’s Vice President (VP), Md. Mozammel Haque, was also served a show-cause notice. The provost stated that no one other than the hall administration has the authority to conduct searches in residential halls. A meeting held later that day between hall leaders and student representatives turned contentious, leading to a temporary suspension of proceedings before the final decision was made to revoke the students’ residential privileges.

BNP-backed lawyers secured nine out of fifteen posts, including the president, in the Dinajpur District Bar Association election held on April 12, 2026. The results were announced at 3 a.m. after vote counting by the election committee led by Md. Ibrahim. Voting took place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the association auditorium, with 503 out of 546 registered voters casting their ballots. The BNP-aligned winners include Md. Emam Ali as president, Md. Sirajul Islam and Md. Abdul Hannan as vice presidents, Md. Moshihur Rahman Fatemi as joint general secretary, Md. Niyamul Haque Chowdhury as treasurer, SMG Mostakim as library secretary, Sadeka Tamanna as education and cultural secretary, and Md. Zobayer Al Mahmud Tuhin and Md. Enamul Haque as executive members. The general secretary post went to Abul Ala Md. Mahbubur Rahman Bhuttu from the Lawyers Unity Council panel, while independent candidate Md. Tozammel Haque Liton won the joint general secretary post with 193 votes. The election outcome reflects a strong presence of BNP-backed lawyers in the district bar leadership, with participation from multiple panels and independent candidates.

China is building a new generation of nuclear-powered submarines to enhance the strength of its navy. Using its advanced dual-use shipbuilding industry, the People's Liberation Army Navy is rapidly expanding its fleet with new warships and submarines. Satellite images published in early 2026 revealed a glimpse of the Type-095 submarine, believed to be the largest and most modern in China's fleet. Reports suggest that the Type-095 is an upgraded version of earlier models such as the Type-093B and Type-094. The submarine is estimated to be about 110 meters long with a displacement between 9,000 and 10,000 tons. Experts believe it could significantly improve China's underwater capabilities through advanced hydrodynamic design, noise reduction systems, and quieter propulsion technology. Although details about its missile and torpedo systems remain limited, analysts speculate that the submarine may include vertical launch systems capable of deploying modern hypersonic or anti-ship ballistic missiles. If confirmed, the Type-095 could mark a major step in Beijing’s efforts to close the gap with U.S. undersea dominance.

Bangladesh’s weightlifting community has been hit by a major setback as Asian Games gold medalist Mabia Akter Shimanta has been banned for two years after testing positive for a prohibited substance. The Bangladesh Olympic Association confirmed the suspension, which bars her from all competitive weightlifting events. The sample that led to the sanction was collected in Riyadh after the Islamic Solidarity Games last year, where traces of banned diuretics were detected. The South Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organization’s Result Management Committee imposed the penalty under World Anti-Doping Agency regulations. Officials said the process followed all required procedures, and Mabia has been formally notified of the decision. Under international anti-doping rules, she retains the right to appeal. Experts noted that banned substances can sometimes appear in the body due to unintentional use of medication or contaminated supplements. At 26, Mabia faces a major career setback but could seek reconsideration through appeal. She began her weightlifting career in 2010 and has been a dominant national athlete since 2013, winning gold medals for Bangladesh in the 2016 and 2019 South Asian Games.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for destroying a rocket launcher in the Jouaiya area of southern Lebanon. According to the army, the launcher was loaded and ready for firing when it was struck overnight. The military stated that the target was neutralized before it could launch rockets toward Israel. The attack occurred during a two-week ceasefire period linked to ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. Despite the truce, Israeli operations in Lebanon have continued. Earlier, Hezbollah, an ally of Iran, had launched rocket attacks against Israel, escalating hostilities since early March. In response, Israel carried out extensive airstrikes and ground operations. The situation has raised concerns about further escalation across the region as both sides maintain military activity despite the declared ceasefire.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the role of the armed forces in the July movement has given hope to the people. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at the armed forces' assembly in Dhaka Cantonment, emphasizing that a strong and united military ensures Bangladesh cannot be defeated. Rahman stated that the armed forces belong to the nation, not to any individual, party, or family, and urged them to maintain professionalism without compromise. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the military and ensuring justice for the Pilkhana massacre, which he said had been intended to weaken the army. The Prime Minister added that the government seeks a military respected by foreign powers and trusted by citizens. He called for the armed forces to uphold high moral standards and preserve the patriotic spirit instilled by President Ziaur Rahman across all ranks.

Israeli airstrikes continued across Lebanon, deepening the humanitarian crisis and sparking widespread protests. Reports from Beirut and southern Lebanese cities indicated that numerous people were killed within the past 24 hours. Grieving families carried bodies through the streets as funerals turned into large demonstrations, highlighting the growing desperation among civilians. Protesters condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks and criticized the international community’s silence, demanding immediate action to stop the bloodshed. Scenes from mass burials underscored the scale of civilian suffering as the conflict escalated. The Israeli military stated that it would continue targeting what it described as objectives in Lebanon. The escalating violence has paralyzed daily life in Beirut and other major cities, forcing thousands to flee their homes in search of safety. The situation remains dire, with civilians bearing the heaviest toll of the continuing hostilities.

Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur is hosting the four-day 'Shaheed Abu Sayeed Book Fair 2026' from April 12 to April 15. The event, announced through a university notice signed by Acting Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Ferdous Rahman, will take place at the university’s Independence Memorial Ground. Various publishing houses will participate, and the fair will remain open to all visitors. Alongside the book fair, the university administration has arranged several programs to celebrate Chaitra Sankranti and the Bengali New Year 1433. A kite-flying competition will be held on April 13 at 4 p.m. at the football field, followed by a festive procession on April 14 at 9:15 a.m. from the south gate of the administrative building. A Baishakhi fair will take place in front of the academic buildings, and a cultural program will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the media square. The book fair will be inaugurated at 3 p.m. by the father of Shaheed Abu Sayeed. Due to the current fuel shortage, the fair will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with cultural events each afternoon.

A total of 126,000 applications have been submitted nationwide for 2,703 vacant Trainee Recruit Constable (TRC) positions in the Bangladesh Police, according to an official announcement on April 12, 2026. On average, about 47 candidates are competing for each post. Applicants aged between 18 and 20 are now waiting for physical tests and subsequent selection stages, which will determine the final qualified candidates. Police Headquarters’ Public Relations Officer Kamrul Ahsan confirmed the figures. Sources said the strong response reflects the government’s active initiative to strengthen public security and address long-standing manpower shortages in the force. The application process has concluded, and preparations for field-level physical examinations are underway. Authorities have emphasized transparency in the recruitment process, warning that any lobbying or financial transactions will lead to disqualification. A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted to prevent broker involvement, and any falsified information will result in application cancellation and legal action.

A local leader of the Weavers’ League in Khulna was hacked to death by unidentified assailants late Saturday night. The victim, identified as Sonamiya, aged 38, was the convener of the organization’s Ward No. 10 unit. The attack occurred around 12:15 a.m. in the Nayabati area of Khalishpur in Khulna city. Police confirmed the incident through the Khalishpur Police Station duty officer. According to local accounts, Sonamiya was inside his tea shop when three attackers arrived on a motorcycle and entered the shop. They assaulted him with sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured. He attempted to flee to a nearby house for safety, but the assailants followed and attacked him again. Locals rescued him and took him first to Khalishpur Clinic and later to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The attackers reportedly wore masks and a helmet and fled the scene immediately after the assault. Police have not yet identified the perpetrators or the motive behind the killing.

Bangladesh’s government directive to close shopping malls and commercial establishments by 7 p.m. to conserve energy has caused major disruptions in the retail sector. Small and medium traders across the country report that reduced operating hours have sharply cut daily sales, with many struggling to cover rent, wages, and utility bills. Retailers are urging authorities to extend business hours to 8 p.m. to recover part of the lost revenue. Shop owners in Dhaka’s major markets, including New Market, Bashundhara City, and Gulistan, say sales have dropped by 40–50 percent since the rule took effect. The Bangladesh Shop Owners Association estimates daily losses in the hundreds of crores of taka, noting that 60–70 percent of retail transactions usually occur after sunset. The group has appealed to the prime minister to allow shops to remain open until 8 or 9 p.m. Experts warn that the restriction may reduce domestic consumption and slow economic activity, even as it helps save electricity. They recommend balancing energy conservation with economic stability through better coordination between government and private sectors.

Iran has denied a claim by the United States that two American warships crossed the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the USS Frank E. Petersen and USS Michael Murphy had passed through the strait and were operating in the Arabian Sea as part of a broader mission. According to CENTCOM, the operation aimed to clear the strait of naval mines allegedly placed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and to ensure maritime security. Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters rejected the US statement in a brief response. A spokesperson said the CENTCOM commander’s claim about the movement and entry of US ships into the Strait of Hormuz was strongly denied. The spokesperson added that all navigation and movement in the area are fully under the control of Iran’s armed forces. The conflicting statements highlight ongoing maritime tensions between the two countries over control and security in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.