French President Emmanuel Macron stated that including Lebanon in the ceasefire agreement is essential for establishing lasting and credible peace in the Middle East. According to Al Jazeera, Macron told Iranian and US leaders that the ceasefire was the best possible decision and that Lebanon’s inclusion represented the most effective path toward peace. He emphasized that this inclusion is a necessary condition for making the ceasefire credible and sustainable. Macron also said that any final agreement should address Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, its regional policies, and issues related to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Macron has long opposed military action against Iran and previously described proposals for joint military operations to open the Strait of Hormuz as unrealistic.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the import of an additional 300,000 tons of diesel to address the country's fuel shortage caused by the Iran–United States–Israel conflict. The decision was made at a meeting held on Wednesday at the National Parliament Building, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. The committee approved three separate proposals to purchase 100,000 tons each from Ear Energy AG, K&R International Trading Company, and Messrs Sikder International. The committee also granted policy approval for vaccine procurement under the EPI program and for bridge construction projects in Chandpur and Bhola. It decided that 50 percent of the vaccines would be purchased directly through UNICEF and the remaining 50 percent through open tender. However, due to delays and quality concerns in open tendering, the committee approved direct procurement of the remaining vaccines through UNICEF for the 2025–26 fiscal year, with an estimated cost of Tk 421.47 crore. Additionally, the committee approved in principle two major bridge projects under the PPP model: an 8 km bridge over the Meghna River on the Shariatpur–Chandpur road and the Bhola Bridge over the Kalabandar and Tetulia rivers on the Barishal–Bhola road.

British Trade Envoy Baroness Rosie Winterton met Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam on Wednesday at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. During the meeting, the envoy conveyed the United Kingdom’s interest in participating in ground handling operations at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. According to a ministry press release, both sides emphasized strengthening trade relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. The British envoy assured support for implementing the current government’s election manifesto. The meeting also discussed potential new investments in Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors under a recently signed memorandum of understanding between the two countries. The minister and state minister expressed their commitment to working jointly for the development of these sectors. The government is currently in discussions with a Japanese company regarding the third terminal’s operations. A Bangladeshi delegation led by Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met a Japanese team last Friday, but no final decision has yet been reached.

Police in Shahrasti upazila of Chandpur arrested three individuals early Wednesday, April 8, 2026, while they were allegedly preparing for a robbery. The arrests took place in Aynatoli village of Chitoshi Paschim Union, where a police team conducted an operation at dawn. According to Shahrasti Model Police Station, officers found a group of five to six people gathered near the old boat dock area in front of Thakur Bari on a paved road. During the operation, police detained three suspects along with a pickup van and robbery equipment. The detainees were identified as Rokonuzzaman, 25, from Hajiganj in Chandpur; Hossain, 22, from Lakhai in Habiganj; and Sagar, 20, from Gournadi in Barishal. The officer-in-charge of Shahrasti Model Police Station, Mir Mahbubur Rahman, stated that a case has been filed against the detainees and they have been presented before the court.

Bangladesh Bank has warned that ongoing conflict in the Middle East has intensified global oil market volatility, posing potential risks to Bangladesh’s economy. In its quarterly report released Wednesday, the central bank projected that rising oil prices and continued currency depreciation could accelerate domestic inflation and deplete foreign exchange reserves. According to the analysis, if global oil prices rise by 70 percent in the first quarter of 2026 and by another 30 percent in the second quarter, domestic fuel prices may increase significantly. A sustained five percent depreciation of the exchange rate during the same period could push inflation up by 0.5 to 2 percent by the end of 2026. The report noted that if the government absorbs the global oil price shock through fiscal measures, inflationary pressure could remain moderate. The report further indicated that higher energy import costs and central bank interventions to stabilize the exchange rate could reduce reserves by about 6.5 billion dollars by December 2026. Bangladesh Bank emphasized the need for policy preparedness, suggesting flexible exchange rates and partial fuel price adjustments to maintain macroeconomic stability.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the United States must make a clear decision on whether it wants a ceasefire or to continue the war through Israel. In a message on Telegram, he emphasized that the conditions for a ceasefire between Iran and the United States are clear and specific, and that both options cannot proceed simultaneously. Araghchi added that the world is witnessing genocide in Lebanon and that the responsibility now lies with the United States to uphold its commitments. He previously said that any ceasefire agreement with the US must include Lebanon and require Israel to halt its ongoing war against Hezbollah there. In an earlier post on social media platform X, Araghchi claimed that this issue was already part of an understanding, contradicting Israel’s recent statements. The remarks highlight Iran’s insistence on linking any regional ceasefire to the situation in Lebanon, placing diplomatic pressure on Washington to clarify its stance.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard conducted a large-scale operation in the Sundarbans, arresting 61 members of several notorious bandit groups. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to keep the mangrove forest free from piracy. Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon confirmed the arrests on Wednesday afternoon, noting that the joint operations are carried out regularly to ensure the safety of the region. Lieutenant Sakib Imran, navigating officer of BCGS Swadhin Bangla, stated that the detainees belonged to the Karim-Sharif, Nana Bhai, Chhoto Suman, Alif, and Asabur gangs. The operation also led to the seizure of 80 firearms, 599 live rounds, 308 blank rounds, and 1,950 airgun bullets. Additionally, 78 fishermen and three tourists were rescued from captivity. Authorities emphasized that their goal is to secure the Sundarbans and protect those who depend on it. The Coast Guard has intensified patrols and surveillance across rivers and canals, maintaining regular contact with local residents. Several hideouts of the bandit groups have been identified and destroyed, and joint operations will continue.

A two-week ceasefire agreement announced between the United States and Iran has sparked confusion over its actual terms and basis, according to Al Jazeera. The White House stated that President Donald Trump agreed to the ceasefire based on a ten-point proposal submitted by Iran. Trump also claimed on social media that most longstanding disputes between the two nations had been resolved. However, the White House press secretary later clarified that Trump was referring to a different ten-point plan, not the one previously believed to have come from Iran. This contradiction has created uncertainty about what conditions were actually accepted when the ceasefire was reached. Iran’s original proposal reportedly included limiting Israeli operations in southern Lebanon and actions by its allies, particularly in Yemen. The confusion has raised questions about the specific terms of the ceasefire and what steps will be taken to implement it, as the true basis of the agreement remains unclear.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has called on citizens across the country to participate in the 11-party alliance’s announced program demanding the immediate convening of a constitutional reform council session, implementation of the referendum verdict, and resolution of the ongoing energy crisis. The weeklong program is set to begin on Thursday. The call was made by Jamaat’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, in a statement sent to the media on Wednesday. Porwar said the February 12 referendum, held to give legal basis to the national election and the July Charter, was not implemented by the BNP government, which he described as deceitful toward the people. He stated that 70 percent of citizens voted in favor of the referendum’s “yes” outcome, and the 11-party alliance, including Jamaat, is determined to realize that mandate through street movements. The program includes nationwide public outreach and leaflet distribution from April 9, protest rallies in all major cities on April 11, district-level protests on April 12, and a national seminar in Dhaka on April 13. The leaflet campaign will be formally inaugurated at Shahbagh, Dhaka, on Thursday afternoon.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milan announced plans to introduce a pilot hybrid learning model combining online and offline classes in selected schools in Dhaka. The initiative aims to address the global energy crisis, severe traffic congestion, and the growing need for technology-based education. He made the announcement on Wednesday at a seminar organized by the Ministry of Education at the International Mother Language Institute. The minister explained that the program would not be implemented in all schools simultaneously but only in those with the necessary capacity. The proposed model would include a mix of online and in-person classes throughout the week to reduce student attendance pressure, traffic congestion, and energy consumption while maintaining regular academic activities. He emphasized teacher training, monitoring, and student engagement as key factors for success. The ministry will hold a press briefing at the International Mother Language Institute to share further details about the hybrid class plan. The government intends to gradually adopt technology-driven education to prepare students for future global competition.

India has agreed to return two suspects in the murder case of Shahid Osman Hadi, convener of the July Revolutionary and Anti-Imperialist Inquilab Manch, to Bangladesh. The decision was announced by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, April 8, following meetings in New Delhi between Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and his Indian counterpart Dr. S. Jaishankar, as well as Oil and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Puri. The discussions were attended by Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah. According to the ministry statement, both sides emphasized strengthening bilateral relations and discussed key regional and international issues. Dr. Rahman thanked India for arresting the suspected killers and confirmed that the extradition would proceed under the existing treaty. Bangladesh also reiterated its request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal. During the talks, India pledged to ease visa procedures for Bangladeshis, particularly for medical and business purposes. Bangladesh requested increased supplies of diesel and fertilizer, which India indicated it would consider positively.

A Natore court has sentenced six individuals, including a local Awami League leader, to life imprisonment and fined each Tk 50,000 in connection with the 1999 murder of farmer Mesher Ali in Singra upazila. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday afternoon by Judge Saiful Islam of the Additional District and Sessions Judge Court-3, according to Additional Public Prosecutor Advocate Shahed Mahmud Titu. The convicted individuals are Mahbub Mridha, president of the Hatianandah Union Awami League and former UP chairman, along with Idris Ali, Abu Raihan Mridha, Kartik Mondal, Abul Hossain, and Yunus Ali. The case stemmed from a land dispute between Mesher Ali and his neighbor Soleman Mridha. On February 23, 1999, Mesher Ali was lured out of his home by a neighbor and later found critically injured; he died on the way to the hospital. His son filed a murder case the following day against eight people. Police arrested the accused and submitted a charge sheet. Over the years, two accused died and two went into hiding. After 26 years of proceedings, the court convicted all six remaining accused, including the absconding ones.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled Hafez Azizul Haque, owner of Messrs Soad Filling Station and member secretary of the Gauripur upazila BNP, following allegations of fuel manipulation in Mymensingh’s Gauripur. The decision was announced on Wednesday through a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The statement said Azizul Haque was removed from all party positions and primary membership for involvement in unethical activities. The expulsion followed a mobile court operation led by Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Md Nurul Huda Monir, which uncovered the disappearance of around 50,000 liters of petrol during a fuel inspection on Tuesday. The station’s manager, Md Jalil Hossain Rifat, was arrested, and a case was filed under the Special Powers Act of 1974 for illegal fuel trading and hoarding. The incident sparked widespread attention after being reported in national media. Gauripur BNP’s acting convener Md Habibul Islam Khan Shahid stated that the party would not take responsibility for any member’s misuse of position. Legal proceedings against those involved are underway.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has launched a nationwide crackdown to stabilize the edible oil market and prevent manipulation by dishonest stockpilers. Over the past two days, mobile courts led by RAB executive magistrates conducted surprise raids in Dhaka’s Tejgaon, Hazaribagh, Mohammadpur, and Tongi areas, as well as other parts of the country. Authorities identified 114,442 liters of illegally hoarded oil, imposed fines totaling 71,000 taka, and seized 22,642 liters on the spot. In earlier operations on April 7, RAB-8 fined three businesses in Patuakhali Sadar 11,000 taka, while a special drive in Chattogram uncovered large-scale fraud and hoarding. Officials also seized 1,042 liters of oil that had been bottled without quality certification and labeled with fake company tags. In Nasirabad and Karnaphuli areas, RAB recovered 9,600 and 12,000 liters of illegally stored oil respectively, fining the involved businesses 60,000 taka. RAB’s media wing stated that the operations aim to stop syndicates from creating artificial shortages and ensure market stability through continued surveillance and enforcement.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque emphasized the need for science-based, evidence-driven, and sustainable initiatives to prevent drug abuse. He made the remarks while joining virtually as chief guest at a seminar titled “Youth Voice for Evidence-Based Prevention: Prevent, Don’t Promote,” held in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, on Wednesday morning. The event was jointly organized by the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Bangladesh Chapter and Dhaka Ahsania Mission to mark World Health Day. The seminar, chaired by ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter Chairman Dr. M A Mohit Kamal, featured speakers including Professor Dr. Golam Rahman, Additional Director General of the Department of Narcotics Control Mohammad Golam Azam, and Professor Dr. Mehzabin Haque of Dhaka University. Speakers highlighted that drug abuse is not only a personal health issue but also a major threat to social stability and future generations. They stressed the importance of combining traditional methods with scientific and evidence-based strategies. Participants also underscored the need to make mental health and rehabilitation services more accessible and youth-friendly, reduce drug availability, and strengthen family and institutional roles in prevention. A youth declaration presented at the seminar recommended implementing science-based prevention programs.