An eleven-party alliance, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party, has announced a series of nationwide protests demanding the implementation of a referendum verdict. The announcement came on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, following a meeting at the Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish leader Maulana Mamunul Haque declared the program, accusing the government of opposing the referendum’s outcome. According to the announced schedule, leaflet distribution at Shahbagh will begin on April 9, followed by protest marches at upazila and thana levels on April 11, district-wide rallies on April 12, and a seminar in Dhaka on April 13 in support of enforcing the referendum verdict. Mamunul Haque stated that the alliance would continue its street movement until the verdict is implemented and criticized the BNP for ignoring interim government reform decisions. The press conference was conducted by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad, with senior leaders from several allied parties present, including Jamaat, Khelafat Majlish, the National Citizens Party, and others.

Prime Minister’s Political Affairs Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called for coordinated efforts by the government, the Health Ministry, medical professionals, and public health stakeholders to contain the ongoing measles outbreak. Speaking at a rally marking World Health Day in Dhaka, he warned that misinformation, superstition, and neglect in the health sector have increased the risk of measles, and that failure to act swiftly could worsen the situation. Rizvi said the current outbreak has claimed 38 lives between mid-March and April, with Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Mymensingh identified as hotspots. He noted that seven children died within 24 hours nationwide, urging immediate action from health authorities. He criticized the lack of attention to healthcare over the past 15 years and highlighted insufficient funding for medical research, saying that allocations of only a few lakh taka and added VAT on journal reviews hinder scientific progress. He expressed hope that patriotic doctors and health workers would respond quickly and effectively to prevent further spread of measles and safeguard public health.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Affairs Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman announced that the government aims to vaccinate all children against measles across Bangladesh by May 21, ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. He made the statement during a press briefing at the Secretariat’s PID conference room on Tuesday. The adviser said that a new outbreak of measles has emerged and that the current government is taking the issue seriously to contain it. According to Dr. Rahman, vaccination activities have already begun in 30 upazilas across 18 districts. From April 12, the campaign will expand to Dhaka North and South, Mymensingh, and Barishal, and from May 3, it will be conducted nationwide. The first phase targets 30 high-risk hotspot areas, with gradual expansion based on field readiness and disease conditions. He added that isolation facilities have been arranged in government hospitals, health workers’ leave has been canceled, and doctors’ presence in district and upazila hospitals is being ensured. The adviser expressed sorrow over child deaths from measles and pledged to prevent such situations in the future.

Several US lawmakers have called for invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office. The amendment allows the transfer of presidential powers to the vice president if the president is deemed unable to perform duties. Arizona Congresswoman Yasamin Ansari most recently urged this step, accusing Trump of inciting an illegal war, threatening potential war crimes, and targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran. Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, New Mexico Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury, former Illinois Republican Congressman Joe Walsh, and Democratic Senator Chris Murphy also voiced similar demands. The calls emerged amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, following Trump’s strong rhetoric and actions related to the conflict. Lawmakers described the situation as abnormal and alarming, urging immediate constitutional action by Congress and the Cabinet. The debate underscores growing concern in Washington over Trump’s handling of the Iran crisis and its potential consequences for US foreign policy and global stability.

Bangladesh’s Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain informed Parliament that a total of Tk 4,394 crore 8 lakh 25 thousand has been spent so far on purchasing COVID-19 vaccines. He disclosed the figure on Tuesday during a session of the 13th National Parliament in response to a written question from Feni-2 lawmaker Zainal Abedin. The session was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. According to the minister, a total allocation of Tk 4,685 crore 22 lakh 2 thousand 297 was made from the 2020–21 fiscal year for importing and purchasing vaccines and related equipment. Of this, Tk 30 crore 88 lakh 80 thousand was spent on syringes, Tk 19 crore 57 lakh 3 thousand 354 on transportation, and Tk 99 lakh 78 thousand 980 on syringe shipping and charges. Responding to a question about possible irregularities in vaccine procurement, the minister stated that no specific complaints or information had been received by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. He added that the government remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability and will take appropriate action if any irregularities are detected.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a renewed warning against Iran during a White House press conference on Monday. He said that if Iran refuses to agree to a ceasefire, the United States could destroy key infrastructure, including bridges and power plants. Trump claimed that every bridge in Iran could be destroyed by midnight Tuesday and that power stations could be rendered inoperable. He added that the United States does not seek such an outcome but could act swiftly if necessary. When asked whether attacks on civilian infrastructure might constitute war crimes, Trump avoided the question and rebuked a journalist from The New York Times. Trump stated that Iran must meet U.S. conditions, including keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, halting its ballistic missile program, and dismantling its nuclear program. He emphasized that Iran would never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iran’s state news agency reported that Tehran rejected the ceasefire proposal and demanded permanent conflict resolution, safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, war damage compensation, and sanctions removal. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy markets, pushing oil prices above $115 per barrel. Iran’s foreign minister has intensified diplomatic outreach to countries such as India, Russia, and Turkey.

At least five people were killed and several others injured in two separate Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, according to the country’s National News Agency (NNA). The attacks took place on April 7, 2026, targeting residential areas in two towns. The NNA reported that two people were killed when an airstrike hit a house in the town of Marakeh, leaving several others wounded. In a separate nighttime strike on the town of Tair Debba, three people were killed and two others injured. The report did not specify the identities of the victims or the reasons for the attacks. The incidents mark another escalation of violence in the region, though further details about the circumstances or official responses were not provided in the report.

Former Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury has been shown arrested in a case filed at Lalbagh Police Station in connection with the anti-discrimination movement. The arrest was confirmed on Tuesday morning by Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police Joint Commissioner Md. Nasir Uddin. Authorities stated that she faces six cases across various police stations in the capital, including the Lalbagh case. Earlier that morning, she was detained from her cousin Arif Masud Chowdhury’s residence in Dhanmondi and later questioned at the Detective Branch office on Minto Road. Police sources said Shirin Sharmin is also accused in a murder case related to the July uprising, where a gold worker named Muslim Uddin was shot dead in Rangpur. The case was filed on August 27, 2024, by the victim’s wife against Shirin Sharmin, former Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, and 15 others. Tipu Munshi is currently in jail over that case. According to police, Shirin Sharmin had been in hiding since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, and resigned from her post as Speaker on September 2 of the same year.

Workers of Nasa Group staged a protest on Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026, blocking the Dhaka-Chattogram highway at Paduar Bazar Bishwaroad area in Cumilla. They erected barricades on both sides of the highway, halting vehicle movement and causing a traffic jam stretching about 10 kilometers. The demonstration was organized to demand payment of long-overdue wages. Protesting workers said they have been struggling to survive without salaries for a long time and accused the company of attempting to shut down operations illegally. One worker, Taslima Akter, stated that they would continue the blockade throughout the day if their demands were not met. A traveler named Ariful Islam, who was heading from Feni to Dhaka, expressed frustration over the sudden road closure and questioned the need to block a national highway for wage demands. Cumilla Sadar South Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sirajul Mostafa said that if the workers did not clear the highway soon, authorities would take necessary action to restore traffic flow.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, told the National Parliament on April 7, 2026, that there is a regular system for adjusting fuel prices, which is reviewed every month. He stated that Bangladesh is currently the only country where fuel prices have been kept unchanged. The minister said the government is sourcing fuel from all possible channels to maintain stable supply. He added that operations against illegal hoarding and black market activities will continue to ensure market discipline. Presenting data to Parliament, he reported that the country currently holds 164,944 metric tons of diesel in reserve. He further informed that by the end of April, Bangladesh will import an additional 138,000 tons of diesel, 71,443 tons of octane, and 36,000 tons of petrol to strengthen supply security.

Mojtaba Khamenei, identified as Iran’s top leader, has been seriously injured and is currently unconscious, according to a report by The Times published on April 7, 2026. The report states that he is receiving treatment at a hospital in the city of Qom and is unable to make state decisions due to his condition. The Times cited a joint U.S.-Israeli intelligence assessment sent to Gulf Arab states, which described Khamenei’s critical health status. This is reportedly the first detailed disclosure of his current medical condition. The same intelligence report also claimed that preparations are underway for the burial of his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli attack in Iran on February 28. Meanwhile, the report noted that the United States proposed a temporary ceasefire to ease tensions, but Tehran rejected it, demanding a permanent end to hostilities, permission to collect tolls from ships in the Strait of Hormuz, national reconstruction, and a halt to attacks on Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Education seeking approval for festival allowances for 390,239 teachers and employees working in non-government educational institutions under the MPO scheme. The proposal was sent to the ministry’s budget branch on Monday, and the allowance will be disbursed upon official approval. According to DSHE, the proposal covers 302,693 teachers and staff from schools and 87,546 from colleges. The process will follow the existing system used for monthly salary and allowance disbursement, where institutions submit online requests, which are then verified by DSHE and coordinated with the Ministry of Finance for fund release. Education sector stakeholders believe that if approved, the move will fulfill a long-standing demand and enhance the festive spirit among teachers and staff during the celebration period.

Two ships carrying a total of about 51,000 tons of fuel are scheduled to reach Bangladesh waters on Wednesday under the supervision of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC). According to BPC officials, one vessel named MT Central Star, flying the Marshall Islands flag, is bringing around 26,000 tons of refined octane, while another vessel, MT Eastern Queens, is carrying 25,000 metric tons of furnace oil. Both ships are expected to take one to two additional days to reach the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port. BPC’s public relations officer Farzin Hasan Moumita confirmed the arrival schedule. Officials said unloading operations will begin promptly once the ships dock at the jetty. Despite ongoing global conflict affecting supply chains, BPC continues efforts to maintain steady fuel imports and distribution across the country. The timely arrival of these shipments is expected to support Bangladesh’s domestic fuel supply and help stabilize the energy distribution system amid challenging international conditions.

The Bangladesh Parliament has introduced three bills to repeal ordinances issued during the caretaker government concerning the Supreme Court Secretariat, judicial appointments, and the National Human Rights Commission. Law Minister Asaduzzaman presented the bills separately on Monday, with discussions expected later in the week. The bills aim to nullify caretaker-era decrees and reinstate the 2009 law governing the Human Rights Commission. During the session, confusion arose when the Law Minister mistakenly introduced the wrong bill, leading to one bill being presented multiple times while another was not introduced at all. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker addressed the procedural errors, and the minister acknowledged the mistake. Opposition members raised objections to the Supreme Court-related bills, citing dissent notes in the special committee. In the same session, Parliament passed seven other bills, including amendments to the Representation of the People Order and the Voter List Act, without debate. The legislative push is part of a broader effort to regularize 133 ordinances issued under the caretaker administration before the April 9 deadline.

Bangladesh’s Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury presented a list of the country’s top 20 loan defaulters in the National Parliament on Monday. The report showed that 11 of these companies belong to the controversial S Alam Group. Two companies each from Beximco Group, owned by Salman F Rahman, and Sikder Group, owned by Ron and Rick Haque Sikder, were also listed. The minister did not disclose the total amount of defaulted loans for these entities. The report noted that S Alam Group had taken loans totaling Tk 225,000 crore during the previous Awami League government, causing significant losses to several Islamic banks. These struggling banks were later merged into a new entity, Sammilit Islami Bank, with government and depositor contributions. The finance minister also stated that as of December, total defaulted loans in Bangladesh stood at Tk 544,831.88 crore. The government has initiated measures to recover defaulted loans, including monitoring progress on top defaulters, updating banking guidelines, and publishing lists of willful defaulters. The minister emphasized ongoing reforms to stabilize the economy and strengthen financial discipline.