Qatar has condemned an attack by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar denounced the incident, saying it occurred under the protection of Israeli occupation police. The Gulf state described the minister’s actions as a severe violation of international humanitarian law and an incitement to the sentiments of Muslims worldwide. The statement emphasized Qatar’s rejection of such provocations at one of Islam’s holiest sites. The condemnation follows heightened regional tensions involving Israel and neighboring countries, as reported by Al Jazeera, though no further details on diplomatic responses were provided in the source.

At least 15 American personnel were injured in an overnight Iranian drone attack on the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, according to a report by CBS News citing two US officials. The incident occurred late at night, and most of the injured reportedly suffered minor wounds and have already returned to duty. The report, which referenced information from Al Jazeera, did not specify the extent of damage to the base or whether any military assets were affected. The attack marks another escalation in regional tensions involving Iran and US military positions in the Middle East. Further details about the response from US authorities or potential retaliatory measures were not available at the time of reporting.

Bangladeshi migrant workers across Qatar, Kuwait, and Lebanon are enduring severe hardship as the Iran war and regional instability disrupt daily life and employment. The conflict, triggered by U.S.-Israeli aggression on Iran, has led to economic paralysis, job losses, and travel restrictions. Hundreds of workers have lost their livelihoods, while many remain stranded due to high airfares and passport complications. In Qatar, authorities have imposed strict restrictions, including bans on photography and unnecessary movement, as drone interceptions and port attacks heighten insecurity. In Kuwait, economic zones have stalled, flights are suspended, and schools remain closed, leaving workers anxious about job security. Lebanon faces the worst crisis, with Israeli attacks killing over 1,300 people and displacing 1.2 million. Around 500–600 Bangladeshis are living in temporary shelters, many without legal status, forcing remittances through informal channels. Rising gas and electricity prices have worsened living conditions. According to official data, over 450,000 Bangladeshis live in Qatar, 350,000 in Kuwait, and 100,000 in Lebanon. The ongoing conflict threatens their safety, income, and Bangladesh’s remittance inflow, leaving many uncertain about their future.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written statement following the assassination of Majid Khademi, the intelligence chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The message condemned the killing and blamed the United States and Israel for the attack. Israel has confirmed that Khademi was targeted. Khamenei reiterated that the deaths of commanders would not disrupt the ideals of Iran’s forces, emphasizing the large number of their members. Several IRGC commanders have been killed since the war began on February 28. The report noted that multiple written statements have recently been released under Mojtaba Khamenei’s name, but he has not been seen publicly or on Iranian state television since succeeding his father about a month ago. Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Mojtaba might be dead or in poor condition due to his absence. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva said the absence was for security reasons, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted that Khamenei was healthy and fully in control of the situation.

Iran’s military announced that four of its officers were killed on Monday while attempting to intercept US warplanes over the central province of Isfahan. The incident occurred in the Mahiyar area, where Iranian forces engaged in what was described as a direct battle with enemy aircraft, helicopters, armed drones, and support planes. According to the semi-official Fars News Agency, the confrontation led to the deaths of the four Iranian military personnel after they came under attack. The report, citing Al Jazeera as a source, did not provide further details about the scale of the engagement or any US response. The clash adds to a series of recent regional incidents involving Iran, including reported attacks in Saudi Arabia and Israel, as noted in the same news outlet’s coverage.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American authorities are trying to identify the person who leaked information to the media about a second U.S. pilot reportedly detained in Iran. According to Trump, Iran was unaware of the second pilot’s location until the news was published, which made the rescue operation significantly more difficult. Trump said the media outlet that published the report would be asked to reveal the source of the leak. He warned that failure to cooperate could lead to legal consequences. The president emphasized that the search for the leaker was being taken very seriously and that the government would approach the media company directly to demand disclosure in the interest of national security. The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not provide further details about the pilot’s condition or the ongoing rescue efforts.

US President Donald Trump announced that a total of 155 American aircraft participated in a second rescue operation conducted in Iran. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, he detailed that the mission included four bombers, 64 fighter jets, 48 fuel tankers, and 13 rescue aircraft. Trump described the operation as highly risky, stating that US forces came under fire during the mission. He added that several helicopters and other military equipment were damaged, and two aircraft had to be destroyed at the scene. Trump also said officials would investigate the identity of the person who first informed a media outlet about the downing of a US pilot in Iran. According to Trump, since the conflict began, more than 10,000 fighter jets have flown over Iran and nearly 13,000 targets have been attacked. He further remarked that Iran could be “eliminated in one night” if necessary, suggesting that such a moment might be near.

Prediction markets tracking U.S. political outcomes saw a sharp rise this weekend in bets suggesting President Donald Trump could be removed from office under the 25th Amendment. The surge followed escalating conflict with Iran and widespread criticism of Trump’s recent social media comments, which drew attention to his handling of the crisis. According to Newsweek, trading volume increased on Kalshi, a regulated prediction platform, as users speculated on whether cabinet-level action might be taken to declare the president unfit for duty. Kalshi’s contract titled “Will the 25th Amendment be used during Trump’s presidency?” saw the price of “Yes” shares climb from 28.6 percent to 35.1 percent, the second-highest level since his second term began. The market initially opened in January 2025 at 15 percent “Yes.” The rise coincided with controversy over Trump’s posts about Iran, including threats targeting civilian infrastructure. Senator Chris Murphy urged the cabinet to consider invoking the amendment, calling Trump’s remarks “completely, utterly unbalanced.” Analysts expect Kalshi’s market to remain volatile as long as global tensions and domestic criticism persist, with prices likely to fluctuate alongside developments in the Iran conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to reporters at the White House about Iran, issuing a series of strong statements. He threatened renewed attacks on Iran’s bridges, power plants, and other civilian infrastructure, warning of actions that could amount to war crimes. Trump also said that if he had the opportunity, he would seize Iran’s vast oil reserves to generate significant revenue. Trump criticized Americans who oppose war, calling them “fools,” while asserting that his “Make America Great Again” supporters remain firmly behind him. He further claimed that his administration had sent guns to anti-government protesters in Iran, though he did not specify which group received them. The president declared that his ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was final, describing Tehran’s response to U.S. proposals as “important” but “not good enough.” The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, underscore escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The Ghorashal-Polash Urea Fertilizer Factory in Narsingdi resumed production at 12:10 p.m. on Monday, April 6, after remaining closed for nearly a month due to a gas supply suspension. The factory began preliminary operations on March 31 following the restoration of gas connection by Titas authorities. The plant’s General Manager (Administration), Md. Fakhrul Alam, confirmed the resumption of production. According to factory sources, gas supply to the facility was halted on March 4 amid a nationwide gas crisis, forcing the shutdown of one of Asia’s major gas-dependent urea producers. The closure caused a daily production loss of about 2,800 metric tons of urea, valued at approximately Tk 13.44 crore per day. The factory, built at a cost of Tk 15,000 crore and operational since March 11, 2024, requires 71–72 MMC of gas daily for full-capacity production but can operate with 52–53 MMC. Officials stated that the one-month shutdown will compel the factory to cover loan repayments, amounting to Tk 1,600–1,800 crore annually, through borrowing to offset the production gap.

The Bangladesh Parliament will begin holding two sessions daily starting Tuesday, according to Chief Whip Nurul Islam. The first session will start at 10:30 a.m. and adjourn at noon, while the second will begin at 3:30 p.m. and continue into the night. The decision was made at an emergency meeting of the parliamentary business advisory committee. The move aims to expedite legislative work before the April 9 deadline. Chief Whip Nurul Islam explained that 133 ordinances must be passed by April 9, prompting the decision for extended sittings. He also noted that due to time constraints, copies of all bills could not be distributed in advance and expressed regret for the inconvenience. The Chief Whip added that bills already agreed upon in special committees would be passed first, while those with dissent notes or amendments would be presented separately by the following day. If necessary, parliamentary sessions may also be held on Friday to ensure completion of the legislative agenda within the limited timeframe.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) will bring 60,000 income tax returns under audit for the fiscal years 2023–2024, 2024–2025, and 2025–2026. NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan announced the plan during a pre-budget discussion with the Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) at the Revenue Building in Agargaon, Dhaka. He said the selection will be made on a risk-based basis through an automated system. The chairman explained that manual audit selection had been suspended earlier due to complaints and would only resume after the transition to an online system. With online filing now mandatory for most taxpayers in the current fiscal year, the NBR has reintroduced audits through automation. He added that 600 companies have already been selected for VAT audits under the same automated process, covering manufacturing, service, retail, wholesale, and import-export sectors. According to the NBR, the automated selection system aims to enhance transparency, neutrality, and efficiency in tax administration while reducing revenue evasion and improving taxpayer confidence.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has announced plans to impose an annual limit on head office expenses claimed by foreign companies operating in the country. NBR Chairman disclosed the move during a pre-budget discussion with representatives of the Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) at the Revenue Building on Monday. He said many firms report large head office costs each year, which reduces their declared profits, and argued that such expenses should not rise indefinitely after the initial years of establishment. FICCI’s tax adviser Snehashish Barua opposed the proposal, noting that existing laws such as the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and transfer pricing regulations already ensure expense justification. He warned that setting arbitrary limits could send a negative signal to foreign investors. FICCI also proposed lowering the corporate tax rate from 27.5 percent to 20 percent, arguing that Bangladesh’s rate is higher than competitors like Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The NBR chairman rejected the idea, citing revenue pressures. FICCI President Rupali Chowdhury said foreign firms are struggling with negative growth since the pandemic and the Ukraine war, urging NBR to support businesses ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming LDC graduation.

The Bangladesh Parliament has decided to conduct its sittings in two daily sessions starting Tuesday to meet the constitutional requirement of converting 133 ordinances issued by the interim government into laws. The announcement was made during the 13th National Parliament session on Monday, with Chief Whip Nurul Islam outlining the schedule and purpose of the extended sittings. According to the Chief Whip, the first session will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the second at 3:30 p.m. To expedite the legislative process, Thursday’s Private Members’ Day has been canceled to prioritize government bills. He also noted that the Parliament is prepared to continue its sessions on Friday if necessary to complete the legislative workload. The decision reflects the urgency to fulfill constitutional obligations within a limited timeframe, ensuring that all 133 ordinances are formally enacted into law without delay.

The National Parliament of Bangladesh passed the 'Voter List (Amendment) Bill, 2026' on Monday, April 6, 2026, through a voice vote during the 13th parliamentary session. The bill aims to ensure voting rights for citizens by allowing those who turn 18 before the announcement of the election schedule to be included in the voter list. The Speaker presented the proposed amendments, and as there were no objections, clauses 2, 3, and 4, along with the title and preamble, were adopted by voice vote. Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman introduced the bill, stating that the amendment was brought to uphold the principle of universal suffrage. The Deputy Speaker conducted the session, and the bill was unanimously approved by members present. The new law completes the process initiated with the 'Voter List Ordinance, 2025,' which was issued last year to amend the 'Voter List Act, 2009.'