Kuwait has announced a new defense and security strategy following a recent drone attack that targeted several government buildings and ministries. The incident occurred on April 5, 2026, and was described as a suspected Iranian drone strike. Although no casualties were reported, the attack caused significant damage and prompted immediate security responses. In a statement, the Kuwaiti Army’s General Staff said that advanced air defense systems are now active to counter hostile missile and drone threats. The army also clarified through a post on social media platform X that any explosion sounds heard by residents were the result of defense operations intercepting enemy attacks. Citizens were urged to follow official safety instructions issued by relevant authorities. The new measures mark Kuwait’s effort to strengthen internal security amid rising regional tensions and to reassure the public about the country’s defensive readiness.

Iran has reintroduced the concept of the 'oil weapon' by restricting oil tanker movement through the Hormuz Strait in response to continued US and Israeli airstrikes in the Gulf region. This move has triggered a global oil shortage and sharp price increases, with Brent crude trading above $100 per barrel and analysts warning prices could reach $140 if the conflict continues. On March 20, the Trump administration temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil for 30 days to stabilize prices, signaling limited policy options. The article draws parallels between Iran’s current strategy and the 1973 Arab oil embargo, when Arab OPEC members halted exports to Israel-supporting nations, causing a fourfold price surge and forcing the US to alter its Middle East policy. Then, as now, energy restrictions achieved political leverage over Western powers. Experts cited in the report note that despite larger petroleum reserves among OECD countries today, these would only cushion short-term disruptions. Iran’s actions have exposed the limits of US military power and underscored that oil remains a potent geopolitical tool even after five decades.

In Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh, allegations have surfaced that a government canal in Chhoto Baraihati village was illegally filled and part of the Gafargaon–Bormi regional road land excavated to build a fish farm. The action has raised fears of waterlogging during the monsoon and irrigation problems in the dry season for hundreds of farmers across several nearby villages. The Baumra canal, also known locally as Shukline, runs through multiple unions before joining the Sutia River. Farmers depend on it for drainage and irrigation. Locals claim that Awami League activist Abul Kashem filled about 200 feet of the canal and dug a deep pond on occupied road land, creating risks for the adjacent road. Several residents, including retired army personnel and a freedom fighter, accused him of land grabbing and warned of potential road collapse. Kashem denied the allegations, stating he only developed his own land. The local agriculture officer said an investigation would be conducted, while the upazila executive officer confirmed that filling a government canal is illegal and directed the assistant commissioner (land) to take action.

A month-long closure of the Strait of Hormuz has raised fears of a global energy crisis worse than the 1970s oil shock. Former Maersk director Lars Jensen told the BBC that the U.S.-Israel war with Iran could trigger economic disruption far greater than that of the 1970s. International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol echoed this concern, calling it the biggest global energy security threat in history. The blockade has severely disrupted oil and gas shipments from Gulf countries, which supply about one-fifth of the world’s oil. Analysts note that the 1970s crisis stemmed from a deliberate oil embargo by Arab producers during the Yom Kippur War, causing prices to quadruple and triggering global recession and inflation. In contrast, experts say today’s market is more diversified and resilient, though developing nations remain highly vulnerable. Consultants warn that even if the strait reopens soon, supply shortages and high energy costs could persist for six to twelve months, with stability depending on the de-escalation of the ongoing conflict.

Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah leader Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi has warned that regional oil and gas installations could come under attack if the United States enforces its threats over the Strait of Hormuz. His statement, published by Iran’s IRNA news agency, said that if Washington attempts to forcibly open the strait, no oil or gas platform would remain intact. Al-Hamidawi further expanded the warning to include American infrastructure in the region, declaring that US power plants are legitimate targets and that there would be no limits in such actions. He emphasized that either security will be ensured for all parties or none will have security. The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, reflects heightened rhetoric amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and allied groups operating across the Middle East.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will never return to its previous state, saying conditions have permanently changed for the United States and Israel. In a social media statement, the IRGC Navy said it is in the final stage of military preparations to implement a new system Iran plans to introduce in the Persian Gulf region. Earlier, an Iranian parliamentary committee approved a draft law proposing transit fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, to be paid in Iran’s national currency. The draft also calls for a complete ban on U.S. and Israeli vessels and reciprocal restrictions on countries imposing unilateral sanctions on Iran. The plan includes provisions on Iran’s sovereignty, armed forces’ control, maritime security, environmental protection, and legal cooperation with Oman. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued multiple ultimatums demanding Iran reopen the strait, warning of strikes on Iranian power plants and infrastructure if it fails to comply. Russia, China, and other countries have expressed deep concern over the escalating situation.

The Bangladesh government is facing severe fiscal pressure as revenue collection in the first eight months of the 2025–26 fiscal year fell short by over Tk 710 billion, while foreign loan disbursements remained far below expectations. To cover expenses, the government borrowed Tk 1.05 trillion from domestic sources, mostly from the banking sector. Rising global oil prices have increased import costs, forcing the government to provide large fuel subsidies, including Tk 160.45 billion for diesel and octane between March and June. Exports have declined for eight consecutive months, with earnings down 4.85 percent in the first nine months of the fiscal year. Despite record remittance inflows of USD 3.75 billion in March, economists warn that the Middle East conflict could disrupt this key source of foreign exchange. Former World Bank economist Dr. Zahid Hossain noted that balancing income and expenditure has become difficult and warned that further borrowing or money printing could fuel inflation. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury acknowledged three major challenges—weak inherited economy, election pledges, and rising oil prices—while emphasizing investment and resource efficiency over money printing. Economic advisers stressed the need to rely on revenue mobilization and reduce subsidies to maintain stability.

Bangladesh has begun experiencing widespread power outages even before the onset of summer due to a severe fuel shortage and rising electricity demand. On Sunday, the national grid supplied 12,894 megawatts against a demand of 13,530 megawatts, resulting in 607 megawatts of load shedding across the country. Officials from the Power Division and related agencies said that fuel shortages have limited electricity generation capacity, with oil-based power production dropping by nearly half within a day. According to official data, gas-based plants are producing between 4,500 and 5,000 megawatts, while coal-based plants contribute about 4,000 megawatts. Imports from India’s Adani, Bheramara, and Tripura plants average 1,800 megawatts. The Power Development Board (PDB) owes around Tk 46,000 crore to power producers, including Tk 14,000 crore to private oil-based plants. The PDB has requested Tk 20,000 crore in emergency funds to maintain supply during the summer and irrigation season. The government has also adjusted its energy-saving measures, allowing shops and malls to remain open until 7 p.m. instead of 6 p.m., following appeals from business owners.

Iran has condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to destroy the country’s infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. On Sunday, April 5, Trump warned that Iran would face devastating attacks on its bridges and power plants, saying the country would be forced to live in hell if it did not comply. Iranian officials denounced the remarks as a “dangerous game” and described them as an incitement to war crimes. Following Trump’s comments, Iran claimed to have shot down two U.S. C-130 warplanes and two Black Hawk helicopters. The statement came as Trump confirmed that an American officer missing after an F-15E fighter jet was downed in Iran had been rescued. The exchange of threats and military claims has further heightened tensions between the two nations. The situation underscores the fragile state of U.S.-Iran relations, with both sides trading accusations and military actions in a volatile regional environment.

Hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates in the United Arab Emirates are facing severe hardship as regional conflict and economic stagnation disrupt their livelihoods. The report describes widespread fear of drone and missile attacks, coupled with a sharp decline in income as schools and tourism sectors have stalled. Taxi drivers have seen earnings fall by about 70 percent, while many cleaners and construction workers have lost their jobs. Rising food and housing costs have pushed many into crisis, and several expatriates have been detained for unknowingly sharing war-related videos online. Information technology specialist Mohammad Minhaj Uddin and Dubai-based worker Mohammad Zahed Ullah told the newspaper that many Bangladeshis are living in uncertainty and fear, with some killed or injured in recent attacks. They said diplomatic support from Bangladesh remains limited, while supply chain disruptions through the Hormuz Strait have driven up prices of essentials and fuel. Companies are cutting costs and delaying salaries, forcing many workers to consider returning home. According to official data, the UAE hosts 1–1.2 million Bangladeshi workers, contributing 15–18 percent of Bangladesh’s total remittance. Prolonged instability could significantly affect the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a precise deadline for his ultimatum to Iran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated that Iran has until Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time to comply. This corresponds to 3:30 a.m. Wednesday in Tehran, midnight GMT, and 6 a.m. Wednesday in Bangladesh. Earlier, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump warned that if Iran failed to act by Tuesday evening, no power plant or bridge in the country would remain intact. The ultimatum follows months of conflict that began in February, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and raised fears of a global energy crisis. The situation has drawn international attention as the standoff threatens to escalate military tensions and disrupt global oil supply routes, with observers watching closely for Iran’s response before the deadline.

Russia has called on the United States to refrain from using the language of ultimatums or threats in efforts to ease ongoing tensions with Iran. Moscow stated that Washington should return to the negotiating table instead of escalating the conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which Lavrov expressed hope that current de-escalation efforts would succeed. According to the ministry’s statement, Lavrov emphasized that if the United States abandons threatening rhetoric and restores dialogue, it would help resolve the crisis. The statement added that both Russia and Iran urged all parties, including the United Nations Security Council, to avoid actions that could undermine remaining opportunities for a political and diplomatic solution. The appeal reflects Moscow’s position favoring negotiation over confrontation as regional tensions continue to rise, with both sides calling for restraint and renewed diplomacy.

A delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), led by Resident Representative Stefan Liller, met Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday afternoon at his official residence on Bailey Road. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including law and order, police reform, the establishment of an independent police commission, the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, the draft ordinance on enforced disappearance prevention and remedy, and the Rohingya issue. During the meeting, the home minister welcomed the delegation and expressed belief in gradual and continuous development, noting that UNDP could assist in police restructuring and capacity building. The UNDP representative highlighted the organization’s long-standing cooperation with the National Human Rights Commission and said international best practices were being incorporated into the draft ordinance. The minister stated that both the human rights and enforced disappearance ordinances would be presented to parliament as bills after necessary review. He also mentioned that the Armed Police Battalion responsible for security in Rohingya camps is not an investigative body but assured that security measures in the camps would be further strengthened.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the formation of an 'Alliance of Freedom' that would remain independent from the influence of the United States and China. Speaking at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, Macron emphasized the need for a coalition based on shared commitments to international law, democracy, and climate action. He mentioned potential participation from countries such as South Korea, Japan, Brazil, India, Australia, and Canada. Macron criticized overreliance on military power and questioned the role of the United States in West Asia, arguing that lasting solutions cannot be achieved solely through bombings or military operations. His remarks came as France opposed a United Nations Security Council proposal authorizing possible military action against Iran, leading to tensions with Israel after Paris declined to support the US-Israeli stance. Analysts cited in the report view Macron’s position as an attempt to establish a new balance in global politics, enabling middle powers to assert greater strategic autonomy.

The Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh has transferred six police officers, including two of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank, in a simultaneous reshuffle. The order was issued on Sunday by the Police-1 branch of the ministry. According to the notification, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner (Additional DIG) Raihan Uddin Khan has been transferred to the Police Headquarters as Additional DIG. AIG Saheli Ferdous, recently promoted to Additional DIG, has been posted to the Armed Police Battalion (APBn). Highway Police Superintendent Kazi Md. Shoaib has been reassigned to the Barishal Range DIG office as Superintendent of Police. The same order also transferred Superintendent of Police Md. Moniruzzaman to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as SP. DIG Saleh Mohammad Tanvir of Police Headquarters (TR post) has been reassigned within the same office, while DIG Mahfuzur Rahman of the TR post has been transferred to the Rajshahi Sardah Police Academy as DIG. The notification, signed by Deputy Secretary Tawsif Ahmed, stated that the transfers were made in the public interest and would take immediate effect.