A severe diesel shortage has hit Babuganj upazila and nearby areas of Barishal during the peak Boro season, leaving thousands of farmers unable to operate irrigation pumps. As a result, many paddy fields are drying up and cracking, raising fears of a major production setback. Farmers in Rakudia village reported that their pumps have stopped due to lack of fuel, and they are struggling to collect small amounts of diesel for short-term use. Local fuel traders and pump owners said supply from depots has fallen sharply, making it impossible to meet demand. Farmers, many of whom cultivated their land on credit, now face potential financial losses. At Kamini Filling Station, officials said farmers wait in long lines but receive only limited fuel each day. The local administration has intensified market monitoring to prevent hoarding and overpricing, while the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) has introduced written permits to help farmers access fuel. Officials warned that unless diesel supply normalizes soon, irrigation disruptions could affect the entire Barishal region’s Boro production targets.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Mir Shahe Alam stated that there is no oil crisis in Bangladesh and that the import and supply systems are functioning normally. He made the remarks on Friday morning while visiting Mahmudul Hasan Chand Bazar in Tangail and speaking to journalists. The minister added that the government has adopted a three-month plan along with new measures to conserve energy. These include closing markets by 6 p.m. and reducing expenses of ministers and secretaries by 30 percent. He also commented that despite years of development rhetoric, visible progress has been limited, which has become evident through field-level work. Mir Shahe Alam further mentioned that discussions have been held with the district local government department to improve roads and markets in Tangail’s Park Bazar area, and that urgent development work will begin soon.

A new controversy has emerged over U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed underground ballroom project at the White House. Initially kept secret, details surfaced after legal complications forced partial disclosure. The plan involves constructing a 90,000-square-foot ballroom costing about 400 million dollars, replacing the old Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) built during World War II. Construction had already begun, with workers demolishing the old facility to build a larger, modern structure. Trump stated that the ballroom would protect the underlying military installation and include bomb storage, medical facilities, a hospital, secure communications, and biological defense systems. However, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon halted the project, ruling that Trump cannot proceed without congressional approval. The National Trust for Historic Preservation had filed the injunction request, which the judge accepted in part. The U.S. Secret Service warned that stopping construction could compromise presidential security. White House officials admitted that parts of the project are classified, leaving questions about its true scope, cost, and military involvement unresolved.

West Bengal Police took Faisal Karim Masud, the main accused in the murder of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, and his associate Alamgir Hossain into 14-day remand for questioning. Amid this, a photocard circulated on social media claimed that Hasnat Abdullah, Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4 and leader of the National Citizens Party (NCP), made a controversial statement about the case. According to an investigation by the Rumor Scanner team, Hasnat Abdullah did not make the alleged comment. The claim originated from a satirical Facebook page called 'Dainik Mollardesh', which had posted the photocard on March 9. The page identifies itself as a satire and parody platform, and similar humorous posts were found there. The investigation found no credible media or official sources supporting the claim. Review of Hasnat Abdullah’s verified Facebook page also revealed no such statement, confirming that the viral photocard was a satirical creation misrepresented as real news.

Iran has issued a stern warning that it will target US-linked installations across the Middle East if attacks by the United States and Israel intensify. According to Al Jazeera, Ibrahim Zulfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated that any strike on Iranian infrastructure would prompt Tehran to destroy all American assets and facilities in the region. Zulfaqari said the warning was in response to continued threats from US President Donald Trump, who had mentioned plans to destroy Iran’s bridges, power plants, and energy infrastructure. He added that if such threats were carried out, Iran’s armed forces would target US and Israeli energy, economic, and infrastructure sites throughout the Middle East, including in allied countries hosting American military bases. He further cautioned those countries to expel US forces if they wished to avoid damage. The warning followed Trump’s recent claim that US forces had destroyed one of Iran’s largest bridges, sharing images of a collapsed suspension bridge between Tehran and Karaj on social media.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has described fascism as a contagious disease reflected in the current government's actions. Speaking at a leadership gathering in Keraniganj on Friday, April 3, he said the struggle of Jamaat and 11 allied parties would continue until people's rightful demands are fulfilled. He urged unity against oppression and warned that any attempt to create chaos would be met with a firm response. During his address, Rahman criticized the government’s handling of the fuel crisis, saying official statements made it seem as if Bangladesh was floating on oil. He also condemned the decision to close schools and shift education online, calling it a sign of government foolishness. The remarks came amid broader political tensions, with opposition groups continuing to challenge the government’s policies and governance style.

A recent US intelligence assessment found that Iran has managed to keep about half of its missile launchers intact despite weeks of attacks by the United States and Israel, according to sources cited by CNN. The report also indicated that Tehran still possesses thousands of one-way attack drones, with roughly 50 percent of its drone capability remaining operational. The assessment contrasts with recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who claimed that Iran’s missile and drone capabilities had been largely destroyed, leaving only a few launchers and factories intact. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated last month that ballistic missile attacks on US forces had dropped by 90 percent since the conflict began, and the use of one-way or “kamikaze” drones had also decreased by a similar margin. The differing assessments highlight uncertainty over the true extent of Iran’s remaining strike capacity following sustained US and Israeli operations.

BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister’s adviser Mirza Abbas has been transferred from the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) to a cabin at Singapore General Hospital. The development was confirmed on Friday, April 3, by BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan. Abbas had been taken to Singapore by air ambulance on March 15 and admitted to the hospital the same day. After spending about 18 days in the CCU, he was moved to a cabin early Friday morning. According to medical advice, Mirza Abbas is now able to speak a little with others, and his physical condition has improved compared to before. The update indicates gradual recovery following weeks of intensive care in Singapore. Further details about his treatment or expected discharge have not been disclosed in the report.

Concerns have grown after reports that recent US-Israel attacks in Iran targeted civilian infrastructure, including universities and heritage landmarks. According to the report, US President Donald Trump suggested on Truth Social that further large-scale strikes could follow, mentioning bridges and power plants as potential targets. The statement has intensified fears of escalating destruction of Iran’s remaining infrastructure. Under international law, attacks on hospitals, educational institutions, religious sites, and other civilian facilities constitute clear violations of the Geneva Conventions. Since the joint US-Israel military campaign began on February 28, several key civilian sites have reportedly been struck, raising questions about compliance with humanitarian norms. Observers warn that such actions not only deepen the humanitarian crisis but also represent serious breaches of international law. The situation has heightened regional tensions, with Iran warning of retaliation if attacks continue.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Bangladesh has cancelled all types of leave for doctors, officers, employees, and health workers at government health institutions. The directive, issued on Thursday by the DGHS administration branch, comes in response to a growing outbreak of measles-related pneumonia among children across the country. According to the office order, both earned and casual leaves are suspended until further notice. The decision aims to ensure uninterrupted medical services during the emergency and to strengthen the ongoing measles vaccination campaign. The suspension applies to all officials and staff under the DGHS and its affiliated institutions. The move reflects the government’s effort to mobilize the entire public health workforce to contain the outbreak and maintain continuous healthcare delivery during the crisis.

A mild to moderate heatwave is currently sweeping across the northwestern region of Bangladesh, causing widespread discomfort amid rising temperatures. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the heatwave expanded on Friday to cover districts in Khulna and Rajshahi divisions as well as Tangail, Manikganj, Faridpur, and Nilphamari. The department forecasts that the situation may persist until Sunday, with daytime and nighttime temperatures expected to rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists said that Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature on Thursday at 38.5°C, followed by Mongla at 38°C and Rajshahi at 37.5°C. The lowest temperature was 19.7°C in Tetulia. The department also noted that this year’s heatwave is likely to be less intense than in 2023 and 2024, when heatwaves lasted 22 and 26 consecutive days respectively, as intermittent rainfall is expected this time. The weather office further predicted that two to four mild to moderate heatwaves and one to two severe ones may occur later in April, with temperatures possibly reaching 40–42°C. Some areas in Sylhet and Chattogram divisions may experience scattered rain, gusty winds, or hailstorms during this period.

A severe shortage of petrol and octane has disrupted fuel supply across Bangladesh, with long queues forming at filling stations in Dhaka and other regions. Many pumps have limited sales, allowing only small purchases per vehicle, while some stations remain closed due to depleted stocks. Despite the crisis, Bangladesh produces a significant portion of its petrol and octane domestically from condensate extracted at gas fields, particularly in Sylhet and Habiganj. Officials and experts attribute the shortage mainly to panic buying and hoarding triggered by fears over global oil supply disruptions linked to the Iran war. The government maintains that the country has sufficient reserves and continues to import additional fuel to stabilize supply. Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said measures such as QR code systems for motorbikes, fuel cards, and alternating supply days have been introduced to curb misuse and ensure fair distribution. Analysts warn that while domestic production can meet part of the demand, reduced condensate output and rising global prices may pose future challenges for diesel, crude oil, and LNG imports.

A vessel named MT Yuan Jing He carrying 27,300 tons of diesel arrived and anchored at Chattogram Port on Friday, April 3, 2026. The ship, which came from Singapore, was berthed at the port’s Dolphin Jetty at noon. Officials from Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) confirmed the arrival and inspection of the vessel at 2 p.m. The ship is the ninth diesel carrier to reach Chattogram since the onset of the Middle East conflict. According to BPC sources, the arrival is part of ongoing efforts to maintain stable fuel supplies in Bangladesh despite regional instability. Two additional large vessels carrying LPG and LNG were also anchored at the outer mooring of the port, expected to further ease the country’s energy supply system. BPC stated that alongside existing pipeline reserves, imports from alternative sources outside the Middle East have been strengthened to prevent shortages. The corporation noted that fuel tankers have been arriving at Chattogram Port in succession in recent days as the government seeks to stabilize supply through diversified import channels.

Former Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif has said that Tehran should declare victory and end the ongoing war. In an article published in the U.S.-based journal Foreign Affairs, Zarif called on Iran to pursue an agreement that would both conclude the current conflict and prevent future hostilities. Zarif, who previously led Iran’s negotiations with the United States and other countries over its nuclear program, outlined a framework for ending the war under favorable terms for Tehran. His proposal includes lifting all sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear activities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He also suggested that Iran and the United States commit to refraining from attacking each other in the future and explore economic cooperation beneficial to both nations. According to Zarif, such an agreement could represent a pragmatic path toward stability and mutual benefit, potentially marking a shift in Washington’s willingness to engage under new conditions.

The government of Pakistan has increased petrol prices by 43 percent and high-speed diesel prices by 55 percent, citing rising global oil costs caused by the ongoing war in Iran. The announcement was made on April 3, 2026. The country’s energy minister stated that government resources are limited and that the conflict shows no sign of ending soon. Pakistan relies heavily on imported oil, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The government recently reported securing safe passage for some Pakistan-flagged vessels through the strait, which Iran has effectively closed. This marks the second fuel price hike since the start of the Iran war. Compared to pre-war levels, petrol prices in Pakistan are now 77 percent higher and diesel prices 87 percent higher. The government said certain users will continue to receive subsidies.