Barishal City Corporation Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin has declared her commitment to establishing a corruption-free city administration. Speaking as the chief guest at a meet-and-greet event with journalists at the Barishal Press Club auditorium on Sunday afternoon, she said that creating a corruption-free city corporation was her first-day declaration. Shirin emphasized that she does not want to hear further allegations of corruption or irregularities and that the city corporation will be reorganized based on collective opinions. During the event, held under the chairmanship of Barishal Press Club President Aminul Islam Khasru and conducted by General Secretary Zakir Hossain, Shirin acknowledged the contributions of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, former mayor Ahsan Habib Kamal, and current MP Advocate Mojibur Rahman Sarwar to the development of the press club. She also pledged to support the club’s further development within her capacity as administrator. Later in the day, Shirin attended a separate meeting on civic issues at the city corporation conference room, where she called for public cooperation to restore Barishal’s traditional identity as the “Venice of the East.”

A detainee accused in a case over an organized attack escaped from police custody at Araihazar Police Station in Narayanganj. Following the incident, the station’s second officer, Sub-Inspector (SI) Zahidul Islam, was closed and attached to the district police lines. The Narayanganj district police confirmed that an investigation is underway into the escape. According to police officials, the detainee, identified as Ismail, had been arrested on March 30 near Dubai Plaza and brought to the police station. He was placed in SI Zahidul Islam’s room by another officer, SI Ajit Kumar, from where he managed to flee. The escape came to light the following morning. Police later rearrested Ismail on the night of March 31 from the Char Bazar area of the same upazila. Authorities stated that the incident is being thoroughly reviewed, and disciplinary action will be taken if any wrongdoing is proven.

Canada is facing renewed criticism over its position on Iran, as observers accuse Ottawa of maintaining a dual policy that publicly supports international law and human rights while indirectly backing U.S. and Israeli actions. Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a recent speech at Davos, called for a fairer global order based on sovereignty and justice, warning that unchecked behavior by major powers threatens global stability. Critics argue that Canada’s actual policies contradict its stated ideals. While the government has hinted that U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran violate international law, it has simultaneously expressed support for those same actions, creating a policy contradiction. Analysts note that Canada continues to align with its allies and supports efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Experts warn that such double standards undermine confidence in the international system and could deepen global divisions. The weakening of the rules-based order, they say, raises questions about the role of middle powers like Canada in maintaining global stability.

Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone in March 2026 as remittance inflows reached 3.75 billion US dollars, the highest monthly total since independence. According to the latest Bangladesh Bank report released on April 1, the figure surpassed the previous record of 3.29 billion dollars set in March 2025. The strong inflow was attributed to increased remittance activity during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. Data from Bangladesh Bank show that over 640 million dollars came through state-owned banks, while specialized banks contributed 464.7 million dollars, private banks handled 2.64 billion dollars, and foreign banks processed 1.2 million dollars. However, seven banks, including Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, ICB Islamic Bank, and Padma Bank, reported no remittance inflows during the month. The record-breaking remittance performance highlights the continued contribution of expatriate Bangladeshis to the national economy and marks a significant year-on-year growth in foreign currency inflows.

Police in Barishal’s Gournadi upazila arrested three people, including two BNP activists, for allegedly stealing about two tons of rods from a government-funded cyclone shelter under construction in the Diashur Banglabazar area. The arrests took place on Wednesday morning, and the detainees were identified as Suman Sardar and Ibrahim Chowkidar, both from South Diashur village, along with another suspect, Mojibur Rahman. According to Gournadi Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tariq Hasan Russell, a case was filed by contractor Alauddin Bhuiyan after the theft was discovered. Following the investigation, police detained Suman and Ibrahim, who reportedly confessed and led to the arrest of Mojibur Rahman. The three were later sent to jail through the court. Police said the confessions indicated that several other influential individuals from the area might also be involved in the theft, and further legal action will be taken after investigation.

A child infected with measles has died at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RAMEC) while under treatment in the intensive care unit on Tuesday night. The child was from Pangsha in Rajbari district. This brings the total number of measles-related deaths at the hospital to four. According to hospital spokesperson Dr. Shankar K. Biswas, 22 new children were admitted with measles symptoms in the past 24 hours until Wednesday noon, while 14 were discharged after recovery. Currently, 117 children are receiving treatment for measles or related symptoms, including 12 in the ICU, and 56 more are waiting for ICU care. Dr. Biswas said most admitted patients are from Chapainawabganj, with others from Rajshahi, Pabna, Naogaon, Kushtia, and Rajbari. Most affected children are under two years old, and 65 percent were infected before reaching vaccination age. A special medical team is working continuously, and a 40-bed measles isolation ward has been opened. Plans are underway to convert an entire pediatric ward into an isolation unit if patient numbers continue to rise. The hospital is also preparing to add seven more ICU beds for measles patients and transfer some to the Rajshahi Heart Foundation Hospital as directed by the health secretary.

After three consecutive days of decline, both of Bangladesh’s stock exchanges saw a strong rebound on Wednesday. The main index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the DSEX, rose by 94 points to close at 5,272. The DSE Shariah Index gained 12 points to reach 1,065, and the DSE-30 Index increased by 41 points to 2,001. Trading volume also crossed 7 billion taka, marking a notable rise from the previous session. A total of 327 issues advanced on the DSE, while 39 declined and 25 remained unchanged. Among them, 186 ‘A’ category, 64 ‘B’ category, and 77 ‘Z’ category companies saw price increases. Mutual funds also performed positively, with 32 funds gaining and none losing value. Summit Orion Infusion led the day’s trading with shares worth 2.28 billion taka, followed by Summit Alliance Port and Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag. At the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), the CASPI index rose by 200 points, with 133 gainers and 43 losers. The overall market sentiment remained positive across both exchanges.

Bangladesh has taken a significant step toward strengthening international cooperation in sports development. On March 30, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) and Beijing Sports University at an event held in Beijing. The agreement was signed by BKSP Director General Brigadier General Mohammad Saif Ullah and Beijing Sports University President Zhang Jiang. According to officials, the memorandum is not merely ceremonial but aims to open a new chapter of collaboration between Bangladesh and China in the field of sports. It will create opportunities for modern athlete training, coach skill development, and exchange of expertise in sports science and research. Experts believe that participation in international-level training and research will help young Bangladeshi athletes become more skilled, ultimately strengthening the country’s sports sector in the future.

Iranian media reported that more than 130 historical sites across the country have been damaged following attacks by the United States and Israel. According to the latest field assessments and expert surveys conducted by Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, the number of affected sites has reached 132. Each of these sites is described as being deeply connected to Iran’s history and civilization. The report, citing the BBC Persian Service, stated that historical buildings and monuments in 18 provinces of Iran have been either destroyed or damaged. The extent of the destruction and the specific locations of the affected sites were not detailed in the report. The findings highlight the cultural toll of the ongoing conflict, though the report did not specify what measures, if any, are being taken to preserve or restore the damaged heritage sites.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the country is prepared to continue defending itself against military aggression from the United States and Israel and can sustain the conflict for six months or longer if necessary. In an interview with Al Jazeera in Tehran, he said Iran would not operate under any imposed timeline and would not accept deadlines set by its adversaries. Araghchi clarified that there have been no direct talks or agreements with the United States, though some messages have been exchanged through official channels under the supervision of the national security council. He emphasized that Iran did not seek war but is resisting firmly to protect its interests. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed only to ships from aggressive states, he added, warning that any attacks on Iranian infrastructure would lead to severe consequences. He further stated that Iran’s goal is to establish peace across the region and that its military actions target only US and Israeli positions, not friendly nations. Araghchi urged regional countries to rely on mutual coordination and cooperation rather than foreign forces for long-term security.

Bangladesh’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo met with Nepal’s Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday. During the courtesy meeting, both sides discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas including environment, forestry, climate change, energy, education, and tourism. Minister Mintoo emphasized that both Bangladesh and Nepal are climate-vulnerable nations, highlighting the need to expand greenery and adopt environmentally friendly technologies in the energy sector. He also mentioned the government’s initiatives for environmental protection and climate-resilient development planning. Ambassador Bhandari noted Nepal’s success in forest management, stating that about 45 percent of the country’s land is forested, and expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation on climate change. Officials from both countries agreed to expand mutual collaboration in environmental conservation, forest management, and climate change response, with potential joint initiatives under the BIMSTEC framework also discussed.

During a visit to London on Tuesday, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara stated that Syria will not engage in any war unless it is directly attacked. His remarks came amid escalating tensions following a joint United States-Israel strike on Iran, which prompted Iran to retaliate against American bases in the Middle East. Speaking at the Chatham House think tank in central London, Shara emphasized that after fourteen years of civil war, he does not want Syria to be drawn into another conflict. He repeatedly stressed the importance of keeping his country away from war and clarified that Damascus would not join the U.S.-Israel confrontation against Iran unless Syria itself is targeted. Shara added that Syria would refrain from involvement as long as no external pressure is applied and no diplomatic solution is reached, underscoring his government’s cautious stance amid regional instability.

Thirteen people who were being held for illegal trafficking to Malaysia were rescued by members of RAB-15 in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The operation took place late Tuesday night at a house in the South Lombori area of Teknaf Sadar Union. According to RAB-15 Assistant Director and Assistant Superintendent of Police A. M. Faruk, the victims were being detained with plans to traffic them by sea and demand ransom. RAB-15 reported that the traffickers fled the scene upon sensing the presence of law enforcement, but thirteen individuals were successfully rescued. Among them were six Bangladeshi men, four Rohingya men, and three Rohingya women. The suspects identified in the case include five residents of the Teknaf area, while several others remain unidentified. RAB confirmed that the rescued victims are now under protection, and a case is being filed at Teknaf Model Police Station. The agency stated that operations to apprehend the remaining members of the human trafficking network are ongoing.

Police in Muktagacha, Mymensingh, arrested a man named Azizul Haque on Thursday night for allegedly sharing a Facebook post involving Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The post, originally uploaded from an account called 'Tarique Rahman Blog', placed the Prime Minister’s image beside that of an unidentified woman. A case was filed the following day under the Cyber Security Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act, naming Azizul as the sole accused. He was later produced before court and sent to jail. Local sources told Deutsche Welle that tension had arisen among BNP supporters before the arrest, though police denied any political pressure. The Muktagacha police chief said Azizul was detained under Section 54 before the case was filed, citing confirmed evidence of wrongdoing. Azizul’s relatives claimed he was illiterate and that someone else might have used his phone to share the post. Human rights activist Nur Khan Liton questioned the urgency of the arrest, noting the Prime Minister’s generally tolerant stance. The Prime Minister’s press secretary stated that freedom of expression does not justify posting indecent images and that the administration acted independently under the law.

Former BNP vice chairman and ex-president of the National Press Club, journalist Shawkat Mahmud, is reported to be in a critical condition while in custody. His family stated that prolonged illness and lack of proper medical care have left the 73-year-old facing life-threatening complications. His daughter, Mehet Mamun, has appealed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for his unconditional release and immediate medical attention. According to the appeal, Mahmud suffers from heart disease, diabetes, COPD, respiratory problems, and age-related complications. He underwent six bypass surgeries in 2004 and had four stents placed in 2013 and 2022. Arrested on December 7 last year, he fell ill during remand and was admitted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University on January 6. The family claims he was detained in a false case and continues to face harassment through multiple charges. The family also described severe financial distress, saying they sold their only car to cover legal and medical expenses. From prison, Mahmud reaffirmed his loyalty to BNP’s founding ideals and sought forgiveness for any unintentional mistakes, expressing readiness to accept any decision from the prime minister.