After a 15-year break, the traditional horse race of Saltha in Faridpur was held again on Tuesday, April 7. The event took place across a two-kilometer stretch from Chitaila Beel to Nishatla in Ballavdi Union, organized by local residents to preserve rural heritage. A total of nine horses participated in the competition, which attracted nearly one hundred thousand spectators of all ages. In the contest, Jasim Molla’s horse won first prize, receiving a 26-inch LED television, while Nurul Islam’s horse took second place with a cash prize of 8,000 taka, and Belayet Hossain’s horse secured third place with 6,000 taka. Locals expressed visible joy at the revival of the event after such a long time and hoped it would become a regular tradition. Participants and organizers emphasized that such events strengthen rural culture and social bonds. Local political leaders, union council members, and community figures attended the occasion, underscoring its communal significance.

Iran has proposed a ten-point plan ahead of talks scheduled to begin Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan, with two key points directly challenging the US naval presence in the Middle East. Tehran intends to impose a toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and seeks the removal of US military forces from the region. The proposal raises questions about whether the toll would also apply to warships. The move poses a serious challenge for the US Fifth Fleet, which is responsible for securing vast maritime areas including the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. The fleet also oversees critical chokepoints such as the Suez Canal and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. According to research fellow Collin Koh of Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, any toll requirement would hinder US military operations in the Gulf. Koh added that unless former US President Donald Trump changes the overall posture of US Central Command in the Middle East, Washington would find it impossible to accept such a toll system.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 is set to deliver its verdict on Thursday in the murder case of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed, who was killed during the July Revolution. The three-member judicial panel, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, will announce the judgment. Prosecutor Moinul Karim stated that 25 witnesses, including a sitting Member of Parliament and the victim’s father, testified, and the prosecution believes it has proven the charges beyond doubt. According to the case details, Abu Sayeed was attacked by police officers during a student protest in Rangpur on July 16, 2024. He was beaten and later shot multiple times, leading to his death on the way to the hospital. The tribunal completed hearing arguments in January 2026 after formal charges were framed against 30 accused, including former university officials and police officers. Six of the accused are currently in custody, while 24 remain absconding. The tribunal’s decision is expected to conclude a lengthy judicial process that began with the filing of the investigation report in June 2025.

French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed the recently announced ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing it as a very positive step. However, he cautioned that the situation in Lebanon remains extremely critical and urged that the country be included within the scope of the ceasefire agreement. According to an Al Jazeera report cited in the source, Macron has long emphasized the importance of ending conflict in Lebanon and has repeatedly called for preventing the nation from sliding further into violence and instability. He stated that achieving lasting peace in the Middle East requires a comprehensive approach that considers all regional conflicts. Macron’s remarks reflect France’s continued diplomatic engagement in Middle Eastern stability and its concern over Lebanon’s fragile security environment amid broader regional tensions.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has sharply criticized the ceasefire agreement with Iran, calling it a “political disaster.” According to a report by AFP, Lapid accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing to achieve the main objectives of the war. In a post on social media platform X, Lapid said Israel was not even present at the negotiation table when crucial national security decisions were made. Lapid stated that the military fulfilled all its assigned duties and the public showed great patience, but Netanyahu failed politically and strategically. He argued that none of the goals Netanyahu himself had set were achieved. Netanyahu had aimed to destroy or severely weaken Iran’s nuclear program, which he described as an existential threat to Israel, as well as to neutralize Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and reduce Tehran’s regional influence. Lapid warned that due to Netanyahu’s arrogance, negligence, and lack of strategic planning, Israel would take many years to recover from the political and strategic damage caused.

The Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) has taken a strict stance against an unauthorized iron arch built over the busy Faujdarhat–Bayezid Link Road in Sitakunda, Chittagong. The structure, allegedly erected by former Chittagong City Corporation mayor M. Manjur Alam without approval, has raised serious public safety concerns. The arch, made of iron with permanent brick-and-cement bases, bears religious inscriptions and the former mayor’s name. CDA officials confirmed that no construction approval was granted for the arch and described it as illegal and hazardous for highway safety. Local residents complained that the structure obstructs visibility and poses a risk to tall vehicles. Some locals questioned the motive behind the construction, suggesting it served personal promotion under a religious guise. Engineer Asad Bin Anwar and CDA Chairman Nurul Karim both stated that the installation violates the law and must be removed. CDA has instructed the former mayor to dismantle the arch voluntarily; otherwise, the authority will remove it. The Sitakunda Upazila administration is also investigating the matter and pledged coordinated action if illegality is confirmed.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has called for greater involvement of young people in addressing the growing global environmental and climate crises. He made the appeal on Wednesday, April 8, at the inauguration of the two-day 'Green Energy Olympiad 2026' held at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka. The minister described environmental challenges as global issues that are often not fully realized until their impacts are felt. He emphasized the need to raise awareness and spread environmental consciousness across generations. Swapan highlighted that environmental crises differ from short-term development problems due to their long-term and far-reaching effects, stressing the importance of awareness and behavioral change for sustainable living, responsible urbanization, and nature-friendly development. He further noted that global energy shortages and international political dynamics directly affect both the environment and the economy. The minister urged integrating education and research with environmental, political, and economic considerations to build practical knowledge, describing such initiatives as strategic investments for future generations.

The United States and Iran are both showing signs of trust in Pakistan as a potential mediator in ongoing regional conflicts. The report notes that Iran, which no longer trusts its Arab neighbors due to their close ties with Washington, has maintained a strong diplomatic relationship with Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi referred to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir as ‘dear brothers,’ reflecting Tehran’s confidence in Islamabad. Pakistan’s lack of diplomatic relations with Israel over the Palestinian issue further strengthens this trust. On the other hand, Pakistan’s relations with the United States have improved compared to the previous year. Islamabad has joined Trump’s peace board aimed at ensuring stability in Gaza, and Trump has described General Munir as his ‘favorite field marshal.’ Munir’s connections within both U.S. and Iranian defense circles reportedly give Pakistan an advantage in facilitating dialogue. Additionally, Pakistan’s positive relations with other Gulf nations position it as a potential bridge for collective efforts to de-escalate regional conflicts and promote peace.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon informed the National Parliament that there are 60,295 vacant teacher positions across MPO-listed schools and colleges in Bangladesh. He provided the data in response to a parliamentary question on Wednesday. The minister detailed that government colleges have 656 vacant lecturer posts under the BCS (General Education) cadre and 2,410 non-cadre lecturer vacancies in newly nationalized colleges. Additionally, 1,349 principal and vice-principal posts remain vacant in MPO-listed colleges, while recruitment for 1,344 teaching positions is ongoing. The minister said the government has taken steps to fill these vacancies quickly through transparent and merit-based recruitment via the NTRCA and BCS examinations. Applications have already been received to fill 11,151 head and assistant head teacher posts in MPO-listed institutions. He added that the process of nationalizing private colleges follows the Prime Minister’s directives and depends on financial capacity, policy, and the national budget. Milon also stated that the government aims to gradually bring all qualified educational institutions under MPO coverage, ensuring equitable development and quality improvement in the education sector.

A health desk report published on April 8, 2026, provided a comprehensive question-and-answer guide on measles vaccination in Bangladesh. The report explained that measles is a viral disease with no specific cure, and regular vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Two types of vaccines are available in the country: MR through the government program and MMR privately. Under the national EPI schedule, children receive the first dose at nine months and the second at fifteen months of age. The guide stated that two doses provide 97–99 percent protection against measles. It also clarified that infants under nine months are usually protected by maternal antibodies, though vaccination may begin at six months during outbreaks. The report outlined procedures for delayed or missed doses, booster requirements, and vaccination eligibility for adolescents and adults. It also listed cases where vaccination should be avoided, such as in pregnant women and severely immunocompromised patients. Additionally, the report discussed post-exposure prophylaxis, recommending MMR vaccine or immunoglobulin within specific timeframes for exposed individuals, depending on age and immune status.

The Bangladeshi-flagged vessel ‘MV Banglar Joyjatra’, which had been stranded in the Persian Gulf, has finally received permission to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The ship, carrying 31 Bangladeshi sailors, resumed its journey early Wednesday morning after a ceasefire took effect. According to international tracking data, the vessel departed from Saudi Arabia’s Ras Al Khair port and was positioned off Dammam’s outer anchorage, moving at a speed of 8.3 nautical miles per hour toward Cape Town, South Africa. Chief Engineer Rashedul Hasan confirmed that the ship had loaded about 37,000 tons of fertilizer before anchoring near Dammam. Following the ceasefire, it began sailing toward Hormuz, approximately 425 nautical miles away, a distance expected to take around 40 hours to cover. The vessel had earlier been delayed due to escalating regional conflict. Tensions in the Persian Gulf began in late February after a U.S.-Israel strike on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks, prompting international authorities to classify parts of the Gulf as high-risk zones. The Bangladesh Shipping Corporation had earlier decided to withdraw the vessel from danger until safe passage was assured.

US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social during Easter Sunday threatening to bomb Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, using vulgar language. The post prompted several Democratic lawmakers to call for invoking the 25th Amendment to remove him from office, citing his alleged incitement of an illegal war in the Middle East. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy said he would consult constitutional lawyers if he were in Trump’s cabinet, describing the president as unbalanced and dangerous. Arizona Representative Yasmin Ansari and New Mexico’s Melanie Stansbury also urged cabinet members to act, accusing Trump of provoking war crimes and targeting civilians. Democrats have previously sought Trump’s removal, including after the January 6 Capitol attack and his attempt to seize Greenland. The 25th Amendment allows the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to transfer power if the president is deemed unfit. Analysts note that despite the calls, Trump retains strong backing from Vice President JD Vance, his cabinet, and most Republican lawmakers, making removal unlikely. A Newsweek report said prediction market data showed rising bets on the amendment’s use during Trump’s term.

Billionaire investor Ray Dalio has warned that the ongoing Iran conflict should not be viewed as an isolated crisis. In a blog post published on April 8, 2026, he described it as part of a broader collapse in the global system, reflecting historical patterns that have preceded major wars. Dalio argued that the world is already in a form of world war encompassing military, economic, technological, and geopolitical dimensions. He cited multiple interconnected conflicts, including those involving Russia, Ukraine, Europe, the United States, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran. According to his “Big Cycle” theory, the world is now in a phase where financial systems, political structures, and global power balances are simultaneously weakening. He compared the current stage to the pre-war periods of 1913–14 and 1938–39. Dalio suggested that China and Russia appear to be emerging as relative winners in this shifting order, while the U.S.-led post-1945 system is breaking down. He warned that conflicts are likely to intensify rather than subside, with the Iran war marking the beginning of a larger global confrontation.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed that the United States and Israel suffered a 'miserable defeat' following what she described as an unprovoked and unilateral aggressive attack on Iran on February 28. She made the remarks in an interview with Sputnik Radio, emphasizing that Russia had opposed the attack from the outset and had called for an immediate halt to the aggression. Zakharova reiterated that there is no military solution to the current situation and that diplomatic engagement remains the only effective way to resolve the crisis. Her comments reflect Moscow’s continued criticism of Western and Israeli actions in the region and its advocacy for diplomatic approaches over military confrontation. The statement underscores Russia’s positioning as a vocal opponent of military escalation in the Middle East and its support for diplomatic conflict resolution.

The 13th National Parliament of Bangladesh has passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2026, maintaining the ban on Awami League activities imposed during the interim government. The bill, introduced by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, was approved by voice vote on Wednesday, April 8. The amendment mirrors the earlier ordinance issued under the interim administration, without adding new punitive provisions for conducting banned activities. During the session, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed allowed the Home Minister to present the bill as part of the supplementary agenda. Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman requested more time to review the document, citing its late distribution, but the Speaker ruled that objections could no longer be accepted at that stage. The bill was then passed without further debate or amendment. According to analysts cited in the report, the law’s passage formalizes the ban on Awami League and its affiliated organizations, potentially enabling legal proceedings against its members under anti-terrorism provisions.