A ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi forces toward Israel reportedly fell in Saudi Arabia, according to Israeli media. Neither Saudi Arabia nor the Houthis have officially commented. Although the Houthis halted Red Sea attacks following a January ceasefire in Gaza, they resumed launching rockets at Israel in March in response to the renewed Israeli blockade and military aggression. Over 18 ballistic missiles and two drones were fired, though only 10 reportedly entered Israeli airspace.

The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on five Iran-based companies and one individual for supporting Iran’s nuclear program. Among them are the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and the Iran Centrifuge Technology Company, which plays a crucial role in uranium enrichment. Also sanctioned is Majid Mosallat, managing director of Atbin Ista Technical and Engineering Company. Former President Donald Trump has indicated willingness to resume direct talks with Tehran, while Iran has stated such negotiations will remain indirect and held in Oman.

The government will ensure that the Bengali New Year and Chaitra Sankranti festivities are celebrated with equal enthusiasm in both the hill tracts and the plains, according to the Cultural Adviser. Key highlights include:
• April 4–19: Local New Year festivals and fairs across indigenous communities including Biju, Bisu, Sangrai, Bihu, Baha, and Wangala.
• April 12: Twelve regional Sadhumela fairs across the country, and the Fagua festival with tea workers in Sreemangal.
• April 13–14: Two-day cultural event by Nabopran Andolon at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
• April 13 (3 PM): Band show at Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka.
• April 14 (6:15 AM): Traditional New Year event by Chhayanaut at Ramna Batamul.
• April 14 (6 AM): Cultural performances at Rabindra Sarobar by Surer Dhara with diverse ethnic groups.
• April 14 (9 AM): Grand parade by Dhaka University involving 28 ethnic communities.
• April 14 (Evening): Drone show and cultural program at the National Parliament’s South Plaza featuring a Chinese technical team and local bands.

Ten people, including four children and two women, have been killed in a U.S. airstrike in a residential area of Hodeidah, Yemen, according to the country’s health ministry. The attack follows Houthi drone and missile strikes against Israeli-affiliated vessels in the Red Sea in solidarity with Gaza. In response, the U.S. resumed air operations in Yemen on March 15. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed their forces shot down a U.S. drone, launched a rocket at a military site in Tel Aviv, and attacked the USS Harry S. Truman with drones.

In Patuakhali, Jubo Dal leader Humayun Kabir Sohag has been accused of corruption in a lucrative construction contract, allegedly in collaboration with a Jubo League leader. The project, involving primary school construction, required 799 foundation piles, but fewer than 600 were used, sparking serious safety and corruption concerns. Upon being contacted, Sohag not only admitted to landing the deal after 17 years but also verbally abused the journalist and issued threats. The contractor of record was later revealed to be Jubo League leader Monibur Rahman, who reportedly swapped the deal with Sohag through a mutual agreement on August 5.

The prosecution at the war crimes tribunal has requested Interpol to issue red notices against 10 individuals, including former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Others named include former ministers Obaidul Quader, A.K.M. Mozammel Haque, Hasan Mahmud, and several high-profile Awami League leaders and ex-officials such as Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, Nasrul Hamid Bipu, Mohammad Ali Arafat, and Tarek Anam Siddiqui.

Israel is threatening to dismiss 970 air force personnel, including reserve pilots and regular staff, who signed a letter objecting to the Gaza military operations and demanding an end to the war. Senior commanders have contacted many signatories, offering them the chance to remain only if they withdraw their names. So far, only 25 have agreed to do so.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France may recognize Palestine as a sovereign state during a UN conference in New York this June, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia. “This is not to please anyone; I will do it because it will be the right time and part of a broader momentum. Those who support Palestine should, in return, recognize Israel,” Macron said. Palestinian Foreign Minister Versen Aghabekian Shahin welcomed the initiative, calling it a “step in the right direction to uphold Palestinian rights and pursue the two-state solution.”

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that no country wishes well for Bangladesh more than India does. Expressing concern, he highlighted the deep-rooted, people-centric relationship between the two nations. “The key takeaway from our BIMSTEC meeting is that due to historical reasons, India’s relationship with Bangladesh is very unique—it’s fundamentally a people-to-people connection, more than with any other country,” Jaishankar said. He also voiced concerns over rising fundamentalist trends in Bangladesh, stating, “As a country rooted in democratic traditions, elections are vital for democracy. We hope Bangladesh will stay on that path.”

Dr. Mumtazur Rahman Daud, CEO of Bangla US LLC, announced at an investment summit that the company is investing $1.6 billion (approximately Tk 2000 crore) to build an international-standard hospital in Bangladesh by 2026. The project also includes plans for a nursing university and industrial facilities, aiming to significantly enhance the country’s healthcare and industrial sectors.

Education Adviser Dr. C. R. Abrar has confirmed that SSC and equivalent exam results will be published within 60 days as per tradition. He assured that all sources of question paper leaks have been sealed. This year, over 1.92 million students are sitting for exams at 2,291 centers across the country. The exams began at 10 AM and will continue until May 13, with practicals scheduled from May 15 to 22.

Egypt’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Nazir Ayad has denounced a fatwa issued by the Qatar-based International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) calling for jihad against Israel, labeling it “irresponsible” and a violation of Sharia principles. The fatwa urged all able Muslims to take up arms and demanded immediate military, political, and economic action from Muslim countries. Ayad stressed that only legitimate state authorities have the mandate to declare war.

In a controversial move, Tamanna Sharmin, wife of accused terrorist Sajjad, was granted anticipatory bail despite being 463rd on the hearing list. Journalist Zulkarnaine Sayer alleged that she bypassed over 300 applicants by bribing court officials. The bail was granted by a High Court bench led by Justices Mahbub-ul-Alam and Hamidur Rahman, who have also faced allegations of fast-tracking bail for ruling party members.

In a corruption case involving illegal RAJUK plot allocations, a court has issued arrest warrants against 18 individuals, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul. Other accused include top officials from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, former RAJUK members, and high-ranking bureaucrats.

Amir of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, stressed the importance of logical electoral reforms ahead of the upcoming national elections. He stated that justice and equality can only be ensured through Islamic principles. Welcoming the announcement of upcoming local government elections, he urged political parties to unite for an Islamic electoral front. He also condemned recent looting under the guise of pro-Palestine protests and warned against indecency during Pahela Baishakh celebrations.