A total of 1,060 flights have been canceled at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport due to ongoing security concerns in the Middle East that led several countries to close their airspace. The cancellations have severely disrupted international passenger and cargo transport from Bangladesh. The disruptions began on February 28, 2026, following the escalation of regional tensions.

According to airport sources, the affected countries include Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan, where airspace closures have been partial or complete. Between February 28 and April 12, flight cancellations occurred in phases, with 339 flights canceled in the first ten days, followed by 275, 226, 160, and 60 in subsequent periods.

Officials noted that while the number of cancellations has slightly decreased over time, operations have not yet returned to normal. The resumption of regular flights depends on the reopening of airspace and improvements in the regional security situation. Thousands of passengers, particularly migrant workers and Middle East-bound travelers, have faced significant difficulties as a result.

Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir stated that digitalization is essential to eradicate corruption in Bangladesh. Speaking at the launch of United Commercial Bank’s digital app ‘UCB One’ in Dhaka on Sunday, he said the government is advancing toward a “One Citizen, One Card” and “One Digital Wallet” system. He expressed hope that by next year, every citizen will have a bank account, bringing the entire population under the banking system.

Titumir highlighted structural weaknesses, policy gaps, and patronage culture as major causes of fragility in the banking sector. He noted that although the interim government reduced non-performing loans from 35% to 30% through rescheduling, the actual figure may be higher pending forensic audits. He warned that many banks are lending up to 100% of deposits, exceeding international standards, and that short-term deposits are being used for long-term loans, creating systemic risks.

He emphasized three reform priorities: reducing excessive charges to attract customers, introducing innovative incentives for deposits, and overhauling risk management. He added that concentrated lending has increased poverty and unemployment, urging coordinated government–private sector efforts to restore sustainable growth.

Former Law Minister and senior Supreme Court lawyer Shafique Ahmed passed away on Sunday at 5:45 p.m. while undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Medical Hospital in Dhaka. He was 90 years old. The news of his death was confirmed by Supreme Court lawyer Aksir M. Chowdhury, who said that Barrister Ahmed had been admitted to the hospital on Saturday night.

Shafique Ahmed served as the Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs from 2009 to 2014 under the Awami League government. He also held prominent positions in the legal community, including serving as president of the Supreme Court Bar Association and vice chairman of the Bangladesh Bar Council.

His passing marks the end of a long and distinguished career in Bangladesh’s legal and political spheres, where he played a significant role in both government and professional legal institutions.

Tehran University professor Fouad Izadi has urged the United States to accept the realities surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he argued that Washington’s emphasis on the nuclear issue is a strategic cover for larger goals. Izadi stated that no nuclear expert would claim weapons could be made from uranium enriched to 3.65 percent, and reminded that Iran had allowed extensive inspections under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

He noted that the US withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Donald Trump’s decision. According to Izadi, the best way to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons is to return to a similar agreement. He added that the US administration’s reluctance to pursue another JCPOA-style deal shows that the nuclear issue serves as a pretext for other aims.

Izadi further alleged that Washington’s real objectives include controlling Iran’s oil resources, altering its borders, and seeking regime change.

The Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University has completed preparations to welcome the Bengali New Year with its traditional Pahela Baishakh procession, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on April 14. The event, themed “Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy,” will feature vibrant motifs and cultural displays created by teachers and students working day and night. The procession will start from the faculty’s north gate, move through Shahbagh, TSC, and Doel Chattar, and return to the campus.

The faculty grounds are already festive, with students painting clay pots, making masks, and selling artworks to fund the event. This year’s procession will highlight five main motifs—rooster, dotara, wooden elephant, dove, and clay horse—symbolizing strength, creativity, peace, pride, and dynamism. Dean Professor Dr. Md. Azharul Islam Sheikh said the initiative aims to revive and preserve traditional roots while conveying contemporary social and cultural messages.

Strict security measures have been arranged, including CCTV, archways, and restricted entry points. Participants must carry identification, and certain items such as masks, bags, and fireworks are prohibited. Cultural programs will also be held on April 13, 15, and 16 as part of the celebrations.

Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury announced that the government is taking steps to reopen the long-closed Malaysia labor route soon. Speaking to journalists after a law and order committee meeting at the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner’s office on Sunday, he said the initiative aims to expand overseas employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers. The minister also mentioned that the government is working to reactivate labor markets in several other countries.

During the meeting, the minister gave law enforcement agencies a one-week ultimatum to curb incidents of robbery and snatching in Sylhet. He noted that the law and order situation had improved compared to the previous month but emphasized the need for continued vigilance. He also directed authorities to prevent smuggling and ensure strict monitoring at border areas and fuel depots.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury added that the government is addressing visa extension issues for returnees from the Middle East through diplomatic discussions and ensuring the safety of expatriates in conflict zones. He described his recent Malaysia visit as productive, highlighting a successful joint venture agreement and positive bilateral relations.

Iran has identified 3,375 people killed in the recent conflict following joint U.S.-Israeli attacks, according to the country’s Forensic Medicine Organization. The announcement came 40 days after the attacks, as Iran and the United States agreed to a two-week temporary ceasefire. The organization’s head, Abbas Masjedi Arani, stated that among the identified victims, 2,875 were men and 496 were women.

The report, released through official Iranian sources, noted that the full extent of the war’s damage remains uncertain. Disruptions to communication networks and restricted access to several areas have made it difficult to collect complete data. As a result, officials believe the actual number of casualties could be higher than currently reported.

The situation underscores the heavy toll of the conflict on Iran, which has lost several senior leaders and suffered significant destruction during the attacks.

An eleven-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami organized a protest rally and procession in Dinajpur on Sunday afternoon, demanding that the government accept the referendum verdict and the July charter. The event took place at the Dinajpur Institute ground, where speakers declared that their movement would continue until their demands were met and urged the government to either comply or step down.

The rally was presided over by Dinajpur district Jamaat chief Anisur Rahman and featured speeches from several regional and district leaders, including former district Jamaat chief Aftab Uddin Molla, regional team member Anwarul Islam, and former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Rajibur Rahman Palash. Leaders from other allied parties such as Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, JAGPA, and NCP also addressed the gathering. The event was conducted by district Jamaat secretary Dr. Enamul Haque.

Following the assembly, a large procession marched through the main streets of Dinajpur before returning to the starting point. A significant number of alliance activists participated in the demonstration.

RAB-7, Chattogram, detained two alleged drug traffickers with 60 kilograms of cannabis during an anti-drug operation in the Jorarganj area of Mirsarai upazila. The operation took place on April 11 around 7:50 p.m. near the Simon Filling Station in the Korehat area, where a temporary checkpoint was set up based on secret intelligence. A covered van used to transport the drugs was also seized.

According to RAB-7 sources, the cannabis was being transported from Chauddagram toward Chattogram. When the van reached the checkpoint, the two suspects attempted to flee but were apprehended after a chase. The detainees were identified as Belal Hossain, 35, and Abdul Razzak, 45, both residents of Chauddagram upazila.

RAB handed over the arrested individuals and the recovered drugs to Jorarganj police for legal action. The operation was confirmed in a press release signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police A.R.M. Mozzafar Hossain, Assistant Director (Media) of RAB-7. Jorarganj Police Officer-in-Charge Kazi Nazmul Haque stated that the suspects were sent to court for further legal proceedings.

A group of leaders from the central committee of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (student wing) organized an awareness campaign at Dhaka University on April 12, 2026, to promote responsible use of water and electricity. The event began in front of the central library, where leaflets were distributed under the theme “Are we fulfilling our responsibilities in this global crisis?” urging students to reduce waste in daily life.

The campaign, led by the organization’s library secretary Touhidul Islam, emphasized that small acts of negligence—such as leaving lights or taps on unnecessarily—can collectively worsen resource shortages. He noted that conserving electricity and water is not only about saving costs but also about protecting the environment, as excessive energy use increases fuel consumption and pollution.

Touhidul Islam highlighted that residential halls, where many students live together, are particularly vulnerable to waste. He called on students to make conservation a habit, stressing that small steps today could help avert larger crises in the future.

The latest round of talks between the United States and Iran, held in Pakistan, ended without any progress, sparking renewed fears of war. Concern has spread beyond Iran to its southern neighbors, especially after US Vice President JD Vance’s remarks suggested a possible return to conflict. The Strait of Hormuz is seen as a potential flashpoint, as the US has begun mine-clearing operations there without coordination with Iran, which currently controls shipping in the area.

Despite the stalemate, Iranian delegation head Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said future talks remain possible, even though the US failed to gain Iran’s trust this time. Pakistan, the host of the discussions, urged both sides to maintain the remaining ten days of the ceasefire to allow another round of dialogue.

However, optimism faded after Vance stated that Iran had rejected US conditions and that Washington had made its “final and best offer.” The diplomatic path remains open but fragile, with the risk of renewed tension at any moment.

Nahid Islam, Chief Whip of the Opposition and Convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced that his party is preparing for a new movement aimed at protecting Bangladesh and the legacy of the July uprising. Speaking on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at a discussion with families of July martyrs and fighters at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB), he emphasized that the initiative transcends party or alliance lines and is focused on safeguarding the nation.

He acknowledged that the interim government period had limitations in fully supporting the July fighters but said efforts were made to stand by them. Nahid noted that while the current government speaks in favor of the July fighters, its actions show reluctance in implementing reforms initiated earlier, such as the July Directorate and the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation. He reiterated calls for unity across political divides to ensure the sacrifices of July martyrs are not in vain.

Nahid pledged that NCP leaders would take the front line in future street movements, urging supporters to remain ready and united for the cause of a reformed Bangladesh.

Experts have recommended raising tobacco product prices and introducing a specific tax system in Bangladesh’s upcoming 2026–27 national budget to reduce premature deaths and increase government revenue. The proposals were presented at a media workshop titled “Tobacco Tax and Price Measures: Budget 2026–27,” held on Sunday at the BMA building in Dhaka. The event was organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA), with participation from 28 journalists.

According to the workshop, most cigarette users belong to low- and middle-income groups. Merging these tiers and raising prices would encourage low-income smokers to quit and discourage youth from starting. The experts proposed setting retail prices per 10-stick pack at 100 taka for the combined low and medium tier, 140–150 taka for the high tier, and 185–200 taka or more for the premium tier. They also recommended maintaining a 67 percent supplementary duty and adding a specific tax of four taka per pack.

If implemented, the measures could generate over 850 billion taka in revenue—about 440 billion more than the current fiscal year—and prevent more than 370,000 premature deaths, the workshop noted.

Turkey has strongly condemned recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Erdoğan was being targeted because of the truths Turkey had revealed on various platforms. The statement described Netanyahu as a 'modern Adolf Hitler' and held him responsible for attacks on civilians in Gaza, also referencing an arrest warrant reportedly issued against him by the International Criminal Court.

Ankara accused Netanyahu of making such remarks to obstruct ongoing peace talks and to continue his expansionist policies in the region. The ministry reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to ensuring accountability for Netanyahu and to standing by innocent civilians.

Several Turkish cabinet members also criticized Netanyahu’s comments. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said the remarks reflected Netanyahu’s guilt and discomfort, while Justice Minister Akın Gürlek described them as evidence of his legal and moral crisis. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi called the accusations baseless, saying they reflected Netanyahu’s frustration and political weakness.

After remaining closed for a long period, the much-anticipated Darwani Textile Mill in Nilphamari is set to reopen soon. The government announced that production activities are expected to begin within the next two to three months. State Minister for Commerce, Industry, and Jute and Textiles Shariful Alam shared the update on Sunday morning after inspecting the mill and meeting with officials to review its current condition.

The minister stated that the government is working to revive the country’s traditional jute sector, which had declined over the years. He emphasized that reopening closed textile and jute mills is part of the government’s election pledge. A tender has already been invited for the mill’s reopening and is currently under evaluation. Once operational, the mill is expected to create significant employment opportunities in Nilphamari and nearby areas, boosting the local economy.

The minister also noted that the government aims to discourage plastic use and promote diversified jute products through coordinated efforts between public and private institutions.