The schedule for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s foreign trip has not yet been finalized, according to an official clarification issued on Wednesday, April 8. Assistant Press Secretary Sujan Mahmud stated in a Facebook post that reports circulating in various media outlets about the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit abroad were inaccurate.

Sujan Mahmud wrote that the dates and destinations for the Prime Minister’s possible foreign trip remain undecided. He also urged the public not to believe rumors spreading on social media regarding which country Rahman would visit first. Earlier in the day, several media reports claimed that the Prime Minister would make his first official trip to India by May 10, but those reports were later confirmed to be incorrect.

The clarification aims to dispel misinformation and ensure that the public relies only on verified updates about the Prime Minister’s official engagements.

Japan’s Nikkei share index declined on April 9, 2026, as earlier optimism over a potential United States–Iran ceasefire weakened. Investors turned cautious following a strong rally in the previous session. According to market data, the Nikkei fell 0.4 percent to 56,036.75 points at 02:00 GMT, while the broader Topix index dropped 0.5 percent to 3,755.52 points. The decline raised concerns that the market’s four-day upward trend might end.

The previous session had seen the Nikkei jump 5.4 percent to its highest level in more than a month, driven by expectations that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen after Donald Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran. Overnight, Nikkei 225 futures traded above 57,000 points on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, reflecting earlier optimism that has since cooled.

If the current trend continues, Japan’s stock market may see a pause in its recent rally as investors await clearer signals regarding the ceasefire situation.

Iran carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia’s crucial east-west oil pipeline, according to a Reuters report citing relevant sources on Wednesday. The same sources said several other Saudi installations were also targeted. The assault may disrupt oil supply through the pipeline, and authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage.

In a statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that it used drones and missiles to strike multiple targets in the region. Among the targets were oil facilities operated by American companies located in Yanbu. Experts warned that the incident could further intensify what is already one of the world’s most severe energy crises.

The full scale of the damage and the potential impact on global oil markets are still being evaluated, with no immediate details on restoration efforts.

US crude oil prices rose again after a steep drop triggered by the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump declared a two-week ceasefire with Iran, which initially caused oil prices to fall sharply. As the market began to stabilize later, prices recovered moderately.

According to the report, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures increased by $2.68, or 2.84 percent, reaching $97.09 per barrel at 22:18 GMT. Earlier in the day, global stock markets surged on the ceasefire news, while oil prices dropped nearly 14 percent to around $95 per barrel, at one point falling as low as $90.40.

The report indicates that the oil market showed signs of recovery after the initial reaction to the ceasefire announcement, suggesting a gradual return to stability.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has declared that continuing peace talks with the United States is ‘illogical’ following Israel’s recent attacks in Lebanon. In a post on social media platform X, he said the ‘operational basis’ for ceasefire discussions between Tehran and Washington has already been violated, rendering further negotiations meaningless.

Ghalibaf stated that three key clauses of the ceasefire plan have been breached: ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, drone incursions into Iranian airspace, and denial of Iran’s right to enrich uranium. He accused Israel of intensifying its conflict with Hezbollah in violation of the ceasefire terms, while criticizing the United States for demanding a full halt to Iran’s nuclear program, which he said undermines the agreement.

According to Ghalibaf, under these circumstances, pursuing bilateral ceasefire or peace negotiations no longer makes sense, reflecting Tehran’s frustration over what it views as repeated violations of the truce framework.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that delegations from the United States and Iran are expected to arrive in Pakistan on Friday for talks. However, conflicting reports have emerged about who will participate in the meeting.

According to two unnamed Pakistani sources cited by Reuters, US Vice President J.D. Vance will lead the American delegation, which is scheduled to meet in Islamabad with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Meanwhile, US media outlets quoted President Donald Trump as saying that direct talks with Iran would take place “very soon,” though security concerns might prevent Vance from attending.

The meeting, if confirmed, would mark a rare diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, with Pakistan serving as the host venue. Details about the agenda and participants remain uncertain.

A joint operation has been launched in the western Sundarbans of Satkhira to combat forest bandits. Beginning on Wednesday morning, April 8, the campaign involves coordinated efforts by the upazila administration, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, police, and the Forest Department. The forces are conducting searches across canals and remote forest areas, focusing on suspected hideouts of the bandits.

The operation follows recent incidents of forest workers being kidnapped and one being injured by gunfire from bandits. Authorities stated that the main objective is to ensure the safety of local forest workers and to completely eliminate bandit activity from the Sundarbans. Shyamnagar Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Rashed Hossain said the operation will continue until the forest is free of bandits and that coordinated law enforcement efforts aim to secure the area.

Local forest workers and residents have expressed relief over the operation and called for a permanently bandit-free Sundarbans.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning to the United States, saying it must choose between supporting a ceasefire or continuing to fight on behalf of Israel. In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, Araghchi stated that the conditions for a ceasefire between the United States and Iran are clear and that both options cannot coexist.

He added that the world is witnessing what he described as genocide in Lebanon and that the next move lies with the United States. Araghchi emphasized that the international community is watching whether Washington will act according to its stated commitments.

The warning came a day after the United States and Iran announced a ceasefire following more than a month of conflict, according to Anadolu news agency.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has initiated a joint operation to prevent artificial shortages and stabilize prices of essential commodities, including fuel and edible oil. The operation began at noon on April 8, 2026, in the outer anchorage of Chattogram, following intelligence reports that some unscrupulous traders were illegally hoarding goods on lighter vessels. Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon confirmed the operation.

According to the Coast Guard, the operation is being conducted in coordination with the Bangladesh Navy, the Department of Shipping, and the Chattogram Port Authority. The initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods and prevent manipulation of the market amid global fuel concerns. The Coast Guard has also intensified security and intelligence surveillance around the port and outer anchorage areas.

Authorities have instructed that no vessel carrying food, fuel, or edible oil may remain anchored for more than 72 hours. The Coast Guard will continue similar operations in the future to maintain market stability and protect public interest.

Bangladesh has renewed its request to India for the extradition of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal. The request was made during a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday between Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, along with Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Dr. Rahman also held a separate discussion with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, according to a statement from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India M. Riaz Hamidullah. Both sides emphasized advancing bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues. Dr. Rahman conveyed that the newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party would pursue a foreign policy based on mutual trust, respect, and benefit.

India agreed to facilitate visa services for Bangladeshis and consider increasing diesel and fertilizer exports. Both nations committed to continuing discussions to strengthen cooperation on key bilateral matters.

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz after accusing Israel of violating a recently declared ceasefire by launching heavy attacks in Lebanon. The closure began Wednesday afternoon, halting all tanker traffic through the strategic waterway. According to Lebanon’s Civil Defense, the Israeli strikes killed at least 254 people and injured 1,165 others. Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that the decision followed Israel’s breach of ceasefire conditions, a claim also confirmed by the official IRNA news agency.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump had announced the establishment of a ceasefire based on Iran’s conditions, allowing two oil tankers to safely pass through the strait. However, after renewed Israeli attacks in Lebanon, Tehran suspended all remaining tanker movements. One of Iran’s key ceasefire terms required halting attacks on the “resistance front,” including Lebanon.

The developments have cast uncertainty over the ceasefire between Iran, the United States, and Israel, only hours after it took effect. Fars News also reported that Iran is finalizing plans for retaliatory measures against Israeli military positions in occupied territories.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) organized a discussion titled “July Charter and Reforms: Aspirations of Martyrs’ Families” on Wednesday afternoon at the DUCSU premises. The event, presided over by DUCSU Vice President Sadiq Kayem, featured participation from families of those killed in the July-August uprising. Speakers criticized the government’s delay in implementing the July Charter, despite overwhelming public support in the referendum, and warned that continued inaction could trigger renewed street protests.

DUCSU leaders argued that ignoring the people’s mandate and reverting to old governance systems under constitutional pretexts would contradict public expectations. They called for transparent recruitment, protection of human rights, and institutional independence. Members of martyr families expressed grief and demanded justice, proper recognition of sacrifices, and swift implementation of the Charter. Several family members questioned the government’s shifting stance and highlighted ongoing issues of missing persons and unidentified victims.

In his closing remarks, VP Sadiq Kayem said the sacrifices of thousands during the July uprising aimed to build a just and democratic Bangladesh. He urged the government to uphold the referendum’s verdict and warned that DUCSU would continue the movement if reforms were obstructed.

A court in Narayanganj has sentenced four individuals to life imprisonment for raping a 12-year-old child and demanding ransom in Siddhirganj. Each convict was also fined 10,000 taka, with an additional six months of imprisonment in default of payment. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, April 8, by Judge Md. Mominul Islam of the Narayanganj Child Rape Crime Suppression Court. Court police inspector Md. Abdus Samad confirmed the judgment.

The convicted individuals are Md. Russel (36) from Barguna’s Sonakhali, Md. Al Amin (35) from Bhola’s Charfassion, Md. Mamun (42) from Patuakhali’s Nandipara, and Josna Begum (31), wife of Al Amin from the same area. Except for Russel, the other three convicts remain absconding. According to case records, on April 1, 2023, the offenders abducted the child from the Chittagong Road area of Siddhirganj, raped the victim, and demanded a ransom of five lakh taka from the family. The child’s father later filed a case with Siddhirganj Police Station.

Additional Public Prosecutor Advocate Khorshed Alam Molla stated that the court found the charges proven beyond doubt and delivered the verdict accordingly.

Iran has accused the United States of breaching three conditions of a proposed ceasefire framework before formal discussions could take place. In an official statement released on Tuesday night, Tehran said that repeated violations had deepened its longstanding distrust of Washington. The statement noted that the U.S. president had earlier described Iran’s ten-point proposal as a practical basis for negotiations, yet three clauses were already violated.

According to the statement, the first violation concerns the ceasefire condition related to Lebanon, which Iran said was ignored despite calls for an immediate halt to hostilities across all regions. The second violation involved a drone entering Iranian airspace, which was reportedly shot down in the Lar area of Fars province. The third violation, Iran claimed, was the denial of its right to enrich uranium, a right recognized under the sixth clause of the ten-point framework.

Iran concluded that the agreed foundation for talks had been openly breached, making any bilateral ceasefire or negotiation unreasonable under current circumstances.

Voting has begun in the Sherpur-3 constituency for the 13th National Parliament election and in the Bogura-6 constituency for a by-election in Bangladesh. The polls opened at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, and will continue uninterrupted until 4:30 p.m.

In the Sherpur-3 seat, three candidates are contesting: BNP’s Mahmudul Haque Rubel, Jamaat’s Masudur Rahman Masud, and Mizanur Rahman from the Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist). The election in this constituency had been postponed earlier due to the death of Jamaat candidate Nuruzzaman Badol. According to the revised schedule, voting is now being held on April 9.

In Bogura-6, the by-election was called after BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, who had won both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 in the February 12 general election, vacated the Bogura-6 seat. Three candidates are competing there: BNP’s Rezaul Karim Badsha, Jamaat’s Abidur Rahman, and Al-Amin Talukder from the Bangladesh Development Party.