The Bangladesh Parliament passed nine bills on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, converting ordinances issued during the interim government into laws. The bills were approved by voice vote without any amendments or debate. Among them, the Haor and Wetland Conservation Bill was introduced by the Water Resources Minister, while the Law Minister Asaduzzaman presented several amendment bills, including the Code of Criminal Procedure, Civil Courts, International Crimes (Tribunals), and Registration Acts.

During the presentation of the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Amendment) Bill, the Law Minister stated that the bill includes enforced disappearance within the definition of crimes against humanity. He advised critics to review the law before claiming the government intends to abolish the disappearance law, asserting that the government is committed to justice for such crimes. Opposition Leader Shafiqul Rahman responded that the minister’s remarks were unnecessary, while the Speaker reminded members to keep discussions within parliamentary bounds.

Other bills passed were related to the health ministry, mainly to formalize name changes in existing laws. In the absence of the Health Minister, the Home Minister presented three health-related amendment bills, and later the Health Minister proposed another, all of which were passed by voice vote.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Affairs Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman stated on Tuesday that Bangladesh’s fuel situation is not in a critical state, despite some supply challenges. Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat’s PID conference room, he said that while there are concerns about shortages of petrol and octane, the overall supply has only slightly declined compared to last year. Diesel supply fell from 396,098 metric tons in March 2025 to 363,512 metric tons in March 2026, while octane supply rose slightly to 37,439 metric tons. Petrol supply decreased from 46,371 to 39,998 metric tons.

Dr. Rahman attributed the current situation partly to panic buying and illegal hoarding, noting that some individuals may be stockpiling fuel for resale or smuggling. He reported that 74 operations were conducted in April against illegal fuel storage, resulting in 114 cases and fines totaling 313,000 taka. As of April 6, national reserves stood at 114,122 metric tons of diesel, 10,151 metric tons of octane, and 13,805 metric tons of petrol.

He added that the government continues to bear heavy subsidies in the energy and power sectors, with outstanding dues exceeding 45,000 crore taka, keeping the situation under financial pressure.

U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated the astronauts of the Artemis mission for what he described as a historic achievement while they orbited the Moon. According to AFP from Houston, Trump spoke with the crew by phone on Monday, expressing that the entire United States was proud of their success. He told the astronauts that they were true pioneers of the modern era.

The Artemis mission involves a ten-day journey around the Moon with three American astronauts and one Canadian astronaut on board. During the call, Trump engaged in a friendly conversation with the crew, praising their courage and dedication. He emphasized that their work required immense bravery and represented a significant milestone for the nation.

The mission marks a symbolic step in renewed lunar exploration efforts, highlighting international cooperation and the continued ambition of human spaceflight.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced that all future public examinations in Bangladesh will be conducted with a single set of question papers across all education boards. He made the statement on Tuesday while addressing a views-exchange meeting organized by the Barishal Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education at Barishal Shilpakala Auditorium.

The minister emphasized that no compromise will be tolerated in the evaluation of answer scripts and directed officials to ensure fair and transparent assessment. He warned that any negligence or irregularity in marking will result in strict disciplinary action. The meeting, attended by officials from Barishal, Madrasa, and Technical Education Boards, discussed administrative and strategic issues related to upcoming examinations.

Dr. Milan also mentioned that the government is working to introduce both online and offline classes in metropolitan educational institutions. A formal report based on stakeholder opinions will be submitted to the Prime Minister on Thursday for review before a final decision is made. The minister reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward maintaining discipline and transparency in the education system.

Two explosions were heard near Erbil Airport in Iraq’s northern Kurdistan region, where advisers from the US-led anti-jihadist coalition are stationed, according to an AFP journalist. Hours earlier, air defense systems intercepted four missiles aimed at the US Embassy in Erbil. Local authorities also reported a separate deadly drone strike in a civilian area early Tuesday, killing a couple when an Iran-origin drone crashed into their home in Dara Shakran district.

Since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, Iraq-based groups identifying as the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” largely backed by Iran, have claimed near-daily attacks on US interests. The US Embassy in Baghdad recently accused Iran-linked Iraqi militias of attempting to kill American diplomats, while the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said it is working to strengthen security and prevent escalation. The Kurdistan region’s Peshmerga forces have also faced repeated attacks, including a drone assault on their headquarters on Monday night.

The Peshmerga Ministry criticized Iraq’s central authorities for failing to take firm action against these attacks, underscoring growing security tensions in the region.

The United Arab Emirates Cabinet has officially approved a six-day public holiday for Eid al-Adha this year, according to Khaleej Times. The decision is based on the expected lunar calendar dates for the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, which may begin on May 18. The main Hajj rituals are expected to take place on May 26, followed by Eid al-Adha on May 27.

Under the approved schedule, UAE residents will have holidays on May 26 for the Hajj day, and from May 27 to 29 for Eid al-Adha. With the regular weekend on May 30 and 31, the total public holiday period will extend from May 26 to May 31, giving citizens and residents six consecutive days off.

The announcement aligns with the country’s practice of determining Islamic holidays based on moon sightings and provides clarity for travel and family planning during the festive period.

An eleven-party alliance, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party, has announced a series of nationwide protests demanding the implementation of a referendum verdict. The announcement came on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, following a meeting at the Al-Falah Auditorium in Dhaka’s Moghbazar. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish leader Maulana Mamunul Haque declared the program, accusing the government of opposing the referendum’s outcome.

According to the announced schedule, leaflet distribution at Shahbagh will begin on April 9, followed by protest marches at upazila and thana levels on April 11, district-wide rallies on April 12, and a seminar in Dhaka on April 13 in support of enforcing the referendum verdict. Mamunul Haque stated that the alliance would continue its street movement until the verdict is implemented and criticized the BNP for ignoring interim government reform decisions.

The press conference was conducted by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad, with senior leaders from several allied parties present, including Jamaat, Khelafat Majlish, the National Citizens Party, and others.

Prime Minister’s Political Affairs Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called for coordinated efforts by the government, the Health Ministry, medical professionals, and public health stakeholders to contain the ongoing measles outbreak. Speaking at a rally marking World Health Day in Dhaka, he warned that misinformation, superstition, and neglect in the health sector have increased the risk of measles, and that failure to act swiftly could worsen the situation.

Rizvi said the current outbreak has claimed 38 lives between mid-March and April, with Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Mymensingh identified as hotspots. He noted that seven children died within 24 hours nationwide, urging immediate action from health authorities. He criticized the lack of attention to healthcare over the past 15 years and highlighted insufficient funding for medical research, saying that allocations of only a few lakh taka and added VAT on journal reviews hinder scientific progress.

He expressed hope that patriotic doctors and health workers would respond quickly and effectively to prevent further spread of measles and safeguard public health.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Affairs Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman announced that the government aims to vaccinate all children against measles across Bangladesh by May 21, ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. He made the statement during a press briefing at the Secretariat’s PID conference room on Tuesday. The adviser said that a new outbreak of measles has emerged and that the current government is taking the issue seriously to contain it.

According to Dr. Rahman, vaccination activities have already begun in 30 upazilas across 18 districts. From April 12, the campaign will expand to Dhaka North and South, Mymensingh, and Barishal, and from May 3, it will be conducted nationwide. The first phase targets 30 high-risk hotspot areas, with gradual expansion based on field readiness and disease conditions.

He added that isolation facilities have been arranged in government hospitals, health workers’ leave has been canceled, and doctors’ presence in district and upazila hospitals is being ensured. The adviser expressed sorrow over child deaths from measles and pledged to prevent such situations in the future.

Several US lawmakers have called for invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office. The amendment allows the transfer of presidential powers to the vice president if the president is deemed unable to perform duties. Arizona Congresswoman Yasamin Ansari most recently urged this step, accusing Trump of inciting an illegal war, threatening potential war crimes, and targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran. Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, New Mexico Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury, former Illinois Republican Congressman Joe Walsh, and Democratic Senator Chris Murphy also voiced similar demands.

The calls emerged amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, following Trump’s strong rhetoric and actions related to the conflict. Lawmakers described the situation as abnormal and alarming, urging immediate constitutional action by Congress and the Cabinet.

The debate underscores growing concern in Washington over Trump’s handling of the Iran crisis and its potential consequences for US foreign policy and global stability.

Bangladesh’s Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain informed Parliament that a total of Tk 4,394 crore 8 lakh 25 thousand has been spent so far on purchasing COVID-19 vaccines. He disclosed the figure on Tuesday during a session of the 13th National Parliament in response to a written question from Feni-2 lawmaker Zainal Abedin. The session was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

According to the minister, a total allocation of Tk 4,685 crore 22 lakh 2 thousand 297 was made from the 2020–21 fiscal year for importing and purchasing vaccines and related equipment. Of this, Tk 30 crore 88 lakh 80 thousand was spent on syringes, Tk 19 crore 57 lakh 3 thousand 354 on transportation, and Tk 99 lakh 78 thousand 980 on syringe shipping and charges.

Responding to a question about possible irregularities in vaccine procurement, the minister stated that no specific complaints or information had been received by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. He added that the government remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability and will take appropriate action if any irregularities are detected.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a renewed warning against Iran during a White House press conference on Monday. He said that if Iran refuses to agree to a ceasefire, the United States could destroy key infrastructure, including bridges and power plants. Trump claimed that every bridge in Iran could be destroyed by midnight Tuesday and that power stations could be rendered inoperable. He added that the United States does not seek such an outcome but could act swiftly if necessary. When asked whether attacks on civilian infrastructure might constitute war crimes, Trump avoided the question and rebuked a journalist from The New York Times.

Trump stated that Iran must meet U.S. conditions, including keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, halting its ballistic missile program, and dismantling its nuclear program. He emphasized that Iran would never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iran’s state news agency reported that Tehran rejected the ceasefire proposal and demanded permanent conflict resolution, safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, war damage compensation, and sanctions removal.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy markets, pushing oil prices above $115 per barrel. Iran’s foreign minister has intensified diplomatic outreach to countries such as India, Russia, and Turkey.

At least five people were killed and several others injured in two separate Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, according to the country’s National News Agency (NNA). The attacks took place on April 7, 2026, targeting residential areas in two towns.

The NNA reported that two people were killed when an airstrike hit a house in the town of Marakeh, leaving several others wounded. In a separate nighttime strike on the town of Tair Debba, three people were killed and two others injured. The report did not specify the identities of the victims or the reasons for the attacks.

The incidents mark another escalation of violence in the region, though further details about the circumstances or official responses were not provided in the report.

Former Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury has been shown arrested in a case filed at Lalbagh Police Station in connection with the anti-discrimination movement. The arrest was confirmed on Tuesday morning by Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police Joint Commissioner Md. Nasir Uddin. Authorities stated that she faces six cases across various police stations in the capital, including the Lalbagh case. Earlier that morning, she was detained from her cousin Arif Masud Chowdhury’s residence in Dhanmondi and later questioned at the Detective Branch office on Minto Road.

Police sources said Shirin Sharmin is also accused in a murder case related to the July uprising, where a gold worker named Muslim Uddin was shot dead in Rangpur. The case was filed on August 27, 2024, by the victim’s wife against Shirin Sharmin, former Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, and 15 others. Tipu Munshi is currently in jail over that case.

According to police, Shirin Sharmin had been in hiding since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, and resigned from her post as Speaker on September 2 of the same year.

Workers of Nasa Group staged a protest on Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026, blocking the Dhaka-Chattogram highway at Paduar Bazar Bishwaroad area in Cumilla. They erected barricades on both sides of the highway, halting vehicle movement and causing a traffic jam stretching about 10 kilometers. The demonstration was organized to demand payment of long-overdue wages.

Protesting workers said they have been struggling to survive without salaries for a long time and accused the company of attempting to shut down operations illegally. One worker, Taslima Akter, stated that they would continue the blockade throughout the day if their demands were not met. A traveler named Ariful Islam, who was heading from Feni to Dhaka, expressed frustration over the sudden road closure and questioned the need to block a national highway for wage demands.

Cumilla Sadar South Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sirajul Mostafa said that if the workers did not clear the highway soon, authorities would take necessary action to restore traffic flow.