Bangladesh’s export and import activities have slowed sharply following a joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran that disrupted global oil supply chains. The instability has begun to affect operations at Chattogram Port and Customs, raising concerns over revenue collection and overall economic performance. Despite maintaining growth in the first nine months of the fiscal year, the final quarter has seen declining export volumes and reduced port activity.

Data from Chattogram Port show container handling rose 4.75 percent and bulk cargo 7.39 percent year-on-year in the first nine months, but exports have fallen steadily since January. Export container shipments dropped from 79,000 TEUs in January to 60,000 in March. Chattogram Customs collected Tk 58,432 crore in revenue during the same period, well short of its Tk 1 trillion annual target. Officials attribute the slowdown to the Middle East conflict’s impact on trade and energy supply.

Industry leaders warn that continued fuel shortages and uncertainty over government energy policy could further delay new export orders. They urge the government to outline and implement a clear plan to manage the energy crisis and inflation risks.

US President Donald Trump has sharply reacted to reports that Iran plans to impose tolls on ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Responding to a journalist’s question, Trump said Iran would not be allowed to collect any tolls and asserted that the United States could do so instead if necessary. He claimed that the US holds dominance in the region and therefore has the right to collect tolls. Analysts noted that such a move could require establishing military control over the strait.

Trump also issued a stern warning to Iran, threatening that the country could be “destroyed overnight” if no agreement is reached by the set deadline. He stated that Iran must reach a deal by 8 p.m. Washington time on Tuesday. Iran, however, rejected the pressure, saying it would not accept any temporary ceasefire and would only agree to a deal ensuring a permanent halt to attacks and compensation for war damages.

Earlier, Trump had said Iran was offered an acceptable deal, but Tehran’s rejection of the ceasefire proposal has further complicated the situation.

US President Donald Trump sharply criticized NATO and key allied nations for failing to support the United States in the ongoing war with Iran. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, April 6, he described NATO as a “paper tiger” and named Australia, Japan, and South Korea as countries that provided no assistance. Trump expressed frustration that despite the US maintaining large troop deployments to protect its allies, they did not reciprocate during this conflict.

He reminded reporters that 50,000 US troops are stationed in Japan and 45,000 in South Korea to defend those nations, yet they have not stood by the United States in its time of need. His remarks reflected growing anger over what he sees as an imbalance in alliance commitments.

Trump also claimed that the US military has plans capable of destroying Iran’s bridges and power plants within hours but emphasized that Washington does not wish to take such extreme action.

Iran has rejected a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, insisting that the vital waterway will remain closed until a permanent truce is reached. The decision came as talks continued over a proposed 45-day ceasefire involving the United States, Iran, and regional mediators. Iranian officials told Reuters that Washington is not ready for a lasting peace, and therefore Tehran will not lift the blockade based on short-term agreements.

The announcement followed intensified attacks between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Israeli and American strikes across Iran killed at least 34 people, including six children, and the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard intelligence, Majid Khademi. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israel, killing four people, and targeted U.S. and Israeli ships in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, Lebanon reported 54 health workers killed in Israeli strikes. European Council President António Costa condemned attacks on energy infrastructure as illegal and unacceptable.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned of retaliation if its infrastructure is attacked, while U.S. President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to reopen the strait expires Tuesday. The situation remains volatile as ceasefire negotiations continue.

Former Speaker of the National Parliament Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury was detained by the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) early Tuesday morning. According to the report, the detention took place around 5 a.m. at a residence on Road 8/A in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner A.N.M. Nasir Uddin confirmed the detention and said she is currently being held at the DB office. He added that further details would be provided later.

The DB has not yet issued any official statement regarding the specific case or reason for her detention. Joint Commissioner (DB) Nasirul Islam stated that she was detained from the house of her relative, Arif Mahmud Masud. Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury served as Speaker of the National Parliament for over a decade, first elected on April 30, 2013. She reportedly went into hiding after August 5, 2024, following a student and public uprising, and had not been seen publicly since then.

Authorities have not disclosed what legal or investigative process will follow her detention.

Iran’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, stated in an interview on April 5 that Tehran is fully prepared to support Bangladesh in energy security, deep-sea mineral exploration, and advanced technology cooperation. He said Iran views Bangladesh’s recent political transition and the leadership of Tarique Rahman positively, expressing hope that the country will pursue an independent foreign policy and play a constructive role in Muslim world unity.

The ambassador emphasized Iran’s willingness to collaborate in oil and gas exploration, refinery establishment, and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, stem cell research, and medical science. He also confirmed discussions with Bangladesh’s energy minister regarding safe passage for Bangladeshi ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Jahanabadi criticized U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran, linking them to global economic disruptions, including fuel shortages in Bangladesh.

He urged Bangladesh to use its diplomatic ties with the United States to promote peace and discourage the use of regional bases for military aggression. The envoy concluded by reaffirming Iran’s commitment to stand by Bangladesh during crises and strengthen bilateral friendship.

Qatar has condemned an attack by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar denounced the incident, saying it occurred under the protection of Israeli occupation police.

The Gulf state described the minister’s actions as a severe violation of international humanitarian law and an incitement to the sentiments of Muslims worldwide. The statement emphasized Qatar’s rejection of such provocations at one of Islam’s holiest sites.

The condemnation follows heightened regional tensions involving Israel and neighboring countries, as reported by Al Jazeera, though no further details on diplomatic responses were provided in the source.

At least 15 American personnel were injured in an overnight Iranian drone attack on the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, according to a report by CBS News citing two US officials. The incident occurred late at night, and most of the injured reportedly suffered minor wounds and have already returned to duty.

The report, which referenced information from Al Jazeera, did not specify the extent of damage to the base or whether any military assets were affected. The attack marks another escalation in regional tensions involving Iran and US military positions in the Middle East.

Further details about the response from US authorities or potential retaliatory measures were not available at the time of reporting.

Bangladeshi migrant workers across Qatar, Kuwait, and Lebanon are enduring severe hardship as the Iran war and regional instability disrupt daily life and employment. The conflict, triggered by U.S.-Israeli aggression on Iran, has led to economic paralysis, job losses, and travel restrictions. Hundreds of workers have lost their livelihoods, while many remain stranded due to high airfares and passport complications. In Qatar, authorities have imposed strict restrictions, including bans on photography and unnecessary movement, as drone interceptions and port attacks heighten insecurity.

In Kuwait, economic zones have stalled, flights are suspended, and schools remain closed, leaving workers anxious about job security. Lebanon faces the worst crisis, with Israeli attacks killing over 1,300 people and displacing 1.2 million. Around 500–600 Bangladeshis are living in temporary shelters, many without legal status, forcing remittances through informal channels. Rising gas and electricity prices have worsened living conditions.

According to official data, over 450,000 Bangladeshis live in Qatar, 350,000 in Kuwait, and 100,000 in Lebanon. The ongoing conflict threatens their safety, income, and Bangladesh’s remittance inflow, leaving many uncertain about their future.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written statement following the assassination of Majid Khademi, the intelligence chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The message condemned the killing and blamed the United States and Israel for the attack. Israel has confirmed that Khademi was targeted. Khamenei reiterated that the deaths of commanders would not disrupt the ideals of Iran’s forces, emphasizing the large number of their members. Several IRGC commanders have been killed since the war began on February 28.

The report noted that multiple written statements have recently been released under Mojtaba Khamenei’s name, but he has not been seen publicly or on Iranian state television since succeeding his father about a month ago. Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Mojtaba might be dead or in poor condition due to his absence. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva said the absence was for security reasons, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted that Khamenei was healthy and fully in control of the situation.

Iran’s military announced that four of its officers were killed on Monday while attempting to intercept US warplanes over the central province of Isfahan. The incident occurred in the Mahiyar area, where Iranian forces engaged in what was described as a direct battle with enemy aircraft, helicopters, armed drones, and support planes.

According to the semi-official Fars News Agency, the confrontation led to the deaths of the four Iranian military personnel after they came under attack. The report, citing Al Jazeera as a source, did not provide further details about the scale of the engagement or any US response.

The clash adds to a series of recent regional incidents involving Iran, including reported attacks in Saudi Arabia and Israel, as noted in the same news outlet’s coverage.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American authorities are trying to identify the person who leaked information to the media about a second U.S. pilot reportedly detained in Iran. According to Trump, Iran was unaware of the second pilot’s location until the news was published, which made the rescue operation significantly more difficult.

Trump said the media outlet that published the report would be asked to reveal the source of the leak. He warned that failure to cooperate could lead to legal consequences. The president emphasized that the search for the leaker was being taken very seriously and that the government would approach the media company directly to demand disclosure in the interest of national security.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not provide further details about the pilot’s condition or the ongoing rescue efforts.

US President Donald Trump announced that a total of 155 American aircraft participated in a second rescue operation conducted in Iran. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, he detailed that the mission included four bombers, 64 fighter jets, 48 fuel tankers, and 13 rescue aircraft. Trump described the operation as highly risky, stating that US forces came under fire during the mission.

He added that several helicopters and other military equipment were damaged, and two aircraft had to be destroyed at the scene. Trump also said officials would investigate the identity of the person who first informed a media outlet about the downing of a US pilot in Iran.

According to Trump, since the conflict began, more than 10,000 fighter jets have flown over Iran and nearly 13,000 targets have been attacked. He further remarked that Iran could be “eliminated in one night” if necessary, suggesting that such a moment might be near.

Prediction markets tracking U.S. political outcomes saw a sharp rise this weekend in bets suggesting President Donald Trump could be removed from office under the 25th Amendment. The surge followed escalating conflict with Iran and widespread criticism of Trump’s recent social media comments, which drew attention to his handling of the crisis. According to Newsweek, trading volume increased on Kalshi, a regulated prediction platform, as users speculated on whether cabinet-level action might be taken to declare the president unfit for duty.

Kalshi’s contract titled “Will the 25th Amendment be used during Trump’s presidency?” saw the price of “Yes” shares climb from 28.6 percent to 35.1 percent, the second-highest level since his second term began. The market initially opened in January 2025 at 15 percent “Yes.” The rise coincided with controversy over Trump’s posts about Iran, including threats targeting civilian infrastructure. Senator Chris Murphy urged the cabinet to consider invoking the amendment, calling Trump’s remarks “completely, utterly unbalanced.”

Analysts expect Kalshi’s market to remain volatile as long as global tensions and domestic criticism persist, with prices likely to fluctuate alongside developments in the Iran conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to reporters at the White House about Iran, issuing a series of strong statements. He threatened renewed attacks on Iran’s bridges, power plants, and other civilian infrastructure, warning of actions that could amount to war crimes. Trump also said that if he had the opportunity, he would seize Iran’s vast oil reserves to generate significant revenue.

Trump criticized Americans who oppose war, calling them “fools,” while asserting that his “Make America Great Again” supporters remain firmly behind him. He further claimed that his administration had sent guns to anti-government protesters in Iran, though he did not specify which group received them.

The president declared that his ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was final, describing Tehran’s response to U.S. proposals as “important” but “not good enough.” The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, underscore escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.