Hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates in the United Arab Emirates are facing severe hardship as regional conflict and economic stagnation disrupt their livelihoods. The report describes widespread fear of drone and missile attacks, coupled with a sharp decline in income as schools and tourism sectors have stalled. Taxi drivers have seen earnings fall by about 70 percent, while many cleaners and construction workers have lost their jobs. Rising food and housing costs have pushed many into crisis, and several expatriates have been detained for unknowingly sharing war-related videos online.

Information technology specialist Mohammad Minhaj Uddin and Dubai-based worker Mohammad Zahed Ullah told the newspaper that many Bangladeshis are living in uncertainty and fear, with some killed or injured in recent attacks. They said diplomatic support from Bangladesh remains limited, while supply chain disruptions through the Hormuz Strait have driven up prices of essentials and fuel. Companies are cutting costs and delaying salaries, forcing many workers to consider returning home.

According to official data, the UAE hosts 1–1.2 million Bangladeshi workers, contributing 15–18 percent of Bangladesh’s total remittance. Prolonged instability could significantly affect the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a precise deadline for his ultimatum to Iran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated that Iran has until Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time to comply. This corresponds to 3:30 a.m. Wednesday in Tehran, midnight GMT, and 6 a.m. Wednesday in Bangladesh.

Earlier, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump warned that if Iran failed to act by Tuesday evening, no power plant or bridge in the country would remain intact. The ultimatum follows months of conflict that began in February, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and raised fears of a global energy crisis.

The situation has drawn international attention as the standoff threatens to escalate military tensions and disrupt global oil supply routes, with observers watching closely for Iran’s response before the deadline.

Russia has called on the United States to refrain from using the language of ultimatums or threats in efforts to ease ongoing tensions with Iran. Moscow stated that Washington should return to the negotiating table instead of escalating the conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which Lavrov expressed hope that current de-escalation efforts would succeed.

According to the ministry’s statement, Lavrov emphasized that if the United States abandons threatening rhetoric and restores dialogue, it would help resolve the crisis. The statement added that both Russia and Iran urged all parties, including the United Nations Security Council, to avoid actions that could undermine remaining opportunities for a political and diplomatic solution.

The appeal reflects Moscow’s position favoring negotiation over confrontation as regional tensions continue to rise, with both sides calling for restraint and renewed diplomacy.

A delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), led by Resident Representative Stefan Liller, met Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday afternoon at his official residence on Bailey Road. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including law and order, police reform, the establishment of an independent police commission, the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, the draft ordinance on enforced disappearance prevention and remedy, and the Rohingya issue.

During the meeting, the home minister welcomed the delegation and expressed belief in gradual and continuous development, noting that UNDP could assist in police restructuring and capacity building. The UNDP representative highlighted the organization’s long-standing cooperation with the National Human Rights Commission and said international best practices were being incorporated into the draft ordinance. The minister stated that both the human rights and enforced disappearance ordinances would be presented to parliament as bills after necessary review.

He also mentioned that the Armed Police Battalion responsible for security in Rohingya camps is not an investigative body but assured that security measures in the camps would be further strengthened.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the formation of an 'Alliance of Freedom' that would remain independent from the influence of the United States and China. Speaking at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, Macron emphasized the need for a coalition based on shared commitments to international law, democracy, and climate action. He mentioned potential participation from countries such as South Korea, Japan, Brazil, India, Australia, and Canada.

Macron criticized overreliance on military power and questioned the role of the United States in West Asia, arguing that lasting solutions cannot be achieved solely through bombings or military operations. His remarks came as France opposed a United Nations Security Council proposal authorizing possible military action against Iran, leading to tensions with Israel after Paris declined to support the US-Israeli stance.

Analysts cited in the report view Macron’s position as an attempt to establish a new balance in global politics, enabling middle powers to assert greater strategic autonomy.

The Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh has transferred six police officers, including two of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank, in a simultaneous reshuffle. The order was issued on Sunday by the Police-1 branch of the ministry. According to the notification, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner (Additional DIG) Raihan Uddin Khan has been transferred to the Police Headquarters as Additional DIG. AIG Saheli Ferdous, recently promoted to Additional DIG, has been posted to the Armed Police Battalion (APBn). Highway Police Superintendent Kazi Md. Shoaib has been reassigned to the Barishal Range DIG office as Superintendent of Police.

The same order also transferred Superintendent of Police Md. Moniruzzaman to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as SP. DIG Saleh Mohammad Tanvir of Police Headquarters (TR post) has been reassigned within the same office, while DIG Mahfuzur Rahman of the TR post has been transferred to the Rajshahi Sardah Police Academy as DIG. The notification, signed by Deputy Secretary Tawsif Ahmed, stated that the transfers were made in the public interest and would take immediate effect.

France has announced that it will not provide any offensive weapons to Israel, citing the ongoing tensions surrounding Iran. The statement was reported by PressTV on Sunday. French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin clarified in a social media post that France is not supplying arms to Israel. She explained that France has only authorized the sale of certain components used in air defense systems, such as projectiles for the Iron Dome, and some equipment also used by the French armed forces.

A few days earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France would not join any aggression against Iran on behalf of the United States or Israel. The announcement underscores France’s cautious stance in the escalating regional situation.

The decision reflects France’s effort to maintain a balanced position in the Middle East while avoiding direct involvement in potential military confrontations linked to Iran.

Iran has announced that it will not reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz until it receives war compensation. According to a report by Al Jazeera citing the Iranian president’s office, the statement was made on Sunday. Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, the president’s communications adviser, said in a social media post that under a new legal framework, the strait would only reopen once compensation is paid through transit fees.

Tabatabaei also sharply criticized recent remarks by Donald Trump, accusing him of making inappropriate and meaningless comments out of frustration after threatening attacks on Iran’s civilian infrastructure over the closure of the strait. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy supplies, and the ongoing closure has heightened tensions in international markets and raised concerns about regional security.

The report noted that pressure on Iran is increasing, but the country remains firm in its decision not to reopen the strait until its conditions are met.

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again threatened Iran with an ultimatum, warning that the country must reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Monday, April 6, or face severe consequences. According to BBC reports cited by the source, Trump reiterated his warning on April 5, following a series of previous ultimatums issued since the start of the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.

Trump’s first ultimatum on March 21 demanded that Iran reopen the waterway within 48 hours or face the destruction of its power plants. On March 23, he announced that productive talks had led to a five-day suspension of planned strikes. A third ultimatum on March 27 extended the deadline to April 6 at Iran’s request. As the deadline approached, Trump issued a final 48-hour warning on April 4 and repeated the same threat on April 5, adding that Iran’s power plants and bridges would be targeted if no deal was reached.

The Iranian government has repeatedly rejected Trump’s claims, asserting that his statements lack any factual basis.

At least ten people, including the officer-in-charge of Lakshmipur Sadar Model Police Station Wahid Parvez, were injured when police clashed with anti-discrimination student protesters in Lakshmipur town on Sunday evening. The confrontation occurred around 5:30 p.m. in front of Chawk Bazar Mosque after Section 144 had been imposed to prevent gatherings. The situation led to panic in the area, with shops closing and additional police deployed.

According to police and local administration, the tension began the previous night following an altercation between a member of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and a district Chhatra Dal leader. In response, the student group called for a protest march, while Chhatra Dal supporters under the banner of July Fighters announced a counter rally. Authorities imposed Section 144 from 4:30 p.m. to prevent unrest.

Leaders from both groups blamed each other for the violence. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement alleged police used force against their peaceful protest, while police said the clash erupted as both sides attempted to hold simultaneous programs despite restrictions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has alleged that Kurdish groups retained weapons that Washington had attempted to send to anti-government protesters in Iran earlier this year. In an interview with Fox News, Trump revealed that the United States tried to deliver a large number of guns to Iranian demonstrators in January, but the weapons never reached their intended recipients.

Trump stated that the arms were sent through Kurdish intermediaries, though he did not specify which Kurdish group was involved or provide further details about the operation. According to him, the Kurds kept the weapons for themselves instead of passing them on to the protesters.

The remarks shed light on a previously undisclosed U.S. effort to support Iranian protesters and raise questions about the role of Kurdish groups in the failed transfer.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called for a detailed discussion in the National Parliament on 133 ordinances. He raised the proposal on Sunday, April 5, during the eighth sitting of the first session of the 13th Parliament, drawing the Speaker’s attention before the second agenda began. Rahman noted that a special committee had reviewed the ordinances and submitted a report recommending that some be allowed to lapse, which he argued were significant and linked to the 'July Spirit'.

Responding to the proposal, the Speaker referred the matter to the Law Minister, who initially stated that two bills mentioned by the opposition leader were new and not derived from the ordinances. However, after the recess, the minister corrected himself, confirming that the two bills were indeed among the 133 ordinances. He assured that all ordinances would be presented in Parliament for first and second readings, allowing opportunities for discussion. The Speaker also reminded members that around 93 bills needed to be passed by April 9.

The opposition leader reiterated that the ordinances proposed for lapse were crucial for protecting citizens’ rights and should be debated in Parliament.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that the Dhaka-Chattogram highway will be expanded to 10 lanes, with a feasibility study currently in progress. He made the statement on Sunday, April 5, in response to a question from Comilla-6 Member of Parliament Monirul Haque Chowdhury during a session of the National Parliament presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

The minister said that steps will be taken to improve the highway and ease traffic congestion in the Paduabazar area. A design has already been prepared to expand the existing overpass, and the government expects to complete the work quickly. The feasibility study also includes plans for three new underpasses, along with two additional underpasses under the current intersection design, bringing the total to five underpasses in the region.

Sheikh Robiul Alam added that the government is coordinating efforts to revise and continue the previous administration’s project where possible. Officials from the Roads and Highways Department have already inspected the site, and visible progress is expected soon.

The government of Nepal has decided to introduce a two-day weekend for all public offices and educational institutions. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting held on Sunday. According to administrative experts, the initiative could bring positive outcomes if implemented properly, but poor management might lead to public inconvenience.

Former chairman of the Administrative Court and coordinator of the Administrative Reform Advisory Committee, Kashi Raj Dahal, said the move would be beneficial if proper management is ensured. He noted that it could help save energy, allow employees living near workplaces to engage in farming, and give them more time with their families. However, he cautioned that essential services must remain open and that offices with heavy public demand might not be able to adopt the two-day closure.

Dahal also emphasized the need for strict adherence to working hours once the new rule takes effect. He warned that if employees misuse the schedule by leaving early or arriving late, the reform could create complications instead of benefits.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran during an interview with Fox News, saying that if Iran does not agree to a deal soon, the United States will destroy the country’s power plants and bridges. He added that he would consider taking control of Iran’s oil resources if Tehran continues to delay. Trump stated that people would soon witness the collapse of infrastructure across Iran, according to a BBC report.

Despite the harsh rhetoric, Trump claimed that some Iranian officials have already joined negotiations and expressed optimism that a deal could be reached by Monday. His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran over unresolved issues related to sanctions and regional security.

Iranian officials have repeatedly denied Trump’s claims, asserting that his statements about ongoing talks and potential agreements have no factual basis, according to the same report.