Pakistan has announced a one-month period of free travel on government-run public transport across the country, including the capital and the most populous province. The decision was made after widespread protests erupted following a sharp rise in fuel prices driven by the ongoing Iran-related war situation. The announcement came on Friday, shortly after the government raised petrol prices by 42.7 percent to 485 rupees per liter, triggering public anger and long queues at petrol stations.

According to The Guardian, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif later partially reversed the decision the same night, reducing petrol prices to 378 rupees per liter by cutting fuel taxes. In a televised address, he said the new price would remain in effect for at least one month and pledged to continue efforts to stabilize daily life. However, diesel prices were not reduced and now stand at 520 rupees per liter, a 54.9 percent increase from previous levels.

The temporary free transport measure aims to ease public hardship while the government works to manage the economic fallout from the fuel crisis.

On April 3, during the 35th day of the US-Israeli aggression, an American F-15 fighter jet was destroyed in Iran. The aircraft carried two pilots; the United States claimed to have rescued one but did not disclose any details. The other pilot remains missing, and US forces are reportedly searching for him. According to Tasnim News Agency, citing military sources, the United States has attempted to bomb locations in Iran where it believes the missing pilot might be, effectively trying to kill him.

The report said the bombings targeted areas in Kohgiluyeh city of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, based on suspicions that the pilot was hiding there. The source did not confirm whether the pilot is currently in Iranian custody but suggested that the United States may not have been truthful about the first pilot it claimed to have rescued.

The situation underscores rising tensions in the ongoing US-Israeli military operations and uncertainty surrounding the fate of the missing pilot.

The BSCIC industrial estate in Srimangal, Moulvibazar, built at a cost of about Tk 50 crore, has remained unused for six years since its completion in 2019. Despite having 122 plots and full infrastructure including administrative and residential buildings, pump house, dumping yard, and pond, no industrial plant has started operations. The site has turned into a jungle, with key installations and equipment stolen due to neglect and lack of maintenance.

The project began in 2012 on 20 acres of land in Uttarsur area to promote industrialization. However, electricity, gas, and water connections are now largely nonfunctional. Local sources report theft of gas substation parts, transformers, and metal fittings. Entrepreneurs cite high plot prices, poor services, and administrative complications as major deterrents. One investor, Shamim Akter Hossain of Do Impex Ltd, said he suffered financial losses after returning a plot without full refund.

BSCIC officials claim new plots are being allocated under conditions requiring factories within two years, and inactive owners have been notified. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that higher authorities have been informed and some work has already resumed.

A recent Reuters-Ipsos poll found that 56 percent of Americans believe the ongoing war with Iran will negatively affect the U.S. economy. The survey, conducted from March 27 to 29 across the United States, included responses from 1,021 participants. Only 7 percent thought the war would have a positive impact, while 12 percent expected no effect. About 25 percent did not answer the question.

The poll also revealed widespread concern for U.S. military personnel, with 86 percent of respondents expressing worry about the safety of service members involved in the conflict. In addition, 52 percent said they believe the U.S. military operation will worsen stability in the Middle East, while 21 percent expect conditions to improve.

The findings highlight growing public anxiety over both economic and security consequences of the U.S. military campaign in Iran, reflecting skepticism about its potential to bring regional stability.

Bangladesh Bank has provided Tk 2,721 crore in short-term liquidity support to the newly formed Sammilit Islami Bank, created through the merger of five struggling Islamic banks. The three-month loan was issued after deposit withdrawals surged during merger discussions, forcing the central bank to inject funds. The merged institutions include First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, EXIM Bank, Union Bank, and Global Islami Bank.

According to official data, EXIM Bank received the largest share of Tk 1,564 crore, followed by Social Islami Bank with Tk 482 crore, First Security Islami Bank with Tk 416 crore, Union Bank with Tk 161 crore, and Global Islami Bank with Tk 98 crore. The merged bank has an authorized capital of Tk 40,000 crore and paid-up capital of Tk 35,000 crore, with the government contributing Tk 20,000 crore. Around 7.8 million depositors are being compensated through an insurance fund totaling Tk 12,000 crore.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostakur Rahman recently directed administrators to recover embezzled funds by April through foreign legal assistance. As of December, the merged banks held Tk 196,827 crore in total loans, with 84.23 percent classified as non-performing.

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the United States declined by 8.53 percent in January and February 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, according to data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). Both the average unit price and export volume dropped, by 2.47 percent and 6.21 percent respectively, leading to an overall contraction in export earnings.

Analysts attribute the decline to a broader downturn in US apparel imports, which fell 13.47 percent due to high inflation and interest rates reducing consumer purchasing power. While Bangladesh’s exports shrank, Vietnam and Cambodia recorded growth of 2.86 percent and 18.43 percent respectively, intensifying competition in the US market. Industry observers noted that these countries benefited from faster production capacity expansion, product diversification, and favorable labor and trade policies.

Despite the challenges, China’s apparel exports to the US plunged 57.65 percent during the same period, creating potential opportunities for Bangladesh. Exporters and the BGMEA emphasized the need to enhance competitiveness through cost control, efficiency, infrastructure improvement, and policy support to sustain market share and capitalize on emerging prospects.

Authorities in Patuakhali’s Mohipur area have distributed 27,000 liters of additional diesel to local fishermen to support their livelihoods and ensure fishing operations in the Bay of Bengal before an upcoming government ban. The distribution took place on Saturday, April 4, through two filling stations at the Mohipur–Alipur fish port. The supply was managed by acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer Yasin Sadek, with fuel provided by Jamuna and Meghna Petroleum companies.

Under this special arrangement, around 70 small, medium, and large trawlers received 400, 600, and 1,000 liters of diesel respectively, based on their needs. The initiative comes ahead of a 58-day government fishing ban starting April 15. While the supply brought relief to fishermen and trawler owners, many said it was still insufficient compared to their actual requirements, as large trawlers typically need 700–800 liters for a 15–16 day trip.

Local leaders and fishing association representatives welcomed the move, calling it a commendable step to support the marine economy and fishermen’s livelihoods. Officials also indicated that additional fuel could be provided if necessary.

Farmers in India’s Punjab state are expressing deep concern over a looming fertilizer shortage that could threaten crop yields. The disruption stems from the Iran–US conflict that began after a joint American–Israeli strike on Iran on February 28, leading Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz. The closure has disrupted global energy supplies, creating a gas shortage that has forced India to cut gas supply to fertilizer plants by 30 percent.

Agriculture experts warn that the conflict is already straining India’s fertilizer supply chain, particularly for urea, a nitrogen-based fertilizer central to the country’s farming. Although most urea is domestically produced, its production depends on imported natural gas. Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and other key grain-producing states fear that shortages during the upcoming kharif season could reduce yields of rice and cotton. The government insists that fertilizer plants are operating normally and that buffer stocks are higher than last year.

Despite official assurances, anxiety persists among small farmers already burdened by debt and losses. Observers note that prolonged supply disruptions could mirror Sri Lanka’s past fertilizer crisis, which severely affected its agriculture sector.

Iran has issued a new warning to the United States and Israel amid its ongoing conflict with both countries. A senior Iranian security official stated that Tehran is advancing according to its war plans and a specific list of targets, adding that a major surprise awaits Washington and Tel Aviv. The official also said that Iran has ordered the seizure of assets belonging to more than a hundred individuals accused of supporting enemy forces inside and outside the country.

According to a statement published by Fars News Agency, the Iranian official dismissed former US President Donald Trump’s threat of attacking bridges as “ridiculous,” calling it a sign of US military failure, including the downing of its aircraft. He asserted that Iran has mastered asymmetric warfare tactics to gradually weaken its enemies, while the US has failed in quick-strike strategies.

The Tehran prosecutor’s office has instructed the freezing of bank accounts and confiscation of assets of over a hundred influential figures accused of aiding foreign adversaries, reflecting Iran’s tightening internal measures during the conflict.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy reported severe physical damage to its power generation and water purification facilities following a drone attack attributed to Iran. Ministry spokesperson Fatima Abbas Johar Hayat said two power generation units were rendered inoperative, describing the incident as a criminal act of aggression. Authorities confirmed that no casualties occurred in the strike.

According to Al Jazeera, the attack is part of a recent series of drone strikes targeting key infrastructure in Kuwait. Earlier incidents included a fire at the Shuwaikh oil sector complex and significant damage to a government office complex. In response to the latest assault, security measures have been tightened and repair work on the damaged facilities has begun.

Officials stated that restoration efforts are underway to resume normal operations as soon as possible, while heightened security remains in place around critical infrastructure sites.

Flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka were temporarily suspended for about 15 minutes on Saturday night after a line light on the middle of the runway was found damaged. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m., according to airport sources. The runway light, which guides pilots along the central path during takeoff and landing, was reported broken and displaced by a Novoair pilot after landing.

Following the report, air traffic control immediately closed the runway in line with international safety protocols to prevent any risk of accidents. During the closure, a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Kolkata was instructed to circle in the air, while flights of Emirates Airlines to Dubai and another to Muscat experienced temporary schedule disruptions.

The damaged light was quickly repaired, and flight operations resumed after about 15 minutes. Airport authorities stated that the temporary suspension was necessary to ensure passenger safety.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has dismissed as false a social media post claiming that its senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi instructed people not to use lights and fans at home after evening without reason. The party clarified that Rizvi made no such statement and described the circulated message as fabricated and malicious. The clarification came through a press release signed by BNP assistant office secretary Md. Munir on Saturday night.

According to the statement, a vested group has been spreading the false claim on Facebook, online platforms, and YouTube, alleging that BNP’s student and youth wings would monitor compliance. The party said this allegation is entirely baseless and intended to mislead the public.

Rizvi urged citizens and BNP members not to be confused by such fabricated information and advised everyone to remain alert against misinformation.

Student leaders at Rajshahi University (RU) have expressed a collective desire to maintain peaceful coexistence and democratic practices on campus following the 13th national election. Once a hotspot for political violence and dominance, the campus now shows signs of stability, with fewer incidents of clashes, seat trading, and showdowns. Leaders from various student organizations said they aim to focus on campus development, administrative transparency, and increased education funding in the national budget.

Representatives from groups including the Bangladesh Student Federation, Pahari Chhatra Parishad, Socialist Student Front, Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, Chhatra Dal, and Islami Chhatra Shibir shared their perspectives. They acknowledged past violence and dominance but noted that the post-election environment has remained largely peaceful. Some leaders called for justice for past incidents, neutral investigations, and a more accountable administration.

Student leaders believe that sustaining this cooperative approach could transform RU into a model of stability and democratic coexistence. They emphasized that universities should prioritize knowledge, equality, and student welfare over political control or violence.

At Comilla University, several student organizations are currently led by individuals who are no longer students, raising questions about transparency and legitimacy. The issue has drawn attention from central policymakers and prompted calls from current students to prioritize active students in future committees. Investigations revealed that both the university branches of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir have top leaders who have already completed their studies.

The Chhatra Dal’s convening committee, formed in June 2021, continues to operate after more than five years, led by former students from the 2007–08 and 2008–09 sessions. Similar concerns exist within the Chhatra Shibir committee, whose president and secretary also no longer hold student status. Critics allege that the inclusion of non-students, irregular members, and outsiders undermines the organizations’ credibility and deprives current students of representation.

In contrast, the Islami Chhatra Andolon Bangladesh branch reportedly maintains a committee where most members still have student status. Current students have urged that upcoming committees include active or recently graduated members to ensure genuine student representation and accountability.

Authorities have uncovered a massive illegal land and plot trade in Chattogram’s Bayezid and Sitakunda’s Salimpur Union, where over four decades of hill cutting and encroachment on government land created a sprawling settlement known as Jungle Salimpur. The area, covering about 3,500 acres including 3,100 acres of government land, saw thousands of plots sold through a token system, generating several thousand crore taka. Law enforcement agencies launched a major operation on March 9, arresting 15 armed criminals and establishing permanent camps for the first time.

Officials claim state control has been restored, but local residents and environmental activists remain skeptical, noting that illegal structures and occupiers still dominate the area. Analysts warn that without full eviction and environmental restoration, criminal groups may reemerge. The illegal trade reportedly began in the 1990s under a forest guard named Ali Akkas, later expanding into two large residential zones controlled by rival gangs.

The district administration plans to revive earlier development projects, including a prison, stadiums, and eco-park, now that security forces have gained control of the area.