Iran’s embassy in Vienna has sharply criticized European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas for her comments on the Hormuz Strait crisis. The embassy accused Kallas of hypocrisy after she called for restoring freedom of navigation in the strait during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, blaming Iran for attacks on civilian vessels that disrupted maritime traffic.

In two social media posts, the Iranian embassy said Kallas ignored aggressive actions by the United States and Israel while condemning what it described as Iran’s defensive measures. The embassy also challenged her on legal grounds, noting that although Kallas urged Iran to comply with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Iran is not a signatory to that treaty. It further questioned the quality of her advisers, comparing them to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s loyalists.

The embassy reiterated that Iran remains committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) despite attacks on its peaceful nuclear facilities, which it said endangered regional safety.

Bangladesh’s Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced that installing CCTV cameras will be mandatory in every educational institution to ensure teachers’ timely presence in classrooms. He also declared that all coaching centers must be shut down and that unregistered kindergartens operating under various banners will be brought under government registration. The minister made these remarks on Saturday at a meeting with examination center secretaries in Comilla ahead of the 2026 SSC and equivalent exams.

Milan stated that even if the pass rate is zero this year, no institution’s MPO status will be canceled, but leniency will not continue from next year. He warned that if any cheating occurs during exams, the center secretary and institution head will be held accountable, including for materials found in restrooms. Teachers manipulating exam scripts will face legal action under new laws applicable to all exams, including job interviews.

The minister emphasized that the Ministry of Education is a place of devotion and urged teachers to fulfill their duties sincerely, describing their role in shaping students as a continuous act of virtue.

Iran’s Joint National Air Defense Headquarters has claimed that its forces have shot down more than 160 drones and several advanced fighter jets and cruise missiles. Brigadier General Alireza Elhami, quoted by the state news agency IRNA, said the operations were carried out using modern domestic technology capable of detecting and destroying fifth-generation aircraft and advanced unmanned aerial vehicles.

Elhami stated that the success in downing these aircraft, including Hermes and Lucas-type drones, was achieved through new tactics, modern equipment, and innovations in defense systems. He added that these advancements have confused enemy forces attempting to penetrate Iranian airspace.

The report highlights Iran’s emphasis on self-reliant defense capabilities and technological innovation in response to aerial threats, though no independent verification of the claims was mentioned in the source.

Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) reported that at least 113 incidents of political violence occurred across Bangladesh in March 2026, resulting in 18 deaths. The organization released this information in its monthly report on the country’s human rights situation, published on Saturday.

According to the report, while the number of political violence incidents declined compared to February, the death toll increased. The HRSS also documented that at least 59 journalists were subjected to assault or harassment in 34 separate attacks during the same month. Additionally, 13 people were killed in incidents of mob violence and public beatings.

The report further noted that the decision by the current government not to approve several key ordinances issued by the interim administration has raised public concerns about the new government’s commitment to justice and human rights.

The government of Bangladesh has declared 30 locations across 20 districts as measles hotspots following a rise in infections. Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced the decision at a press conference at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday, April 4, 2026. A special emergency vaccination campaign will begin on Sunday, April 5, with the goal of completing it by May 21, before Eid-ul-Azha.

The first phase of the campaign will target the 30 high-risk areas, including locations in Barguna, Pabna, Chandpur, Cox’s Bazar, Gazipur, Chapainawabganj, Netrokona, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Barishal, Naogaon, Jashore, Natore, Munshiganj, Madaripur, Dhaka, Jhalokathi, and Shariatpur. The initiative, guided by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aims to bring all children under vaccination coverage as quickly as possible.

The Health Ministry advised that children currently suffering from fever or illness should receive the vaccine only after recovery. Additionally, vitamin A capsules will be provided to measles-affected or suspected children to help reduce complications.

State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah Alam announced that the local government elections will be declared once the election-related ordinances are passed into law. He made the statement on Saturday after paying tribute at the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar mausoleum of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, along with newly appointed district administrators.

Shah Alam explained that those who were not nominated in the national elections but are dedicated party leaders have been appointed as district administrators. He added that although these appointments were made on party consideration, the officials will act neutrally in future elections for their own accountability. The minister emphasized that all appointees will remain under a system of accountability.

He further stated that the upcoming local government elections will not include party symbols. Shah Alam also mentioned that an investigation is ongoing against former Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Mohammad Ejaz.

A Tk 50 crore BSCIC industrial estate in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, remains abandoned years after its completion. The project, built on 20 acres in Uttarsur area, began in 2012 and was completed in 2019, but no factories have started operations. Due to neglect and lack of maintenance, the site has turned into dense jungle, with key installations and equipment stolen.

The estate includes 122 plots, an administrative building, pump house, residential quarters, dumping yard, and pond. However, promised utility connections for electricity, gas, and water are mostly nonfunctional. Local sources report theft of gas substation parts, transformers, and metal fixtures, leaving the infrastructure unusable. Entrepreneurs cite high plot prices, poor services, and bureaucratic hurdles as reasons for their reluctance to invest.

BSCIC officials say new plots are being allocated under conditions requiring factories to be established within two years, and inactive plot holders have been notified. The local administration has informed higher authorities and initiated limited restoration work.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and opposition chief whip, has called on Dr. Muhammad Yunus to take to the streets in protest against the cancellation of key ordinances issued during the interim government period. Speaking to journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday after returning from performing Umrah, Nahid said the annulment of these ordinances carries significant political implications and that Dr. Yunus should not remain silent.

Nahid Islam accused the ruling party of manipulating the political process to bring the BNP to power and criticized it for disregarding reform promises and referendum commitments. He claimed that several important ordinances, including those related to enforced disappearance prevention, national human rights, and the secretariat, were being repealed without parliamentary discussion.

He warned that unless the repeal of these ordinances is formalized into law, the BNP would not be free from its past controversies, emphasizing that the current actions could undermine democratic accountability.

A US expert has said that if Iran manages to capture the crew member of a downed American warplane, it would represent a major strategic reward for Tehran. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Laurel Rapp, director of the US and North America program at Chatham House, described the mission to recover the missing crew member as extremely important.

Rapp explained that detaining the US service member would give Iran a powerful bargaining tool. She added that if images of the captured crew were released, it could further damage public perception of an already unpopular war in the United States and potentially shift American attitudes dramatically.

Rapp also warned that such a capture could undermine efforts to de-escalate the conflict, as it might signal that hostage-taking can be used effectively to exert pressure. She noted that the current mission’s objectives remain unclear and increasingly complex.

Arab-British Understanding Council Director Chris Doyle told Al Jazeera that Iran’s downing of a US fighter jet marked a significant moment for Tehran’s global standing. He said the incident demonstrated Iran’s ability to directly challenge the military dominance of the United States, showing that it could engage both symmetrically and asymmetrically in the conflict.

Doyle noted that while the war was initially expected to end quickly, the situation has shifted dramatically. He described apparent disarray within the White House and Pentagon, citing reports of Defense Secretary Hegseth dismissing generals as a sign of weakened US leadership. Unlike past US operations that risked “mission creep,” Doyle said this time the United States is experiencing “mission contraction.” The initial goal of regime change in Iran has been abandoned, with President Donald Trump and other leaders now saying they no longer seek it.

According to Doyle, Iran appears more organized and deliberate in its strategy. He warned that if Washington fails to regain control, its international credibility could suffer further, especially after the costly F-15 jet was shot down.

The Bangladesh Olympic Association has congratulated the Bangladesh Under-20 football team for winning the SAFF U-20 Championship in Malé, Maldives. Bangladesh defeated India 4-3 in a penalty shootout in the final match to claim the title. The association’s president, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, and secretary general, Md. Zobaidur Rahman Rana, extended their heartfelt greetings to the players, coaching staff, officials, and the Bangladesh Football Federation.

In their congratulatory message, the association stated that the victory over a strong opponent like India has opened new possibilities for Bangladesh football. It expressed optimism that this success will have a positive impact on the country’s sports sector and inspire young players to develop their talents with greater professionalism.

The Bangladesh Olympic Association also expressed hope for continued progress in football and other sports disciplines, aiming for more achievements on the international stage.

Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, has called for the effective use of research-based knowledge and technology to address social problems. Speaking as a special guest at the inauguration of the 6th Young Scientist Congress organized by the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, he emphasized developing artificial intelligence (AI) that understands the nation’s language, culture, religious values, and social context.

He noted that AI is no longer science fiction and is opening new horizons in healthcare, sustainable development, and scientific research. However, he cautioned that the rapid growth of generative AI also brings challenges related to employment, ethics, and data security. Highlighting the country’s demographic advantage, he urged young scientists to apply technology in rural healthcare, agriculture, and research-based startups, while ensuring ethical and secure innovation.

The UGC chairman said the commission is strengthening the research ecosystem to make higher education institutions centers of AI-based innovation. He encouraged researchers to utilize the facilities of UGC’s ongoing projects, including HEAT, ICSETEP, and the Bangladesh Research and Education Network.

District Commissioner Mohammad Zahedul Islam Miah inaugurated a 10,000-tree plantation program at DC Park in Faujdarhat, Sitakunda, Chattogram, on Saturday afternoon. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s national goal of planting 2.5 billion trees in five years. On the first day, around 2,000 saplings of 54 species were planted across the park, with a target to complete 10,000 within a month.

The district commissioner said the program aims to restore environmental balance and offset trees cut for development. Plans include transforming DC Park into a modern, aesthetic, and eco-friendly space by planting Sonalu and Krishnachura trees, creating a visually striking design visible from aerial views. A large fruit orchard will also be developed on the park’s northern side, featuring mango, guava, jackfruit, and other species, envisioned as a future bird sanctuary.

He added that the park is expected to host the upcoming Pahela Baishakh celebration instead of DC Hill. The initiative is intended to raise environmental awareness and contribute to climate resilience in the region.

Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that many development projects in the past were hindered by corruption and mismanagement. He called on engineers to dedicate themselves with honesty and sincerity to the country’s infrastructural development in the coming days. His remarks came during a meeting with prominent engineers held on Friday at Al Falah Auditorium in Dhaka.

Dr. Rahman emphasized the importance of expanding technological education and applying innovative thinking to reduce unemployment in the current national context. He stated that engineers, planners, and architects have no alternative but to use their talent and patriotism to build a prosperous and equitable Bangladesh.

He further noted that by combining skilled manpower with modern technology, Bangladesh can be established as a developed nation in the global arena.

India has confirmed that crude oil supplies from Iran remain uninterrupted despite escalating instability in the Middle East. The country's Ministry of Petroleum stated that domestic refineries continue to meet their crude oil requirements without disruption, including imports from Iran. The ministry also clarified that there are no payment difficulties related to Iranian oil transactions, dismissing circulating rumors as baseless.

The statement, released on social media platform X, emphasized that Indian refineries have ensured a steady supply of crude oil to maintain national energy stability. This assurance comes amid growing regional tensions that have raised concerns about potential disruptions in global energy flows.

According to the ministry, maintaining stable energy supplies is part of India’s broader strategy to safeguard its fuel security amid geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East.