BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister’s adviser Mirza Abbas has been transferred from the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) to a cabin at Singapore General Hospital. The development was confirmed on Friday, April 3, by BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan. Abbas had been taken to Singapore by air ambulance on March 15 and admitted to the hospital the same day. After spending about 18 days in the CCU, he was moved to a cabin early Friday morning.

According to medical advice, Mirza Abbas is now able to speak a little with others, and his physical condition has improved compared to before. The update indicates gradual recovery following weeks of intensive care in Singapore.

Further details about his treatment or expected discharge have not been disclosed in the report.

Concerns have grown after reports that recent US-Israel attacks in Iran targeted civilian infrastructure, including universities and heritage landmarks. According to the report, US President Donald Trump suggested on Truth Social that further large-scale strikes could follow, mentioning bridges and power plants as potential targets. The statement has intensified fears of escalating destruction of Iran’s remaining infrastructure.

Under international law, attacks on hospitals, educational institutions, religious sites, and other civilian facilities constitute clear violations of the Geneva Conventions. Since the joint US-Israel military campaign began on February 28, several key civilian sites have reportedly been struck, raising questions about compliance with humanitarian norms.

Observers warn that such actions not only deepen the humanitarian crisis but also represent serious breaches of international law. The situation has heightened regional tensions, with Iran warning of retaliation if attacks continue.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Bangladesh has cancelled all types of leave for doctors, officers, employees, and health workers at government health institutions. The directive, issued on Thursday by the DGHS administration branch, comes in response to a growing outbreak of measles-related pneumonia among children across the country.

According to the office order, both earned and casual leaves are suspended until further notice. The decision aims to ensure uninterrupted medical services during the emergency and to strengthen the ongoing measles vaccination campaign. The suspension applies to all officials and staff under the DGHS and its affiliated institutions.

The move reflects the government’s effort to mobilize the entire public health workforce to contain the outbreak and maintain continuous healthcare delivery during the crisis.

A mild to moderate heatwave is currently sweeping across the northwestern region of Bangladesh, causing widespread discomfort amid rising temperatures. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the heatwave expanded on Friday to cover districts in Khulna and Rajshahi divisions as well as Tangail, Manikganj, Faridpur, and Nilphamari. The department forecasts that the situation may persist until Sunday, with daytime and nighttime temperatures expected to rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists said that Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature on Thursday at 38.5°C, followed by Mongla at 38°C and Rajshahi at 37.5°C. The lowest temperature was 19.7°C in Tetulia. The department also noted that this year’s heatwave is likely to be less intense than in 2023 and 2024, when heatwaves lasted 22 and 26 consecutive days respectively, as intermittent rainfall is expected this time.

The weather office further predicted that two to four mild to moderate heatwaves and one to two severe ones may occur later in April, with temperatures possibly reaching 40–42°C. Some areas in Sylhet and Chattogram divisions may experience scattered rain, gusty winds, or hailstorms during this period.

A severe shortage of petrol and octane has disrupted fuel supply across Bangladesh, with long queues forming at filling stations in Dhaka and other regions. Many pumps have limited sales, allowing only small purchases per vehicle, while some stations remain closed due to depleted stocks. Despite the crisis, Bangladesh produces a significant portion of its petrol and octane domestically from condensate extracted at gas fields, particularly in Sylhet and Habiganj.

Officials and experts attribute the shortage mainly to panic buying and hoarding triggered by fears over global oil supply disruptions linked to the Iran war. The government maintains that the country has sufficient reserves and continues to import additional fuel to stabilize supply. Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said measures such as QR code systems for motorbikes, fuel cards, and alternating supply days have been introduced to curb misuse and ensure fair distribution.

Analysts warn that while domestic production can meet part of the demand, reduced condensate output and rising global prices may pose future challenges for diesel, crude oil, and LNG imports.

A vessel named MT Yuan Jing He carrying 27,300 tons of diesel arrived and anchored at Chattogram Port on Friday, April 3, 2026. The ship, which came from Singapore, was berthed at the port’s Dolphin Jetty at noon. Officials from Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) confirmed the arrival and inspection of the vessel at 2 p.m. The ship is the ninth diesel carrier to reach Chattogram since the onset of the Middle East conflict.

According to BPC sources, the arrival is part of ongoing efforts to maintain stable fuel supplies in Bangladesh despite regional instability. Two additional large vessels carrying LPG and LNG were also anchored at the outer mooring of the port, expected to further ease the country’s energy supply system. BPC stated that alongside existing pipeline reserves, imports from alternative sources outside the Middle East have been strengthened to prevent shortages.

The corporation noted that fuel tankers have been arriving at Chattogram Port in succession in recent days as the government seeks to stabilize supply through diversified import channels.

Former Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif has said that Tehran should declare victory and end the ongoing war. In an article published in the U.S.-based journal Foreign Affairs, Zarif called on Iran to pursue an agreement that would both conclude the current conflict and prevent future hostilities.

Zarif, who previously led Iran’s negotiations with the United States and other countries over its nuclear program, outlined a framework for ending the war under favorable terms for Tehran. His proposal includes lifting all sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear activities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He also suggested that Iran and the United States commit to refraining from attacking each other in the future and explore economic cooperation beneficial to both nations.

According to Zarif, such an agreement could represent a pragmatic path toward stability and mutual benefit, potentially marking a shift in Washington’s willingness to engage under new conditions.

The government of Pakistan has increased petrol prices by 43 percent and high-speed diesel prices by 55 percent, citing rising global oil costs caused by the ongoing war in Iran. The announcement was made on April 3, 2026. The country’s energy minister stated that government resources are limited and that the conflict shows no sign of ending soon.

Pakistan relies heavily on imported oil, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The government recently reported securing safe passage for some Pakistan-flagged vessels through the strait, which Iran has effectively closed. This marks the second fuel price hike since the start of the Iran war.

Compared to pre-war levels, petrol prices in Pakistan are now 77 percent higher and diesel prices 87 percent higher. The government said certain users will continue to receive subsidies.

City Bank PLC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at accelerating climate finance in Bangladesh. The agreement, signed at City Bank’s headquarters in Dhaka by Managing Director and CEO Mashrur Arefin and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller, focuses on advancing the country’s emerging green and thematic bond market.

Under the partnership, UNDP will provide technical assistance to City Bank for issuing green bonds. City Bank stated that it is preparing to issue its first green bond, viewing the collaboration as a step toward expanding sustainable finance and strengthening Bangladesh’s green bond ecosystem. UNDP emphasized that unlocking new sources of climate finance is vital for the country’s sustainable development.

The partnership is expected to set standards for future thematic bond issuances and encourage greater private sector participation in sustainable finance. City Bank reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmental, social, and governance practices and supporting Bangladesh’s climate priorities through a more sustainable financial ecosystem.

Extensive waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall and blocked drainage has submerged vast areas of Boro paddy fields across Sunamganj, leaving farmers in distress. Field visits revealed that many haor lands are under waist-deep water, with paddy stems rotting. Farmers blame the Utharia embankment for trapping water despite the presence of sluice gates. Some demand cutting the embankment to release water, while others fear it could flood the area further. The Water Development Board acknowledged waterlogging as a recurring issue and suggested new plans including sluice gates and canal excavation.

Farmers from multiple upazilas, including Tahirpur, Dirai, Jamalganj, and Madhyanagar, reported crop damage and sleepless nights fearing more rain. Many said hybrid paddy varieties are more vulnerable to submersion compared to traditional tall varieties. The Department of Agricultural Extension confirmed that 1,189 hectares of land are already submerged and advised farmers to drain water quickly. The district administration held meetings with farmers and representatives to discuss long-term solutions and informed the government of the need for new water management plans.

This season, Boro cultivation covered about 223,000 hectares in Sunamganj, targeting 1.4 million metric tons of production, now at risk due to persistent waterlogging.

The White House has announced a 100% tariff on imported patented foreign medicines, marking a major shift in U.S. trade and health policy. Exporting companies can avoid the high tariff by signing agreements with the U.S. government. The move, formally declared on Thursday, fulfills President Donald Trump’s long-standing warning to impose tariffs on imported drugs. Officials said the policy aims to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce national security risks.

Analysts noted that the immediate impact may be limited since the measure excludes generic drugs, which dominate U.S. consumption. Several major pharmaceutical firms have already signed agreements exempting them from the tariff, and more are expected to follow. Companies pledging to begin U.S. production by January 2029 will face a reduced 20% tariff, while those agreeing to government pricing terms could see tariffs fully lifted.

The White House stated that the policy has already prompted about $400 billion in pledged investments. However, experts warned that smaller firms may face higher costs, and the long-term effects remain uncertain after Trump’s term ends in January 2029.

British-Bangladeshi community leader, writer, and professional accountant Abu Taher is set to receive the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) honor from King Charles III for his outstanding contributions to social service and charitable work. The official ceremony will take place on May 13 at Windsor Castle, where the King will formally confer the honor. His name has already been announced as an MBE recipient.

Based in London, Abu Taher has been recognized for over three decades of voluntary service, cultural leadership, and humanitarian initiatives that have positively impacted both the British and Bangladeshi communities. Originally from Chandarpur village in Golapganj, Sylhet, he has also made significant contributions to literature, writing poems, essays, and plays that reflect themes of diaspora life, humanity, and cultural identity.

Taher continues to inspire new generations of British-Bangladeshi writers, particularly encouraging young people to engage with the Bengali language and literature, strengthening cultural ties across communities.

Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing has been elected president, five years after leading a coup that removed the country’s elected government. The parliamentary vote took place on Friday, where he secured at least 293 out of 584 votes, formally consolidating his control over the war-torn nation.

His nomination was proposed earlier in the week after the new parliamentary session began. In accordance with the constitution, Min Aung Hlaing stepped down as commander-in-chief of the armed forces before assuming the presidency. The current parliament is dominated by his loyalists, as one-quarter of the seats are reserved for the military and the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) won about 80 percent of the remaining seats in the recent election.

Min Aung Hlaing, aged 69, had orchestrated the 2021 coup against Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s administration, triggering widespread protests that later evolved into nationwide armed resistance against military rule.

Supreme Court senior lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir has written an open letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, urging him to take effective measures to resolve waterlogging caused by rain in the Haor regions, including Sunamganj. The letter, posted on Facebook on Friday morning, appeals to the prime minister to visit the affected areas by helicopter and take immediate action to protect farmers whose single annual crop is being destroyed by stagnant water.

In his message, Monir emphasized that residents of Haor areas depend on one crop for their livelihood, which is now at risk due to persistent waterlogging. He requested the prime minister to consider deploying army personnel if necessary and to strengthen administrative efforts for drainage improvement across Sunamganj, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, and Netrokona. He also highlighted the need for increased canal excavation in Dirai-Shalla and warned that unplanned embankments are causing significant damage.

Monir concluded by expressing hope that the government’s ongoing canal excavation program would bring lasting relief to the region’s farmers.

Iran has claimed that around seven million civilians are prepared to fight against any potential US ground invasion. The announcement was made on April 2 by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf through a post on social media platform X. He stated that these civilians have undergone training to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ghalibaf, considered an influential figure in potential US-Iran discussions, said the mobilization reflects a strong national movement across the country.

The claim comes amid ongoing discussions in Iran about national defense readiness. Ghalibaf is the first senior official to publicly mention this figure, though no specific source for the number was provided. Analysts cited in the report said Iran has called for volunteer participation in anticipation of possible conflict with the United States and Israel, including appeals to retired soldiers. Reports also indicate that younger recruits are joining the Basij, the volunteer wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, signaling increased military preparedness.

A spokesperson for Iran’s military warned that any aggression would be met with a response, asserting that the US and Israel lack full knowledge of Iran’s military capabilities.