Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took part in his first question-and-answer session in the 13th National Parliament on Wednesday, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. Responding to questions from lawmakers, he expressed gratitude to his constituents in Dhaka-17 and pledged to fulfill the commitments made in the government’s election manifesto. He emphasized that his administration would work diligently to deliver on its promises to the people.

In response to BNP lawmaker A.B.M. Mosharraf Hossain, the Prime Minister said that the Family Card and Farmer Card programs would help strengthen the national economy. He announced that 30,000 more families would be included in the Family Card program within the remaining three months of the fiscal year. The initiative, launched on March 10 across 13 districts, has already provided allowances to 37,814 women-led households, with a goal to reach 40 million families within four years.

Tarique Rahman added that the Family Card, issued in the name of the female head of household, would enhance women’s control over family resources and decision-making. He also stated that the government would take steps to repatriate laundered money, describing it as the people’s trust and a national responsibility to recover it.

A student of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) was allegedly assaulted at the university’s Bangla Tiffin canteen on Wednesday morning following a dispute over seating. The incident involved Toufiqul Islam, a student of the Mechanical Engineering Department from the 2020–21 session, who was attacked by three to four unidentified students after refusing to vacate his chair. Security personnel later arrived at the scene. Initially, the canteen authorities denied the incident but later admitted that a physical altercation had occurred after pressure from eyewitnesses.

Toufiqul Islam stated that he and a friend were eating when several unknown students demanded their seats. When he refused and suggested they sit nearby, they verbally abused and then assaulted him. RUET’s Deputy Director of Student Welfare, H.M. Monjur Morshed, described the incident as regrettable and confirmed that the university had spoken with the victim. He said steps were being taken to identify and take strict action against those responsible.

The university administration has begun the process of investigating the assault and ensuring accountability for the incident.

In Kishoreganj of Nilphamari district, about 2,104 feet of main electricity cable from four poles were stolen late Tuesday night. The theft occurred during a storm when power supply was already suspended, according to the local electricity office. As a result, power supply remains cut off in several areas including Tengonmari and Putimari under the Kishoreganj grid.

Officials from the Kishoreganj electricity office stated that organized thieves took advantage of the storm and heavy rain to steal the cables stretching from a local petrol pump to Fakirpara. The estimated value of the stolen wires is around 150,000 taka. Additionally, five poles in the storm-hit Putimari Union were uprooted, and multiple lines were damaged, further disrupting electricity supply.

Residential engineer Samsul Arefin confirmed the theft and said restoration work is underway. He added that a formal complaint will be filed with the police after the immediate repair efforts are completed.

Poland has declined a U.S. request to send one of its Patriot air defense systems to the Middle East. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the decision on Tuesday, according to Anadolu. The U.S. proposal reportedly came amid rising tensions surrounding Iran and increased risks of missile attacks on American forces and allies in the region.

Kosiniak-Kamysz stated on social media that Poland’s Patriot systems will remain dedicated to protecting the country’s airspace and NATO’s eastern flank, emphasizing that national security remains the top priority. The Polish Defense Ministry added that the United States had not exerted any pressure regarding the matter. Meanwhile, Chief of General Staff Wiesław Kukuła denied that any such request had been made.

Poland currently operates two fully functional Patriot batteries, which became fully operational by the end of 2025. They are stationed in the Sochaczew area and can intercept aircraft and missiles up to 100 kilometers away.

The scheduled fuel loading for the first unit of Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will not begin on April 7 as planned. Project Director Dr. Md. Kabir Hossain confirmed the delay, citing the absence of a commissioning license from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA). The Ministry of Science and Technology stated that required documents are still under review, and a new schedule will be announced once approval is granted.

Earlier, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury had announced that fuel loading would start on April 7, with test power supply to the national grid expected by June or July. However, the licensing delay has made that timeline uncertain. Project officials explained that fuel loading takes about one month, followed by two months to initiate chain reactions, and nearly a year to reach full power generation.

Officials remain optimistic that fuel loading could begin by the end of the month. The delay has raised concerns about meeting the original production targets of 300 megawatts by July and 1,200 megawatts by December.

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, met with the Speaker of the National Parliament, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikrom, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the National Parliament. During the meeting, the High Commissioner expressed deep condolences over the recent death of the Speaker’s wife, Dilara Hafiz.

Both sides exchanged views on the ongoing global crisis and various important issues concerning their respective countries. The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner Mohammad Wasif, and the Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat.

The discussion reflected a continuation of diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, focusing on mutual understanding amid global challenges.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the president of Iran’s new government has requested a ceasefire from the United States. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump did not name the Iranian official but described him as much less extreme and more intelligent than his predecessors. He added that the U.S. would only consider the request once the Strait of Hormuz is open, free, and secure, warning that until then, the U.S. is devastating Iran.

The report also noted that oil prices rose in global markets following Trump’s remarks. The article referenced ongoing conflict between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance, describing the latter as having failed decisively in the war. It also mentioned China’s potential role as a mediator to halt the conflict and cited claims of a “remarkable victory” in Iran, with operations expected to conclude within two to three weeks.

The situation underscores heightened regional tensions and uncertainty over whether diplomatic mediation could succeed in achieving a ceasefire.

Barishal City Corporation Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin has declared her commitment to establishing a corruption-free city administration. Speaking as the chief guest at a meet-and-greet event with journalists at the Barishal Press Club auditorium on Sunday afternoon, she said that creating a corruption-free city corporation was her first-day declaration. Shirin emphasized that she does not want to hear further allegations of corruption or irregularities and that the city corporation will be reorganized based on collective opinions.

During the event, held under the chairmanship of Barishal Press Club President Aminul Islam Khasru and conducted by General Secretary Zakir Hossain, Shirin acknowledged the contributions of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, former mayor Ahsan Habib Kamal, and current MP Advocate Mojibur Rahman Sarwar to the development of the press club. She also pledged to support the club’s further development within her capacity as administrator.

Later in the day, Shirin attended a separate meeting on civic issues at the city corporation conference room, where she called for public cooperation to restore Barishal’s traditional identity as the “Venice of the East.”

A detainee accused in a case over an organized attack escaped from police custody at Araihazar Police Station in Narayanganj. Following the incident, the station’s second officer, Sub-Inspector (SI) Zahidul Islam, was closed and attached to the district police lines. The Narayanganj district police confirmed that an investigation is underway into the escape.

According to police officials, the detainee, identified as Ismail, had been arrested on March 30 near Dubai Plaza and brought to the police station. He was placed in SI Zahidul Islam’s room by another officer, SI Ajit Kumar, from where he managed to flee. The escape came to light the following morning.

Police later rearrested Ismail on the night of March 31 from the Char Bazar area of the same upazila. Authorities stated that the incident is being thoroughly reviewed, and disciplinary action will be taken if any wrongdoing is proven.

Canada is facing renewed criticism over its position on Iran, as observers accuse Ottawa of maintaining a dual policy that publicly supports international law and human rights while indirectly backing U.S. and Israeli actions. Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a recent speech at Davos, called for a fairer global order based on sovereignty and justice, warning that unchecked behavior by major powers threatens global stability.

Critics argue that Canada’s actual policies contradict its stated ideals. While the government has hinted that U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran violate international law, it has simultaneously expressed support for those same actions, creating a policy contradiction. Analysts note that Canada continues to align with its allies and supports efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Experts warn that such double standards undermine confidence in the international system and could deepen global divisions. The weakening of the rules-based order, they say, raises questions about the role of middle powers like Canada in maintaining global stability.

Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone in March 2026 as remittance inflows reached 3.75 billion US dollars, the highest monthly total since independence. According to the latest Bangladesh Bank report released on April 1, the figure surpassed the previous record of 3.29 billion dollars set in March 2025. The strong inflow was attributed to increased remittance activity during Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr.

Data from Bangladesh Bank show that over 640 million dollars came through state-owned banks, while specialized banks contributed 464.7 million dollars, private banks handled 2.64 billion dollars, and foreign banks processed 1.2 million dollars. However, seven banks, including Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, ICB Islamic Bank, and Padma Bank, reported no remittance inflows during the month.

The record-breaking remittance performance highlights the continued contribution of expatriate Bangladeshis to the national economy and marks a significant year-on-year growth in foreign currency inflows.

Police in Barishal’s Gournadi upazila arrested three people, including two BNP activists, for allegedly stealing about two tons of rods from a government-funded cyclone shelter under construction in the Diashur Banglabazar area. The arrests took place on Wednesday morning, and the detainees were identified as Suman Sardar and Ibrahim Chowkidar, both from South Diashur village, along with another suspect, Mojibur Rahman.

According to Gournadi Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tariq Hasan Russell, a case was filed by contractor Alauddin Bhuiyan after the theft was discovered. Following the investigation, police detained Suman and Ibrahim, who reportedly confessed and led to the arrest of Mojibur Rahman. The three were later sent to jail through the court.

Police said the confessions indicated that several other influential individuals from the area might also be involved in the theft, and further legal action will be taken after investigation.

A child infected with measles has died at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RAMEC) while under treatment in the intensive care unit on Tuesday night. The child was from Pangsha in Rajbari district. This brings the total number of measles-related deaths at the hospital to four. According to hospital spokesperson Dr. Shankar K. Biswas, 22 new children were admitted with measles symptoms in the past 24 hours until Wednesday noon, while 14 were discharged after recovery. Currently, 117 children are receiving treatment for measles or related symptoms, including 12 in the ICU, and 56 more are waiting for ICU care.

Dr. Biswas said most admitted patients are from Chapainawabganj, with others from Rajshahi, Pabna, Naogaon, Kushtia, and Rajbari. Most affected children are under two years old, and 65 percent were infected before reaching vaccination age. A special medical team is working continuously, and a 40-bed measles isolation ward has been opened. Plans are underway to convert an entire pediatric ward into an isolation unit if patient numbers continue to rise.

The hospital is also preparing to add seven more ICU beds for measles patients and transfer some to the Rajshahi Heart Foundation Hospital as directed by the health secretary.

After three consecutive days of decline, both of Bangladesh’s stock exchanges saw a strong rebound on Wednesday. The main index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the DSEX, rose by 94 points to close at 5,272. The DSE Shariah Index gained 12 points to reach 1,065, and the DSE-30 Index increased by 41 points to 2,001. Trading volume also crossed 7 billion taka, marking a notable rise from the previous session.

A total of 327 issues advanced on the DSE, while 39 declined and 25 remained unchanged. Among them, 186 ‘A’ category, 64 ‘B’ category, and 77 ‘Z’ category companies saw price increases. Mutual funds also performed positively, with 32 funds gaining and none losing value. Summit Orion Infusion led the day’s trading with shares worth 2.28 billion taka, followed by Summit Alliance Port and Khan Brothers PP Woven Bag.

At the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), the CASPI index rose by 200 points, with 133 gainers and 43 losers. The overall market sentiment remained positive across both exchanges.

Bangladesh has taken a significant step toward strengthening international cooperation in sports development. On March 30, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) and Beijing Sports University at an event held in Beijing. The agreement was signed by BKSP Director General Brigadier General Mohammad Saif Ullah and Beijing Sports University President Zhang Jiang.

According to officials, the memorandum is not merely ceremonial but aims to open a new chapter of collaboration between Bangladesh and China in the field of sports. It will create opportunities for modern athlete training, coach skill development, and exchange of expertise in sports science and research.

Experts believe that participation in international-level training and research will help young Bangladeshi athletes become more skilled, ultimately strengthening the country’s sports sector in the future.