Bangladesh lost 1–0 to hosts Singapore in their final Asian Cup qualifying match, but head coach Javier Cabrera described the performance as the team’s best of the campaign. Speaking after the match, the Spanish coach said it was very difficult to accept the result, insisting that Bangladesh deserved at least a draw. Cabrera expressed pride in his players for their effort and dominance throughout the game.

Cabrera noted that Bangladesh’s overall performance in the qualifiers was not poor, emphasizing that the team had improved compared to previous outings. Finishing the qualifiers with five points, Bangladesh showed progress in their style and professionalism, according to the coach. He highlighted that the players now understand better how to control the game and that the team must remain positive.

Cabrera’s contract with the Bangladesh Football Federation is set to expire on April 30. He said he was uncertain about his future with the national team and would leave that decision to time.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he believes the war with Iran could end soon and that other countries may reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with The New York Post, Trump claimed that U.S. forces have destroyed Iran’s military capability, reducing the need for a prolonged American presence in the region.

Trump stated that only limited work remains to eliminate Iran’s remaining military strength. He expressed hope that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen soon and suggested that nations dependent on this vital waterway could take the initiative themselves. According to him, those controlling oil exports would likely be pleased to see the strait reopened.

The remarks were reported by Al Jazeera and come amid ongoing tensions in the region, including missile attacks and military losses linked to the Iran conflict.

Foreign ministers of Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey met in Islamabad on Sunday to discuss ending the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. The meeting is viewed as both a potential breakthrough for a ceasefire and an early step toward limiting Iranian and Israeli influence in the Middle East. The talks also resulted in an agreement allowing Pakistani-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, boosting Islamabad’s confidence in its mediation role.

Gulf affairs expert Yasmin Farouk said the four-nation group is expected to play a more active role in securing a ceasefire, warning that the war has reached a dangerous stage. She noted that attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites and possible troop deployments by Israel could destabilize the region. Turkey emerged as the most active member of the alliance, with its intelligence chief and foreign minister warning that the conflict could trigger broader sectarian and regional unrest.

Analysts observed that Saudi Arabia’s participation signals a shift from its earlier stance, suggesting it is keeping alternative diplomatic options open amid growing regional risks.

Authorities in Meherpur district detained a man named Moyazzem Hossain from Fatepur village for allegedly storing 800 liters of diesel illegally. The seizure and arrest took place on the night of March 31, 2026, and the suspect was handed over to Meherpur Sadar Police Station along with the confiscated fuel.

According to Assistant Commissioner Entamul Haque of the Meherpur district administration, the operation was conducted following complaints from local residents. Law enforcement recovered the diesel from the suspect’s residence during the raid. Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir of Meherpur Sadar Police Station confirmed that legal proceedings are underway regarding the illegal storage of diesel.

Officials stated that the confiscated fuel has been secured, and further legal action against the detainee is in process.

Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Shafiqul Islam Masud criticized the government for prioritizing development rhetoric over the July Charter during a parliamentary discussion on a motion raised by opposition leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman. Speaking in the session, Masud said that for 17 years development narratives had overshadowed elections, and now, even before the election ink dried, the July Charter was being forgotten.

Masud recalled past protests where young people demanded state reform, not minor corrections, and questioned why the reform agenda had been sidelined. He argued that instead of focusing on constitutional reform within 30 days as planned, attention had shifted to projects like family and agricultural cards. He also questioned the fairness of appointing administrators in 11 city corporations and 42 district councils, suggesting that qualified individuals outside the ruling party were overlooked.

Masud further challenged claims that the Constitutional Reform Council’s oath was illegal, saying that if it were so, those who presented the documents should first face legal scrutiny.

The administration of Fulchhari upazila in Gaibandha has initiated a humanitarian program to rehabilitate beggars affected by river erosion in the char areas. The initiative, led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Mostafizur Rahman, began on Monday at Ketkir Hat in Konchipara Union, where beggar Abdul Gafur received a newly built shop and goods to start a small business. The inauguration ceremony was attended by local officials and community representatives.

According to the UNO, the rehabilitation of beggars is being prioritized, with three individuals already selected under the project. Each beneficiary will receive approximately Tk 47,000 in assistance to help them become self-reliant. The Department of Social Services confirmed that one beggar in the upazila town had previously been rehabilitated under the same program.

Local residents have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that it will improve the living standards of beggars in the area.

A severe fuel shortage has gripped Dinajpur district, mirroring the nationwide crisis. Long queues of vehicles have been forming daily at filling stations, with many drivers expressing frustration over the lack of fuel. The situation has led to verbal altercations, clashes, and even a death caused by heatstroke while waiting for fuel.

In response, the district administration has intensified operations against illegal fuel hoarding and irregularities across several upazilas. On March 29, a mobile court fined Messrs Shamim Traders in Fulthola Bazar Tk 50,000 for storing 11,000 liters of petrol, exceeding its approved limit of 4,500 liters. The excess 6,500 liters were sold at government-fixed prices. Earlier, on March 28, another mobile court in Birganj seized 350 liters of diesel and 30 liters of octane, sentencing one person to seven days in jail and a Tk 5,000 fine.

Authorities have deployed monitoring officers to all 24 filling stations in Sadar upazila to ensure proper fuel distribution. The district administration stated that strict surveillance and continued operations aim to stabilize the situation soon.

The Iranian Red Crescent has reported that 234 students have been killed since the outbreak of the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The organization stated that 307 medical and health centers and 760 schools across the country have been directly or indirectly attacked. Additionally, more than 113,000 civilian structures have been damaged, including 90,063 residential buildings and 22,422 commercial establishments.

According to the Red Crescent, 44,391 of the damaged structures are located in Tehran. The report highlights the extensive human and infrastructural toll of the ongoing conflict, which has severely affected both educational and healthcare facilities across Iran.

The figures underscore the widespread impact of the war on civilian life and essential services, as reported by the Iranian Red Crescent.

Officials from the United Arab Emirates said the country is preparing to assist the United States and allied nations in using force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. If carried out, this would make the UAE the first Persian Gulf state to become directly involved in the ongoing war with Iran. Emirati officials have begun efforts to persuade the United States and other partners to remove Iran’s blockade of the strategic waterway by any means necessary.

According to the officials, the UAE is working to pass a resolution at the United Nations Security Council authorizing such action. Emirati diplomats have also called on the United States and military powers in Europe and Asia to form a coalition to forcibly reopen the strait. A UAE official stated that Iran’s leadership believes it is fighting for survival and is willing to drag the global economy down by tightening control over the strait.

Since the war began on February 28, Iran has launched extensive attacks on U.S. infrastructure located in the UAE. The Emirati foreign ministry did not deny the report, emphasizing instead that there is broad global consensus on maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Global energy prices have risen sharply following the outbreak of war involving Iran, with Brent crude oil climbing from 73 to nearly 117 dollars per barrel. The wholesale price surge has pushed up retail fuel costs worldwide, affecting both developed and developing economies.

In the United States, average petrol prices have increased by more than one dollar to exceed four dollars per gallon, marking the highest level in four years. The United Kingdom has seen petrol prices rise by 14 percent and diesel by 27 percent. South Asian nations such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have introduced fuel rationing systems, while Slovenia became the first European Union country to adopt similar measures last week.

Australia has halved its fuel tax for three months to ease the burden on consumers and introduced temporary free public transport in two states to reduce car usage.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita has announced that the government plans to reopen Bogura Stolport and Lalmonirhat Airport as domestic airports. She made the statement on Tuesday afternoon during a question-and-answer session in the National Parliament in response to a query from Jamalpur-2 lawmaker A. E. Sultan Mahmud Babu.

The minister also said that a feasibility study and planning have been completed to upgrade Saidpur Airport into a regional airport. The project includes the construction of an international-standard terminal building, runway expansion, and other necessary infrastructure improvements.

These initiatives are part of the government’s broader plan to enhance regional air connectivity and improve aviation infrastructure across Bangladesh, according to the minister’s parliamentary statement.

During the first session of the National Parliament, National Citizens Party (NCP) member-secretary and MP Akhtar Hossain stated that the people had given their verdict in favor of implementing the July National Charter. He argued that calling this verdict unconstitutional was audacious and dishonored Parliament. He added that whether or not the referendum ordinance was approved in Parliament, there was no scope to declare the referendum invalid.

Akhtar Hossain referred to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s earlier call in Rangpur urging citizens to vote “yes” in the referendum, questioning why those who supported it now refuse to accept its outcome. He also raised constitutional questions about the interim period between August 5 and 8, when, according to him, there was no functioning government in Bangladesh, and about the legality of appointments and parliamentary dissolution during that time.

He further recalled that the Consensus Commission, formed under the interim government to reform the state structure, had discussed the implementation of the July Charter with participation from several current ministers and MPs. Hossain criticized those who, despite attending those discussions, now appear to have forgotten their earlier positions.

Brazil secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Croatia in their final warm-up match before the World Cup, held at Camping World Stadium in Florida. Carlo Ancelotti’s team dominated possession and attacking play from the start, taking the lead in first-half stoppage time through Danilo Santos after a counterattack initiated by Vinícius Júnior. Croatia equalized in the 84th minute with a goal from Lovro Majer, but Brazil quickly regained control as substitute Igor Thiago converted a penalty. In the closing moments, Endrick set up Gabriel Martinelli to seal the win.

The result boosted confidence for the five-time world champions ahead of the upcoming tournament. Brazil will submit a preliminary 55-man squad to FIFA on May 11 and play a farewell match against Panama at the Maracanã on May 31 before departing for the United States. Their World Cup campaign is scheduled to begin on June 13 against Morocco.

Argentina delivered a commanding 5–0 victory over Zambia in their final World Cup preparation match held at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires. The world champions dominated throughout, with goals from Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Nicolás Otamendi, an own goal by Zambia’s Dominic Chanda, and a late strike from young Valentín Barco. Coach Lionel Scaloni made several lineup changes after expressing dissatisfaction with the team’s earlier performance against Mauritania. Messi played the full match, while goalkeeper Juan Musso replaced Emiliano Martínez late in the game.

Argentina controlled 76 percent of possession and registered nine shots, five of which were on target, while Zambia managed only three attempts with one on target. The match showcased Argentina’s attacking rhythm and defensive stability, providing a morale boost ahead of the World Cup.

With this emphatic home win, Argentina concluded their pre-tournament schedule on a confident note, reinforcing their readiness for the upcoming global competition.

Jamaat-e-Islami has not been invited to the annual religious gathering organized by the Charmonai Darbar in Barishal. The three-day event will begin on Wednesday after the noon prayer, with Pir Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim delivering the opening sermon. The gathering will conclude on Saturday morning with the final prayer. According to organizers, central leaders from several political parties, including the BNP and the National Citizens Party (NCP), have been invited to attend.

The Mahfil committee confirmed that both BNP and NCP received official invitations, though it remains unclear which BNP leaders will attend. NCP representatives, including spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, chief organizer Sarjis Alam, and Sarowar Tushar, are expected to arrive Wednesday night and speak at Thursday’s clerics’ assembly. The organizing committee has completed all preparations, forming its own security and medical teams as worshippers begin to arrive.

The exclusion of Jamaat, once a political ally of Charmonai, marks a notable change in the invitation list for this year’s event.