The Ministry of Religious Affairs of Bangladesh has urged all Hajj pilgrims to refrain from carrying prohibited items during their pilgrimage. The ministry’s Hajj Wing issued a notice warning pilgrims not to be influenced by Hajj agencies or others to transport banned goods. According to Saudi law, items such as narcotic drugs, tobacco leaves, jarda, gul, betel leaves, dried fish, cooked food, and perishable goods are strictly forbidden in pilgrims’ luggage. These restrictions are also outlined in the 2026 Hajj package and guidelines issued by the ministry.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) stated that in previous years, banned items were found in the luggage of Bangladeshi pilgrims at Saudi airports despite repeated warnings. He said such incidents damage the country’s image and called for greater caution among pilgrims. Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad NDC added that anyone found with prohibited items in Saudi Arabia faces legal punishment under local laws, which could jeopardize their ability to perform Hajj.

This year, a total of 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims are scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia starting from April 18.

Bangladesh has launched a pilot version of a mobile app-based 'Fuel Pass' system to bring discipline and transparency to fuel distribution. The initiative, developed under the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, began on April 10, 2026, at two filling stations in Dhaka—Trust Filling Station in Tejgaon and Sonar Bangla Fuel Station in Asadgate. Initially, the service is open to motorcycle users, allowing them to collect fuel by scanning a unique QR code.

According to the Energy Division, each registered user will receive a QR code linked to their vehicle information. Fuel station operators will record allocations digitally, while drivers can view their fuel quota and transaction history. The system enables real-time monitoring of national fuel supply. Users without smartphones can register at fuelpass.gov.bd and use a printed QR code. The system is integrated with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority’s central database.

Officials believe the new system will simplify vehicle data verification and enhance transparency in fuel distribution. If the pilot succeeds, the program will gradually expand to all vehicle types nationwide.

A Bangladeshi expatriate named Sohan, aged 21, from Ranisankail in Thakurgaon, was shot dead by armed assailants in Katlehong, near Johannesburg, South Africa. The incident occurred on Thursday evening while he was working at a shop. According to family sources, the shop owner was present but had gone to fetch a candle after a power outage when several armed men entered and opened fire on Sohan, killing him on the spot. The attackers fled immediately after the shooting.

Preliminary reports suggest that the killing may have stemmed from a business dispute involving the shop’s Bangladeshi owner and a neighboring Somali trader. Local residents believe Sohan became an innocent victim of that ongoing conflict. Sohan was the only son of Dulal Mia from Chikon Mati village under Kashipur Union. His father had sent him abroad after taking loans to improve the family’s financial condition.

Ranisankail police confirmed the incident and said officers were gathering more information. The family has applied through official channels to repatriate his body to Bangladesh.

A health report published on April 10, 2026, warns that consuming excessive oil in daily cooking can lead to serious health risks. The report highlights that oily foods increase calorie intake, which contributes to weight gain and obesity. It also notes that excessive oil consumption can reduce insulin effectiveness, raising the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. The article emphasizes that overuse of oil in cooking poses a significant threat to overall health.

The report outlines several specific health problems associated with high oil intake, including fatty liver, fatigue, heart disease, and digestive issues such as gas and acidity. It explains that trans fats and saturated fats raise bad cholesterol (LDL), which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The article advises avoiding fried foods and limiting oil use in cooking.

To reduce health risks, the report recommends including more vegetables and fruits in daily meals, avoiding deep-fried foods, and choosing healthier oils such as olive or mustard oil for cooking.

City Bank PLC achieved the highest profit in its history in 2025, reporting a consolidated net profit of Tk 1,324 crore, up 31% from Tk 1,014 crore the previous year. The bank’s standalone profit was Tk 1,306 crore, with its four subsidiaries contributing an additional Tk 18 crore. This growth was driven by strong income expansion, disciplined cost management, and prudent risk control.

Interest income from loans rose 24% to Tk 5,452 crore, while the non-performing loan ratio improved to 2.5% from 3.7%. Despite inflationary pressure, the bank maintained deposit costs at 5.5%, supported by strategic investments in government securities, which contributed 26% of total operating income. Total operating income reached Tk 4,888 crore, with expenses at Tk 2,160 crore, keeping the cost-to-income ratio at 44%.

Managing Director and CEO Mashrur Arefin expressed satisfaction with the results but noted that higher provisioning expenses of Tk 815 crore prevented profit from reaching Tk 1,500 crore. He highlighted strong performance across all core banking segments, particularly retail and card businesses, which grew 33% year-on-year.

Four astronauts from NASA’s Artemis-2 mission have begun their return to Earth after completing a historic lunar flyby. On April 7, the crew described their sense of awe while observing the Moon’s surface from the Orion capsule. They captured images of craters, ridges, and rare cosmic views including Earthrise, a solar eclipse, and the Orientale Impact Basin—some never before seen by humans.

During the mission, the astronauts were out of contact with Earth for about 40 minutes while passing the Moon’s far side. Christina Koch, NASA’s first woman to orbit the Moon, called the close-up view of the lunar terrain an unbelievable experience. Victor Glover said it felt as if he were walking among the Moon’s rugged mountains. The crew reached 252,756 miles from Earth, surpassing the Apollo 13 record, and spoke with President Donald Trump during the mission.

NASA reported that the team transmitted 20 gigabytes of data in 45 minutes using optical communication. The Orion capsule is now heading toward Earth and is expected to splash down near San Diego on April 10. The main challenge ahead is re-entry, when exterior temperatures may reach 1,600°C.

Perplexity has expanded its integration with the financial data network Plaid, allowing users in the US and Canada to securely link bank accounts, credit cards, and loans to their Perplexity accounts. This builds on an earlier connection that supported brokerage accounts. Through Plaid’s access to over 12,000 financial institutions, users can now view a complete picture of their finances in one place, including spending, debt, and net worth.

Once connected, Perplexity’s Computer can analyze spending patterns, create custom trackers, and generate dashboards for budgeting, debt payoff, retirement readiness, and cash flow forecasting. The integration offers read-only access, ensuring that user data never touches Perplexity’s servers. Standard users can access basic portfolio features, while Pro and Max subscribers gain access to advanced analytical tools.

Perplexity’s financial analyses draw on real-time data from sources such as FactSet, Nasdaq, and S&P Global. The company plans to extend the integration to mobile platforms and additional countries, and to include crypto wallets, real estate, and other asset types in future updates.

The Bangladesh National Parliament passed a total of 41 bills over two days, marking a new record in the country’s legislative history. On Thursday, April 9, during the 11th working day of the 13th Parliament’s first session, 31 bills were passed by voice vote, including 28 ordinances from the interim government without changes and three additional bills replacing ordinances. The session was chaired by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal. Opposition parties objected to the Local Government (Municipality) (Amendment) Bill 2026, but it was passed despite their protest.

Opposition leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman announced a walkout, calling the bills anti-people. Jamaat-e-Islami MP Najibur Rahman argued that the amendments undermined elected local representatives, while State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam defended the changes as necessary to prevent authoritarian resurgence and to end party-symbol elections. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed thanked opposition MPs for participating in the legislative process before walking out.

On Friday, April 10, ten more bills were unanimously passed without debate. A special committee reported that out of 133 ordinances from the interim government, 98 were approved unchanged, 15 with amendments, and 20 were either repealed or strengthened as new bills.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed frustration in the National Parliament on Friday, April 10, after the unanimous passage of the Finance Bill for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. He said that opposition members were not provided with necessary documents before the session began, despite prior requests made during the second meeting of the Business Advisory Committee.

Dr. Rahman explained that the opposition had asked for all 133 ordinances and related documents to be delivered at least three days in advance, or at minimum one day before the session. However, he received the documents only when they were placed on the table during the session. He remarked that without time to review the materials, he could not responsibly vote for or against the bill.

He added that government party members might have understood the documents quickly due to their expertise, but opposition members could not. He sought guidance on how to proceed under such circumstances.

The Bangladesh National Parliament has passed the July Fighters Welfare and Rehabilitation Ordinance 2026, aimed at supporting families of martyrs and participants of the July uprising. The proposal was introduced on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. by Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan. The bill seeks to ensure welfare, rehabilitation, and recognition of those who contributed to the uprising.

According to the source, the minister emphasized that the legislation also intends to preserve the history and ideals of the July uprising within the national and state framework. Following the presentation, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal put the bill to a vote, and members of parliament approved it by saying “yes.”

The passage of this bill marks a formal step toward institutionalizing the memory and welfare of those associated with the July uprising, reflecting the government’s commitment to honoring their legacy.

An Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf has arrived in Pakistan to hold discussions with U.S. representatives headed by Vice President J.D. Vance, according to a Wall Street Journal report on April 10, 2026. The talks are expected to take place in Islamabad, though uncertainty remains over whether they will proceed.

The main point of contention stems from Lebanon’s exclusion from a recent ceasefire between Iran and the United States. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who mediated the truce, announced that Lebanon would be covered by the ceasefire. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later declared that Lebanon was not included, followed by Israeli military strikes that killed over 200 people and injured around 1,200. Iran has since demanded that attacks on Lebanon stop before any dialogue with the U.S. can continue.

Israeli media outlet Kan reported that Iran has suspended its planned talks with the U.S. in Islamabad, as Tehran insists on including Lebanon in the ceasefire framework.

Police in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur district arrested two fugitives on Thursday night by disguising themselves as farmers. The detainees were identified as Kawser Sheikh, a known drug dealer and member of a highway robbery gang from Paschim Hasamdia area of Bhanga municipality, and Khabir Matubbar, a Nasimon driver from Purbo Sadordi village under Chumurdi union. Both had been absconding in separate criminal cases.

According to police sources, Khabir Matubbar was wanted in a 2025 case filed at Magura Police Station, while Kawser Sheikh was a fugitive in a regular case under Bhanga Police Station. Despite continuous efforts, police had failed to capture them earlier due to their frequent change of locations.

Sub-Inspector Ataur Rahman and Assistant Sub-Inspector Azizul of Bhanga Police Station conducted the special operation that led to their arrest. The operation ended a prolonged search for the two accused individuals.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis organized a protest rally and procession in Dhaka on Friday as part of its nationwide program demanding full implementation of the recent referendum verdict. The demonstration took place after Friday prayers at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

During the pre-procession rally, party Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad stated that around 70 percent of voters supported the 'yes' option in the February 12 referendum held alongside the national election. He accused the government of delaying the implementation of the people's decision and urged the BNP-led government to act immediately in line with public expectations.

Ahmad warned that if the demand is ignored, the party, along with an eleven-party alliance, would intensify its movement. Leaders from the party’s central and Dhaka metropolitan units also addressed the gathering. Similar protests were held across the country on the same day.

A fatal road accident occurred on Friday morning, April 10, 2026, in the Salandar area of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila when a BRTC bus and a pickup truck collided head-on on the Dhaka-Panchagarh highway. One person was killed and three others were injured in the crash. The injured were admitted to Thakurgaon Sadar Hospital for treatment.

According to Thakurgaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monir Hossain, the BRTC bus was traveling from Panchagarh to Rangpur, while the tile-laden pickup was heading from Dhaka to Panchagarh. The collision took place at Singpara in Salandar. The deceased, a tile company employee, was critically injured and later declared dead at Thakurgaon 250-bed General Hospital. His identity has not yet been confirmed.

The bus helper and the pickup driver were among the injured. After receiving initial treatment, they were referred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for advanced care.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru stated that rebuilding public trust has become a major challenge for the new BNP-led government. He made the remarks on Friday, April 10, during a statement under Rule 300 in the National Parliament, which began its session earlier that morning under the chairmanship of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. Khasru said the government assumed office at a time when nearly all economic indicators are under pressure.

In his address, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury acknowledged that the economic challenges are deep and multidimensional but expressed hope that good governance, reforms, and public participation could help overcome the situation. He criticized the previous government for corruption and mismanagement, claiming that mega projects failed to deliver expected benefits and led to large-scale capital flight. He argued that the economy had lost its industrial momentum, resulting in reduced employment and productivity.

The minister also emphasized the current government’s commitment to building a developed, dignified, and equitable state, outlining its guiding philosophy and policy direction to the nation.