Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have jointly urged an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Middle East war. According to a Kremlin statement released on Friday, the two leaders made the appeal during a phone conversation, emphasizing the need for a negotiated peace agreement that considers the legitimate interests of all countries in the region.

The conflict began about a month ago following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, which subsequently spread across the Middle East. The Kremlin warned that the intensifying military confrontation is having negative effects not only regionally but also globally, particularly on energy, trade, and supply chains.

During the same call, Putin and Erdogan also discussed security in the Black Sea region. Russia accused Ukraine of attempting to attack gas transport infrastructure connecting Russia and Turkey. Gazprom reported that a drone attack on the TurkStream gas pipeline was thwarted on Thursday, a route that supplies gas to several European countries including Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia.

Iran has claimed that its air defense forces shot down a US A-10 Warthog fighter jet near the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian state television, the aircraft was destroyed through an air defense strike. The incident follows a report from Friday that another US F-15E Strike Eagle jet had crashed inside Iranian territory.

CBS News reported that the A-10 Warthog was participating in a rescue mission for the downed F-15E when it came under attack. It remains unclear whether the aircraft mentioned by Iran and the one cited by CBS are the same. During the rescue attempt, two additional US aircraft were also targeted, and the A-10 pilot ejected into the sea before being rescued. One of two helicopters involved in the operation was hit by small-arms fire, injuring several crew members, though it landed safely. The search for the second F-15E pilot continues.

US President Donald Trump told NBC News that the incident would not affect potential talks with Iran, describing it as part of wartime realities. The White House confirmed that the president had been fully briefed on the situation.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, announced that a US warplane was recently shot down using Iran’s new advanced defense system. In a televised statement, he said the aircraft was targeted south of Qeshm Island and crashed into the waters between Qeshm and Hengam islands. Zolfaghari argued that the incident disproves former US President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States had destroyed Iran’s air defense network.

The event is being portrayed as a demonstration of Iran’s growing military capability. It occurred against the backdrop of heightened political and military tension in the Middle East, where US air operations have been active. The report did not include any US response or independent verification of the incident.

The development may further strain US-Iran relations and influence ongoing regional security dynamics if confirmed, though details remain limited.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday for an unannounced visit amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. According to Al Jazeera, she is currently in Jeddah and plans to hold important meetings in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates during her two-day regional trip. This marks the first visit by a European Union leader to Saudi Arabia since the Iran–United States war began on February 28.

Meloni is scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the trip. The visit aims to express Italy’s support for Arab allies facing Iranian attacks and to secure stable energy supplies for Italy amid rising global energy prices. Her engagements in the region are seen as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic and energy cooperation with Gulf nations.

The visit underscores Italy’s intention to balance solidarity with regional partners and safeguard its national energy interests during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.

Major US media outlets reported that one crew member from an American fighter jet downed over Iran has been rescued. According to AFP from Washington, citing unnamed sources, Axios and CBS News said US special forces recovered one of the two crew members, while search operations continue for the second. The New York Times and Wall Street Journal identified the aircraft as an F-15E model, which typically carries a pilot and a weapons systems officer.

CNN reported that analysis of wreckage photos published by Iranian media also suggested the aircraft was an F-15, though some Iranian sources claimed it was an F-35 stealth jet. US media further noted that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident, but there has been no official comment from the White House or the Pentagon.

Reports added that specialized US forces are conducting rescue operations near the suspected crash site, with social media and Iranian outlets showing low-flying US helicopters and aircraft in the area.

The United Nations Security Council has postponed a scheduled vote on a draft resolution authorizing the use of defensive force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The 15-member council was expected to vote on Friday morning, but the session was rescheduled Thursday night due to the Good Friday holiday. No new date has been set for the vote.

The draft, backed by the United States, would allow member states to take necessary defensive measures individually or through a voluntary multinational naval coalition to secure navigation in the strait and nearby waters. The proposal follows Iran’s effective control of the strait after U.S.-Israeli attacks, which has disrupted global energy supplies. Diplomats said the text was revised several times to address concerns from Russia, China, and France, removing direct reference to Chapter VII of the UN Charter and emphasizing the defensive nature of any action.

Uncertainty remains over whether Russia and China, both with veto power, will support the measure. Analysts warn that potential vetoes could block the resolution, while energy prices continue to rise due to the disruption.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has congratulated the Bangladesh Under-20 football team for winning the SAFF U-20 Championship. In a message issued after the final match held on April 3, 2026, in Malé, Maldives, he extended greetings to the players, coaching staff, and all involved, expressing hope that such success will continue in the future.

The Prime Minister stated that the government has begun implementing plans to establish sports as a profession and that the young players’ achievement will inspire sports enthusiasts across the country. He praised the team’s unity and patriotism, saying their collective effort has proven that Bangladesh can continue its winning streak both at home and abroad.

Bangladesh defeated India 4–3 in a penalty shootout after a dramatic final that ended in a tie. This marks Bangladesh’s second consecutive SAFF U-20 title, following their previous win in 2024.

Bangladesh clinched the SAFF Under-20 Championship title after a dramatic final against India in Malé, Maldives. The match ended goalless in regulation time, leading to a tense penalty shootout where Bangladesh triumphed 4–3. Goalkeeper Mahin made a crucial early save, while Morshed, Chandan, and Fahim converted their shots. After a 3–3 tie following four rounds, India’s top scorer missed his final attempt, allowing Ronan Sullivan to seal victory with a composed finish.

Throughout the match, Bangladesh showed early dominance in possession and attack, though India increased pressure in the second half. Despite several counterattacks, neither side could score in open play. Declan Sullivan’s introduction added pace to Bangladesh’s offense, but missed chances kept the score level. The Malé Stadium crowd featured strong support from expatriate Bangladeshis, adding to the charged atmosphere.

With this win, Bangladesh reclaimed the SAFF Under-20 title, demonstrating resilience under pressure and tactical discipline against a familiar rival.

The government of Bangladesh has begun enforcing a new policy requiring all shopping malls and markets across the country, including in Dhaka, to close by 6 p.m. daily. The measure, implemented from Friday, aims to conserve fuel and electricity as part of a broader energy-saving initiative. On the first day of enforcement, major shopping centers such as Bashundhara City, New Market, Mirpur, and Jamuna Future Park shut their doors promptly at 6 p.m., bringing evening commercial activity to a halt.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions from the public and business owners. Many shoppers were unaware of the new rule and expressed frustration after being denied entry in the evening, while small and medium traders said their peak sales hours begin after sunset. Social media discussions reflected both criticism and support, with some urging flexibility on weekends and others praising the move as a responsible step toward reducing energy consumption.

Concerns were also raised about reduced evening foot traffic potentially affecting urban safety. Observers noted that the long-term impact on electricity savings and daily life remains to be seen.

Azizur Rahman, a day laborer from Shahhanabad village in Thakurgaon’s Ranisankail upazila, was detained by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) in May 2025 while cutting grass near the border. After spending 11 months in Indian prisons and hospitals, he died on March 22, 2026, in a hospital in Islampur, India. His body was repatriated to Bangladesh through the Banglabandha land port on April 3 under government arrangements, following an order signed by a senior assistant secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and family members received the body in the afternoon.

Azizur’s wife, Taskara Begum, alleged that BSF personnel tortured her husband after his arrest, leading to his critical illness and eventual death. The family learned of his death through relatives in India. Local officials confirmed that the body was handed over to the family and buried the same evening at the Shahhanabad graveyard.

The incident has caused deep grief in the local community, highlighting ongoing tensions and human costs along the Bangladesh-India border.

Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies are responsible for maintaining order. He made the remarks on Friday night at a Haribasar event held at the Sri Sri Radha Govinda and Sarbajanin Durga Temple premises in Aldadpur village of Joypur Union, Nawabganj upazila, Dinajpur.

During his address, the minister also stated that everyone has the right to practice their own religion and that no one should obstruct others in religious activities. The event was attended by local leaders including the president of the Upazila Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Front, Gojen Chandra Barman, and several local BNP leaders. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Zillur Rahman and Officer-in-Charge Mintu Dey were also present.

The minister’s remarks highlighted the importance of communal harmony and adherence to legal processes in resolving disputes, reinforcing the government’s stance on maintaining peace and religious freedom.

Commerce, Textiles, Jute and Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has urged citizens to use energy efficiently for the sake of the country. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with local business representatives at his Sylhet residence on Friday, April 3, he said there was no reason to panic about energy supply. The minister emphasized that saving energy would reduce import costs and help preserve foreign currency reserves.

Muktadir explained that the government was adjusting office hours in response to the global energy crisis and encouraged collective caution to maintain normalcy. He noted that conserving electricity during peak hours could prevent unnecessary expenses. The minister also mentioned that LPG prices had risen due to higher import costs from Saudi Arabia and other sources, though fuel prices would remain stable as long as the economy stayed steady.

He added that industrial production would not be disrupted since gas supply to factories was being ensured. Muktadir further said an economic partnership agreement with Japan had been signed and would be formalized after parliamentary approval, with additional free trade agreements under preparation.

Comilla-5 Member of Parliament Haji Jasim Uddin declared a firm anti-drug stance, saying that drug trading would only continue over his dead body. He made the statement on Friday afternoon at a meeting organized by the Youth and Expatriate Development Organization in Kodalia area of Bakshimul Union, Burichang upazila.

During his speech, the MP said he was aware that some people advised him to be cautious, but he viewed his parliamentary duty as a sacred trust given by voters. He added that he would have no regrets even if fulfilling that duty cost him his life. Addressing drug dealers, he warned that there would be no leniency and expressed his determination to see who was stronger—them or the law.

On development issues, Jasim Uddin announced major road improvement projects for Burichang and Brahmanpara upazilas, promising quick repairs to unusable roads and the launch of development works worth hundreds of millions of taka soon.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has accused the BNP of violating its pledge to the people by abandoning its earlier proposal for a referendum after securing a two-thirds majority. Speaking on Friday afternoon at a Jamaat-organized gathering in South Keraniganj, he said the BNP’s reversal created a political crisis and amounted to a breach of public trust.

Dr. Rahman argued that although the constitution identifies the people as the source of all power, their opinions are being disregarded. He warned that ignoring popular will marks the beginning of fascism and urged unity among all who have suffered oppression, including current and former political groups. He also criticized the government for concealing the real situation of the fuel crisis, alleging artificial shortages and inflated prices, and called for open dialogue with all political parties.

He further opposed the appointment of administrators in local government, calling it a violation of elected representatives’ rights, and warned that the new “home class” initiative could increase children’s device addiction. He announced that an eleven-party alliance would begin field-level programs from April 4 to continue the struggle for people’s rights.

Iranian media have reported that a U.S. fighter jet crashed inside Iran, leaving two American pilots missing. The incident occurred in the western region of the country, and Iranian authorities have announced a reward for anyone who can locate the missing pilots. According to the reports, the pilots ejected and landed in separate areas, prompting U.S. rescue operations.

Iranian sources claim that clashes took place between U.S. forces and Iranian ground troops during the attempted rescue, resulting in American casualties. State television in Iran has called on citizens to assist in finding the pilots and announced a reward of 10 billion tomans, approximately 64,000 U.S. dollars.

If Iran succeeds in capturing the missing pilots, it could mark a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict, as it would be the first instance of U.S. prisoners of war in the confrontation.