US President Donald Trump stated that Iran will require 15 to 20 years to rebuild following intense attacks by the United States and Israel. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday local time, Trump said that the US aimed to destroy everything Iran possessed and that the country had been pushed back significantly. He claimed that Iran now lacked a navy, military, air force, telecommunications system, air defense, and leadership.

Trump added that negotiations with Iran would be welcome but insisted it made no difference whether Iran agreed to talks or not. His remarks came amid reports of continued hostilities in the region, including Israeli strikes and missile attacks linked to the ongoing conflict.

The comments, reported by Al Jazeera, reflect the US administration’s stance following the escalation of military actions against Iran and its allies.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has received a direct message from Washington through US special envoy Steve Witkoff, but clarified that no formal negotiations or agreements are underway between the two countries. The statement came as Iran remains engaged in conflict with the United States and Israel.

Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s past experience with the United States has been negative, recalling the 2015 nuclear deal from which Washington later withdrew. He stated that Tehran’s trust in the US is now at zero and accused Washington of lacking sincerity. Regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi explained that the route is blocked only for those engaged in war with Iran.

He further warned that if any country attempts a ground attack, Iran is fully prepared to respond strongly. The remarks were reported by Al Jazeera, highlighting Tehran’s firm stance amid heightened regional tensions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the ongoing instability in the Middle East. According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry released on Wednesday, both leaders called for an end to the war in the region.

The statement said the two leaders expressed deep concern over the deteriorating military and political situation, particularly the civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. They emphasized the need to stop the conflict as soon as possible and highlighted the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis while respecting the legitimate interests of Middle Eastern countries.

Their joint appeal reflects growing international concern over the escalating violence and humanitarian impact across the region, as reported by Al Jazeera.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Speaking to a Mexican television channel, Infantino dismissed speculation about moving Iran’s matches, stating that there is only one plan—Plan A—and that Iran will play. He emphasized that FIFA wants Iran to compete under the best possible conditions, representing both domestic and expatriate Iranians.

Infantino reiterated that FIFA cannot resolve political disputes but believes in football’s power to promote peace and unity among nations. He also noted that Iran earned its place in the tournament through sporting merit, while acknowledging the current political situation as “very complex.”

According to the schedule, Iran is set to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle, with its base camp in Tucson, Arizona. However, Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said the team will not travel to the United States due to security concerns, citing statements from Donald Trump. Iran is currently preparing in Turkey ahead of the tournament.

At least eight people, including a pregnant woman and her husband, were killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday. The attacks targeted the towns of Jebchit and Kafra in the Nabatieh region, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA). The couple died in Jebchit, while two others were killed in a separate strike in Kafra.

Al Jazeera reported that within an hour, the death toll from Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon had risen to eight. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on these specific attacks but stated that its operations were continuing against Hezbollah’s military targets.

The escalation highlights ongoing hostilities along the Lebanon-Israel border, with both sides reporting casualties in recent weeks. Further developments depend on military and diplomatic responses from the parties involved.

Pope Leo XIV, the head of the Catholic Church, has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to urgently seek a way out of the ongoing Iran war. Speaking to journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome on Tuesday, the Pope urged Trump to reduce violence and find an effective path toward ending the conflict. Pope Leo XIV is the first U.S.-born pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church.

The Pope’s appeal is being viewed as a significant intervention amid the escalating regional conflict. He noted that he had learned of President Trump’s recent expression of willingness to end the war and voiced hope that the U.S. leader would pursue a concrete solution to de-escalate hostilities.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, come as international concern grows over the humanitarian and economic toll of the Iran war, with observers emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed his country’s stance on the ongoing Middle East conflict, stating in an interview with Al Jazeera that Iran seeks a permanent end to the war rather than a temporary ceasefire. He emphasized that Iran’s goal is not just immediate peace but lasting security across the entire region.

Araghchi also revealed that Tehran has not yet responded to proposals from the United States and has not made any counteroffers or set conditions. Although Iran received a message from U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Araghchi clarified that Tehran does not consider it part of any formal negotiation process.

Addressing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said the waterway remains open but will be closed to those fighting against Iran. He further warned that Tehran is prepared for ground combat if necessary, underscoring Iran’s readiness amid the regional tensions.

A total of 175 Bangladeshi nationals detained in two Libyan detention centers are being repatriated to Bangladesh with the support of the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). According to a Facebook post by the embassy, the group is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka at 5 a.m. on Wednesday via a Buraq Air flight. Among them, 113 were held at the Tajoura Detention Center in Tripoli and 62 at the Ganfuda Center in Benghazi, with 14 reported to be physically ill.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Libya, Major General Md Habib Ullah, supervised the repatriation process at Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport and bid farewell to those departing from Tajoura. He expressed gratitude to Libyan authorities and the IOM for their cooperation and hoped for continued collaboration. During the process, the migrants shared experiences of hardship, including captivity, extortion, physical abuse, and lack of food, water, and medical care.

The ambassador urged the returnees to rebuild their lives and to share their experiences to discourage others from taking dangerous migration routes, emphasizing the long-term social and national harm caused by irregular migration.

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.