A US expert has said that if Iran manages to capture the crew member of a downed American warplane, it would represent a major strategic reward for Tehran. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Laurel Rapp, director of the US and North America program at Chatham House, described the mission to recover the missing crew member as extremely important.

Rapp explained that detaining the US service member would give Iran a powerful bargaining tool. She added that if images of the captured crew were released, it could further damage public perception of an already unpopular war in the United States and potentially shift American attitudes dramatically.

Rapp also warned that such a capture could undermine efforts to de-escalate the conflict, as it might signal that hostage-taking can be used effectively to exert pressure. She noted that the current mission’s objectives remain unclear and increasingly complex.

Arab-British Understanding Council Director Chris Doyle told Al Jazeera that Iran’s downing of a US fighter jet marked a significant moment for Tehran’s global standing. He said the incident demonstrated Iran’s ability to directly challenge the military dominance of the United States, showing that it could engage both symmetrically and asymmetrically in the conflict.

Doyle noted that while the war was initially expected to end quickly, the situation has shifted dramatically. He described apparent disarray within the White House and Pentagon, citing reports of Defense Secretary Hegseth dismissing generals as a sign of weakened US leadership. Unlike past US operations that risked “mission creep,” Doyle said this time the United States is experiencing “mission contraction.” The initial goal of regime change in Iran has been abandoned, with President Donald Trump and other leaders now saying they no longer seek it.

According to Doyle, Iran appears more organized and deliberate in its strategy. He warned that if Washington fails to regain control, its international credibility could suffer further, especially after the costly F-15 jet was shot down.

The Bangladesh Olympic Association has congratulated the Bangladesh Under-20 football team for winning the SAFF U-20 Championship in Malé, Maldives. Bangladesh defeated India 4-3 in a penalty shootout in the final match to claim the title. The association’s president, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, and secretary general, Md. Zobaidur Rahman Rana, extended their heartfelt greetings to the players, coaching staff, officials, and the Bangladesh Football Federation.

In their congratulatory message, the association stated that the victory over a strong opponent like India has opened new possibilities for Bangladesh football. It expressed optimism that this success will have a positive impact on the country’s sports sector and inspire young players to develop their talents with greater professionalism.

The Bangladesh Olympic Association also expressed hope for continued progress in football and other sports disciplines, aiming for more achievements on the international stage.

Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, has called for the effective use of research-based knowledge and technology to address social problems. Speaking as a special guest at the inauguration of the 6th Young Scientist Congress organized by the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, he emphasized developing artificial intelligence (AI) that understands the nation’s language, culture, religious values, and social context.

He noted that AI is no longer science fiction and is opening new horizons in healthcare, sustainable development, and scientific research. However, he cautioned that the rapid growth of generative AI also brings challenges related to employment, ethics, and data security. Highlighting the country’s demographic advantage, he urged young scientists to apply technology in rural healthcare, agriculture, and research-based startups, while ensuring ethical and secure innovation.

The UGC chairman said the commission is strengthening the research ecosystem to make higher education institutions centers of AI-based innovation. He encouraged researchers to utilize the facilities of UGC’s ongoing projects, including HEAT, ICSETEP, and the Bangladesh Research and Education Network.

District Commissioner Mohammad Zahedul Islam Miah inaugurated a 10,000-tree plantation program at DC Park in Faujdarhat, Sitakunda, Chattogram, on Saturday afternoon. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s national goal of planting 2.5 billion trees in five years. On the first day, around 2,000 saplings of 54 species were planted across the park, with a target to complete 10,000 within a month.

The district commissioner said the program aims to restore environmental balance and offset trees cut for development. Plans include transforming DC Park into a modern, aesthetic, and eco-friendly space by planting Sonalu and Krishnachura trees, creating a visually striking design visible from aerial views. A large fruit orchard will also be developed on the park’s northern side, featuring mango, guava, jackfruit, and other species, envisioned as a future bird sanctuary.

He added that the park is expected to host the upcoming Pahela Baishakh celebration instead of DC Hill. The initiative is intended to raise environmental awareness and contribute to climate resilience in the region.

Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that many development projects in the past were hindered by corruption and mismanagement. He called on engineers to dedicate themselves with honesty and sincerity to the country’s infrastructural development in the coming days. His remarks came during a meeting with prominent engineers held on Friday at Al Falah Auditorium in Dhaka.

Dr. Rahman emphasized the importance of expanding technological education and applying innovative thinking to reduce unemployment in the current national context. He stated that engineers, planners, and architects have no alternative but to use their talent and patriotism to build a prosperous and equitable Bangladesh.

He further noted that by combining skilled manpower with modern technology, Bangladesh can be established as a developed nation in the global arena.

India has confirmed that crude oil supplies from Iran remain uninterrupted despite escalating instability in the Middle East. The country's Ministry of Petroleum stated that domestic refineries continue to meet their crude oil requirements without disruption, including imports from Iran. The ministry also clarified that there are no payment difficulties related to Iranian oil transactions, dismissing circulating rumors as baseless.

The statement, released on social media platform X, emphasized that Indian refineries have ensured a steady supply of crude oil to maintain national energy stability. This assurance comes amid growing regional tensions that have raised concerns about potential disruptions in global energy flows.

According to the ministry, maintaining stable energy supplies is part of India’s broader strategy to safeguard its fuel security amid geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East.

Bangladesh Bank has announced a new schedule for banking operations, effective from April 5, 2026. Under the revised timetable, customers will be able to conduct transactions from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., instead of the previous 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. window. The official office hours for banks will now run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Fridays and Saturdays designated as weekly holidays. The directive was issued by the Supervisory Data Management and Analytics Department of Bangladesh Bank on Saturday.

According to the circular, the adjustment follows the government’s decision to modify official working hours across public and private offices to conserve electricity and energy. Previously, bank offices operated from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but the new government schedule has shortened general office hours to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In line with this policy, banking hours have been revised accordingly.

The circular also notes that bank branches located in seaport, land port, and airport areas may operate according to their specific operational needs.

Law Minister Advocate Md. Asaduzzaman stated that the implementation of the July Charter has no connection with any referendum. He made the remark on Saturday afternoon while addressing the inauguration of a canal excavation program at Dhawra village in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah district, where he attended as the chief guest.

The minister added that the July Charter would be implemented through a constitutional amendment. He clarified that fuel prices had not been increased and warned that anyone attempting to create instability would face strict action under the Special Powers Act, which carries a maximum penalty of death for black marketeering and hoarding. State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, speaking as a special guest, emphasized the need for canal and river excavation and eviction of illegal occupiers to protect the country.

Azad also announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to join the canal excavation program in Shailkupa between April 18 and 20. Local officials and BNP leaders were present at the event.

A fire broke out at a jute (jut) warehouse in the Lamapara area of Fatullah, Narayanganj, around noon on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The incident occurred near a rod mill in Pitalipul and caused panic in the area. Fire service units from Hajiganj quickly responded and managed to bring the blaze under control, preventing major damage and loss of life.

According to local sources, the fire started suddenly, and initial assessments suggest it originated from an electrical short circuit. The flames spread rapidly due to the flammable nature of the stored materials. Locals initially tried to extinguish the fire but failed before the fire service arrived. Senior Station Officer Nurul Alam Huda of Hajiganj Fire Service confirmed that no one was injured, though one person trapped inside a shop was safely rescued.

Authorities estimate that the fire destroyed jute bales and other goods worth approximately Tk 2 million inside the warehouse.

The government of Bangladesh has announced an emergency vaccination campaign to curb the rising spread of measles. Starting Sunday, April 5, at 9 a.m., the special program will be conducted across 30 upazilas in 18 districts. All children aged six months to under five years will receive the measles vaccine under this initiative. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul shared the details at a press conference on Saturday, April 4.

The minister urged the public not to panic, stating that while the situation remains under control, the campaign aims to build rapid protection in high-risk areas. Districts such as Barguna, Pabna, Chandpur, Chapainawabganj, Natore, and Jashore are among those included due to recent increases in measles cases.

In addition to the vaccine, children will also receive vitamin A capsules, though only sick children will be given the supplement. The minister assured parents that children who have already received the measles vaccine in regular programs can safely participate again without any health risks.

The government has initiated measures to resolve the long-standing ferry and water transport crisis in Hatiya, Noakhali. During an on-site visit to the Nalchira ferry terminal on Saturday, State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan said efforts are underway to add a new ferry before Eid-ul-Azha. He also mentioned that several additional steps will be taken to improve connectivity and ensure safer travel for residents of the island region.

The minister stated that the government is working sincerely to make travel easier and safer for people in the island areas. Plans include widening both ferry terminals in Hatiya and continuing regular dredging to maintain navigability. Coordination with the Water Development Board is ongoing to strengthen riverbanks and upgrade ferry ramps for safer and more sustainable operations.

Officials from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority and the Ministry of Shipping accompanied the minister during the visit. The ministry also has several long-term plans to further enhance the country’s water transport system.

A special measles vaccination campaign will begin on Sunday at 9 a.m. across 30 upazilas in 18 districts of Bangladesh. Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain announced the program at a press conference in Dhaka on Saturday. The campaign will target children aged six to 59 months, identified as the most vulnerable group. Alongside vaccination, children showing measles symptoms will receive vitamin A capsules. The minister also reported that 61 new children with measles symptoms were admitted to the capital’s children’s hospital.

The selected areas were determined by an expert committee based on infection hotspots. According to the Directorate General of Health Services, measles infections have reached alarming levels nationwide. Between March 15 and April 3, a total of 5,792 people were hospitalized with measles-like symptoms, of whom 771 were confirmed cases. During this period, 94 suspected measles deaths were reported, and nine were confirmed.

The campaign aims to contain the spread of measles and reduce child mortality in the affected regions.

At least 14 people were killed in a series of Russian attacks across Ukraine on Friday, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. The strikes involved more than 500 drones and several dozen missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of intensifying assaults ahead of Catholic Easter, saying the skies should have been silent during the holy period.

Images released by Ukraine’s emergency services showed damaged residential buildings, debris-strewn streets, and the ruins of a multi-story structure. Regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported one death and eight injuries in Kyiv, where a veterinary clinic was also hit, killing about 20 animals. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said drone strikes damaged homes in Obukhiv and near a kindergarten and school in Vyshneve.

Authorities confirmed three deaths in the northern Sumy region, two in Zhytomyr and Dnipropetrovsk, and eight more in border areas including Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia.

Public health concerns have resurfaced in Bangladesh following discussions about a possible relaxation of the e-cigarette ban. In response, the Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance on Saturday, April 4, 2026, called on the Ministry of Health to maintain a firm position on the prohibition of e-cigarettes.

The organization stated that a special parliamentary committee reviewing the Smoking and Tobacco Products Control (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 has recommended easing restrictions on the import, production, distribution, and use of e-cigarettes. It warned that such a move could increase e-cigarette use, especially among youth, contradicting the government’s tobacco control commitments. The alliance emphasized that e-cigarettes are not safe and that scientific studies link them to lung damage, heart disease, and stroke. It also noted that nicotine replacement therapy is already recognized as an essential medicine for smoking cessation.

The group urged the government to retain the ban and swiftly enact the ordinance into law to protect public health, citing a 2016 Supreme Court directive to phase out tobacco use and avoid approving new tobacco products.