National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan announced that individuals who have taken money abroad can bring it back to Bangladesh without any penalty if they pay regular taxes. He made the statement on Wednesday during a pre-budget discussion with business and entrepreneur associations at the NBR headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. The chairman clarified that taxpayers who did not declare foreign-held funds in their returns may submit a revised return within 180 days and pay applicable taxes to regularize the money.

During the meeting, the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) requested reinstatement of a provision allowing investment of undisclosed income, but the NBR chief rejected the idea of tax amnesty, stating that the authority aims to end the culture of tax evasion and low-rate amnesties. He also discussed simplifying money transfers through legal channels and proposed reforms to property registration taxes to ensure transparency and compliance.

Khan emphasized that increasing revenue is essential for stabilizing the economy and funding government welfare and development programs, as Bangladesh’s revenue-to-GDP ratio remains low.

After three hours of intense tension, chasing, and a halt in medical services, the situation at Dhaka Medical College Hospital began returning to normal late Wednesday night. Emergency services resumed around 9:30 p.m. following assurances of a proper investigation and justice from the authorities. The hospital’s main gate reopened to the public around 10:15 p.m.

To control the situation, Dhaka University and Dhaka Medical authorities held an emergency meeting. A six-member high-level investigation committee, led by Dr. Nadim Ahmed of the surgery department, was formed to identify those responsible. The committee was instructed to submit a full report by Saturday. Both institutions pledged to take strict administrative and legal action after reviewing CCTV footage.

The clash reportedly began around 5:30 p.m. over a minor issue involving a Dhaka University student seeking treatment. The incident escalated into a physical altercation, injuring at least four people. Intern doctors stopped work in protest, paralyzing emergency services. Although they resumed duties after the investigation assurance, they warned of a complete shutdown if visible action is not taken within 24 hours.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire agreement with the United States and that Israel’s ongoing war against Hezbollah there must stop. He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X, citing Al Jazeera as the source of the report.

Araghchi claimed that the inclusion of Lebanon was already part of prior understandings, contradicting Israel’s recent statements. He said the world is witnessing genocide in Lebanon and that it is now up to the United States to honor its commitments. He also suggested that easing regional tensions requires addressing the situation in both Gaza and Lebanon as part of any ceasefire talks.

According to the report, on the first day of the US-Iran ceasefire, Israeli attacks in Lebanon killed 254 people and injured 1,165, even though Hezbollah had halted its strikes on Israel in observance of the truce.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. She made the clarification during a briefing on Wednesday, noting that US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had discussed the ceasefire the previous night. According to Leavitt, Netanyahu supported the initiative and remains an important partner in the discussions.

When asked whether Lebanon might be included in the agreement in the future, Leavitt said discussions on the matter are ongoing. On the same day, Netanyahu emphasized that Hezbollah is not part of the ceasefire with Iran and that Israel will continue its operations against the group.

The report added that on the first day of the US-Iran ceasefire, Israeli attacks in Lebanon killed 254 people and injured 1,165, even though Hezbollah had halted its attacks on Israel in respect of the truce.

A platform named 'Movement for Implementation of Referendum Verdict' organized a torch procession in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area on Wednesday evening, April 8, demanding the swift execution of the recent referendum verdict. The procession began at the Science Laboratory Gate and ended at Shahbagh’s Shaheed Osman Hadi Square. Participants called for the formation of a constitutional reform council, enforcement of the ordinance against enforced disappearances, protection of human rights, and implementation of key anti-corruption measures.

In a brief speech after the march, Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) Social Service Secretary A.B. Zubair stated that ignoring the referendum verdict would mean denying the people’s sovereign power. He alleged that attempts were being made to weaken or nullify important ordinances, including those related to human rights and judicial independence. Zubair emphasized that nearly 70 percent of voters supported the referendum, calling it a decisive mandate.

He warned that continued delay in implementing the verdict would intensify the movement. The event concluded with a short rally at Shahbagh, attended by students from various institutions and members of the public.

At a roundtable discussion held at the National Press Club in Dhaka, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan questioned the Prime Minister, suggesting sarcastically that if criticism or satire against her is not allowed, a law should be enacted explicitly banning such actions. The event, titled 'Politics of Ordinance Repeal and Referendum Denial: Bangladesh in an Era of Parliamentary Autocracy,' was organized by the NCP Reform Implementation Committee.

Bhuiyan alleged that within two months of forming the government, the BNP had shown clear signs of repressive tendencies, citing the show-cause notices issued to 28 judges for private discussions and arrests over Facebook posts critical of the Prime Minister. He argued that the parliament had become ineffective due to the ruling party’s two-thirds majority, forcing the opposition to take to the streets.

Other speakers, including Badiul Alam Majumdar, Farida Akhter, and Dilara Chowdhury, criticized the government’s handling of the July Charter and referendum, warning that ignoring the referendum’s outcome and repealing key ordinances could deepen the national crisis and undermine democratic accountability.

A student of Dhaka University has begun an indefinite hunger strike demanding the implementation of the July Charter and the national referendum verdict. The protest started on Wednesday afternoon at the base of the Raju Sculpture near the TSC area. The striker, Md. Sadiq Munwar Munem, a student of International Relations and an executive member of the Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall Students’ Union, accused the government of undermining promises of reform and equality made for a new Bangladesh.

Munem’s demands include placing the referendum issues before parliament, converting key ordinances such as those on enforced disappearance prevention into bills, and announcing a clear roadmap for implementing the remaining points of the July Charter. Later in the evening, leaders of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and students from various departments expressed solidarity. DUCSU Social Service Secretary A.B. Zubair criticized the government for ignoring the referendum’s outcome despite broad public support.

Zubair warned that continued delay in implementing the referendum verdict could escalate the movement, potentially involving thousands of participants. Students present said they seek no further loss of life but are ready for stronger action if necessary.

Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central literature secretary, Saidul Islam, has called on the government to implement the full July Charter without delay, warning that ignoring the people’s referendum would provoke renewed mass protests. He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon in Dhaka while addressing a rally following a protest march organized by the organization’s Dhaka Metropolitan East branch. The demonstration was held to protest what the group described as government procrastination in implementing the people’s verdict expressed through a referendum.

The march began from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and concluded with a rally in front of the National Press Club. The event was presided over by Asif Abdullah, a central executive member and Daksu transport secretary, and conducted by metropolitan secretary Imdadul Haque Miazi. Central publication secretary Amirul Islam attended as a special guest. Speakers criticized the ruling party for allegedly rejecting reform proposals and accused it of betraying public trust.

Participants warned that failure to implement the July Charter in line with the 70% referendum mandate would lead to a nationwide movement involving students, families of martyrs, and the general public.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that reports have emerged of ceasefire violations in a few conflict zones, describing them as actions that undermine the spirit of the ongoing peace process. He made the remarks in a statement posted on X, emphasizing the importance of restraint and adherence to the agreed ceasefire.

Sharif urged all parties involved to observe a two-week period of restraint and to fully comply with the ceasefire terms so that diplomacy can lead to a peaceful resolution of the conflicts. Pakistan is currently acting as a mediator in discussions between Iran and the United States, according to the report.

The statement reflects Pakistan’s concern over maintaining the integrity of the peace process and ensuring that recent violations do not derail diplomatic efforts toward stability in the affected regions.

The Election Commission has announced that voting for the reserved women’s seats in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament will take place on May 12. Based on the results of the 13th parliamentary election, the BNP-led alliance is set to receive 36 of these seats. Speculation has been ongoing about who will be nominated from the alliance for these positions.

Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam stated that priority will be given to dedicated and experienced female leaders who have proven themselves through political struggle. He emphasized that those with long-standing contributions to politics and the ability to contribute effectively in parliament will be favored. He also expressed confidence that the parliamentary leader’s decision will ensure representation from all sections.

According to the announced schedule, nomination papers must be submitted by April 21, with scrutiny on April 22 and 23. Appeals regarding rejected nominations will be heard on April 26–28, withdrawal is set for April 29, and symbols will be allocated on April 30.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir regarding what he described as Israel’s violations of a ceasefire in Iran and Lebanon. The discussion was disclosed by Araghchi through the messaging platform Telegram.

According to Araghchi’s post, he expressed gratitude to Pakistan for what he called the country’s effective efforts to promote peace, security, and an end to hostilities in the region. The exchange comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding ceasefire arrangements and regional stability.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not provide further details on the content of the conversation or any subsequent diplomatic steps following the call.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that countries supplying military weapons to Iran will face a 50 percent tariff on all goods sold to the United States. The declaration was made through a post on the social media platform Truth Social, where Trump stated that the measure would take effect immediately and that no exemptions or exceptions would be allowed.

The announcement marks a new trade restriction targeting nations involved in arms transactions with Iran. Trump emphasized that the policy applies to any country providing military equipment to Iran, signaling a strong economic response from Washington. The statement did not specify which countries might be affected or how enforcement would be carried out.

The post comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including reports of Israeli strikes in Gaza and diplomatic discussions involving Lebanon and Iran, though the tariff decision was presented as a separate U.S. policy move.

BNP lawmaker Mujibur Rahman from Gazipur-1 constituency has demanded official recognition of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the late Arafat Rahman Koko as 'child freedom fighters'. He made the demand during a discussion on the motion of thanks on the President’s address in the National Parliament on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Mujibur Rahman also called for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to be recognized as a full-fledged freedom fighter for her contribution during the Liberation War.

In his speech, the MP stated that Khaleda Zia and her two sons were held captive by Pakistani forces for nine months in 1971, demonstrating extraordinary patience and patriotism. He described their suffering as a rare example in history and insisted that his proposal was not political flattery but a historical truth.

He further emphasized that granting state honors to Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko as 'child freedom fighters' is now a demand of time, alongside recognizing Khaleda Zia’s role in the Liberation War.

Bangladesh’s stock market saw a sharp rebound on Wednesday following a dramatic turn in the Middle East conflict. US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire amid threats against Iran, easing global tension and triggering optimism among investors. The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) responded strongly, with its main index, DSEX, rising by 161 points or 3.12 percent. Trading volume also surged by about 66 percent to Tk 991.59 crore, marking the highest turnover in one and a half months.

Former DSE Brokers Association president Ahmed Rashid Lali told Amader Desh that the ceasefire announcement had a positive impact on the market, as investors hoped it could lead to a lasting resolution. He also noted that despite a new government taking office, the lack of clarity regarding potential changes in the regulatory commission had created uncertainty among investors.

Market data showed that the DSEX climbed from 5,156 to nearly 5,318 points, while the DSE Shariah and DSE-30 indices rose by 2.88 percent and 2.77 percent respectively. Prices increased for 367 listed issues, fell for 15, and remained unchanged for 11.

An attack struck Iran’s Lavan oil refinery on Wednesday morning, hours after the United States announced a ceasefire. According to a statement from the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company, the incident occurred at 6:30 GMT (10:00 local time) on Lavan Island. Security and firefighting teams were deployed to control the situation and extinguish the fire. The company confirmed that no casualties had been reported, as workers were evacuated in time.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, noted that the attack came amid heightened regional tensions despite the U.S. ceasefire declaration. The refinery is part of Iran’s key oil infrastructure, and the incident underscores ongoing instability affecting energy facilities in the region.

Authorities have not yet disclosed who was responsible for the attack or the extent of the damage, leaving uncertainty about potential disruptions to oil production or exports.