Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said that business leaders have demanded an uninterrupted energy supply and government support for renewable energy initiatives. He made the remarks on Saturday, April 4, after the first meeting of the Private Sector Development Advisory Council held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

According to the minister, the ongoing war in Iran has created an energy crisis that is putting pressure on Bangladesh’s economy. Business representatives also called for the introduction of e-visas for foreign travelers to facilitate easier entry for investors. They emphasized lowering bank interest rates, reforming the National Board of Revenue, and expanding the tax base instead of burdening specific business groups.

The minister added that entrepreneurs urged simplification of licensing procedures to encourage medium-sized exporters and called for the launch of a deep-sea port to accelerate trade and import-export activities.

The first meeting of the Private Sector Development Advisory Council was held in Dhaka under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. During the three-and-a-half-hour discussion, business leaders demanded assurance of uninterrupted energy supply to sustain industrial operations and investment growth. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury briefed reporters after the meeting, noting that the session aimed to strengthen the investment climate and address existing industrial challenges.

According to the finance minister, business representatives also sought government support for renewable energy initiatives, introduction of e-visas for foreign investors, lower bank interest rates, and reforms in the National Board of Revenue to expand the tax base without burdening specific sectors. They further called for easier licensing for medium entrepreneurs, faster trade processes, and the activation of a deep-sea port to boost exports.

Discussions also covered reopening closed factories and reviving dormant government projects. The prime minister listened to the business community’s concerns, and notes were taken for follow-up action to resolve pending issues through continued dialogue.

A delegation from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The meeting was confirmed by Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Roni. Discussions focused on how the government and AIIB would collaborate on future initiatives.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the talks covered cooperation on resolving the country’s energy crisis and advancing development investments. He added that the AIIB agreed to provide budgetary support to help Bangladesh address current economic pressures related to development and energy challenges. The meeting also included discussions on potential collaboration for infrastructure improvement.

The assurance of budget support from AIIB is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s fiscal capacity and facilitate progress in key infrastructure and energy sectors, according to the discussions reported from the meeting.

An oil tanker named 'Shan Gang Fa Jian' carrying more than 34,000 tons of diesel from Malaysia has arrived at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port. The vessel anchored off Kutubdia coast on Saturday morning and is scheduled to unload its cargo at the Dolphin Jetty on Sunday, according to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) public relations officer Farzin Hasan Moumita.

Nazrul Islam, managing partner of the vessel’s local agent Pride Shipping Lines, said that about five to six thousand tons of diesel will be unloaded offshore through lightering using at least two smaller tankers in two phases. Another tanker from Singapore carrying 27,300 tons of diesel began unloading at Dolphin Jetty on Friday and is expected to leave the port on Sunday.

Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim stated that oil and gas vessels are being given priority berthing to address the ongoing fuel shortage. BPC sources added that new import initiatives from various countries are underway to maintain stable fuel supply.

Iran has expressed interest in enhancing bilateral diplomatic relations with its neighboring countries, according to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, Ghalibaf stated that Iran was prepared for ongoing conflicts and had already demonstrated its defense capabilities. He described the current war as Israel’s war, saying that the resulting security crisis and damage had affected the entire world.

Ghalibaf said Iran was compelled to target U.S. bases and interests to maintain its regional presence. He warned that any escalation against Iran would trigger a “widespread and severe” response against U.S. regional interests. He emphasized that ensuring regional security was in the interest of all countries involved and that sustainable security remained Iran’s priority.

The speaker added that regional nations could protect their interests through bilateral and multilateral security agreements without foreign interference. He identified the United States and Israel as the main sources of regional instability and said lasting security could only be achieved by eliminating their influence.

Bangladesh’s Cultural Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury announced that the parade celebrating the Bengali New Year will henceforth be known as 'Boishakhi Shovajatra'. He made the announcement on Saturday, April 4, in Mohammadpur, Magura district, during the foundation stone laying ceremony of a modern district rest house.

The minister explained that there is no difference between the previously used names 'Mangal Shovajatra' and 'Ananda Shovajatra', but the celebration will now officially take place under the new title. He emphasized that the Bengali New Year is a long-standing cultural heritage of the Bengali people, belonging to no political party, and enjoyed by everyone from farmers to ordinary citizens. He also stated that the government will continue to serve all citizens, including those who did not vote.

The event was chaired by District Council Administrator Alia Ahmed and attended by Magura-1 Member of Parliament Monowar Hossain Khan, District Commissioner Abdullah Al Mahmud, and Superintendent of Police Molla Azad. The minister inaugurated the foundation stone with prayers and blessings.

An Iranian attack reportedly damaged a US CH-47 Chinook helicopter stationed in Kuwait on April 3, according to Iranian state-affiliated media Tasnim, which released images of the incident as visual evidence. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated on Friday night that its air defense units shot down one warplane and five drones or cruise missiles in a single day, describing the event as a 'dark day' for US and Israeli air forces.

The confrontation follows a large-scale military campaign launched by the United States and Israel against Iran after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, senior military officials, and civilians on February 28. The attacks reportedly caused significant casualties and extensive infrastructure damage across Iran.

In retaliation, Iranian forces have been conducting missile and drone strikes targeting US and Israeli positions and regional bases, according to the same source.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam has called on former chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to join street protests to preserve the reforms introduced during the interim government. Speaking to reporters at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday after returning from performing Umrah, Nahid said those who once held interim government responsibilities must now speak out against the repeal of their ordinances.

He accused the current BNP government of ignoring reform commitments and acting autocratically after gaining a two-thirds majority. Nahid alleged that the BNP is refusing to turn key ordinances—such as those on enforced disappearance prevention, the Human Rights Commission, and judicial appointments—into law, thereby undermining democratic accountability. He also reminded the BNP that many of its leaders had been victims of disappearances and warned that repealing such measures would tarnish the party’s image.

Nahid stated that since parliamentary solutions have failed, his party will take to the streets to demand a constitutional reform council and legal recognition of the ordinances. He warned that without public trust, the BNP government would struggle to govern amid looming economic challenges.

Researchers at Gazipur Agricultural University have developed a new high-yielding, short-duration, slender Aus rice variety named GAU Dhan-4. After nearly a decade of research and field trials, the variety received official approval at the 115th meeting of the National Seed Board on February 5, 2026. The university announced the development in a press statement on Saturday, noting that the innovation aims to boost farmers’ income and strengthen national food security.

The research team, led by Professors M. Moynul Haque and Mosiul Islam from the Department of Agronomy, created the variety by crossing the traditional Aus rice Parija with the high-yielding fine-grain BU Dhan-2. GAU Dhan-4 matures within 90 to 100 days, allowing farmers to cultivate up to four crops annually. It yields 5 to 5.5 tons per hectare under favorable conditions, requires less water, and shows resistance to diseases. The grain contains about 24.58% amylose and 8.38% protein, making it nutritious and easily digestible.

University Vice-Chancellor GKM Mostafizur Rahman praised the innovation as a reflection of researchers’ dedication and said it would significantly contribute to increasing agricultural productivity in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque has accused the BNP of disregarding the people’s clear verdict in a recent referendum and attempting to consolidate authoritarian power through constitutional amendments. He made the remarks on Saturday during the party’s central executive council meeting at its Purana Paltan headquarters in Dhaka, chaired by Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed.

Mamunul Haque alleged that the BNP, using its parliamentary majority, was ignoring the referendum outcome and revising ordinances issued during the previous interim government, despite having supported some of them earlier. He warned that such actions signaled a dangerous political crisis. The meeting announced nationwide protests on April 10 and a mass rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on April 24 to demand implementation of the referendum verdict.

The meeting also criticized recent comments by the culture minister, expressed concern over fuel shortages and vaccine scarcity, and condemned ongoing attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States, urging global leaders to act for peace in the Middle East.

The Bangladesh government has taken a major initiative to modernize and expand the fleet of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The process of purchasing 14 new Boeing aircraft is in its final stage, with policy approval already granted and only the signing of the agreement remaining. Due to the long delivery timeline, the government is also planning to lease Airbus aircraft as an interim solution.

According to the State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, the proposed Boeing deal, worth about 3.7 billion dollars, may include Dreamliner models such as the Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 MAX for regional routes. Delivery of these aircraft could take up to five years, prompting the government to consider dry leasing Airbus planes for the next five years. Discussions with the European manufacturer are ongoing.

Currently, Biman operates around 14 aircraft on international routes, though at least 30 to 35 are needed to meet demand. The government has also initiated reforms to address operational inefficiencies and staff shortages, aiming to transform Biman into an internationally competitive airline.

Pediatric specialist Dr. Abid Hossain Molla advised that children who have already received two doses of the measles vaccine do not need to be vaccinated again. He explained that the first dose should be administered at nine months of age and the second at fifteen months. According to him, these two doses provide sufficient immunity against measles, eliminating the need for additional vaccination. Parents were urged to follow the recommended schedule and seek medical advice when necessary.

Meanwhile, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bokul announced that starting Sunday at 9 a.m., measles vaccinations will be administered to children aged six months to under five years in 30 upazilas across 18 districts. Alongside the vaccine, vitamin A capsules will be provided to sick children. The minister assured that no child will be left out of the vaccination program and that there is no risk of side effects for those previously vaccinated.

He added that the situation remains under control and urged the public not to panic.

Member of Parliament Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury announced that development projects in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, will be adopted and implemented after carefully reviewing public opinion. He made the statement on Saturday at a consultation meeting focused on setting strategies for the 2026–27 fiscal year and the next five-year work plan. The meeting was organized by the upazila administration and chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Islam Uddin.

Expressing gratitude to voters for electing him, Mujibur Rahman said that under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the current BNP government is working for public welfare. He added that the government has various plans to improve the living standards of disadvantaged ethnic communities and tea workers, which will be implemented gradually. The five-year plan will also identify local problems, opportunities, and potentials for Sreemangal’s development.

During the meeting, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer informed that residents can submit written opinions within seven days to contribute to the upcoming fiscal and five-year development plans. Officials, politicians, and representatives from various professional groups attended the event.

Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the Jatiya Nagorik Party and Member of Parliament for Rangpur-4, stated that the government will not be able to survive if it disregards the people’s verdict delivered through a referendum. He made the remarks on Saturday at a rally held in the courtyard of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram.

Hossain explained that the call for a reform council was not new and that all political parties had previously agreed through the Consensus Commission to pursue constitutional reforms aimed at sustainable change. He accused the ruling side of ignoring the people’s mandate in pursuit of a two-thirds majority and insisted that the constitution should represent the people rather than follow the 1972 Mujibist model.

Addressing the government, he alleged that authorities oppose reforms and referendums to maintain control under a single individual. He warned that no government could remain in power by disregarding public opinion.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has denied involvement in the March 3 drone attack on the United States embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The organization claimed that Israel was responsible for carrying out the operation. The statement followed a Wall Street Journal report suggesting that the damage from the attack was far greater than Saudi authorities had initially disclosed.

According to that report, while Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry described the incident as a limited fire causing minor damage, the blaze reportedly lasted for several hours and caused extensive destruction. The IRGC condemned the report, asserting that Iran’s armed forces had no connection to the attack and labeling it as an act by “Zionists” consistent with Israel’s regional strategy.

The IRGC further urged Muslim nations to remain alert to what it described as “American-Zionist plots” aimed at destabilizing and destroying the region, calling for vigilance among neighboring countries.