Attorney General Barrister Ruhul Kudddus Kajol stated that the July mass uprising gave birth to an anti-fascist spirit in Bangladesh, describing the current government as an expression of that revolutionary ideal. He made the remarks on Friday, April 10, 2026, while speaking to journalists after a meeting with local dignitaries at Kotchandpur Pilot High School field in Jhenaidah.

Kajol said the people had hoped for the creation of an anti-fascist state through the July revolution, and the government’s commitment to fulfilling that aspiration is clear. He added that the government has already introduced a policy to protect participants of the July movement. On the verdict in the Shahid Abu Sayed murder case, he noted that the tribunal delivered its judgment based on evidence, and any aggrieved party may appeal within 30 days.

Regarding judicial independence, the Attorney General said the government is determined to establish a separate secretariat for the judiciary, and the law minister has clarified this stance in parliament. He added that the High Court’s ruling on the matter is not final, and the issue will be settled after the Supreme Court’s decision.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected Bangladesh’s economic growth at 4 percent for the 2025–26 fiscal year, according to its Asian Development Outlook released on Friday. The report noted that after 3.5 percent growth in 2024–25, GDP is expected to rise to 4.7 percent in the following year as consumption and investment recover amid reduced political uncertainty after the general election. The impact of Middle East conflicts on supply chains is expected to gradually ease.

ADB Country Director Ho Yun Jeong said Bangladesh faces a difficult economic situation influenced by global uncertainty, structural constraints, and external and financial pressures. He added that the new government’s reform program offers an opportunity to strengthen macroeconomic stability, restore private sector confidence, and support recovery through consistent policy and reforms.

The report also projected inflation near 9 percent this fiscal year, easing to 8.5 percent next year as external pressures decline. The current account deficit is expected at 0.5 percent of GDP, rising slightly to 0.6 percent due to higher imports and trade gaps, while remittance inflows remain stable.

Bangladesh defeated Chinese Taipei 3-2 in a tense placement match at the Asian Games hockey qualifying tournament held in Bangkok, Thailand. The victory ensured a fifth-place finish for the team, following their earlier win over Hong Kong that had already confirmed their qualification for the Asian Games. Bangladesh took the lead early through a penalty corner goal by Ashraful, but Taipei equalized soon after. Ashraful scored again in the second quarter, and though Taipei leveled once more after halftime, Mehrab Hossain Samin restored Bangladesh’s lead.

In the final quarter, Chinese Taipei dominated possession and earned several penalty corners, including three in the dying moments, but Bangladesh’s defense held firm to preserve the win. The result marked a strong finish for Bangladesh, who had also opened the tournament with a victory over the same opponent.

While Bangladesh once regularly reached the finals in such tournaments, this year’s fifth-place finish came after a series of hard-fought matches, reflecting both resilience and progress under pressure.

Professor Mohammed Elmasry of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies stated that the Trump administration is facing a political and economic disaster due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. He said that despite strong rhetoric, it is widely acknowledged that Iran holds a favorable position in upcoming talks with the United States.

Elmasry explained that after nearly six weeks of intense bombing, the United States has failed to achieve its objectives in Iran. The Iranian regime and its proxy networks remain intact, and the country still possesses missiles and drones. Reports indicate that about half of Iran’s missile launchers are ready for extended warfare if necessary.

The analyst added that Iran now controls the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic advantage it did not have six weeks earlier. He described the situation as disastrous for President Trump and the United States, calling it both a political and economic catastrophe.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has started selling nomination forms for the reserved women’s seats in the 12th National Parliament. The process was formally inaugurated on Friday at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General. Rizvi said the party’s parliamentary board will consider candidates’ roles in movements, organizational skills, political experience, and ability to speak effectively in parliament before making final decisions. He expressed hope that all members would accept the party’s decisions without creating any negative atmosphere.

Rizvi added that women leaders who have long served the party with dedication will be recognized through a fair and acceptable process. Nomination forms will be available until April 12, and the first forms were handed to Jarin Delwar Hossain and Fatema Asad. Many female leaders attended the event, submitting fees and collecting receipts amid enthusiasm.

According to the Election Commission’s schedule, nomination submission ends on April 21, with verification on April 22–23 and voting on May 12. The BNP alliance will receive 36 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami 13, and independents one.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that any discussion with the United States depends on achieving a ceasefire in Lebanon. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, he stated that all attacks, particularly in Lebanon, must stop before talks can take place. Baghaei emphasized that solidarity between the peoples of Iran and Lebanon is stronger than ever.

He explained that ending the conflict in Lebanon is an integral part of Pakistan’s proposed ceasefire agreement. According to him, Pakistan’s prime minister has declared that the United States is committed to halting hostilities across all battlefronts, including Lebanon. Any action contrary to this commitment would amount to a refusal by Washington to honor its pledge.

Baghaei added that Pakistan has invited both sides to hold discussions in Islamabad, which are under review and planning. However, he stressed that any such meeting would only occur if the United States provides assurances of fulfilling its ceasefire obligations. Details of Iran’s delegation will be announced once travel plans are finalized.

At least five vessels carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh by April 15, according to the Chattogram Port Authority and related shipping agents. The shipments include LNG for the Maheshkhali floating terminal and LPG for Chattogram. On April 10, the vessel ‘Morning Jelly’ from Malaysia is expected to reach Chattogram with 2,470 tons of LPG, while the US vessel ‘EMEI’ carrying about 69,000 tons of LNG will arrive at the Maheshkhali floating storage and regasification unit. Another LNG ship, ‘Kongtong,’ will follow on April 11, ‘Paul’ will bring LPG from Malaysia on April 13, and ‘Maran Gas Hydra’ from Australia is expected on April 15.

Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim said all five ships are currently en route and are being prioritized for berthing to maintain normal fuel supply. Earlier, two tankers carrying octane and high-sulfur fuel oil from Malaysia arrived at the port. According to Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL), nine LNG vessels are expected this month, with two already unloading. In March, Bangladesh imported about 600,000 tons of LNG from eight ships, easing supply pressure.

The continued arrival of LNG and LPG shipments is expected to stabilize the country’s energy supply in the coming weeks.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy announced on Thursday that the country’s daily oil supply capacity has fallen by 700,000 barrels, equivalent to about 10 percent of its current exports, following attacks on its East-West pipeline. The ministry confirmed that one of the pipeline’s pumping stations was among the targets, disrupting the flow of crude oil across the kingdom.

This marks the first official Saudi statement acknowledging damage to its energy infrastructure caused by Iranian attacks. The announcement comes as the United States and Iran prepare for high-level peace talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. The East-West pipeline has become increasingly vital for Gulf oil transport since Iran took control of the Strait of Hormuz and restricted vessel movement through the waterway.

The ministry also reported that the Manifa and Khurais oil processing centers were hit in the same wave of attacks, further straining Saudi Arabia’s energy operations.

At least a dozen US military bases across the Gulf region have been severely damaged in Iran’s retaliatory strikes following attacks by the United States and Israel, according to a report published on April 10, 2026. The damage is described as so extensive that the bases have become more of a liability than an asset for US forces. The New York Times previously reported that the affected installations were nearly uninhabitable, though the Trump administration has not acknowledged the extent of the losses.

Mark Lynch, director of the Project on Middle East Political Science at George Washington University, stated during the Arab Center Washington DC’s annual conference that Iran had rendered the physical architecture of US dominance ineffective within a month. He added that no comprehensive or accurate report on the scale of the damage has been made public. Access to bases in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman remains tightly restricted by both the Pentagon and host governments.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that secrecy around the sites is being maintained to protect the security of US bases used in operations against Iran.

Member of Parliament Saeed Al Noman from Chattogram-10 has formally requested the inclusion of recitation as an independent division under the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Ordinance 2026. In a demi-official letter sent to Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury on Thursday, he emphasized that recitation is a vital part of the nation’s cultural identity and deserves institutional recognition. He confirmed the matter to the newspaper on Friday.

In his letter, Noman noted that although the number of divisions in the new ordinance has been increased from six to nine, recitation was not included as a separate category. He described this omission as unfortunate and concerning, arguing that it undermines an important cultural tradition. He highlighted that recitation plays a historic role in promoting the Bengali language and culture and helps nurture a humane and culturally aware generation.

Cultural enthusiasts across the country have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that recognizing recitation as an independent division will invigorate the art form and strengthen Bangladesh’s literary and cultural continuity.

Pakistan’s representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar, stated that the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Israel includes a provision to halt attacks in Lebanon. He questioned why confusion was being created over Lebanon’s inclusion, asserting that it is a clear part of the proposal.

Earlier, the White House had clarified that Lebanon was not included in the two-week ceasefire agreement announced between the United States and Iran. White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt said this during a briefing, noting that US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had spoken by phone on Tuesday night. Netanyahu expressed support for the ceasefire efforts and was described as an important partner in the discussions.

The differing statements from Pakistan and the White House highlight uncertainty over the scope of the ceasefire and whether it extends to Lebanon, a point that could affect regional stability if not clarified.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has started selling nomination forms for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the process at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, on Friday morning. The sale will continue until Sunday, April 12. Each form costs 2,000 taka, with an additional 50,000 taka required as a security deposit. Rizvi said that priority will be given to women who played significant roles in past movements, possess strong educational backgrounds, and have the ability to speak effectively in parliament.

He added that the party’s parliamentary board will decide on the final nominations and urged all aspirants to maintain party discipline. Rizvi emphasized the need for vibrant parliamentary discussions as a core strength of democracy. The Election Commission has scheduled the reserved women’s seat election for May 12, with nomination submissions closing on April 21 and symbol allocation on April 30.

According to the announced schedule, the 13th Parliament will include 50 reserved seats for women, with the BNP alliance holding 36, the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance 13, and independents one.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has started selling nomination forms for reserved women’s seats at its central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka. The process began on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11 a.m., with each form priced at 2,000 taka. Interested candidates can collect and submit their forms by April 12, along with a 50,000 taka security deposit.

Earlier, the Election Commission announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seat election for the 13th National Parliament. According to the schedule, the last date for submitting nomination papers is April 21, with scrutiny on April 22 and 23. Appeals can be filed on April 26 and resolved by April 28. The withdrawal deadline is April 29, symbols will be allocated on April 30, and voting will take place on May 12.

Out of 350 parliamentary seats, 50 are reserved for women. The BNP-led alliance will receive 36 of these seats, 13 will go to allied parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, and one seat is designated for independent candidates.

Mongla Port, Bangladesh’s second-largest seaport, maintained steady import and export operations despite global economic and energy challenges. According to port authorities, 10.5 million metric tonnes of goods were traded through 679 ships in the first nine months of the current fiscal year. The port’s performance improved due to modern facilities, dredging, and efficient management.

Officials said that while many ports faced slowdowns due to the global energy crisis, Mongla sustained normal operations by leveraging its strategic location and upgraded infrastructure. Imports of essential goods such as clinker, fertilizer, coal, stone, wheat, rice, and frozen products continued, alongside increased use of the port for ready-made garment exports. The opening of the Padma Bridge has also boosted business interest by improving connectivity with Dhaka and nearby industrial zones.

Authorities noted that larger vessels can now dock directly at the jetty following dredging works, and container handling time has decreased with expanded yards and new equipment. Business leaders said Mongla has become a reliable alternative to Chattogram Port, particularly for vehicle imports and faster delivery systems.

A joint operation by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) recovered 2,000 liters of illegally stored loose soybean oil in Rupganj, Narayanganj. The raid took place around midnight on Thursday at Kazipara Chourasta in Tarab Union, where two warehouses owned by individuals named Raju and Khorshed were searched.

Authorities reported finding nine barrels of unbottled soybean oil that had been collected from local markets and stored for illegal bottling and marketing. Evidence showed that the oil was being repackaged and labeled under the names 'Bondhon Plus' and 'Bismillah' for sale in the market.

Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Marjanul Haque of Narayanganj district administration ordered the immediate sealing of the warehouses. Legal proceedings related to the incident are currently underway.