US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka on Sunday, April 5, 2026. The meeting was confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman. During the meeting, both sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest.

As part of the meeting, Ambassador Christensen presented the Prime Minister with two historical photographs and a replica of the White House. One photograph featured the late President Ziaur Rahman with former US President Jimmy Carter, while the other showed former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia with former US President George H. W. Bush. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir were also present at the meeting.

The meeting underscored the continuation of diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and the United States, reflecting ongoing interest in strengthening bilateral relations.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met with French Ambassador Jean-Marc Serre-Charles at his office in Dhaka to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and France. The meeting focused on expanding existing collaboration and reviewing progress on ongoing development projects.

During the discussion, Minister Alamgir described France as an important development partner for Bangladesh and emphasized the need to broaden cooperation, particularly in rural development, infrastructure, and rural connectivity. He highlighted the potential for French support in improving inter-district communication in underdeveloped regions and presented related challenges and development needs to the ambassador.

Ambassador Serre-Charles praised the existing partnership and expressed France’s interest in deepening engagement with Bangladesh’s development journey. He noted particular optimism about enhancing cooperation in rural communication systems and safe water supply. Senior officials from the ministry and relevant departments were also present at the meeting.

Eight platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency to maintain law and order ahead of the upcoming by-election. The deployment began on April 2 and will continue until April 11. From April 3, BGB members started active patrols and security operations from three base camps in Bogura Sadar upazila.

Returning Officer Fazlul Karim stated that the BGB was deployed to ensure overall election security and will act as a striking force if necessary. The force will remain active before, during, and after the voting day as per the Election Commission’s decision. Additional measures, including the appointment of executive magistrates, have also been taken to strengthen security.

The by-election was called after the seat became vacant when Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman resigned following his election on February 12. Voting will take place on April 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with three candidates contesting and a total of 454,043 registered voters across 150 polling centers.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that there is no secret agreement between Bangladesh and the United States. He made the remarks on Sunday at the Secretariat after a meeting with the Prime Minister, responding to questions from journalists. The minister said that the U.S. ambassador had paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, during which both sides discussed continued cooperation on development and support for Rohingya refugees.

Dr. Rahman added that the United States would assist Bangladesh in ensuring energy security. He reiterated that no secret deal exists between the two countries. Addressing questions about oil imports, he mentioned that many countries face restrictions on purchasing oil from Russia, and Bangladesh would seek to buy oil from affordable sources.

The statements came amid ongoing discussions about Bangladesh’s international partnerships and energy strategies, with the government emphasizing transparency in its foreign engagements.

Israel is reportedly preparing to strike Iran’s energy installations but is waiting for a green light from the United States before taking action. According to a Reuters report citing a senior Israeli defense official, the attack could occur within a week, raising fears of escalating regional tensions.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it has 48 hours to reach an agreement to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz or face severe consequences. On his Truth Social account, Trump reminded that he had earlier given Iran a ten-day ultimatum to reach a deal or reopen the strait. He said time was running out and that strong measures could follow within 48 hours.

Trump had previously threatened to order strikes on Iran’s power plants, particularly its largest facility, if the strait was not reopened. Although he later said constructive talks were underway and temporarily suspended possible attacks, the extended deadline is set to expire on Monday night. Iran’s military command has dismissed Trump’s warnings as desperate and unbalanced.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has emphasized that strengthening debt management and expanding the tax base are the most urgent needs in Bangladesh’s current economic reality. Speaking on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at the closing session of the National Multistakeholder Consultation on Bangladesh Graduation Readiness Assessment at the Planning Commission’s NEC conference room, he said the government is determined to meet public expectations and take effective measures to overcome ongoing challenges.

The minister acknowledged that Bangladesh is facing a difficult economic situation requiring well-planned initiatives to maintain order and stability. He noted that some large projects in the past were undertaken without adequate planning, increasing debt pressure and raising questions about costs and implementation. He urged careful management of existing loans and more prudent selection of future projects to ensure sustainable development.

On taxation, Muktadir said the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains unsatisfactory and should be improved by expanding the tax net rather than raising rates. He added that enhancing domestic resource mobilization would strengthen debt repayment capacity and support sustainable development efforts.

Prime Minister’s Health Adviser Ziauddin Haider announced that the government has launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign to curb the rapid rise of infections among children. Speaking on Sunday morning at the Dudhlemou vaccination center in Bakerganj, Barishal, he said the government aims to bring every child under the vaccination program within the scheduled timeframe.

Haider emphasized that ensuring full vaccination coverage will keep the nation’s children healthy and safe. He assured that there will be no shortage of vaccines and noted that several international health organizations are assisting in the campaign. The event was attended by Barishal City Corporation Administrator Advocate Bilkis Jahan Shirin, Divisional Health Director Shyamal Chandra Mondal, District Commissioner Khairul Alam Suman, Upazila Executive Officer Rumana Afroze, and Upazila Health Officer Dr. Sumi Akter.

Local political and community representatives were also present at the inauguration, reflecting broad support for the nationwide immunization initiative.

State Minister for Power and Energy Anindya Islam Amit announced that shops and shopping malls in Bangladesh may now remain open until 7 pm instead of 6 pm, considering the current electricity and energy situation. He made the statement on Sunday afternoon. Business representatives had earlier requested permission to keep shops open until 8 pm.

The decision follows recent government measures to address an energy crisis triggered by ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East. To conserve power, the government revised working hours for public and private offices, which will now operate from 9 am to 4 pm until further notice. Banking hours have been set from 10 am to 3 pm, and shops were previously required to close by 6 pm.

The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on Saturday, April 4, implementing the new office schedule after cabinet approval on April 2. The updated shop closing time reflects a partial relaxation of earlier restrictions.

Israel has claimed responsibility for killing 90 Hezbollah members in a series of attacks in southern Lebanon. According to the Israeli military, the deaths occurred after renewed clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. The military also reported killing two additional Hezbollah fighters within the past 24 hours and said its air force destroyed several of the group’s facilities during overnight raids.

The escalation follows a rocket attack launched by Hezbollah in early March in support of Tehran after the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, Israel has intensified its operations across Lebanon, including in the capital Beirut, expanding its military presence and airstrikes.

The latest Israeli offensive has displaced about 1.2 million people from their homes in Lebanon, according to the report. The situation marks a significant deterioration in regional stability as both sides continue to exchange attacks.

Lebanese armed group Hezbollah announced that it launched a missile attack on an Israeli military ship located 68 nautical miles off the Lebanese coast. The group stated that the strike targeted a warship that was allegedly preparing for aggression against Lebanese territory. According to Hezbollah’s statement, the attack followed several hours of surveillance and involved the use of a naval cruise missile.

Hezbollah claimed that the missile directly hit its intended target. The group’s announcement was reported by Al Jazeera and shared through local media. The incident adds to ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which have seen repeated exchanges of fire and mutual accusations of aggression along the border region.

No immediate details were provided on the extent of the damage or any casualties resulting from the strike, and Israeli official responses were not included in the report.

Russian authorities reported that a Ukrainian drone strike damaged an oil pipeline near the Baltic port of Primorsk on April 5, 2026. According to Leningrad region governor Alexander Drozdenko, Russia’s air defense systems shot down 19 drones in the region. Debris from one of the drones struck part of the pipeline, which was later safely burned off. No casualties were reported in the incident.

The attack comes amid an increase in Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian infrastructure in recent months. Primorsk, located between the Finnish border and the major city of Saint Petersburg, was also attacked in March, when a fire broke out at an oil depot.

Authorities did not provide further details about the extent of the damage or potential disruptions to oil operations in the area.

Bangladesh is not yet prepared to graduate from the list of least developed countries due to current economic realities, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Sunday. Speaking to reporters after a multilateral consultation at the NEC Conference Center in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, he cited internal and external economic pressures that have complicated the situation and made the graduation process uncertain. The meeting presented the results of a UN-OHRLLS-led ‘Graduation Readiness Assessment’ conducted at the request of the Bangladesh government.

The minister identified rising foreign debt, domestic liabilities, high interest rates, and weaknesses in financial management as key risks to the economy. He added that subsidies in the energy sector, global price increases, and import dependency have further intensified challenges. The government faces continuous fiscal pressure, making the situation more complex.

Amir Khasru noted that there is an opportunity to extend the graduation timeline. During this period, the government plans to strengthen economic indicators, enhance skills, and implement policy reforms to improve readiness. He emphasized that capacity building and sound policy implementation are essential to overcome current challenges.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon said no final decision has yet been made regarding the introduction of online classes in educational institutions due to the global energy crisis caused by the war situation in the Middle East. He made the remarks on Sunday, April 5, at the Secretariat while speaking to journalists.

The minister stated that a decision on implementing online and offline classes will be made within this week. Meetings with stakeholders are scheduled to take place in the next couple of days, followed by a final decision at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday. Earlier, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani had said that the final decision on the matter would be known on Sunday, April 5, in light of the ongoing global energy challenges.

The government’s consideration of mixed-mode classes reflects its response to the energy crisis affecting educational operations, with a final policy direction expected soon.

Iran launched an attack targeting Abu Dhabi’s Borouge petrochemical plant, according to local authorities on April 5, 2026. Officials reported that debris from a missile or drone, intercepted by the Emirati air defense system, fell onto the facility and caused a fire. Firefighting teams and multiple agencies are working to bring the blaze under control.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office stated that operations at the plant have been immediately suspended until damage assessments are completed. No casualties have been reported so far. Gulf News added that several fires broke out at the site as a result of falling debris after the successful interception of aerial threats.

Earlier that morning, the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority confirmed that its air defense system had countered a missile threat originating from Iran. Authorities urged residents to remain in safe locations and follow official channels for real-time updates.

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abu Fazal Md. Sanaullah warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found negligent in performing their duties. He made the remarks on Sunday morning during a meeting in Bogura with law enforcement, vigilance and observation teams, and other related officials ahead of the Bogura-6 by-election.

Sanaullah stated that the 13th National Parliamentary Election had been conducted peacefully and without conflict, and the by-election should be treated with equal importance. He emphasized that previous controversies arose due to the carelessness of some presiding officers, which must not be repeated. He urged all concerned to remain alert to ensure a fair and orderly election process.

The commissioner also highlighted the issue of illegal and missing firearms, noting that more than four hundred pistols remain unaccounted for. He instructed law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant to prevent any misuse of such weapons. The meeting was chaired by District Commissioner Md. Toufiqur Rahman and attended by senior officials from the Election Commission, Ansar, BGB, and police.