Bangladesh is experiencing a major energy crisis, with 65 percent of its power generation capacity currently inactive. Out of a total capacity of 32,322 megawatts, only 10,000 to 10,500 megawatts are being added daily to the national grid. Officials from the Power Division and related agencies said the Power Development Board paid over Tk 26,000 crore in capacity charges in one fiscal year. They blamed the previous Awami League government’s policies for the current crisis, citing mismanagement and corruption in the energy sector.

Gas-based plants, with a capacity of 12,000 megawatts, are producing only about 4,000 megawatts due to gas shortages, while coal-based plants are generating 4,500 megawatts out of 7,500. Oil-based plants are also underperforming. Experts warned that if the fuel crisis continues, the country could face severe power disruptions as summer demand rises to 18,000 megawatts. The interim government has published a white paper alleging Tk 1.25 trillion in corruption in the power and energy sectors during the Awami League’s 15-year rule.

Officials said the government is struggling to maintain supply despite having 32,000 megawatts of installed capacity, while unpaid bills exceeding Tk 50,000 crore threaten future energy imports and production.

The United States military, under President Donald Trump’s directive, is set to begin a naval blockade around Iran starting Monday morning, according to the US Central Command. Iran has warned that while the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to civilian vessels, no military ships will be allowed to pass. The blockade follows a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, after which Iran effectively closed the strait, a route that carries about 20 percent of the world’s energy supply, triggering global energy instability.

In response, Gulf countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia are moving to secure alternative routes. Qatar has lifted all maritime restrictions, while Saudi Arabia announced that its east-west pipeline, previously damaged by Iranian attacks, is now fully operational. This pipeline can transport up to seven million barrels of oil daily, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz entirely. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s Manifa oil field is ready to supply an extra 300,000 barrels per day.

Amid the ongoing crisis, Gulf nations are relying on new strategies and alternative routes to sustain their economies, as uncertainty over the Hormuz Strait continues.

Israel has intensified its attacks on Lebanon’s southern border areas since February 28, coinciding with its joint offensive with the United States against Iran. According to reports, Israeli forces have destroyed entire villages in southern Lebanon, including Tayba, Naqoura, and Deir Saryan. The Guardian analyzed videos posted by the Israeli military showing widespread explosions across these villages, though satellite verification has not yet been confirmed.

The destruction reportedly followed an order from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who instructed forces to demolish all houses along the Lebanon border, similar to operations in Gaza’s Rafah and Beit Hanoun. Israel claims the strikes target Hezbollah tunnels and military sites, asserting that the group operates from civilian areas. The military also plans to establish a “security zone” from the border to the Litani River, barring displaced residents from returning until northern Israel’s security is ensured.

Human rights organizations have condemned the campaign as unlawful destruction of civilian property, calling it a potential war crime under international law. A Human Rights Watch researcher said the justification for razing entire villages is unfounded.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) saw a festive atmosphere at its Nayapaltan headquarters as the deadline for submitting nominations for reserved women’s seats in the 13th Parliament ended on Sunday. More than 1,200 nomination forms were sold over three days, and over 900 completed forms were submitted by female leaders. Although the official deadline was 5 p.m., submissions continued until 9 p.m., and the party decided to accept additional forms on Monday.

According to party sources, the BNP’s parliamentary board will now verify the submitted biographies before shortlisting candidates for interviews and development plan discussions. The party has 36 reserved seats but may review over 100 candidates. Interviews are scheduled to begin on April 16, led by Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan after his return from medical treatment. Selection will consider regional representation, with special attention to districts where BNP candidates lost in the general election.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi warned of disciplinary action against any misconduct toward celebrity aspirants, emphasizing that organizational ability and intellect will guide the final selection.

Turkey is positioning Istanbul as a rival to Dubai by expanding tax incentives and support measures to attract international investors. According to a report citing a senior Turkish official, Ankara plans to enhance benefits already available at the Istanbul Financial Center (IFC), including tax exemptions and income incentives for foreign professionals. The move comes as regional instability, triggered by Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Gulf financial hubs following strikes by the United States and Israel, threatens the Middle East’s investment centers.

Bloomberg reported that Turkey intends to broaden these tax incentives for multinational companies, allowing up to 50 percent tax exemption on income from foreign trade activities. Earlier this year, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted 40 global CEOs at a World Economic Forum event in Istanbul, signaling growing foreign interest in Turkey’s investment landscape. IFC’s CEO said some firms are considering relocating or expanding operations in Turkey due to the Iran conflict.

However, concerns remain over Turkey’s legal system, inflation, and rule of law, which some international bankers say could deter investors. Officials acknowledge that addressing these issues is key to attracting data centers and AI companies.

Multiple factions are engaged in efforts to seize control of North Western University in Khulna, Bangladesh, leading to internal conflict and legal battles. Since August, the institution has faced disruptions following attempts to take over key trustee positions. Founding trustees were barred from campus, and several were implicated in a vandalism case linked to a political office attack. Trustee Pabitra Kumar Sarkar, who challenged the legitimacy of the current board, was later arrested by the Detective Branch police.

The university, established in November 2012 as Khulna’s first private university, has seen leadership changes tied to political shifts. After former chairman Talukder Abdul Khaleque went into hiding, BNP-backed Sirajul Haque Chowdhury took charge, later replaced by Mizanur Rahman in May 2025. The University Grants Commission (UGC) later declared Mizanur Rahman and Hafizur Rahman invalid trustees, and a January 2026 court ruling barred them from acting as trustees.

Despite the court order, both continued activities and appealed the verdict, with a hearing set for April 16. Sarkar’s arrest before the hearing has raised concerns among his associates, who allege pressure to withdraw the case.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the United States could find a path to agreement with Iran if it abandons its authoritarian stance and respects the rights of the Iranian nation. He made the remarks in a brief statement posted on social media platform X on Sunday night.

In his message, Pezeshkian also praised Iran’s Parliament Speaker and head of the national delegation, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, congratulating him and other members of the negotiating team. He expressed his hope that divine support would guide their efforts.

The statement reflects Pezeshkian’s emphasis on mutual respect as a foundation for potential understanding between Tehran and Washington, while also highlighting internal unity within Iran’s leadership.

Public support among Americans for the ongoing war with Iran has declined, according to a new CBS and YouGov poll. The survey found that support fell by two percentage points from the end of last month, standing now at 36 percent. The drop follows a broader decline in President Donald Trump’s popularity, which had already fallen to 38 percent in a Reuters and Ipsos poll in February, marking the lowest level since his return to office for a second term.

By late March, 62 percent of Americans opposed the Iran war, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with its domestic impact. The latest consumer price index showed rising inflation in the United States, which many Americans view as a negative consequence of the conflict. The combination of economic strain and declining presidential approval appears to be shaping public sentiment toward the war.

The polling data suggest that continued inflation and opposition to the Iran war could further challenge Trump’s administration in maintaining public support.

Former Pakistani information minister and defense analyst Mushahid Hussain Sayed has described U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz as nothing more than an exaggeration. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Sayed said that control of the strategic waterway effectively lies with Iran, and Trump’s warning would not intimidate or subdue the Iranian side.

Sayed argued that such rhetoric from Washington amounts to bluster rather than a realistic policy move. He added that attempts to pressure Iran through threats have not succeeded in the past 43 days and are unlikely to do so in the near future. His remarks came amid heightened tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.

The interview reflects ongoing regional skepticism about the feasibility of any U.S. naval blockade in the area, with analysts emphasizing Iran’s strong position in controlling the strait.

Freight transport in Chattogram has dropped sharply due to a fuel shortage, with the number of operating trucks, lorries, and covered vans falling below 8,000—a 30 percent decline from the usual 13,000 vehicles. At the same time, transport fares have risen by 20 to 40 percent, severely affecting importers and exporters who now face difficulties in maintaining regular supply chains. The shortage has also led to fears of an artificial market crisis.

Truck drivers and transport offices report that fuel scarcity has reduced vehicle availability, forcing them to pay significantly higher rental rates. For example, the cost of sending an open truck from Chattogram to Dhaka has increased from about Tk 24,000–25,000 to Tk 33,000–35,000, while covered van and container lorry rates have also surged. Drivers describe long waits at fuel stations, limited fuel allocations, and growing safety concerns.

Industry representatives warn that if fuel supply to port-based transport is not prioritized, Chattogram Port’s operations and the national economy could face serious disruption. Business leaders allege that some groups are exploiting the crisis to manipulate the supply chain, though consumer markets have not yet shown major instability.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain announced that an international-standard DNA laboratory will be established in Dhaka. He stated that with a population of 25 million and a growing number of DNA tests each year, the ministry’s forensic DNA laboratory will be upgraded into a modern facility. The announcement was made during a meeting of the Forensic DNA Laboratory Advisory Council at the National Science and Technology Complex in Agargaon, Dhaka.

The minister said that DNA screening laboratories at divisional levels will gradually be upgraded into fully self-sufficient profiling labs. He noted that the current forensic DNA lab equipment is over 15 years old, significantly reducing efficiency, and emphasized the need for new machines to ensure quality, purity, and accuracy in sample analysis. The ministry plans to integrate all forensic DNA reports into a centralized database under the Directorate of DNA Laboratory Management.

The advisory council also discussed staffing needs, database development, amendments to DNA laws and regulations, recruitment of qualified personnel, and setting analysis fees. Senior officials from the ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office attended the meeting.

A local BNP leader, Juel Amin, has been expelled from the party in Saghata upazila of Gaibandha following allegations of illegal sand extraction. The expulsion was announced on Sunday through a press release signed by Saghata Union BNP President Nazrul Islam Babu and General Secretary Atikur Rahman. The statement cited violations of party discipline and involvement in unethical activities as reasons for the disciplinary action.

Earlier, a report in Amar Desh revealed that trucks carrying illegally extracted sand from the Jamuna River had endangered a flood control embankment built at a cost of about Tk 25 crore. Following the report, police conducted a raid on Friday and detained BNP leader Juel Amin and Awami League leader Sabuj Mia. Both were accused of long-term involvement in illegal sand extraction and trade.

Local residents expressed concern that the activities had placed the riverbank embankment at serious risk of collapse and demanded strict action against those responsible.

A court in Jamalpur’s Melandah upazila has ordered ten leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations, including the president of the local Chhatra League, to be sent to jail. The order came on Sunday afternoon when the accused surrendered before the Madarganj Amli Court and sought bail in a case filed under the Special Powers Act. Judge Romana Akter rejected their bail petitions and directed that they be taken into custody.

According to court sources, the decision followed a hearing in which the court considered the allegations brought against the accused. Those sent to jail include Hossain Ali, Ariful Islam Shawon, Kamrul Hasan Al-Amin, Johurul Islam, Saiful Islam, Maji, Babor Ali, Sujon, Fazil Haque, and Mosaddik Hossain Jewel. Police Inspector (Unarmed) Abul Hossain of the Jamalpur Chief Judicial Magistrate Court confirmed the court’s order, stating that the accused were warrant-listed individuals who had surrendered voluntarily.

The incident has reportedly caused a stir in the local area following the court’s decision.

A five-day multipurpose jute product fair has been organized in Old Dhaka under the patronage of the district administration to mark Pahela Baishakh. The fair, featuring 26 stalls, is being held at the premises of the Dhaka District Commissioner’s Office and will run daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., concluding on Thursday. Dhaka District Commissioner Md. Rezaul Karim inaugurated the event on Sunday.

Following the inauguration, Commissioner Karim invited visitors to explore the creativity of local jute artisans, emphasizing that jute is a part of Bangladesh’s heritage and can be used to produce a wide variety of beautiful products. He urged support for jute-based entrepreneurs to help expand the market both domestically and internationally.

Addressing residents of Old Dhaka, the commissioner said the fair aims to showcase the area’s cultural heritage despite limited open spaces. He added that a colorful rally will be held on Pahela Baishakh to highlight Old Dhaka’s traditions and encourage community participation in the festivities.

In Kushtia’s Daulatpur upazila, the burial of self-proclaimed spiritual leader Shamim Reza, also known as Shamim Jahangir, took place under police supervision on Sunday evening. He had been killed by an angry mob accusing him of insulting Islam and the Holy Quran. The funeral prayer was held at 5:30 p.m. at the South-West Philipnagar graveyard, following an autopsy at Kushtia General Hospital and transfer of the body under army supervision.

Authorities reported that few followers attended the funeral. Some devotees had requested that the burial take place at his residence, but the family, local residents, and administration decided otherwise. The area around his residence remains tense, with police, RAB, BGB, and army personnel deployed to prevent further unrest.

Officials, including the Additional DIG of Khulna Range and the local MP, visited the site and urged calm. As of the report’s filing, no case had been registered and no arrests made. Injured individuals are receiving medical care under police protection.