Long queues were seen at filling stations across Dhaka on Sunday morning as motorists waited to buy fuel despite a recent price hike. The government adjusted fuel prices effective from midnight on Saturday, setting diesel at 115 taka per liter, kerosene at 130 taka, petrol at 135 taka, and octane at 140 taka. The adjustment followed rising prices in the global market.

Buyers expressed frustration over the increase, saying it has already affected daily life and raised the cost of goods. At stations in Asad Gate, Tejgaon, and Paribagh, fuel was being rationed, and many drivers complained of not receiving their desired amount even after waiting for hours.

The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association welcomed the government’s decision, saying it would reduce artificial shortages and hoarding tendencies while improving transparency in fuel distribution. The association added that aligning domestic prices with international markets helps stabilize supply and ensures fair business operations.

Iran is encountering two distinct strategies from the United States, according to Abbas Aslani, a senior fellow at Tehran’s Center for Middle East Strategic Studies. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Aslani said the first strategy involves negotiations, but questioned why Washington continues to impose naval blockades, expand sanctions, and strengthen its military presence in the region if it truly seeks an agreement.

He added that the second US strategy centers on pressure and threats. With the expiration of two ceasefire agreements—between the United States and Iran, and between Israel and Lebanon—Aslani warned that the likelihood of renewed confrontation is increasing. He noted that there are no signs of extending these truces, and no party appears to be discussing their renewal.

Aslani concluded that both sides seem to be using the lapse of ceasefires to exert pressure on each other, a situation that could ultimately lead to the resumption of conflict.

Iran has declared that it will not send its enriched uranium abroad, particularly to the United States, under any proposal. The announcement was made by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh during a diplomatic meeting in Turkey, as reported by Iran’s state news agency IRNA and cited by Al Jazeera. Tehran also stated that there is no possibility of reopening discussions on this issue.

Khatibzadeh explained that while messages have been exchanged between Iran and the United States at various levels, Washington has presented conditions and demands that Tehran considers exaggerated and unacceptable. He further indicated that there remains a significant gap between the two sides on nuclear matters, which continues to hinder progress in negotiations.

As a result, prospects for any new progress or agreement in the Iran–United States nuclear talks remain uncertain for the time being.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have threatened to shut down the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime passage linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The warning came from Hussein al-Ezzi, deputy foreign minister of the Houthi government, who said that if U.S. President Donald Trump continues to obstruct peace efforts, the strait could be closed. In a post on social media platform X, al-Ezzi declared that if Sanaa decides to close Bab al-Mandeb, no force could reopen it.

Al-Ezzi urged Trump and his allies to immediately end all actions and policies that hinder peace and to respect the rights of the Yemeni people and nation. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a vital global shipping route connecting the Red Sea to the Suez Canal, facilitating the transport of crude oil, energy supplies, and other goods between the Gulf, the Mediterranean, and Asia.

The statement underscores the strategic importance of the strait and signals potential risks to international maritime trade if tensions escalate further.

At least 280 people, including women and children, were aboard a wooden trawler that sank in the Andaman Sea while attempting to reach Malaysia from Bangladesh. Only nine survivors were rescued by a Bangladeshi-flagged ship and later handed over to the Coast Guard. The incident occurred after the vessel departed from the Cox’s Bazar coast on April 4, 2026, and capsized near the Andaman Islands following rough weather. Most passengers were from Cox’s Bazar, Teknaf, Ukhiya, and Chattogram, with some Rohingya refugees among them.

Local sources said human traffickers lured jobless youths and Rohingya women with false promises of employment and marriage before sending them on the dangerous sea journey. Despite repeated tragedies, the main traffickers remain at large, while six Bangladeshi survivors have been jailed as alleged smugglers. Families of the missing accuse authorities of inaction and claim traffickers continue operating openly. Police and Coast Guard officials confirmed the sinking but could not provide information on the missing passengers.

Local representatives reported that dozens of residents from Teknaf’s coastal villages remain unaccounted for, as families continue searching for their loved ones amid growing frustration over the lack of enforcement against trafficking networks.

U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social praising Israel as a great ally of the United States. In his message, Trump described Israel as brave, fearless, loyal, and intelligent, asserting that the country knows how to fight hard and win. He stated that whether people like Israel or not, it has proven itself as one of America’s greatest allies.

The post came a day after Trump had reportedly told Israel to stop bombing Lebanon. His latest remarks, however, expressed strong support for Israel’s conduct and resilience during times of conflict and pressure. The comments were reported by Al Jazeera and published by the outlet Amar Desh.

The timing of Trump’s statement suggests a shift in tone following his earlier call for restraint, though the source does not elaborate on any official policy implications or reactions from other parties.

The Ministry of Education in Bangladesh has officially abolished the long-standing 'silent expel' rule from public examinations. The decision followed instructions from Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan, who directed the immediate removal of the provision. The Dhaka Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education issued a notice on Saturday night confirming that Article 29 of the 2026 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Examination Policy, which contained the silent expel clause, is now void.

Earlier that day, during a virtual meeting on ensuring fair conduct of SSC, HSC, and equivalent exams, the minister ordered the cancellation of the practice. He explained that the rule originated from an outdated 1961 policy and had no basis in the 1980 Public Examination Act. The minister emphasized that no unreasonable regulation should exist in exam procedures and that students should not face measures harming their mental well-being.

The decision marks a significant policy shift aimed at modernizing examination governance and ensuring a more transparent and student-friendly environment in Bangladesh’s public exams.

Reports indicate that the United States may expand its naval blockade against Iran beyond the country's ports. According to the U.S. Central Command, more than 12 warships, over 10,000 troops, and a large number of combat aircraft have already been deployed around Iranian ports. So far, 23 Iranian or Iran-linked ships have been turned away as part of the ongoing blockade operations.

Additional reports suggest that the blockade could extend to Iranian-linked vessels found anywhere in the world, not just those entering or leaving Iranian ports. Analysts note that the U.S. has adopted policies allowing it to stop, inspect, or even seize ships connected to Iran or under sanctions globally. Such operations typically involve specially trained Marine or Navy SEAL teams boarding ships by helicopter and taking control, sometimes redirecting them to other ports.

Experts warn that if the blockade expands globally, it could significantly affect international trade, energy supply, and maritime security.

The United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom held a high-level diplomatic meeting to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to a statement from the UAE Foreign Ministry, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to review the regional situation and recent developments.

The statement said the talks covered the overall situation in the region, including what the UAE described as “unprovoked and terrorist attacks” by Iran against the Emirates and other Gulf countries. Cooper reaffirmed the UK’s solidarity with the UAE in protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens, residents, and visitors. Sheikh Abdullah praised Cooper’s visit, calling it a reflection of the strong bilateral relationship and the UK’s full support following Iran’s “terrorist aggression.”

The report noted that the UK has not yet issued an official statement regarding the meeting.

Turkey has shown interest in extending its natural gas supply agreement with Iran, which is set to expire in the coming months. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed that no formal discussions have yet begun due to ongoing conflicts but emphasized Ankara’s willingness to maintain gas imports from Iran to ensure supply continuity.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Bayraktar said Turkey remains committed to securing stable energy supplies despite regional instability. He noted that, despite tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Turkey has not faced any supply disruptions so far.

The minister’s remarks suggest that Ankara may soon initiate talks with Tehran to renew or extend the existing gas deal once conditions allow, aiming to safeguard its energy security.

Farmers in Sunamganj are anxious about bringing in their haor paddy crops as harvesting begins in some areas while others remain waterlogged. Many fields are partially submerged, making it nearly impossible to use harvester machines. Concerns have grown over labor shortages, diesel scarcity, heavy rainfall, and flash floods, with farmers frequently watching the skies in fear of further damage.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, 755 hectares of paddy have been harvested across 12 upazilas, while 3,189 hectares have been affected by waterlogging. Around 200,000 farmers cultivated 223,511 hectares of boro paddy this season, valued at about Tk 5,000 crore. Officials said 900 harvesters and reaper machines are ready for use, though water levels have limited their operation. Farmers have urged authorities to suspend sand and stone extraction for 15 days to ease the labor shortage.

District officials stated that embankments have been built to protect crops and that water will be drained where necessary. They expect full-scale harvesting to begin next week and finish by May 15 if weather conditions remain favorable.

Iran’s parliament speaker Bagher Ghalibaf warned that war could resume at any moment, according to a statement broadcast early Sunday on state television. Ghalibaf, who also serves as Iran’s chief negotiator, said Tehran does not trust the United States and cautioned that renewed conflict remains a real possibility.

His remarks came amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the current ceasefire. The warning reflects heightened tensions and a lack of confidence in diplomatic progress between the involved parties.

Meanwhile, Israeli radio, citing military and political sources, reported that Israel’s army has been placed on high alert over fears that the ceasefire with Iran could collapse.

The Dhaka Education Board has issued new instructions regarding entry to examination centers ahead of the 2026 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams, which begin on April 21. According to a notice signed by Exam Controller Professor S M Kamal Uddin Haydar, center secretaries have been requested to allow examinees to enter the centers from 8:30 a.m. to reduce traffic congestion and public inconvenience around exam venues. Previous instructions regarding entry into exam rooms will remain unchanged.

Separately, the Ministry of Education has abolished the long-standing 'silent expulsion' rule from the SSC examination policy following a directive from Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan. The Dhaka Board announced that Section 29 of the 2026 SSC Examination Conduct Policy, which contained the provision, is now void. The minister stated that the rule originated from an outdated 1961 guideline and had no basis in the 1980 Public Examination Act.

The minister emphasized that examinations should be held in a positive environment and that no regulation should negatively affect students’ mental health.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources has increased fuel prices by 15 to 20 taka per liter, according to a government notification issued yesterday. The Islamist political party Khelafat Majlis strongly protested the decision in a statement released on Sunday, saying the hike has pushed fuel prices to a record high in the country’s history and will intensify inflation and public suffering.

Party leaders Maulana Abdul Basit Azad and Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader questioned the timing of the increase, noting that the government cited global oil price rises and the ongoing Middle East war as reasons, even though the conflict is reportedly nearing its end. They also criticized the government for reducing subsidies under pressure from international lenders such as the IMF and development partners.

The statement further alleged that fuel shortages at pumps, long queues, and mismanagement have already caused insecurity among citizens. Khelafat Majlis demanded an immediate rollback of the price hike and effective measures to ensure national energy security.

The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association has proposed a 15 paisa per kilometer increase in bus fares following a recent rise in diesel prices. The organization’s secretary general, Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, made the proposal on Sunday night after reports surfaced of a secret meeting at the BRTA headquarters to discuss fare adjustments. He alleged that influential leaders of the bus owners’ association, with government backing, were attempting to monopolize fare increases through covert negotiations.

Chowdhury noted that in the past, bus fares were reduced proportionally when fuel prices dropped, citing examples of 3 paisa and 2 paisa fare cuts corresponding to fuel price decreases of 3 and 2 taka per liter respectively. He warned that any fare increase beyond the proposed 15 paisa per kilometer, achieved through bureaucratic manipulation, could harm the government’s popularity and provoke public anger. The association called for the prime minister’s intervention to prevent unfair advantages for bus owners.

The statement reflects growing tension between passenger rights advocates and transport operators over fare-setting practices linked to fuel price fluctuations.