France has finalized the sale of its remaining gold holdings stored at the U.S. Federal Reserve, completing a long-term initiative to repatriate and modernize its gold reserves. The Banque de France earned nearly 13 billion euros, or about $15 billion, after upgrading 129 tonnes of gold between July 2025 and January 2026 and replacing them with new, compliant bars now stored in Paris. The central bank stated that the move was a practical financial decision, not a political one.

By consolidating its reserves in Paris and adopting modern-standard bars, France has made its gold easier to manage and trade internationally. The transaction, which represented about 5 percent of France’s total 2,437-tonne reserve, took advantage of high gold prices and favorable market conditions. Instead of refining and transporting the old bars, the bank purchased equivalent new gold in Europe, maintaining the overall reserve size.

According to Reuters, the Banque de France reported 11 billion euros in exceptional foreign exchange income in 2025, with total gains reaching nearly 13 billion euros after 2026 transactions. The bank plans to upgrade an additional 134 tonnes of gold to international standards by 2028.

White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt announced that Iran has been given seven hours to reach an agreement with the United States. She stated that if Tehran fails to comply, only President Trump knows how he will respond. Levitt told Al Jazeera that the Iranian government has until 8 p.m. Eastern Time to address the current challenge and finalize a deal with Washington.

The statement highlights a tense diplomatic moment between the United States and Iran, with the White House emphasizing that the president alone is aware of the potential course of action. The situation comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing disputes involving Iran’s activities and international negotiations.

The source also mentions related developments, including Iran’s vice president dismissing Trump’s threats, a Chinese and Russian veto on a UN Security Council resolution over the Strait of Hormuz, and reports of U.S. strikes causing power outages on Iran’s Kharg Island.

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that the country is not afraid of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy Iran. His remarks came in response to a message posted by Trump on social media warning that he could destroy Iran 'tonight.' Aref emphasized that Iran’s ancient civilization has repeatedly overcome the 'misconceptions' of its enemies and will not be intimidated by such threats.

He added that Iran would respond to any aggression with firm resolve and by relying on its national strength. The statement reflects Tehran’s defiant stance amid heightened tensions following Trump’s online warning. The exchange underscores the continuing strain in U.S.-Iran relations.

The report also mentioned related developments, including a U.N. Security Council veto by China and Russia over the Hormuz Strait issue, a U.S. attack that caused a power outage on Iran’s Kharg Island, and calls for youth human chains around Iranian power plants.

A key United Nations Security Council resolution addressing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz failed to pass after China and Russia exercised their veto powers. The vote saw 11 countries in favor, two against—China and Russia—and two abstentions. The proposal had been viewed as an important step toward easing the ongoing regional tensions.

Analysts noted that the Strait of Hormuz is vital for global trade and energy supply, making consensus on the issue critical. However, differing positions among major powers prevented the resolution from being adopted, complicating diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation.

The failure of the resolution has raised concerns that instability in the Middle East could deepen further, with the path to a peaceful resolution becoming increasingly uncertain.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has connected its ASYCUDA World customs system with Bangladesh Bank’s Foreign Exchange Transaction Management System (FXTMS) to enable real-time online verification of bank invoices. The integration was formally inaugurated by NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan on Tuesday. According to NBR, customs officials will now be able to verify commercial invoices digitally without requiring hard copies.

Before this integration, banks had to submit certified commercial invoice hard copies to customs offices. Now, all invoice data will automatically transfer from the central bank’s FXTMS to the ASYCUDA system in real time. NBR stated that once the process is fully implemented, commercial invoices will be mandatorily attached to bills of entry. The initiative, jointly implemented by NBR and Bangladesh Bank with support from all commercial banks, marks a major step toward a paperless customs system.

The new connection is expected to reduce paperwork, curb revenue evasion, simplify and speed up import-export clearance, limit trade-based money laundering, and create a reliable database for product valuation.

Iran’s Kharg Island has been left without electricity following intense airstrikes by the United States. According to American and Iranian media reports, the attacks took place on Tuesday and targeted more than 50 sites across the island. The strikes caused a complete power outage, with Iranian outlets describing the event as a widespread blackout triggered by heavy bombardment.

The Wall Street Journal reported that US warplanes bombed over 50 military targets on the island. Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency stated that both US and Israeli aircraft carried out multiple rounds of air raids, resulting in numerous explosions. However, no confirmed information has yet been released regarding casualties or the extent of the damage.

The reports did not specify how long the blackout might last or whether any emergency response was underway, leaving the full impact of the attack unclear.

Iranian authorities have called on young people across the country to form human chains around all power plants, according to a report by the state-run Fars News Agency. A video released by the agency showed hundreds of people standing in a human chain in front of the Kazeroon Combined Cycle Power Plant. The footage, shared on social media on Tuesday, described the gathering as a public response to a government appeal for citizens to act as a protective presence around key infrastructure.

The move comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran, prompting renewed concern over the safety of the country’s critical facilities. Observers suggest the gatherings may serve both as a symbol of public resistance and as a precautionary measure against potential attacks.

Experts cited in the report noted that while the demonstrations could represent national solidarity, the use of civilians as potential human shields raises questions under international humanitarian law.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has issued show-cause notices to 28 lower court judges for allegedly making critical remarks about their appointing and controlling authorities on social media. The ministry directed the judges to submit written explanations within seven working days. The letters, confirmed by officials of the Judicial Service Association, stated that such comments violated the Supreme Court’s directives on social media use and constituted misconduct under the Bangladesh Judicial Service (Discipline) Rules, 2017.

According to the ministry’s notice, the judges’ actions were deemed harmful to service discipline and contrary to the conduct expected from members of the judiciary. The letters warned that failure to respond within the stipulated time could lead to further action under the relevant disciplinary provisions.

Several judges, speaking anonymously, denied posting any such remarks on social media. They claimed that their discussions took place on private platforms and alleged that the government had been misinformed. Some judges suggested that the move aimed to discourage collective efforts concerning issues like a separate judicial secretariat and judicial appointment ordinances.

US President Donald Trump has again threatened to bomb Iran across the country, asserting that God supports America’s actions in the ongoing war. Speaking at a White House press briefing on Monday, Trump said he believes God endorses the joint US-Israel campaign against Iran, which has lasted five weeks and caused thousands of deaths, injuries, and the loss of 13 US soldiers. He added that while God dislikes conflict, He wants people to be safe.

Trump’s remarks mark a shift in his rhetoric, as he increasingly frames the conflict in religious terms after previously offering varied explanations for US involvement, including uncertainty over regime change as a goal. He also warned that Iran’s power and transport infrastructure could be destroyed, claiming that Iranians want their government overthrown and are urging the US to continue airstrikes.

When asked whether he sought divine guidance amid the escalating violence, Trump did not answer directly but suggested that God supports US actions despite disliking violence.

UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh National Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram MP at his office in Dhaka. The meeting was attended by UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne, Assistant Resident Representative Anwarul Haque, Assistant Programme Advisor (Governance) Dragan Popovic, and Senior Governance Specialist Tanvir Mahmud. Discussions covered e-governance, e-parliament initiatives, parliamentary standing committee activities, and procedural matters.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad emphasized the need to identify areas of cooperation between the UNDP and the National Parliament. He suggested that UNDP could assist in orientation courses for new members of parliament to familiarize them with their duties and responsibilities. He also proposed bilateral exchange visits, particularly involving women MPs, and highlighted the importance of digital library systems, smart technology in parliamentary sessions, and an in-house printing press.

Stefan Liller described the current parliament as vibrant and reaffirmed UNDP’s long-standing partnership with Bangladesh. Both sides also exchanged views on the ongoing energy crisis and democratic governance, noting the neutral stance of several European countries.

US Vice President JD Vance said extensive discussions and negotiations are taking place before the deadline set by President Donald Trump for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. According to Vance, if Iran fails to reach an acceptable agreement before the deadline, the United States will strike Iranian civilian infrastructure. He noted that the deadline, about 12 hours away, would determine the outcome, expressing hope for a positive resolution.

Vance made the remarks during a press conference in Budapest, Hungary, while President Trump posted on Truth Social that an entire civilization could be destroyed that night, though he claimed he did not want that outcome. Trump had previously threatened to bomb Iran back to the “Stone Age,” targeting power plants and bridges, dismissing concerns about potential war crimes.

The final deadline, set for 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday (6 a.m. Wednesday Bangladesh time), was approaching as reports indicated that attacks on Iranian rail and road bridges and other civilian infrastructure had already begun.

City Bank has received approval to raise Tk 1,200 crore through a bond issuance with a seven-year tenure. The approval was granted at a regular meeting of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) chaired by Khandaker Rashed Maksud. According to a press release signed by BSEC Director and Spokesperson Abul Kalam, the bond will be offered through private placement to institutional investors, banks, corporate entities, individual investors, and mutual funds. Each bond unit will have a face value of Tk 10 lakh and will be listed on the Alternative Trading Board (ATB) of the stock exchange.

The bond will be unsecured, non-convertible, fully redeemable, and carry an interest rate equal to the average of the upper limit of six-month fixed deposit rates plus an additional 3 percent. Shariah-based, foreign, and post-2012 approved banks will be excluded from the average rate calculation. It will be a subordinated bond, meaning other creditors will be paid before bondholders in case of bankruptcy.

Funds raised will be used by City Bank to provide loans in corporate, retail, and SME sectors. EBL Investments will act as trustee, while City Bank Capital Resources and IDLC Investments will serve as arrangers.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited international controversy by threatening potential military strikes on Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including power plants, bridges, and oil facilities. Asked at a Monday press conference whether such actions could constitute war crimes under international law, Trump said he was “not concerned,” arguing instead that allowing Iran to acquire nuclear weapons would be the real war crime.

His remarks followed earlier warnings that the United States might attack key Iranian infrastructure if Tehran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a set timeframe. Experts noted that such attacks could severely impact civilians, violating humanitarian law. Trump’s comments drew sharp criticism from human rights groups and U.S. lawmakers. Democratic Congresswoman Yasamin Ansari accused him of provoking an “illegal war” and called for impeachment proceedings, while Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Chris Murphy condemned his statements as reckless.

Even Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the threats, and the UN Secretary-General’s office reminded that civilian infrastructure strikes are prohibited under international law. Reports indicated a 45-day ceasefire proposal with Iran was under review but not approved, leaving tensions high.

Aspire to Innovate (a2i) has launched the second version (Framework 2.0) of the National Information Portal, Bangladesh.gov.bd, to make government information management more modern, dynamic, and secure. The announcement was made on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, through a press release. Implementation of the new version began on December 21, 2025, across ministries under the supervision of the Cabinet Division and the ICT Division. Currently, around 52,000 government offices are connected to the system, with over 35,500 websites already hosted on the new platform.

The new version has been verified and certified by the Software and Hardware Quality Testing and Certification Center for its functionality and security. According to project officials, the upgraded portal will strengthen Bangladesh’s digital service system, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and easier access to public information. Citizens can now access government service details, application processes, required documents, and office addresses from home, along with tenders, job circulars, and citizen charters.

Technically, the platform now includes a cloud- and microservice-based architecture, making it faster, more stable, and scalable. Enhanced security features such as single sign-on, two-factor authentication, and SSL encryption have also been added.

Several coordinated attacks targeted Iran’s railways and communication infrastructure on April 7, 2026, following a warning from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Iranian state media reported that both the United States and Israel carried out the strikes across multiple regions. The IDF had earlier advised Iranian citizens to avoid train travel for 12 hours and stay away from rail lines.

According to Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency, two people were killed in an attack on a railway bridge in Kashan. The Iranian Red Crescent Society confirmed an airstrike on a railway in Karaj, releasing footage of a rescue operation. State broadcaster IRIB reported projectile attacks on several road bridges in Qom province and damage to parts of the Tabriz–Tehran highway. Additional strikes were reported in Ahvaz and other provinces, leading to road closures between Tabriz and Zanjan as well as on the Kareh Chaman–Mianeh route.

Iranian media stated that the attacks targeted not only transport networks but also residential and commercial areas, indicating a broader impact on civilian infrastructure.