Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported that 149 children have died from measles or measles-like symptoms between March 15 and April 7, 2026. Among them, 21 deaths were confirmed measles cases and 128 were suspected. In the latest 24-hour period ending on April 7, 11 new child deaths were recorded, including one confirmed and ten suspected cases. The DGHS control room released the data in an official statement on Tuesday.

According to the DGHS Integrated Control Center, 1,236 new suspected cases were identified nationwide in the same 24-hour period, with 641 hospital admissions. Since mid-March, authorities have recorded 9,883 suspected and 1,398 confirmed measles cases. The report indicates that Rajshahi and Dhaka divisions have the highest infection and death rates, with 58 and 51 child deaths respectively. Other divisions reported smaller numbers, including Chattogram with 10, Khulna with 6, Barishal with 2, and Sylhet with 1.

Hospitals across the country currently have 6,883 admitted children, while 4,635 have been discharged after treatment.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been dissolved following allegations of irregularities in its election. The National Sports Council (NSC) announced the formation of an 11-member ad hoc committee to oversee the board’s operations. Former national cricket captain Tamim Iqbal has been appointed as the head of this committee, which has been tasked with organizing new elections within three months.

The decision was revealed at a press conference held by the NSC on Tuesday afternoon. The ad hoc committee includes members Fahim Sinha, Rafiqul Islam Babu, Salman Ispahani, Tanzil Chowdhury, Atahar Ali Khan, Minhajul Abedin Nannu, Israfil Khasru, Syed Ibrahim Ahmed, Mirza Yasir Abbas, and Rashna Imam. The previous BCB board, led by Aminul Islam Bulbul, was formed through a controversial election held on October 6.

According to the NSC, the dissolution was made under Section 28 of its 2018 Act after reviewing the investigation report on election irregularities. The ad hoc committee will manage the board until new elections are conducted.

Former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury was sent to jail on April 7, 2026, after a Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate court rejected both her bail and remand petitions in the Lalbagh police case over the attempted murder of Ashraful. The decision was delivered by Magistrate Jewel Rana, who ordered her detention following her arrest the previous night from Dhanmondi. As police escorted her from the courtroom, pro-Awami League lawyers chanted “Joy Bangla” and other slogans in her support.

According to the case, the incident occurred on July 18, 2024, during the quota reform movement when a peaceful rally in Azimpur was attacked, allegedly under the direction of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other senior leaders. Ashraful, the complainant, was seriously injured and later filed a case in May 2025 naming 130 accused, including Shirin Sharmin as the third defendant. The prosecution argued that she played a key role in state decisions linked to the violence, while the defense claimed she had resigned earlier and was being unfairly implicated.

The court’s order keeps Shirin Sharmin in custody as the investigation continues into the alleged political violence and its organizers.

Watermelon farmers in Feni are facing severe financial losses due to off-season rain, a fuel shortage affecting transport, and a sharp fall in market prices. Despite an increase in cultivation this season, yields have dropped, leaving many farmers unable to recover their investments. In Sonagazi’s Dakshin Char Chandina, ten farmers invested Tk 11.6 million across 90 acres, but a lack of wholesale buyers has left their harvests rotting in the fields. Farmers are now feeding unsold watermelons to livestock as their produce spoils.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, watermelon cultivation in Feni rose from 774 hectares last year to 1,299 hectares this year, with Sonagazi alone exceeding its target. Last season’s sales reached Tk 1.5 billion, and expectations were high for Tk 2.5 billion this year. However, rain damage, transport costs inflated by the global fuel crisis, and virus outbreaks have dashed those hopes. Farmers report earning less than one-third of their production costs.

Local officials acknowledged the crisis, citing fuel shortages and weather disruptions as key factors. Authorities said they would assist with transport fuel if formally requested, while affected farmers are urging both government and private support to recover from the losses.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for a missile and drone attack on a petrochemical complex in Jubail, an industrial city in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The IRGC said the strike targeted facilities belonging to American companies including Sadra, ExxonMobil, and Dark Chemical. It described the operation as retaliation for an earlier Israeli attack in Shiraz.

According to the report, the IRGC also stated that it targeted another petrochemical complex in Juaymah owned by the American company Shordan Phillips. The attack followed warnings from Iranian officials that any assault on Iran’s power plants or bridges would be met with similar responses against regional infrastructure. The report noted that former U.S. President Donald Trump had set a deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, threatening escalation if unmet.

The Saudi government has not yet issued any official comment on the incident, and details about the extent of damage or the specific weapons used remain undisclosed.

The National Sports Council (NSC) of Bangladesh has dissolved the current Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) management committee and formed an ad hoc committee under Section 21 of the National Sports Council Act. According to NSC Director (Sports) Aminul Ehsan, the ad hoc committee will organize BCB elections within the next three months. The NSC has already informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the dissolution and the formation of the new committee.

Ehsan stated that the decision followed a review of the NSC investigation committee’s report, which identified significant weaknesses and irregularities in the previous BCB election process. The newly formed ad hoc committee will have full authority to manage regular cricket operations during this interim period, similar to an elected committee.

It remains unclear whether members of the ad hoc committee will be eligible to contest in the upcoming BCB elections, though the BCB constitution does not restrict their participation.

The Supreme Court administration of Bangladesh has relaxed the mandatory dress code for judges and lawyers in subordinate courts due to an ongoing severe heatwave. Effective from Tuesday, April 7, 2026, they are no longer required to wear black coats and gowns during court sessions. The directive was issued under the order of the Chief Justice to provide comfort to legal professionals performing their duties in extreme heat.

According to the notification, judges in all subordinate civil and criminal courts and tribunals may now wear white full-sleeve shirts, white sarees, or salwar kameez with a white neckband or black tie instead of the traditional black coat and gown. The same relaxation applies to lawyers, who may follow similar attire without the obligation to wear coats or gowns.

The Supreme Court administration stated that the order will remain in effect from April 7 until further notice. The decision was described as a humane measure to ease the discomfort faced by judges and lawyers during the intense heatwave.

Independent Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana from Brahmanbaria-2 has expressed gratitude to the BNP for not nominating her in the thirteenth national election, saying it allowed her to understand the love and support of millions across Bangladesh. Speaking during the discussion on the presidential address in parliament, she also sharply criticized the appointment of politically affiliated individuals to positions in Bangladesh Bank and public universities, calling it an unfortunate trend that undermines merit-based recruitment.

Farhana highlighted the lack of balance between the powers of the president and the prime minister, noting that despite repeated discussions, the president still delivers a cabinet-approved speech rather than an independent one. She reflected on the sacrifices of ordinary citizens who dreamed of building an inclusive Bangladesh free from discrimination and called for recognition of women’s leadership in past movements.

Addressing economic issues, she warned about rising foreign debt, high inflation, and capital flight, urging diversification of exports, creation of an investment-friendly environment, and curbing false invoicing to restore economic stability.

Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced a protest rally and assembly in Dhaka on Wednesday to oppose what it calls the government’s delay in implementing the public verdict reflected in the recent referendum. The demonstration, organized by the Dhaka Metropolitan East branch of the group, will begin at 5 p.m. from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

Following the rally, a gathering will be held under the chairmanship of Asif Abdullah, a member of the organization’s central executive committee and transport secretary of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union, who also serves as president of the Dhaka Metropolitan East branch. The information was confirmed on Tuesday by Muhammad Dawood Khan, the branch’s publicity and media secretary.

The announcement comes amid broader calls for protests across the country demanding the implementation of the referendum’s outcome, as reported by the same source.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) has stated that the government will take initiatives to reduce the overall cost of the 2027 Hajj package. He made the announcement in parliament on Tuesday in response to a question from ruling party member Lutfur Rahman, representing Cox’s Bazar-3. The minister said the upcoming package will be designed considering the needs and facilities of pilgrims.

He explained that the 2026 Hajj package has already been finalized, with payments completed for various expenses in both the Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh segments. According to the Saudi timeline, all visa and related procedures have been completed, and Hajj flights are scheduled to begin on April 18.

The statement indicates that while the 2026 Hajj preparations are in their final stage, the ministry is already planning adjustments for the following year to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Bangladeshi pilgrims.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has announced that electric school buses can now be imported without any customs duty. NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan said the decision is part of the government’s broader plan to reduce fuel consumption in public transport. He made the announcement on Tuesday during a pre-budget meeting with several transport sector organizations in Agargaon, Dhaka. An official order (SRO) will be issued soon to implement the exemption.

According to the NBR chairman, the government aims to lower fuel use in the transport sector, starting with vehicles used for students. The duty waiver for electric school buses will take effect before the upcoming national budget, as the government does not want to delay the initiative. He also mentioned that the upcoming budget will include several changes related to the electric vehicle sector.

The move signals an early step toward promoting electric mobility in Bangladesh’s transport system, with immediate implementation expected once the SRO is issued.

A deadly gunfight erupted outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul’s Levent district on Tuesday morning, resulting in the deaths of three suspected attackers. According to Turkish state media and official sources cited by international outlets, two police officers were seriously injured during the exchange of fire. Turkish security forces swiftly responded, neutralizing the assailants at the scene and sealing off the area for public safety.

Footage broadcast by Turkish channel Habertürk showed a heavy police presence surrounding the consulate, with special units deployed and civilian movement restricted. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. The injured officers were taken to a nearby hospital, where their condition remains critical.

Authorities have launched a high-level investigation to determine whether the incident was a planned terrorist act. The attack has heightened international concern amid rising tensions in the Middle East, prompting Turkish officials to strengthen security measures across Istanbul.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been dissolved following allegations of irregularities in its election. The National Sports Council (NSC) announced the decision at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, forming an 11-member ad hoc committee to oversee the board’s operations. Former national captain Tamim Iqbal has been appointed as the head of the committee, which has been tasked with organizing new elections within three months.

The previous BCB board, led by Aminul Islam Bulbul, was formed through a controversial election held on October 6. After reviewing the investigation report on the alleged irregularities, the NSC decided to dissolve the board under Section 28 of its 2018 law. The ad hoc committee includes members such as Fahim Sinha, Rafiqul Islam Babu, Salman Ispahani, Tanzil Chowdhury, and others.

Tamim Iqbal is expected to visit the BCB office this evening to assume his new responsibilities as the committee’s president.

Severe chaos broke out during the remand hearing of former Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury at a Dhaka court on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred in the courtroom of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana when the investigation officer sought a two-day remand. After the hearing, the court rejected the remand plea and ordered her to be sent to jail. Following the order, defense lawyers began shouting inside the courtroom, creating a scene of disorder.

Witnesses said the judge remained seated silently as the situation escalated. When he failed to control the lawyers, the judge expressed anger toward journalists who were present for professional coverage and ordered them to leave the courtroom. Public Prosecutor Advocate Omar Faruk Faruki attempted to restore order. The unexpected treatment of journalists drew surprise and criticism from lawyers and observers present.

The incident has raised questions about courtroom discipline and the treatment of media representatives during judicial proceedings, prompting concern among legal professionals and the public.

At a World Health Day seminar jointly organized by Gonoshasthaya Kendra and Gono University in Savar, speakers revealed that 36 widely used antibiotics have lost their effectiveness due to growing antimicrobial resistance. The event, held at the PHA Auditorium with Dhaka-19 Member of Parliament Dr. Dewan Md. Salauddin as chief guest, followed a rally on the university campus. Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan Shikder of Bangladesh Agricultural University presented the keynote paper, linking global travel, environmental change, and unhealthy food habits to the spread of new diseases.

Professor Dr. Farida Yasmin of Gonoshasthaya Samajbhittik Medical College stated that the 36 antibiotics no longer work against some common infections, and six new antibiotics have shown little promise. She urged physicians to stop indiscriminate antibiotic use and to inform patients about proper dosage and side effects. The seminar emphasized coordinated efforts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to ensure safe food and effective disease control.

Gono University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Abul Hossain called for continuing the mission of late Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury to achieve universal primary healthcare through collective action.