Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that preparing the upcoming national budget will be challenging due to a fragile economy, pressure to implement election pledges, and the ongoing war in the Middle East. He made the remarks on Wednesday after a meeting with officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), where he discussed fiscal strategies for the next financial year.

The minister noted that the economy is already under strain, and the government faces obligations to fulfill its electoral commitments. The Middle East conflict has further complicated the situation by increasing costs, particularly in energy imports. He emphasized that the government aims to design a budget that boosts revenue collection without harming investment and employment.

Chowdhury added that the government does not intend to print money and seeks to reduce dependence on borrowing, moving instead toward an investment-driven economy. The upcoming budget will focus on ensuring resources for development and encouraging both domestic and foreign investment.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate two canal excavation projects in Jhenaidah and Feni this month as part of the nationwide canal excavation program. Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie announced the plan after a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister at the Secretariat. He said that excavation work in a canal at Kaharol in Dinajpur has already begun, and the new initiatives will extend the program to two more districts.

The minister stated that the Prime Minister will personally visit both districts to launch the projects, while ministers and state ministers will oversee activities in other areas. The meeting discussed completing the excavation within 180 days and achieving the target of 20,000 kilometers of canals. He noted that many rivers have been damaged by encroachment and pollution, posing challenges to implementation.

According to the minister, strict measures have been taken to recover occupied canals, and coordinated efforts are underway to overcome obstacles. He also mentioned that the Teesta Master Plan remains under technical discussion and that the technical team continues work on the Ganges Treaty with India.

An Israeli airstrike in central Iran’s Mahallat city has killed the chief engineering officer of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Quds Force, according to the Israeli military. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strike took place on Tuesday and identified the victim as Mahdi Wafai, who was described as the head engineer of the Quds Force’s Lebanon Corps.

In its statement, the IDF said Wafai had been involved for two decades in advancing secret projects in Lebanon and Syria, including building infrastructure and managing arsenals for Hezbollah. The military further claimed that he led efforts to construct underground facilities for Hezbollah and the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad, and oversaw dozens of underground projects used to store advanced weapons in Lebanon.

Iranian authorities have not issued any immediate comment regarding the reported strike or the death of Wafai, according to the source.

New York City Mayor Zohra Mamdani has criticized the United States and Israel’s war against Iran, saying it should be opposed from every perspective. In an interview with YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen, she stated that the conflict has already cost 23 billion dollars, despite Americans facing a crisis of affordable living costs.

Mamdani, who campaigned on a promise to reduce living expenses in New York City, argued that such a vast amount of money could have transformed the lives of working-class Americans if invested in Medicare, education, or student debt relief. She said that by pursuing another regime-change war, the government has thrown away opportunities to improve domestic welfare.

Her remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, highlight growing concerns about the financial and social costs of foreign military engagements amid economic challenges at home.

The United States has pledged to stand by Bangladesh in addressing the global energy crisis triggered by ongoing instability in the Middle East. The assurance came during a high-level meeting at the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C., where Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman met with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. The discussion was confirmed in a press release issued by the Bangladesh Embassy in the United States on April 1, 2026.

During the meeting, the Bangladeshi foreign minister highlighted the pressure on the country’s energy sector due to disruptions in global supply chains and sought U.S. cooperation to ensure energy security. In response, the U.S. energy secretary said Washington was aware of Bangladesh’s situation and committed to supporting the country in overcoming the challenges.

Both sides also discussed prospects for long-term energy cooperation, including ensuring stable energy supplies for Bangladesh and expanding opportunities for energy imports from the United States. Senior officials from both governments attended the meeting.

More than two hundred workers were injured in a ferry accident at Mongla in Bagerhat on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred when workers were crossing the river to reach their workplaces, and overcrowding and disorder led to a stampede. Many fell into the river and sustained serious injuries. Locals helped rescue the injured and sent them to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials fear the number of injured could rise further.

Workers alleged that long-standing mismanagement, excessive passenger pressure, and lack of safety measures have repeatedly caused such accidents. They demanded immediate steps to ensure safe crossings, saying they risk their lives daily without a permanent solution from the authorities.

Mongla Upazila Executive Officer and Municipal Administrator Sharmin Akter Sumi said the matter is being taken seriously, medical care has been arranged for the injured, and necessary steps will be taken to prevent future incidents. She added that initiatives are underway to improve ferry management and restore order soon. Workers warned of protests if a permanent safety solution is not implemented quickly.

A joint operation by RAB-12 of Sirajganj and RAB-13 of Rangpur uncovered a counterfeit money factory in Gangachara upazila, Rangpur. During the raid, law enforcers arrested Md. Rubel Mia, aged 34, and seized fake currency and equipment used for producing counterfeit notes. The operation was confirmed in a press release signed by Additional DIG Md. Atikur Rahman Mia, PPM, on Wednesday morning.

According to the press release, the raid took place on Tuesday afternoon at Rubel’s residence in Chengmari area under Gangachara police station, where RAB recovered counterfeit notes worth Tk 192,500 along with printing materials. Earlier, on March 29, two individuals were arrested in Sirajganj with fake notes worth Tk 1,315,700, and information from that case led to the Gangachara operation.

RAB stated that the arrested individuals had been involved in producing and distributing counterfeit currency for a long time and were already facing multiple criminal cases.

Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary National Security Committee, stated that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen but not for the United States. He said it will remain accessible only to those who follow Iran’s new regulations. Azizi made the remarks addressing U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing that the 47 years of hospitality since the 1979 revolution have now permanently ended.

Azizi further commented that Trump has ultimately achieved his dream of changing Iran’s governance system, though this change has only affected the region’s maritime order. Meanwhile, Iran’s National Security Committee has approved a plan to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Fars News Agency.

The announcement underscores Iran’s intent to assert control over one of the world’s most strategic waterways, linking its domestic policy shifts to regional maritime operations.

Iraq has secured a place in the upcoming FIFA World Cup after a 40-year absence, defeating Bolivia 2–1 in the intercontinental playoff final. The victory completed the list of 48 participating teams. Despite missing direct qualification from the Asian region, Iraq fought strongly in the playoff to achieve their goal. Coach Graham Arnold had earlier highlighted the players’ strong desire to reach the World Cup.

In the decisive match, Iraq took the lead in the 18th minute through Ali Almahadhi, but Bolivia equalized in the 38th minute via Moises Paniagua. Aymen Hussein restored Iraq’s lead in the 53rd minute, securing the win. This marks Iraq’s second World Cup appearance, the first being in 1986. Coach Graham Arnold also achieved a rare feat by leading a second nation, after Australia, to World Cup qualification.

The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iraq, placed in Group I, will face France, Norway, and Senegal, starting their campaign against Norway on June 16 in Foxborough.

Six people were killed and six others injured in separate road accidents on the Cumilla section of the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway on Wednesday. The incidents occurred between 6 a.m. and noon in Daudkandi’s Chandina, Nimsa, and Chauddagram areas. According to highway police sources, an unidentified bus hit a CNG-run autorickshaw at Daudkandi’s Baropara, killing Abdul Barek, 53, and Mostafa, 52, both residents of Sarkarpur village in Daudkandi.

In another accident near Nimsa Bazar in Burichang, three people were killed on the Dhaka-bound lane. They were identified as Jahirul Islam, 27, from Lalpur village in Begumganj; Sohel Rana, 35, from Keshabpur village in Meherpur Sadar; and Taim, a ninth-grade student of Bara Gobindapur High School in Chandina. In Chauddagram, one more person died after being hit by a bus, though the victim’s identity was not immediately known.

Highway police officials confirmed the fatalities and said investigations were underway to identify the vehicles involved and determine the causes of the accidents.

An Iranian cruise missile attack in Qatar damaged an oil tanker on April 1, 2026, according to the Qatari Ministry of Defense. The ministry reported that Iran launched three cruise missiles, two of which were intercepted, while the third struck a tanker leased by QatarEnergy. All 21 crew members were safely evacuated, and no casualties were reported.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations confirmed that the vessel was hit on its port side but stated that all sailors were safe. Authorities have begun an investigation into the incident and reported no environmental impact. The Qatari ministry shared details of the attack on social media platform X.

The incident adds to regional tensions, though officials emphasized that the situation is under control and that safety measures were promptly enacted following the strike.

The National Democratic Party (JAGPA) has launched a new membership drive, formally inaugurated on Wednesday morning at the Shafiul Alam Prodhan Auditorium in Paltan. The event was led by JAGPA Vice President and party spokesperson Rashed Prodhan, who also announced the formation of a non-political social organization called Adhipatjobadbiruddho Jatiyo Diksha-Azadi. Citizens from home and abroad can join JAGPA and Azadi through the website www.jogdaanbd.org.

Rashed Prodhan stated that JAGPA, founded by the late leader Shafiul Alam Prodhan, has been working for the people and the oppressed for 46 years. The membership initiative was launched to expand the organization following the national election. He said Azadi was established to build a patriotic platform against external and internal political, economic, and cultural dominance.

During the event, Rashed Prodhan announced five coordinators responsible for different regions, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Khulna, Barishal, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and the expatriate division, to oversee and coordinate the membership activities.

A severe fuel shortage in Ramganj upazila of Lakshmipur has disrupted irrigation for the ongoing Boro season, raising concerns over crop yield. Irregular diesel and electricity supply have hindered water pumping in fields, leaving many farmers unable to irrigate on schedule. As a result, uncertainty looms over this year’s Irri and Boro rice production.

Local farmers said that delayed irrigation reduces Boro yield and causes grain sterility. Many are being forced to buy diesel at inflated prices, doubling their production costs. Farmer Shamsul Alam reported that diesel, once easily available at fixed rates, now costs two to three times more and is still difficult to obtain, putting cultivation at risk.

According to the upazila agriculture office, Boro rice has been cultivated on 3,910 hectares this season. The office warned that continued fuel shortages could prevent achieving the production target. Upazila Agriculture Officer Sabbir Ahmed stated that the issue is being addressed seriously and efforts are underway to normalize fuel supply through coordination with relevant authorities.

Police and the upazila administration in Sapahar, Naogaon, have initiated strict monitoring at Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna filling stations to prevent illegal hoarding and smuggling of fuel. The operation began on Saturday and has been extended to border areas to stop the flow of fuel into India.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rumena Riaz told journalists on Monday that surveillance has been intensified at all three filling stations. She explained that due to higher fuel prices in India and the current global situation, certain groups have been attempting to hoard and smuggle fuel across the border for profit. To counter this, the administration has strengthened monitoring in border zones.

According to the UNO, local administration and law enforcement agencies have been deployed on the ground to ensure effective control during this period of fuel supply challenges.

An oil tanker was damaged off the coast of Doha, Qatar, after being struck by a projectile, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations on Wednesday. The agency reported that the vessel was hit on its port side, but all crew members were confirmed safe. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and stated that there were no environmental impacts.

The report follows a similar attack a day earlier near Dubai, where a tanker carrying two million barrels of oil from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia was damaged in a drone strike attributed to Iran. Local officials said the Dubai incident caused a fire on the vessel, which was later extinguished, and all crew members remained unharmed.

The consecutive attacks highlight rising maritime security concerns in the Gulf region, though the source did not specify who was responsible for the Qatar incident or whether the two events were connected.