Iran vows 'crushing' attacks as strikes hit regional infrastructure
Iran vows 'crushing' attacks as strikes hit regional infrastructure
Govt cuts expenditure, reduces office hours, orders markets shut after 6pm
Govt cuts expenditure, reduces office hours, orders markets shut after 6pm
No alternative to neutral administration for good governance: Rizvi
No alternative to neutral administration for good governance: Rizvi
Bangladesh receives Georgia State honour for UN Peacekeeping contributions
Bangladesh receives Georgia State honour for UN Peacekeeping contributions
Report on sending 300 secretaries to Thailand termed misleading
Report on sending 300 secretaries to Thailand termed misleading
Energy Ministry instructs DCs to ensure diesel supply to farmers
Energy Ministry instructs DCs to ensure diesel supply to farmers
False cases must be curbed to reduce case backlog: AG
Experts call for coordinated action to tackle Measles outbreak
Experts call for coordinated action to tackle Measles outbreak
DHAKA, April 2, 2026 (BSS) - Experts today called for strengthening immunization coverage, enhancing public awareness and ensuring coordinated efforts to tackle the recent measles outbreak in the country. The call came at a roundtable titled "Recent Measles Outbreak and Way Forward" held at Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Centre in the capital. The event was organized by the Legal and Health Assistance Cell for Oppressed Women and Children and attended by leading physicians, public health experts, policymakers, journalists and representatives of international organizations. The session was moderated by the organization's central coordinator and BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam. Speakers said Bangladesh faces multiple challenges in controlling the outbreak, stressing the need to intensify vaccination drives, improve access to healthcare services and adopt coordinated strategies. They also highlighted the importance of strengthening field-level surveillance and ensuring rapid response measures to contain the spread. The experts underscored the need for research to determine whether the outbreak is linked to any new virus mutation.  They also emphasized using social and mass media to raise awareness among people. Senior officials of the health sector placed several recommendations to combat the current situation and prevent future outbreaks.  The meeting decided to submit its key findings and recommendations to the Ministry of Health and the government. Participants thanked the organizers for the timely initiative and urged continuation of such efforts to address critical public health issues.
WFP adopts needs-based food aid for Rohingyas
WFP adopts needs-based food aid for Rohingyas
Rail services with Sylhet resume after 18-hour disruption 
Rail services with Sylhet resume after 18-hour disruption 
Israel under fire from Iran missiles as Trump issues new warning
Israel under fire from Iran missiles as Trump issues new warning
JERUSALEM, April 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Israel said Friday it was under attack from a new barrage of Iranian missiles, as President Donald Trump warned the United States had yet to begin "destroying what's left" with more of the Islamic republic's infrastructure in his sights. The war started more than a month ago with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, triggering retaliation that spread the conflict throughout the Middle East, convulsing the global economy and impacting millions of people worldwide. The Strait of Hormuz -- a conduit for one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas -- has come into sharp focus after Iran effectively closed it, with Gulf nations pushing for a force to protect shipping there, but a UN vote set for Friday was delayed. Trump has threatened to bomb Iran "back to the Stone Ages" and warned US attacks would intensify if Tehran did not reach a negotiated settlement, while Iran has vowed in response to carry out "crushing" attacks against the US and Israel. Israel's military reported a new missile salvo from Iran on Friday, with its air defences operating to down them, but there were no immediate reports of casualties. Israeli emergency services reported some damage to houses and cars from an unintercepted cluster missile, while Israeli military radio said a train station in Tel Aviv was damaged by shrapnel. The Iranian fire came as Trump said the US military "hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!" on his Truth Social platform, several hours after saying Iran's tallest bridge had been destroyed. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted online that "striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender." Strikes from both sides have increasingly targeted economic and industrial sites, raising fears of wider disruption to global energy supplies and deepening the conflict's impact beyond the battlefield. - New Gulf attacks - Gulf states once seen as safe havens have become direct threats, accused by Iran of serving as launchpads for US strikes. A drone attack on a refinery owned by Kuwait's national oil company on Friday sparked fires at several of its units, state media said, while the oil-rich emirate's air defences responded to new missile and drone attacks. Iran said one of its latest attacks a day earlier had struck targets in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Israel. They included "American steel industries in Abu Dhabi, American aluminium industries in Bahrain, and the Rafael arms factories of the Zionist regime", it said. Despite the ongoing bombardment in Iran, families gathered in Tehran's Melat Park, with men smoking water pipes and children playing to mark the 13th day after Nowruz, the Persian New Year, when people traditionally picnic outdoors. A resident said checkpoints manned by the country's Revolutionary Guards had increased across the city. "They gather in the streets in order to show people that they are still in power and nothing is gonna change," said the 30-year-old man, who requested his name not be used. In Israel, Passover celebrations continued, though some marked the holiday underground. "This is not my first choice," said a writer named Jeffrey at a meal in a Tel Aviv bunker. - Global impact - The war's economic impact is rippling far beyond the Middle East. Oil prices surged to around $110 a barrel on Thursday after Trump warned of further strikes on Iran. Oil markets were closed on Friday. Analysts said that Trump's prime-time address to the nation failed to provide clarity on an exit strategy from the war, with Deutsche Bank's Jim Reid noting there was "no signal of the US seeking an imminent off-ramp". The World Bank warned of mounting risks to inflation, jobs and food security worldwide. Airlines in China are raising fuel surcharges, Malaysia has asked civil servants to work from home and Pakistan has sharply raised fuel prices. Even the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is feeling the strain, with fuel shortages triggering long queues in the capital Thimphu. "We are helpless," said resident Karma Kalden. Egypt has ordered shops, restaurants and shopping malls to close from 9:00 pm on weekdays, hoping to curb energy bills that have more than doubled because of the war. Trump, whose administration has been accused of giving mixed messages about the war's end game, has suggested that Tehran's new leadership could prove "more reasonable" in potential peace talks. Iran has dismissed US overtures as "maximalist and irrational". - UN vote delayed - There was a flurry of diplomatic activity on Thursday over what to do about the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has virtually blocked since the war began. It has impacted global supplies of vital commodities including oil, liquid natural gas and fertiliser, triggering a sharp rise in energy prices. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper convened about 40 countries to demand its "immediate and unconditional" reopening. "Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not prevail," Cooper said in a statement. Underlining the wider repercussions, Italy called for a "humanitarian corridor" for fertiliser and other essentials through the waterway to avoid a food disaster in Africa. The UN Security Council postponed a vote scheduled for Friday on authorising the use of "defensive" force to protect shipping in the strait from Iranian attacks, according to the official programme. The 15-member body was set to vote Friday morning on a draft resolution brought by Bahrain, but by Thursday night the schedule shifted. The reason given was that the United Nations observes Good Friday as a public holiday, according to diplomatic sources -- despite this fact being known when the vote was first announced. No new date has been given for voting on the draft.  
People are ultimate source of power: PM
People are ultimate source of power: PM
Govt sets 180-day action plan to implement election pledges, PM tells JS
Govt sets 180-day action plan to implement election pledges, PM tells JS
Don't involve in politics during sports life, PM urges athletes 
Don't involve in politics during sports life, PM urges athletes 
PM issues directives to BNP MPs to vitalize parliament 
PM issues directives to BNP MPs to vitalize parliament 
Tokyo stocks track Wall St rebound in holiday-hit trade
Tokyo stocks track Wall St rebound in holiday-hit trade
TOKYO, April 3, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Tokyo shares rebounded Friday following the previous day's steep losses as investors tracked tech-led gains on Wall Street, despite uncertainty fuelled by the Middle East crisis. The advance came on a muted day across Asia where most markets were closed for the Easter break, with Seoul also rallying, though Shanghai fell. Japan's Nikkei 225 was up 0.9 percent by the break, having shed more than two percent Thursday in the wake of US President Donald Trump's address to the nation that fuelled fears about an extended Iran war. Oil markets were also closed, a day after West Texas Intermediate soared more than 11 percent to $111.54 and Brent jumped 7.8 percent to $109.03. "While market movements continue to be heavily influenced by the flow of news regarding the situation in the Middle East, the rise in US tech stocks is providing buyers with a sense of relief," Daiwa Securities said in a commentary. Tokai Tokyo Securities added: "Tokyo shares are expected to trend higher, but volatility is also expected." Online brokerage Monex said investors may take a wait-and-see mood in the afternoon, with eyes also on the release of US jobs figures that are due later Friday. Investors remained cautious as Trump's speech did not provide clear indications on when the conflict against Iran might end. In the address, he threatened to bomb Iran "back to the Stone Ages" but offered no plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil and gas passes but has been blocked by Tehran since the war began. "While the market had been hoping for a near end to the war. These remarks, leaving open the possibility of further fighting, sparked disappointment," noted Takuma Ikemoto of the Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Lab. On currency markets, the euro rose to $1.1536, the pound edged up to $1.3227, the dollar gained to 159.66 yen and the euro eased to 87.20 pence.
'Metals of the future': copper and silver flow beneath Poland's surface
'Metals of the future': copper and silver flow beneath Poland's surface
Revenue collection to be ensured with fairness: NBR Chairman
Revenue collection to be ensured with fairness: NBR Chairman
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Tax officials should be people-friendly: Whip Bakul 
Tax officials should be people-friendly: Whip Bakul 
KHULNA, April 3, 2026 (BSS) - National Parliament Whip Rakibul Islam Bakul has said, not a source of fear.  He stressed the importance of taxpayers in the national economy and called for a fundamental change in the behavior of tax officials.  He made the remarks while inaugurating a newly constructed modern tax building in the city on Thursday afternoon as the chief guest.  Whip and Khulna-3 constituency lawmaker Rakibul Islam Bakul formally opened the facility by unveiling its plaque amid a colorful programme.  Internal Resources Division Secretary and National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan presided over the event.  Among the special guests were Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Zila Parishad Chairman S M Monirul Hasan Bappi, NBR Member (Tax Policy) Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqi and Member (Tax Administration and HRM) Ahsan Habib.  Khulna Tax Commissioner Shraboni Chakma delivered the welcome address. Bakul said the country's income tax system is a key driving force of development, as a major portion of funding for roads, educational institutions, hospitals and electricity comes from people's tax. He emphasized that alongside preventing tax evasion, simplifying rules and ensuring transparency are essential to make the system more effective. He expressed concern that many people still feel afraid of obtaining a TIN certificate, fearing harassment by officials.  "Over-enthusiasm and dishonesty among some officials are discouraging the creation of new taxpayers, which is not good for the economy," he said. He alleged that large businessmen often evade taxes while small and medium businessmen face undue pressure. He called for eliminating such disparities.  Issuing a strong message to tax officers, he said they must become "friends of the people, not a source of fear." He also urged authorities to raise awareness through campaigns and clearly explain how tax money is utilized. He suggested rewarding compliant taxpayers to encourage greater participation. Highlighting concerns over Khulna's regional economy, he noted that despite its identity as an industrial hub, many industries are in decline, particularly the fisheries sector.  He pledged to revive the region's economy by promoting cottage industries as well as large-scale industrial establishments. He reaffirmed commitment to building a modern, equitable and people-friendly tax system to achieve a prosperous Bangladesh. According to sources, the tax building project, implemented by the Public Works Department, began on July 1, 2019 and was completed on December 31, 2025 at a cost of Tk 65.54 crore.  The 10-storey building, with a total floor area of 130,722 square feet, houses offices of Tax Zone-Khulna, Tax Appeal Zone-Khulna, Central Tax Survey ranges and circles, and the Khulna bench of the Appellate Tribunal.  It also includes parking facilities, a commercial bank branch, e-return and information service center, daycare facility and meeting rooms for taxpayers. The project also features two lifts, a 300 KVA generator, an 800 KVA substation, 100-ton air conditioning system, fire safety system, solar system, drainage system, pump house, underground reservoir, boundary wall and internal roads. The newly inaugurated building is expected to make tax administration in the Khulna region more dynamic, modern and taxpayer-friendly. 
Emergency meeting held to prevent measles outbreak in Manikganj
Emergency meeting held to prevent measles outbreak in Manikganj
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37,000 litres of diesel seized from tanker in Ctg
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Indonesia to ban social media access for under-16s: minister

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Date : 03 Apr, 2026
AI-generated video falsely attributing remarks to PM Tarique Rahman identified: BanglaFact
AI-generated video falsely attributing remarks to PM Tarique Rahman identified: BanglaFact
FactWatch debunks claim of anti-discrimination student leader's arrest
FactWatch debunks claim of anti-discrimination student leader's arrest
AI-generated images falsely used to claim real-life extortion incidents:  BanglaFact
AI-generated images falsely used to claim real-life extortion incidents:  BanglaFact
Nepali video falsely circulated against BNP: BanglaFact
Nepali video falsely circulated against BNP: BanglaFact
Geisha spectacle in Japan's Kyoto celebrates arrival of spring
Geisha spectacle in Japan's Kyoto celebrates arrival of spring
Indian painting sells for record $17.9 million
Indian painting sells for record $17.9 million
Oscars to leave Hollywood in 2029: Academy
Oscars to leave Hollywood in 2029: Academy
Narsingdi's Ekduaria village emerges as unique attraction for foreign tourists 
Narsingdi's Ekduaria village emerges as unique attraction for foreign tourists 
Health Minister inaugurates new outpatient unit at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital
Health Minister inaugurates new outpatient unit at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital
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Tangail farmers get seeds, fartilizers free of cost
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Hong Kong's 'hero trees' lose their glory as climate warms
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