Iran has executed an individual who was accused of infiltrating a military site during anti-regime protests. At least 53,000 people were arrested during demonstrations that spread across Iran's 31 provinces, the US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran said. Security forces in Iran have arrested more than 1,500 people since the beginning of the war, a leading human rights organisation said. Three people arrested during the January protests have been executed since the war began. The New York-based Centre for Human Rights in Iran said the number of arrests was based on Iranian government figures and the real total was probably “far higher”.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, spoke to BSS today. “I am hopeful that we would be able to reach a conclusion about the deal tomorrow,” he told BSS here today. The state minister said the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita and he held a meeting with the Japanese Ambassador regarding the negotiations at the Secretariat this noon. The state minister said the third terminal remained closed for about one and a half years during the interim government period, preventing several foreign airlines from launching operations in Bangladesh. After that, he said the Civil Aviation Authority and the project consultant, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), briefed Afroza and him on the current financial gap on Wednesday.

Photo: BSSDHAKA, Apr 2, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh U-20 women’s national football team completed their post-match recovery training session in Bangkok this morning at Alpine training camp (Pitch 2) in Bangkok, Thailand today (Thursday). This group worked on small-sided games, possession-based drills and match scenario exercises aimed at maintaining sharpness and improving tactical execution. Further analysis will take place later in the day, as the technical staff will hold a detailed video session and team meeting at the hotel to review performance and address identified gaps. The entire team is available ahead of the upcoming fixture against China PR. Bangladesh U-20 women’s national football team will continue their preparations with another training session tomorrow (Friday) at the same venue, as they gear up for their second group stage match against China PR U-20 women’s national team on Saturday (Apr 4).

Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Monir Hossain Chowdhury disclosed this at a press conference at the Secretariat today. Photo: BSSDHAKA, April 02, 2026 (BSS) – The government has instructed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to ensure the availability of diesel for farmers across the country. Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Monir Hossain Chowdhury disclosed this at a press conference at the Secretariat today. He said a virtual meeting was held between the ministry and DCs of all 64 districts. During the meeting, DCs were directed to take necessary measures to supply diesel to farmers as per demand, as the country has sufficient stock.

MUMBAI, India, April 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - An Indian oil painting by celebrated 19th century artist Raja Ravi Varma has sold for a record $17.9 million at auction in Mumbai, the highest price ever paid for a modern Indian artwork. The oil on canvas painting was put up for auction on Wednesday, far surpassing its estimated price of $8.6 million-$12.9 million. "It is... the highest value work by an Indian artist sold at auction globally," Saffronart said. The Times of India newspaper said the painting was bought by industrialist and vaccine tycoon Cyrus Poonawala. The painting "exemplifies the artist's unparalleled mastery of oil painting and his pioneering naturalistic portrayal of Indian deities that helped define how modern India imagines its sacred narratives," Saffronart said.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain -File photoDHAKA, April 2, 2026 (BSS) - Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain today said the incumbent government is fully prepared to prevent measles, with nationwide vaccination scheduled to begin from Sunday. Sakhawat Husain said measles has emerged suddenly. "However, within a short time, we are now fully prepared to prevent measles. The health minister said all necessary measures have been taken to prevent the outbreak of measles across the country, including Dhaka and Rajshahi. Referring to the contribution of doctors, Sakhawat Husain asked doctors to provide healthcare to patients following medical ethics.

DHAKA, Apr 2, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh hockey team got off to a winning start in the Men’s Asian Games Qualifier beating Chinese Taipei by 4-3 goals in their opening pool B match held in Bangkok, Thailand. National teams from across Asia are participating in this prestigious tournament for qualification to the Asian Games. Bangladesh pitted in Pool B along with Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan, will play their remaining group matches against Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan on April 3 and 6 respectively. The top six teams from this qualifying round will qualify for the Asian Games. The 2026 Asian Games, also known as 20th Asian Games will be Aichi–Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, April 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Pakistan said Thursday that the burden of ending its conflict with Afghanistan lay with Kabul, as the two sides held preliminary talks to try to end hostilities. Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi told reporters in the capital that the government hoped for a "durable solution". "The burden of real process, however, lies with Afghanistan, which must demonstrate visible and verifiable actions against terrorist groups using (its) soil against Pakistan." Beijing has also been involved in trying to end the conflict with Afghanistan, and has sent a special envoy to Kabul to try to broker a deal. Pakistan and Afghanistan announced a pause in fighting to mark the end of Ramadan last month, at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.

NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar, April 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Myanmar lawmakers will elect a new president on Friday, the parliamentary speaker said, with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing one of three candidates for the post. The former commander in chief has led Myanmar since 2021, when he ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and triggered a civil war. He was one of three vice presidents elected by lawmakers on Tuesday, receiving 247 of 260 votes in the lower house. "Among the three vice presidents... (members of parliament) have to vote to select and elect the one vice president they prefer as the President," parliamentary speaker Aung Lin Dwe said Thursday, adding the vote will be held at 10:00 am (0330 GMT). But after Aung San Suu Kyi trounced the USDP in a landslide in 2020 elections, Min Aung Hlaing snatched back power.

SEOUL, April 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in South Korea on Thursday after visiting fellow US ally Japan, where he praised Europe's "predictability" in an apparent swipe at Donald Trump over the Iran war. Trump also criticised South Korea the same day as he urged countries dependent on the Strait of Hormuz to help reopen the key oil route. Let South Korea, who was not helpful to us, by the way. Let South Korea do it," Trump said, referring to North Korea. "Let Japan do it.

DHAKA, Apr 2, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh currently has 2.5 lakh metric tons of fuel oil in stock and as a result, the fuel supply situation is normal. He said the largest amount of fuel stored is diesel – 1,22,660 metric tons, which is about 63 percent of the total fuel. Besides, there are 9,210 metric tons of octane in stock, which is enough to meet the needs of personal vehicles and high-performance engines, and the stock of petrol is 12,194 metric tons, he said. Monir Hossain also informed that the stock of jet fuel is 41,876 metric tons, while furnace oil 58,736 metric tons, kerosene 9,378 metric tons and marine fuel 1,153 metric tons. He mentioned that the current fuel stock is sufficient to meet the country's energy needs.

Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, April 2, 2026 (BSS) - Rajshahi Medical College (RMCH) has increased Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity for children to cope with growing pressure. RMCH spokesperson Dr Shankar K. Biswas said six beds from the geriatric ICU were added to the pediatric ICU, raising the total to 18. Of these, 12 beds are allocated for children with measles, while the remaining six will be used for other pediatric patients. As of Wednesday morning, a total of 117 children with measles symptoms were admitted to RMCH, while 56 more were waiting for ICU beds. Authorities have decided to temporarily use 10 ICU beds at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute in Rajshahi.

TOKYO, April 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Nils Nielsen is leaving as Japan coach less than two weeks after taking them to Women's Asian Cup glory, the football association said Thursday. Greenlander Nielsen led Japan to their third Asian title in four tournaments, beating hosts Australia 1-0 in the final in Sydney on March 21. "Japan women's manager Nils Nielsen is stepping down following the expiry of his contract," the JFA said in a statement. Japan won plaudits for their performances at the Asian Cup, where they scored 29 goals and conceded just one. Nielsen previously coached Denmark and Switzerland's women's teams and served as the technical director of Manchester City's women's side.

TEHRAN, April 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Strikes have hit a century-old medical centre in the Iranian capital, causing extensive damage, the country's health ministry said on Thursday. "The aggression against Pasteur Institute of Iran -- a century-old pillar of global health and member of International Pasteur Network -- is a direct assault on international health security," said health ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour in a post on X. He posted images from the site showing the building heavily damaged, with parts of the facility reduced to rubble.

A delegation of the central committee of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Photo: PMODHAKA, April 2, 2026 (BSS) - A delegation of the central committee of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The delegation met the premier at the conference room of the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat here this noon, said sources at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).