Tehran University associate professor Fouad Izadi stated that Iran has the capability to counter the United States’ naval blockade. His remarks came in response to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who said the US is destroying Iran’s economic capacity. Izadi told Al Jazeera that Miller may have overlooked Iran’s nearly six thousand square kilometers of land borders and emphasized that Iran’s northern and eastern neighbors are assisting the country, making it impossible for the US to suffocate it.

Izadi further argued that imposing a naval blockade is illegal under international law, as punishing civilians to achieve foreign policy goals is unjustified. He noted that such blockades are considered acts of aggression unless authorized by the UN Security Council, making the current US blockade of Iranian ports highly controversial.

According to the report, at least 2,076 people have been killed and 26,500 injured since the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran began.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that his government will purchase an additional 100 million liters of diesel from Brunei and South Korea to boost the country’s fuel reserves. The announcement was made during a press conference in Malaysia, where Albanese confirmed that the diesel will arrive in two separate shipments.

According to AFP, the decision comes as global energy markets face ongoing instability in fuel supply. Albanese stated that one shipment will come from Brunei, which he visited recently, and the other from South Korea. The move is intended to strengthen Australia’s domestic energy security amid the worldwide fuel crisis.

Reports suggest that this measure is expected to enhance Australia’s resilience against supply disruptions and ensure stable energy availability in the near term.

After decades without legal status, Syria’s Kurdish population has begun registering for citizenship across the country. The process started last week following a directive from the Interior Ministry, implementing a January decree by President Ahmed al-Sharar granting citizenship to unregistered Kurds. Many applicants, such as 49-year-old Ahmad, described the hardships of living without official documents, including inability to register property, study, or travel.

The decree recognizes Kurdish cultural and linguistic rights and designates Kurdish as a national language. It follows recent clashes between Kurdish fighters and government forces in the northeast, where Kurdish authorities once held control. A February agreement integrated Kurdish administration into the central state, and a senior Kurdish commander, Sipan Hamo, was appointed as assistant deputy defense minister for the eastern region.

Officials said registration centers will remain open for one month, with possible extensions. Civil Affairs officer Abdallah al-Abdallah called the restoration of citizenship the greatest compensation for those long deprived of it.

Israeli forces carried out large-scale raids, searches, and mass arrests across the occupied West Bank within the past 24 hours. The operations were conducted to secure routes for Jewish settlers, leading to multiple clashes with Palestinians in several areas. In eastern Nablus, troops launched a major operation near the Tomb of Prophet Yusuf to ensure safe passage for settler buses, during which direct gunfire was reported. A military checkpoint on Al-Badhan Road caused significant disruption to local traffic.

In Qalqilya, Israeli special forces arrested a Palestinian youth following an incursion, while additional raids were conducted in Ras Atiya to the south and Kafr Nima village west of Ramallah. A total of 25 Palestinians, including one woman, were detained during the 24-hour campaign. Meanwhile, settler attacks in Wadi Abbas and near Hebron left several Palestinians, including a child, injured and in need of medical treatment.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, highlights the continuing escalation of Israeli military and settler activities across the West Bank.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has announced a major reshuffle involving several key management positions amid the country’s ongoing energy crisis. The administrative and human resources department issued an official order on Thursday, transferring seven officials to new posts. The order stated that the changes were made in the interest of administration and that the transferred officials must assume their new roles immediately, with their previous positions considered released until they join.

According to the directive, Md. Yunus Hossain Bhuiyan, previously Deputy General Manager of the D&P Division and Managing Director of DGSL, has been appointed Managing Director of Musa & Company Limited. Md. Amin Masud, who held additional charge as Managing Director of Musa & Company Limited, has been reassigned as Managing Director (additional charge) of MRL Gas Limited. Several other senior officials, including Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Md. Shahen Mohammad Hossain, Forhan Masud Rizvi, Mohammad Zaher Hossain, and Md. Jahangir Hossain, were also given new responsibilities across BPC and its subsidiaries.

The reshuffle comes as power generation declines in various regions, raising questions about the operations of energy-related agencies. A sector expert, speaking anonymously, suggested that such large-scale changes may signal strategic shifts, emphasizing the importance of leadership stability during crises.

State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari announced that the government plans to replace the memorization-based syllabus in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) and other government recruitment exams with a skill-based evaluation system. He made the statement in parliament on Thursday, April 16, in response to a written question from ruling party member Md. Harun-ur-Rashid of Rajbari-2 constituency.

The minister said a committee has been formed to revise the BCS syllabus, reviewing civil service exam structures from other countries to incorporate necessary updates. He added that the Public Service Commission will soon introduce competency-based interviews to assess candidates’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Efforts are also underway to reduce delays in the recruitment process so that one BCS examination can be completed within a year.

In response to another question, the minister detailed the current quota system: 93 percent merit-based, 5 percent for freedom fighters and their descendants, 1 percent for ethnic minorities, and 1 percent for persons with disabilities and the third gender.

A global energy crisis has emerged after the closure of the Hormuz Strait following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, raising fears of a major collapse in air transport by May or June. The strait, which handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, has been blocked, putting Asian and European countries at the greatest risk due to reduced jet fuel availability.

Market analysis firm Rystad Energy and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have forecast that flight cancellations could begin as early as May because of fuel shortages. The IEA warned in its monthly report that if Europe fails to replace at least half of its Middle Eastern oil imports, its reserves could fall to a critical 23-day level by June. OECD European countries, including EU members, the UK, and Norway, import over 30 percent of their jet fuel, most of which passes through the Hormuz Strait.

The European Commission stated that while total fuel depletion has not yet occurred, supply disruptions are now unavoidable. Spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Ikonen cautioned that if the situation remains uncontrolled, global air transport could face unprecedented paralysis starting in May.

China has called on Iran to take necessary measures to restore normal maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The appeal was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart on Wednesday night. Wang emphasized that while Iran’s sovereignty and security in the strait must be respected and protected, freedom and safety of navigation through this international waterway should also be guaranteed.

Wang Yi further noted that keeping the strait open serves the common interest of the international community. During the discussion, he reaffirmed Beijing’s support for maintaining the current ceasefire and resuming dialogue. The conversation reflects China’s diplomatic engagement in regional stability and its interest in ensuring uninterrupted maritime routes vital for global trade.

The call highlights China’s position as a stakeholder in Middle Eastern maritime security and its advocacy for peaceful resolution through dialogue, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Russia carried out a massive wave of attacks across multiple Ukrainian cities within a 24-hour period, launching 659 drones and 44 missiles, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. The strikes killed at least 14 people, most of whom died during nighttime assaults. Ukrainian air defense units reported intercepting 636 drones and 31 missiles during the barrage.

The attacks mark another escalation in the war that has continued for four years, with Moscow conducting near-nightly drone strikes. Kyiv has also been carrying out regular retaliatory attacks inside Russian territory. The ongoing exchange underscores the persistent intensity of the conflict between the two countries.

Russian officials reported that two children were killed in overnight Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, highlighting the cross-border nature of the hostilities that continue to claim civilian lives on both sides.

Iran has been experiencing an almost complete internet blackout for 48 consecutive days, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. The organization reported that the disruption has lasted 1,128 hours, severely limiting online connectivity across the country.

The restrictions were imposed in early January following the resurgence of protests in Iran. The situation worsened toward the end of February when a war broke out involving the United States and Israel against Iran, leading to even stricter controls on internet access. NetBlocks stated that the prolonged blackout has gravely affected daily life and communication among citizens.

Observers describe the scale of this internet shutdown as unprecedented under wartime conditions, highlighting its deep impact on information flow and civilian activities within Iran.

Diplomatic efforts to ease the ongoing crisis between the United States and Iran continue, but uncertainty remains over the resumption of peace talks. With only one week left before the current ceasefire expires, international concern and a sense of urgency are rising. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Islamabad reported that progress has slowed mainly due to a form of stagnation on the US side. Pakistan’s army chief is currently in Tehran, delivering messages from Washington and laying the groundwork for the next round of discussions in Islamabad.

Although the White House press secretary has not confirmed that the next talks will take place in Islamabad, sources indicate that no alternative venue is being considered. Since the first round of talks ended last Sunday, Pakistan has been serving as the main diplomatic intermediary between the two sides. A spokesperson for Pakistan’s foreign ministry said that all plans are proceeding as expected, and both parties are being prepared to return to Islamabad.

Major obstacles remain, particularly over Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Despite these challenges, there is still an opportunity to bring both sides back to the negotiating table before the ceasefire expires next week.

NCP Member of Parliament Akhtar Hossain from Rangpur-4 expressed anger in Parliament after learning that the Bangladesh Bar Council election had been postponed through a midnight notice. The postponement was attributed to a severe fuel crisis. Speaking on a point of order, Hossain questioned the government’s contradictory stance, noting that while officials deny any fuel shortage, a state institution cited it as the reason for delaying the election. He demanded statements from the energy and law ministers to clarify the issue.

The law minister, Asaduzzaman, responded by saying that the Bar Council is an autonomous body that independently decided to defer the election. He mentioned that several bar associations, including the Dhaka Bar, had requested a postponement to ensure their own election processes could continue smoothly. The minister emphasized that the government had not interfered in the council’s decision and supported a fair and independent election process.

The Bar Council election had been scheduled for May 19, following an extended period under an ad hoc committee formed after the interim government took office.

On March 21, during Eid-ul-Fitr, many residents of Indian-administered Kashmir took part in a humanitarian initiative to support civilians affected by war in Iran. People donated gold jewelry, cash, household items, and personal belongings. In Budgam, 55-year-old Masrat Mukhtar gave away her father’s gifted earrings on her birthday, while others contributed copper utensils, livestock, bicycles, and savings. Children also broke their piggy banks to join the effort.

The gesture reflects Kashmir’s long-standing cultural and historical ties with Iran, dating back to the arrival of Sufi saint Mir Syed Ali Hamadani from Persia six centuries ago. This connection has earned Kashmir the nickname “Iran-e-Saghir” or “Little Iran.” Around 10 to 15 percent of Kashmir’s population are Shia Muslims, but the donations came from both Shia and Sunni families, many of whom reduced Eid expenses to contribute.

Local sources estimate that about 600 crore rupees (around 64 million dollars) have been collected so far. Indian authorities have expressed concern about possible misuse of unverified funds and emphasized transparency, while organizers insist the campaign is purely humanitarian and aimed at helping Iranian civilians.

More than one million people have been displaced in Lebanon due to ongoing conflict, accounting for one-fifth of the country’s population. The United Nations refugee agency chief, Barham Salih, described the situation as unprecedented and called on the international community to provide urgent relief and assistance to Lebanon. His appeal followed a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, over 2,100 people have been killed since March 2 in Israeli attacks. Israel stated that its operations in Lebanon aim to weaken Iran-backed Hezbollah and protect its citizens from cross-border rocket and other assaults. The UN’s call highlights the growing humanitarian crisis as violence continues to destabilize the region.

The situation underscores Lebanon’s vulnerability to recurring cycles of violence and the urgent need for international support to restore stability and prevent further displacement.

A Chattogram court has granted bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON leader and one of the accused in the murder case of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif. The bail was granted on Thursday, April 16, 2026, by Judicial Magistrate Md. Shakhawat Hossain in a separate complaint case filed by former minister and BNP leader Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin. The plaintiff’s lawyer, Nazmul Haque, confirmed the bail order in the afternoon.

According to court sources, after the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) submitted its report, Chinmoy—who was already in custody—was shown arrested in this complaint case. The case, filed in 2023 under the Penal Code, accuses Chinmoy and five others of trespassing on Mir Nasir’s property in Hathazari’s Mekhal Union, damaging trees, seizing fish, and establishing a poultry farm, causing financial and environmental losses.

The report also recalls that in November 2024, a violent clash occurred at the Chattogram court premises over Chinmoy’s bail in a separate sedition case, during which lawyer Saiful Islam Alif was killed. Police have since submitted a charge sheet in that murder case, and witness testimony is ongoing.