State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam Rinku said the government is making every effort to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East. She confirmed that a Bangladeshi woman named Dipali Khatun was among those killed in an Israeli attack in Lebanon two days earlier. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted Dipali’s family, and efforts are underway to repatriate her body despite flight disruptions due to the ongoing conflict.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with members of the Hindu community at her home village in Nagarkanda, Faridpur, on April 11, Rinku said the government and the Bangladesh mission in Lebanon are working to relocate citizens to safer areas. She added that some Bangladeshis have already been brought home on chartered flights, and arrangements are being made for others who wish to return.

The minister noted that eight Bangladeshis, including women, have died in various countries amid the regional unrest. She said the government will take steps to help returnee workers reintegrate into employment once they are back in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Automobile Workshop Owners Association has demanded that authorities stop the planned eviction of 172 automobile workshops in Dhaka’s Motijheel and Kamalapur areas. The appeal was made on Sunday during a press conference at the National Press Club, where association representatives said the workshops have been operating in the area for about 25 years.

Speakers at the event warned that sudden eviction would push thousands of workers, employees, and their families into uncertainty and could disrupt the country’s ongoing transport system. They urged the authorities to consider humanitarian and practical realities before proceeding with any eviction.

The association called for an immediate suspension of the eviction drive, adequate time for adjustment, and a planned rehabilitation process to ensure sustainable management of the sector. The press conference was attended by association president Engineer Jahangir Alam and other members.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sharply criticized the United States for repeatedly violating its commitments, asserting that Tehran will not hesitate to defend its legitimate rights and territorial integrity. Speaking by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday, Pezeshkian discussed ceasefire efforts, talks in Islamabad, and the escalating situation in Lebanon. He emphasized that Iran does not seek conflict and prefers resolving issues through dialogue based on international law.

Pezeshkian recalled that Washington had imposed two wars and committed numerous crimes against the Iranian nation. He described Iran’s missile capability as a defensive necessity and criticized the inaction of international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union, regarding illegal attacks on Iran and the region.

During the same conversation, French President Macron reiterated France’s readiness to help restore peace and stability in the region, according to the report sourced from Tasnim News Agency.

The astronauts of NASA’s Artemis-2 mission expressed awe and called for global unity after completing their record-breaking lunar journey. Speaking at a press conference organized by NASA in Houston, they described Earth as a solitary “lifeboat” in the vast emptiness of space. The crew safely splashed down off the coast of California on Friday, marking the first time in over 50 years that humans have orbited the Moon.

Commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, and Christina Koch shared their reflections on the mission’s significance. Koch urged humanity to preserve brotherhood, describing Earth as a calm and steady vessel in the universe. Hansen highlighted the mission’s milestones, noting that Glover was the first Black astronaut, Koch the first woman, and Hansen the first non-American to orbit the Moon. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the crew for inspiring the world to dream again.

Artemis-2 is the first crewed mission under NASA’s Artemis program, aimed at establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon as a step toward deeper space exploration. NASA expects humans to walk on the lunar surface again by 2028.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has said that retired teachers from schools, colleges, and madrasas may be appointed as presidents of managing committees or governing bodies in various private educational institutions. He made the remarks on Sunday while addressing a program at Azimpur Government Girls School and College auditorium in Dhaka.

The minister explained that a commission could be formed with retired teachers to select presidents for managing committees across the country, which he believes would help improve the education system. He noted that no formal decision has been made yet, but the process is under consideration. The minister was speaking at a meeting with center secretaries of the Dhaka region ahead of the upcoming SSC and equivalent examinations, organized by the Dhaka Board of Secondary and Higher Education.

During the event, the minister emphasized that improving teaching quality is a top priority, noting that many teachers do not teach properly, leading parents to rely on private tutors or coaching centers.

Bihar Police have arrested a 22-year-old man accused of offering to assassinate Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in exchange for money. The suspect, Aman Tiwari from Araria village in Bihar’s Buxar district, allegedly emailed the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in October 2025, claiming he could carry out the act within 22 days. He was arrested on April 8, 2026, and police seized his laptop and other electronic devices, sealing his residence.

According to Buxar Superintendent of Police Shubham Arya, Tiwari, who is unemployed, sent the email seeking payment for compromising the Prime Minister’s security. Investigators believe his motive was financial, as he demanded money in exchange for confidential information. During interrogation, Tiwari gave inconsistent statements but admitted to writing the email for monetary gain.

Police have detained two additional individuals for questioning and are examining possible links. Forensic teams are analyzing the seized devices, and no evidence has yet been found implicating Tiwari’s family members in the crime.

The Bishu festival of the Tonchongya community began in Kaptai, Rangamati, with a colorful rally, flower floating on the Sangu River, and a discussion meeting on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The event was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Tonchongya Welfare Association Kaptai Regional Committee and the Devatachhari Raissyabili region. The rally started from Kaptai Upazila Karnaphuli Stadium at 9:30 a.m. and concluded at the Kaptai Upazila headquarters, with men and women participating through music, dance, and traditional attire.

Before the rally, community members dressed in new clothes and floated flowers on the Karnaphuli River to mark the beginning of the day. A discussion meeting followed at the Kaptai Upazila Officers’ Club premises, presided over by Chiranjit Tonchongya, Chairman of Wagga Union Parishad, and conducted by Rupamoy Tonchongya. Kaptai Upazila Executive Officer Md. Ruhul Amin attended as chief guest, highlighting the participation of all communities and the cultural significance of the event. Other speakers included local officials and community leaders.

The celebration reflected the Tonchongya community’s cultural unity and aspiration to promote their traditional Bishu festival to a wider audience.

Iran’s security forces have arrested at least 50 individuals accused of leaking sensitive information about key national facilities to what authorities described as “enemy states.” The arrests were confirmed on April 12, 2026, by Iran’s state news agency SNN. The detainees are alleged to have worked as mercenaries engaged in espionage activities on behalf of the United States and Israel.

According to the report, the suspects had been providing foreign intelligence agencies with details about the locations of critical infrastructure and service sectors. During the operation, security forces reportedly seized a large quantity of electronic devices, satellite equipment, and weapons. The arrests come amid intensified counter-espionage operations following a deadly 12-day conflict last year between Iran and the United States and Israel.

Under Iran’s recently amended anti-espionage law, those convicted of such crimes face severe penalties, including the death sentence and confiscation of property. The mass arrests are seen as adding new tension to already strained intelligence relations between Iran, Israel, and Western nations.

Talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad have ended without agreement, with both sides blaming each other for the failure. The discussions, held shortly after a fragile ceasefire, were marked by mutual claims of victory in the recent conflict. The negotiations began under tense circumstances following a warning from the US president that included threats to destroy Iranian civilization.

According to the report, no new announcement has been made about resuming attacks on Iran, but the likelihood of renewed hostilities has increased. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran had partially but effectively closed, was not addressed in the talks. The presence of two US warships deployed in the Persian Gulf suggests Washington may be considering alternative actions.

The United States cited Iran’s failure to provide credible assurances that it would never develop nuclear weapons as the main obstacle to progress. Iran maintains it does not seek to produce such weapons, but after two wars in a year, domestic support for nuclear capability appears to be growing. The breakdown of these direct talks is being viewed as a significant diplomatic setback.

Several educational institutions in Dhaka have begun pilot online classes to address the ongoing energy crisis. On Sunday, April 12, 2026, Vikarunnesa Noon School and College started virtual lessons at 9 a.m., where teachers conducted classes from their classrooms while students joined from home. The initiative is being tested during the Baishabi holidays, with plans to expand to the school section soon.

According to the education ministry, the program is part of a broader plan to introduce online classes three days a week in metropolitan schools and colleges. A stakeholder meeting was held on April 8 to discuss the proposal, and the decision was announced on April 9 by Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon. The schedule alternates between online and offline classes throughout the week, aiming to reduce energy consumption and encourage digital learning.

If successful, the ministry plans to gradually expand the hybrid model nationwide as part of its digital education strategy.

An emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign began on Sunday across 540 centers under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The month-long program, running from April 12 to May 11, 2026, aims to vaccinate 402,456 children aged six months to under five years. The campaign was inaugurated at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium, with Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain as chief guest and State Minister for Road Transport and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib as special guest. DSCC Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md. Abdus Salam presided over the event, attended by representatives from UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

The health minister said coordinated efforts could control measles and other infectious diseases, noting that similar programs had already started in 18 districts. He thanked UNICEF and WHO for their support and urged citizens to remain alert against dengue. The state minister described the rising measles cases as alarming and called on the media to raise awareness among working parents. DSCC officials emphasized reaching every child through community-level awareness.

Following the inauguration, officials visited the Khilgaon Maternity Center to inspect vaccination activities and participate in a cleanliness drive.

In Pabna’s Bhangura upazila, allegations have surfaced against a contractor for using substandard and burnt brick chips in a road repair project worth about Tk 3.32 crore under the 2025–26 fiscal year rural road maintenance program. The project, covering 3,576 meters from Bheramara Bazar to Hatgram, was awarded to Kushtia-based Saikat Enterprise, with a Pabna sub-contractor reportedly handling the work. The project is scheduled for completion by June 30.

Field visits revealed that after inspection by senior officials, a mix of low-quality and good brick chips continued to be used, with no supervising engineer present on-site. Locals said poor materials had been used from the start and had lodged verbal complaints. LGED Deputy Director Momin Mojibul Haque confirmed the allegations during his inspection and ordered the removal of substandard materials, but the directive was reportedly ignored.

The acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer warned that if the poor-quality materials were not removed, action would be taken against those responsible.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Tehran has not forgotten and will never forget what he described as the United States’ betrayal and hostility. He made the remarks on Sunday in a post on social media platform X, following discussions between Iran and the United States held in Islamabad, Pakistan. Baghaei also praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating the dialogue between the two countries.

In his message, Baghaei referred to past US and Israeli attacks against Iran, mentioning incidents from June last year and February 28 this year. He said Iranian representatives used all their strength, experience, and knowledge to defend the country’s rights and interests during the talks. He added that the grief of the Iranian people has strengthened their resolve to protect national interests.

Baghaei emphasized that nothing should stand in the way of fulfilling Iran’s historical duty to its homeland and civilization. He reaffirmed that the Islamic Republic remains determined to safeguard national interests and pursue the country’s welfare through diplomacy and all available means.

Former Speaker of the National Parliament, Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, has been granted bail in an attempted murder case filed at Lalbagh Police Station in connection with the July movement. The Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court approved her bail petition on Sunday, April 12, 2026. She had been arrested on April 7 from a relative’s residence and was sent to jail the same day.

The case originated from an incident on July 18 of the previous year, when victim Md. Ashraful, also known as Fahim, was participating in a demonstration inside the Azimpur Government Colony under Lalbagh Police Station during an anti-discrimination movement. According to the case details, shots fired by the accused caused severe injury to Ashraful’s left eye. The victim filed the attempted murder case on July 17 at Lalbagh Police Station.

The court’s decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the July movement incident.

Talks between the United States and Iran concluded without any agreement, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei. The discussions, held with Pakistan’s mediation, covered the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear concerns, wartime compensation, sanctions relief, and efforts to end regional conflicts. In a post on social media platform X, Baghaei expressed Iran’s gratitude to Pakistan for organizing and facilitating the dialogue.

Baghaei stated that Iranian representatives used all their strength, experience, and knowledge to defend Tehran’s rights and interests. He emphasized that Iran remains determined to protect its national interests and welfare through diplomacy and all available means. The spokesperson also reiterated Iran’s distrust of the United States, citing past hostilities and attacks allegedly carried out by the US and Israel.

He added that the success of the diplomatic process depends on the sincerity and goodwill of the other side, and on recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights. Baghaei concluded by thanking the Pakistani government and people for their sincere efforts in advancing the talks.