The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced that pedestrians who cross roads without using zebra crossings, foot overbridges, or underpasses will face jail or fines. The public notice, signed by Acting Commissioner Md. Sarwar and issued on April 12, 2026, aims to ensure safe and orderly movement in the capital. Under the Road Transport Act 2018, violators may face up to one month in jail, a fine of up to Tk 10,000, or both.

The notice also outlines penalties for other traffic violations, including fines for unauthorized passenger or goods loading and penalties for driving against traffic or creating road obstructions. The DMP stated that the government has initiated a plan to bring major intersections under traffic signal management. Signal lights have already been installed at several key crossings in coordination with the Dhaka North and South City Corporations.

Temporary signal lights have also been set up at additional intersections, and six more crossings will soon be operational. The DMP warned that pedestrians ignoring designated crossings may face on-the-spot punishment or video-based prosecution under the Road Transport Act.

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Iran’s Foreign Minister held a phone conversation to discuss the current ceasefire situation between Iran and the United States and its regional implications, according to Al Jazeera. The discussion focused on the need for all parties to respond positively to ongoing mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions.

A statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue and peaceful means to address the root causes of the crisis to ensure long-term stability. The Qatari Prime Minister also stressed the necessity of keeping all waterways open to avoid disruptions to global energy and food supply chains.

The talks come as regional developments continue to affect trade and security, with both nations highlighting the importance of diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.

The United States has imposed a blockade on all ports in Iran’s Gulf region, according to the U.S. Central Command. The blockade officially began at 5:30 p.m. local time on Monday, April 13, 2026. It applies to vessels of any national flag heading to or departing from Iranian ports, which may be intercepted, redirected, or seized. However, the measure does not apply to ports in other Gulf countries. The Central Command stated on social media that the blockade covers all ships positioned in the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, warning that unauthorized entry or exit will prompt action.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps strongly condemned the move, calling it “illegal” and “maritime piracy.” A spokesperson warned that no port in the Persian Gulf or the Gulf of Oman would remain safe unless the security of Iranian ports is ensured. The blockade follows earlier restrictions by Iran on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after conflict erupted on February 28.

Given that nearly 20 percent of global energy supplies pass through this route, the blockade is expected to significantly affect the international energy market.

Opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqul Rahman has extended greetings to Bangladeshis at home and abroad on the occasion of the Bengali New Year. In a statement released to the media on Monday, he conveyed his wishes, noting that the arrival of the new year marks a historic moment of change for the nation.

In his message, Dr. Rahman emphasized the importance of continuing an uncompromising struggle to free the country from fascism through united efforts. He called for collective action to build a just, economically free, and humane society, expressing hope that divine guidance would assist in achieving these goals.

The statement framed the New Year as both a time for celebration and a renewed commitment to national transformation and justice.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a warning about new maritime access restrictions being enforced around Iran’s ports and coastal areas. The advisory states that the restrictions apply to all vessels, regardless of their national flag, and cover Iran’s entire coastline, including ports, oil terminals, and energy infrastructure. The affected region extends from the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman to the eastern Arabian Sea near the Strait of Hormuz.

According to UKMTO, ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from destinations other than Iran are not currently facing movement restrictions. However, such vessels may encounter military presence, direct instructions, or inspections during their passage. Neutral ships presently docked at Iranian ports have been given limited time to leave the area.

UKMTO has urged all vessels to maintain maximum vigilance, ensure bridge readiness, and exercise caution in communications while navigating near Iranian waters.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has condemned US President Donald Trump’s remarks in the ongoing dispute with Pope Leo. In a message posted on social media platform X, Pezeshkian expressed support for the Pope and denounced what he described as an insult. He stated that the disrespect toward Jesus, a symbol of peace and brotherhood, is unacceptable to any free-minded person. Pezeshkian also prayed for the Pope’s continued honor and dignity.

Earlier, Pope Leo had responded to Trump’s criticism, saying that the Vatican’s call for peace and reconciliation on the Iran–US–Israel issue was based on biblical teachings. The exchange has drawn attention from international media, with BBC and CBS News reporting on the development.

The incident has renewed diplomatic tension between the United States and the Vatican, sparking broader discussions in global forums about the implications for interfaith and international relations.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has announced plans to develop northern Bangladesh as the country’s main agro-processing hub. On Monday, April 13, he held three rounds of meetings with 16 leading business figures to discuss challenges and opportunities in the sector. Entrepreneurs from fruit, dairy, food and beverage, and poultry industries attended the discussions, focusing on investment needs and government support for establishing industries in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting was attended by his economic adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and top executives from major companies including Pran-RFL, Transcom, Nabil Group, Square, Akij, Kazi Farms, BRAC Enterprises, and Paragon. Business leaders highlighted issues such as gas supply shortages, limited radiation testing for agricultural exports, and the need for cold storage facilities. The Prime Minister reportedly instructed immediate action on some matters and assured tax holidays and infrastructure support for investments in the region.

A follow-up meeting is planned within six months to review progress. Stakeholders expect the initiative to boost employment and attract significant investment in northern Bangladesh’s agro-processing sector.

The United States military has announced the enforcement of a blockade across the Gulf of Oman and the eastern Arabian Sea near the Strait of Hormuz. According to a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM), any vessel entering or leaving the restricted area without authorization may be detained, redirected, or seized. The announcement was made on April 13, 2026.

CENTCOM clarified that the blockade will not disrupt normal passage of neutral ships through the Strait of Hormuz, particularly those not bound for Iran. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows reports of discussions between Iran and Qatar on ceasefire and stability issues.

Analysts warn that the blockade could further escalate tensions in the Middle East and pose significant risks to international trade, especially in the energy transport sector, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical maritime route for global oil shipments.

Iran has dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration about blocking the Strait of Hormuz as a bluff. The statement came from a spokesperson of Iran’s parliamentary national security commission, who said the threat does not align with reality and could further complicate the situation. Security official Ebrahim Rezaei warned that Tehran is prepared to respond if the situation turns military.

In a post on X, Rezaei added that such decisions would destabilize global markets and hinted that Iran possesses strategies not yet deployed but could be used if necessary. The report, cited by CBS News through BBC’s U.S. partner, highlighted growing tensions between the United States and Iran over the strategic waterway.

The escalating rhetoric has raised concerns that the standoff around the Strait of Hormuz could intensify, affecting regional stability and global trade routes, according to the report.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly criticized the government’s inclusion of a provision in the Bank Resolution Act 2026 that allows former shareholders of weak banks to regain ownership without accountability. In a statement issued on Monday, April 13, TIB described the move as a ‘suicidal’ initiative that effectively rehabilitates identified looters and risks turning the banking sector back into a haven for corruption and plunder.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the new law replaces earlier accountability measures from the 2025 ordinance with immunity for those responsible for bank failures. He argued that the decision rewards wrongdoers instead of ensuring justice and reflects a continuation of authoritarian practices in the financial sector. The statement also questioned the feasibility of repayment terms offered to former owners and the Bangladesh Bank’s ability to enforce them.

TIB warned that restoring ownership without proper legal accountability will prevent any qualitative reform in the sector and contradicts the ruling party’s electoral commitments. The organization urged the government to reconsider what it termed a self-destructive and interest-driven decision.

The Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group in Myanmar, has declared its goal to achieve “final victory” and take full control of Rakhine State by 2027. The announcement was made by Major General Twan Mrat Naing, the group’s leader, during the AA’s 17th founding anniversary on Friday, according to Myanmar Now. Since launching its offensive in late 2023, the AA has captured 14 townships in Rakhine and Paletwa in southern Chin State, leaving only three townships—Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung—under junta control.

In his anniversary address, Naing reaffirmed the group’s determination to continue fighting Myanmar’s military junta alongside allied forces. The AA is part of the Brotherhood Alliance, which began “Operation 1027” in Shan State shortly before the Rakhine offensive. The group has also established administrative, judicial, educational, and healthcare systems in areas under its control.

Despite these gains, ongoing air and naval attacks by junta forces have displaced large numbers of civilians, raising humanitarian concerns across the region.

The United States has officially begun a naval blockade to halt all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports. According to the U.S. military, the blockade took effect at 14:00 GMT. The move has drawn widespread international criticism, including from several U.S. allies, following reports by Al Jazeera. A U.S. official stated that the military is prepared to enforce and maintain the blockade but has not yet defined procedures for potential violations.

Iran has condemned the action as illegal under international maritime law and described it as an act of piracy. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that any warship approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be treated as a breach of the current ceasefire. The blockade comes at a time when the strait, a key global energy route, has previously faced closures under Iranian leadership.

The move has received little support from U.S. allies. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom does not support the blockade, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of restoring freedom of navigation.

Bangladesh’s Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has urged Japan to take initiatives for automobile manufacturing in Bangladesh. The call was made on Monday, April 13, during a courtesy meeting with Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi at the minister’s office in Motijheel, Dhaka. The minister highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations and Japan’s significant role in Bangladesh’s industrial and socioeconomic development.

During the meeting, the minister emphasized cooperation based on mutual interests and referred to existing memorandums of understanding between Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation and Japanese companies Mitsubishi and Toyota. He invited Japan to move forward with automobile production projects under these agreements. In response, the ambassador said work on the matter is underway and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s economic progress.

The Japanese ambassador also welcomed Bangladesh’s proposal to establish a Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) for ship recycling in Sitakunda, Chattogram, and said feasibility studies would begin soon. Senior officials from the Ministry of Industries and the Japanese Embassy attended the meeting.

Professor Dr. Abdus Salam has been appointed as the new Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Dhaka. He is currently serving as the acting Dean of the Faculty of Science. The appointment was made on Monday, April 13, 2026, through a notification signed by ASM Kashem, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Education, following the approval of the President and Chancellor.

According to the notification, the appointment was made under Article 13(1) of the Dhaka University Order, 1973. Professor Salam will serve a four-year term from the date he assumes office. He will receive the same salary and allowances as his current position, along with other benefits as per university regulations. The order also states that he must reside full-time on the university campus and that the President and Chancellor reserve the right to revoke the appointment at any time.

The appointment strengthens the university’s academic leadership structure as it continues its administrative and educational activities under the new academic leadership.

Pope Leo XIV responded to sharp criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump by asserting that he and the Catholic Church are not politicians but messengers of peace. Speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane before his visit to Algeria, the Pope said he does not fear the Trump administration and will continue to proclaim the Gospel’s message strongly, describing it as both his and the Church’s duty.

He emphasized that the Church views foreign policy differently from political leaders, focusing instead on peace and faith in the Gospel. Trump had recently accused the Pope of being weak on crime and poor in foreign policy through social media posts. Reports suggest Trump’s remarks followed the Pope’s criticism of U.S.-Israeli military actions surrounding Iran.

The exchange highlights ongoing tension between religious advocacy for peace and political responses to international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.