Iran is reportedly considering a proposal for an interim nuclear agreement with the United States. The plan is seen as a way to extend the timeline beyond the two-month deadline set by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened military action if Iran didn’t halt its nuclear program. Iran believes the current timeframe is insufficient and is exploring an interim deal as a stopgap before a comprehensive agreement.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has refuted allegations of abduction in the case of model Meghna Alam. According to an official statement, she was taken into custody legally over charges involving attempts to disrupt national security, spreading false information about influential individuals, and damaging diplomatic relations. “The allegation of breaking into her home and kidnapping her is inaccurate,” DMP stated. Meghna was arrested from her home on Wednesday and later presented before a court, which ordered her 30-day detention under the Special Powers Act.

Authorities in India have sparked controversy by issuing a notice banning loudspeaker use at mosques during prayer times on the day of Hanuman Jayanti processions. The notice, signed by the SHO of Gandhinagar police station, has drawn criticism. Police later claimed the notice was “misworded” and intended as a request for cooperation rather than a directive. However, they warned that failure to comply could lead to further action.

Bangladesh Police is set to adopt a new logo, replacing the existing one. The new emblem features the national flower Shapla, along with symbols of paddy, wheat, and a jute leaf—above which the word “Police” is prominently written. Notably, the boat symbol has been removed. The design has already received official approval, pending the final government notification. Once published, all police units and districts will be required to implement the new logo across uniforms, flags, signboards, and all relevant materials.

A total of 167 irregular Bangladeshi migrants have been repatriated from Libya under the joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Among them, 16 were from Benghazi and surrounding areas, while 151 were held at the Ganfouda Detention Center. Most had entered Libya via the Mediterranean, lured by promises of reaching Europe, but instead faced abduction and abuse. Upon return, IOM provided each returnee with Tk 6,000 in cash, food, medical care, and temporary shelter if needed.

Police have recovered the decomposed body of Liton Mia, buried in the ground at Kapai Tea Garden in Chunarughat, Habiganj, a week after he went missing. One suspect has been arrested. According to police, Liton was beaten to death on suspicion of theft and then buried. Liton had been missing since April 3, and his family had filed a general diary. Based on information from arrested suspect Promod Rikman (32), police located the body. Promod confessed that after his 10 cows were recently stolen, he and others detained and beat Liton on suspicion, leading to his death.

A Volunteer League leader and a drug dealer were snatched from police custody in Kalkini, Madaripur, by a group of accomplices. Though police recovered the handcuffs, the suspects remain at large. The detainees—Rashed Khan and Al Amin Sardar—were being transported when the ambush occurred, injuring five police officers. Security around the police station has since been tightened.

Police recovered the body of Surman Ali (35) in Kushtia with a towel wrapped around his neck. Family members allege he was tortured to death by a group of 10–12 people who accused him of theft. Surman had ongoing disputes with a neighbor, Abdul Hakim, whose house had recently been robbed. Locals discovered the body near a toilet behind the same neighbor’s house.

Armed pirates attacked four fishing trawlers—FB Tufan-2, FB Madina-1, FB Ma-1, and FB Tarek-1—off the coast of Patharghata in the Bay of Bengal. Seven fishermen were beaten and one was shot. The robbers made off with fish worth BDT 2 million, BDT 50,000 in cash, and 30 mobile phones. Coast Guard units later rescued the injured. Witnesses report the attackers spoke in a Chittagong dialect and wore masks.

Following the U.S. decision to impose a 125% tariff on Chinese goods, China is ramping up engagement with major trade blocs. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held virtual meetings with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Malaysian Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul. Both sides expressed eagerness to initiate negotiations on market access and electric vehicle pricing, and to redirect exports previously bound for the U.S. toward Europe. China reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN and all trade partners.

Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani has declared that in light of the current situation in Palestine, armed jihad is now an obligation for all Muslim countries, including Pakistan. He criticized superficial verbal condemnations, saying they are no longer sufficient. He emphasized that providing humanitarian, financial, and practical support to the Palestinians is a collective duty of the Muslim Ummah. He further stated that instead of gathering in conferences, people should have rallied in Gaza. Despite ceasefire agreements, Israeli bombardments continue, he said, accusing Israel of having no moral compass and consistently violating international law.

Despite seizing a large sum of cash and gold during a raid at the home of a man named Harun in Teknaf, the joint forces reportedly excluded these items from the official case documents. A local plaintiff, Kaiser Ahmed, has been summoned to appear in court on April 13 to provide a written explanation. The court warned that legal action would be taken if his explanation is unsatisfactory. A spokesperson for the Coast Guard acknowledged a delay in submitting the seized items to the customs authority but confirmed they were deposited at the Teknaf Customs Warehouse on April 7 following higher-level orders.

Former Malaysian Foreign Minister Dr. Syed Hamid Albar has stated that the Rohingya crisis can no longer be viewed as a bilateral issue between Myanmar and Bangladesh—it is now a humanitarian and security concern for the entire ASEAN region. He emphasized the urgency of a solution and noted that the warm relations between the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Bangladesh could be instrumental in achieving a sustainable resolution. Highlighting Myanmar’s pledge to repatriate 180,000 Rohingya refugees, Dr. Albar stressed, “Agreements alone are not enough—implementation is key.” Meanwhile, Jamal Shamsuddin called for decisive ASEAN leadership, and Pakistani diplomat Ahad Asad Abbas Khan urged for a joint OIC-ASEAN effort to form a united stance from the Muslim world, ensuring justice, protection, and voluntary repatriation for Rohingya refugees.

Hefazat-e-Islam has claimed that the traditional Hindu religious procession, Mangal Shobhajatra, has been imposed on the nation under the guise of inclusivity during the celebration of Pahela Baishakh. The organization argues that the original Ananda Shobhajatra has been replaced due to foreign influence—particularly from India—and demands that UNESCO reconsiders its recognition. Hefazat urged the Cultural Affairs Ministry’s adviser to formally write to UNESCO to correct what they called a “mistake.” Leaders emphasized their opposition to any idol-centric cultural practices in national celebrations, stating that in a Muslim-majority country, no element contradicting Islamic monotheism should be part of national festivities.

Islamic scholars Ahmadullah and Mizanur Rahman Azhari announced a historic rally on April 12 at Suhrawardy Udyan, uniting political and non-political groups in solidarity with Palestine. Participants include BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Islamic Movement Bangladesh, celebrities, athletes, and representatives from Islamic organizations. Speakers will include Baitul Mukarram’s Khatib Abdul Malek, editor Mahmudur Rahman, and content creators like Ayman Sadiq and RJ Kibria.