Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis organized a protest rally and procession in Dhaka on Friday as part of its nationwide program demanding full implementation of the recent referendum verdict. The demonstration took place after Friday prayers at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

During the pre-procession rally, party Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad stated that around 70 percent of voters supported the 'yes' option in the February 12 referendum held alongside the national election. He accused the government of delaying the implementation of the people's decision and urged the BNP-led government to act immediately in line with public expectations.

Ahmad warned that if the demand is ignored, the party, along with an eleven-party alliance, would intensify its movement. Leaders from the party’s central and Dhaka metropolitan units also addressed the gathering. Similar protests were held across the country on the same day.

The Speaker of the National Parliament has approved an additional 100 seats for students in the visitors’ gallery, following a request from Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan MP. Previously, 50 seats were reserved for students under 12 years of age. With this expansion, a total of 150 seats will now be available for students to observe parliamentary proceedings directly.

According to the minister, the initiative aims to familiarize younger generations with parliamentary and democratic practices. He referenced the late President Ziaur Rahman’s efforts to engage students in learning about the nation’s resources and potential. The minister expressed his desire for Generation Z to become more knowledgeable and politically aware about the state.

National Parliament Secretary Md. Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan welcomed the initiative, noting that students visiting the parliament will receive briefings about its operations before sessions begin. This will help them learn about the architecture, history, and traditions of the country’s legislature.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei released a new written statement through state media on Thursday night, his first public message since assuming leadership after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at the start of the war. In the statement, Mojtaba warned that Iran would seek justice for every martyr killed in joint US-Israeli attacks and vowed to demand compensation for losses and injuries.

The message called on Iran’s supporters to take to the streets, asserting that public voices could influence negotiations. It emphasized that Iran never sought war and still does not, but would not retreat from defending its legitimate rights. The statement also mentioned that Iran would take the management of the Strait of Hormuz to a new stage, though no details were provided.

Meanwhile, US and Iranian representatives are scheduled to meet in Islamabad on Friday to discuss the ceasefire, according to The Guardian.

Jamaat-e-Islami held a protest rally and procession in Dhaka demanding the cancellation of the Bogura by-election and the suspended Sherpur constituency election. The demonstration took place on Friday after Juma prayers at the north gate of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, with Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar attending as the chief guest. The party alleged widespread vote rigging, attacks on polling centers, and assaults on its activists during the elections.

During his speech, Mia Golam Porwar stated that the elections in Bogura and Sherpur proved that no election under a partisan government can be fair. He claimed that the ruling party’s misconduct surpassed even controversial elections from previous administrations. Jamaat demanded new election schedules for both constituencies and the arrest and punishment of those involved in attacks on its members.

The rally was presided over by Dhaka North Jamaat Ameer Muhammad Selim Uddin and attended by several central and metropolitan leaders. Following the gathering, participants marched through various streets in Dhaka.

Attorney General Barrister Ruhul Kudddus Kajol stated that the July mass uprising gave birth to an anti-fascist spirit in Bangladesh, describing the current government as an expression of that revolutionary ideal. He made the remarks on Friday, April 10, 2026, while speaking to journalists after a meeting with local dignitaries at Kotchandpur Pilot High School field in Jhenaidah.

Kajol said the people had hoped for the creation of an anti-fascist state through the July revolution, and the government’s commitment to fulfilling that aspiration is clear. He added that the government has already introduced a policy to protect participants of the July movement. On the verdict in the Shahid Abu Sayed murder case, he noted that the tribunal delivered its judgment based on evidence, and any aggrieved party may appeal within 30 days.

Regarding judicial independence, the Attorney General said the government is determined to establish a separate secretariat for the judiciary, and the law minister has clarified this stance in parliament. He added that the High Court’s ruling on the matter is not final, and the issue will be settled after the Supreme Court’s decision.

Professor Mohammed Elmasry of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies stated that the Trump administration is facing a political and economic disaster due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. He said that despite strong rhetoric, it is widely acknowledged that Iran holds a favorable position in upcoming talks with the United States.

Elmasry explained that after nearly six weeks of intense bombing, the United States has failed to achieve its objectives in Iran. The Iranian regime and its proxy networks remain intact, and the country still possesses missiles and drones. Reports indicate that about half of Iran’s missile launchers are ready for extended warfare if necessary.

The analyst added that Iran now controls the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic advantage it did not have six weeks earlier. He described the situation as disastrous for President Trump and the United States, calling it both a political and economic catastrophe.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has started selling nomination forms for the reserved women’s seats in the 12th National Parliament. The process was formally inaugurated on Friday at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General. Rizvi said the party’s parliamentary board will consider candidates’ roles in movements, organizational skills, political experience, and ability to speak effectively in parliament before making final decisions. He expressed hope that all members would accept the party’s decisions without creating any negative atmosphere.

Rizvi added that women leaders who have long served the party with dedication will be recognized through a fair and acceptable process. Nomination forms will be available until April 12, and the first forms were handed to Jarin Delwar Hossain and Fatema Asad. Many female leaders attended the event, submitting fees and collecting receipts amid enthusiasm.

According to the Election Commission’s schedule, nomination submission ends on April 21, with verification on April 22–23 and voting on May 12. The BNP alliance will receive 36 seats, Jamaat-e-Islami 13, and independents one.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that any discussion with the United States depends on achieving a ceasefire in Lebanon. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, he stated that all attacks, particularly in Lebanon, must stop before talks can take place. Baghaei emphasized that solidarity between the peoples of Iran and Lebanon is stronger than ever.

He explained that ending the conflict in Lebanon is an integral part of Pakistan’s proposed ceasefire agreement. According to him, Pakistan’s prime minister has declared that the United States is committed to halting hostilities across all battlefronts, including Lebanon. Any action contrary to this commitment would amount to a refusal by Washington to honor its pledge.

Baghaei added that Pakistan has invited both sides to hold discussions in Islamabad, which are under review and planning. However, he stressed that any such meeting would only occur if the United States provides assurances of fulfilling its ceasefire obligations. Details of Iran’s delegation will be announced once travel plans are finalized.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has started selling nomination forms for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the process at the party’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, on Friday morning. The sale will continue until Sunday, April 12. Each form costs 2,000 taka, with an additional 50,000 taka required as a security deposit. Rizvi said that priority will be given to women who played significant roles in past movements, possess strong educational backgrounds, and have the ability to speak effectively in parliament.

He added that the party’s parliamentary board will decide on the final nominations and urged all aspirants to maintain party discipline. Rizvi emphasized the need for vibrant parliamentary discussions as a core strength of democracy. The Election Commission has scheduled the reserved women’s seat election for May 12, with nomination submissions closing on April 21 and symbol allocation on April 30.

According to the announced schedule, the 13th Parliament will include 50 reserved seats for women, with the BNP alliance holding 36, the Jamaat-e-Islami alliance 13, and independents one.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has started selling nomination forms for reserved women’s seats at its central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka. The process began on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11 a.m., with each form priced at 2,000 taka. Interested candidates can collect and submit their forms by April 12, along with a 50,000 taka security deposit.

Earlier, the Election Commission announced the schedule for the reserved women’s seat election for the 13th National Parliament. According to the schedule, the last date for submitting nomination papers is April 21, with scrutiny on April 22 and 23. Appeals can be filed on April 26 and resolved by April 28. The withdrawal deadline is April 29, symbols will be allocated on April 30, and voting will take place on May 12.

Out of 350 parliamentary seats, 50 are reserved for women. The BNP-led alliance will receive 36 of these seats, 13 will go to allied parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, and one seat is designated for independent candidates.

Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a protest rally and procession to be held on Friday after Juma prayers at the north gate of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram in Dhaka. The demonstration is being organized to protest alleged vote rigging, polling center occupation, and attacks on party activists during the suspended election in Sherpur and the by-election in Bogura. Jamaat’s Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar will attend the event as the chief guest, alongside central and metropolitan leaders.

The announcement was confirmed by Muhammad Delawar Hossain, publicity and media secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South Jamaat, who informed the media about the planned gathering. The protest reflects the party’s demand for the cancellation of the Sherpur and Bogura elections, which it claims were marred by irregularities and violence against its members.

The event underscores Jamaat-e-Islami’s continued political mobilization around alleged electoral misconduct and its call for accountability in the recent local and by-elections.

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has denied having any connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking at the White House, she said she had no relationship with Epstein and was unaware of his crimes. Her comments came after a photo showing her with Epstein circulated online, drawing widespread criticism. The 55-year-old First Lady called the claims false and urged an end to what she described as unethical and disrespectful rumors.

Melania stated that she met her husband Donald Trump two years before she ever met Epstein and clarified that Epstein did not introduce them. She also said she was never a victim of Epstein, never boarded his plane, and never visited his private island. It remains unclear why she chose to speak publicly about the issue at this time, as she did not refer to any specific allegations.

Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of trafficking and sexually abusing minors. His case continues to be a major topic in U.S. political discussions.

India’s state assembly elections began on Thursday with voting held in Assam, Kerala, and the union territory of Puducherry. Millions of voters participated in the first phase, marking the start of four key regional elections this month. The Election Commission announced that results for all five participating regions will be declared on May 4. A total of 296 seats were contested on the first day, including 126 in Assam, 140 in Kerala, and 30 in Puducherry.

The commission reported that 174 million voters are eligible across the five regions, representing about 18 percent of India’s electorate. The elections take place amid an energy shortage linked to the Middle East conflict. Assam remains under BJP control, while Puducherry is governed by a coalition including the party. However, the BJP has never formed governments in West Bengal, Kerala, or Tamil Nadu, where it faces strong regional rivals.

Opposition parties view the elections as a test of unity against the BJP’s dominance. The vote also comes amid controversy over the Special Intensive Revision process, which opposition groups allege has unfairly removed Muslim voters from rolls—an accusation denied by both the BJP and the Election Commission.

Chattogram South District BNP president and Patiya Shahchand Auliya Kamil Madrasa vice president Alhaj Idris Mia alleged that Bangladesh’s madrasa education system was destroyed under India’s prescription. He made the remarks on April 9 during a farewell ceremony for 2024 Kamil (postgraduate) students at Shahchand Auliya Kamil Madrasa in Patiya. Idris Mia said that in the past, madrasa education had been made weak and neglected.

He stated that the current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working according to the Madina Charter and a 31-point reform plan. He mentioned that family and agriculture cards are being distributed nationwide and that the government has begun initiatives to improve education quality. He urged students to prove their merit through public examinations such as the BCS and dedicate themselves to national service.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Patiya) Noman Mohammad, speaking as a special guest, emphasized the importance of achieving strong positions in life and developing both education and skills to become enlightened citizens.

India has welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States, Israel, and Iran but made no mention of Pakistan’s role in facilitating the truce. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement supporting the ceasefire and expressing hope for lasting peace in West Asia, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. However, the statement omitted any reference to Pakistan, which several world leaders have praised for mediating the agreement.

The omission has drawn criticism from India’s opposition parties and analysts, who described it as a diplomatic setback. Congress leader Rashid Alvi said Pakistan’s role should have been India’s, while former foreign secretary Nirupama Menon Rao urged India to clarify its position and support de-escalation without aligning with any side. Analysts such as Ashok Swain and Abhinav Singh argued that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attempt to isolate Pakistan has instead left India diplomatically sidelined.

Commentators noted that Pakistan’s mediation has enhanced its global standing, while India’s silence has raised questions about its regional influence and foreign policy direction.