Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that the government has taken steps to introduce a pension scheme for senior journalists to ensure their financial security. He made the statement on Saturday while visiting ailing journalist Ismail Hossain Negaban at Bangladesh Medical University. The minister said that although the media is considered the fourth pillar of a modern democratic state, journalists often work without institutional protection, leaving them vulnerable to financial uncertainty.

Swapan noted that the financial well-being of senior journalists has long been neglected and that the government’s new initiative aims to address this gap. He emphasized that journalism is a respected profession, yet many veteran journalists face hardship in their later years. The government is working to help them live with dignity.

The minister also stated that the government is strengthening the Journalist Welfare Trust and developing policies to ensure media freedom and responsibility. During the visit, he handed over a financial assistance cheque of 100,000 taka to Ismail Hossain Negaban on behalf of the trust.

Rumee Farhana, Member of Parliament from Brahmanbaria-2 and former BNP leader, has dismissed rumors about her joining the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP). Speaking on Friday during a Deutsche Welle (Bangla) talk show, she said the speculation had no basis and was entirely false. She clarified that although several political parties approached her after her expulsion from the BNP, she had not accepted any such offer.

Farhana explained that the NCP had invited her to join, citing her active political role and past experiences, but she did not pursue the matter. She emphasized that she would not join any political alliance merely to gain more speaking opportunities in parliament. According to her, there are many platforms to express opinions without compromising personal political ideals and principles.

Her remarks directly counter recent discussions about her possible alignment with the NCP, reaffirming her independent political stance following her departure from the BNP.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has commemorated the sacrifice of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) soldiers on the occasion of Borai Bari Day, observed in Borai Bari village of Roumari upazila, Kurigram. According to an NCP press release issued on Saturday, the party paid tribute to the martyrs and prayed for their souls, marking the anniversary of the 2001 incident when India’s Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly crossed the border without provocation and attacked the area.

The statement recalled that the then Bangladesh Rifles and local villagers resisted the incursion and thwarted the attempt to occupy the BDR camp and Borai Bari village. The BSF reportedly fired repeatedly toward Bangladeshi installations, and the Borai Bari camp still stands as a witness to that event. The NCP honored the bravery of the BDR personnel who defended the border and remembered the soldiers who were killed in action—Nayek Subedar Wahiduzzaman, Sipahi Mahfuzur Rahman, and Sipahi Abdul Kader.

The party reiterated its respect for the courage of the fallen soldiers and emphasized their enduring contribution to the defense of the nation.

Rumin Farhana, a member of parliament from Brahmanbaria-2 and former BNP leader, explained why she did not take the oath for the Constitutional Reform Council. Speaking on April 17, 2026, during a talk show on Deutsche Welle (Bangla), she said that since she had already taken an oath under the existing constitution, taking a second oath would be legally contradictory and unjustified.

She argued that the current government continues to operate under the existing constitution, and unless it had declared itself a revolutionary government rejecting that constitution, there was no legal framework for a second oath. Farhana added that taking a second oath would nullify her first one, which she considered unacceptable. She also noted that the interim government’s formation under Article 106 of the constitution has raised questions, as some judges who advised on the process later resigned.

Farhana emphasized that the initial application of Article 106 was not properly executed, and the subsequent resignations of the advising judges have fueled further debate about the legitimacy of the process.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said U.S. President Donald Trump “talks too much” while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey. He made the comment in response to Trump’s recent threat that the United States might “start bombing again” if no agreement is reached by next Wednesday.

Khatibzadeh stated that the U.S. president’s remarks were self-contradictory and unclear about what he actually meant. He emphasized that Iran believes war cannot bring any positive outcome but asserted that the country is ready to defend itself if attacked.

He added that Iran would continue fighting “until the last Iranian soldier,” underscoring Tehran’s stance on self-defense amid rising tensions. The comments were reported by Al Jazeera.

Dr. Mahmuda Alam Mitu, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), is set to become a Member of Parliament from a reserved women's seat under the 11-party alliance. The news has become widely discussed in Jhalakathi after Mitu herself confirmed it to the media. According to a senior district Jamaat source, Jamaat has gifted one of its allocated seats to Mitu.

Mitu hails from South Kaikhali village in Shauljalia union of Kathalia upazila, Jhalakathi-1 constituency. Her grandfather, Amzad Hossain, served three terms as union council chairman. She completed her early education in Jhalakathi and Barishal, later earning her MBBS degree from Shahabuddin Medical College in Dhaka. Before receiving the nomination, she worked on youth employment, women’s safety, education, and rural healthcare in her area through her social initiative “Care of Mitu.”

Mitu stated that her lifelong dream of serving people inspired her political journey. She aims to use her medical experience to strengthen maternal and community health services and to build Jhalakathi as a safe, educated, and humane district.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Road Transport, Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Sheikh Robiul Alam said diplomatic communication is ongoing regarding the Bangladeshi ship ‘Joyjatra,’ which has been unable to cross the Hormuz Strait. Speaking in Chattogram on April 18 after attending the passing-out parade of the 28th batch of trainees at the National Maritime Institute, he stated that while fuel is being supplied to pumps as per demand, an artificial crisis is being created.

The minister added that large quantities of hoarded diesel have been seized, proving that the shortage is not genuine. He emphasized that the government is prioritizing national interest in all decisions and working to maintain normal fuel supply. On the possible handover of Chattogram Port’s NCT terminal to a foreign operator, he said the government will consider national interest, profitability, and technological advancement before making any decision.

Sheikh Robiul Alam also highlighted the importance of skilled maritime professionals in representing Bangladesh internationally and contributing to the country’s economic growth through technical education and maritime expertise.

The National Women's Power, an affiliated organization of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has announced the formation of its 53-member central convening committee. The announcement was made on Saturday, April 18, 2026, through an official press release approved by NCP convener Nahid Islam and member secretary Akhtar Hossain.

According to the release, Monira Sharmin has been appointed as convener and Mahmuda Alam Mitu as member secretary of the newly formed committee. Among the top positions, Sanzida Bushra Mishma will serve as senior joint convener, and Nusrat Tabassum has been named chief organizer. Other key roles include joint conveners Hafsa Jahan, Nabila Tasnid, Khondoker Khaleda Akter, Ashrefa Khatun, and Muna Hafsa.

The committee also includes senior joint member secretary Manjila Jhuma and several joint member secretaries and organizers, bringing the total number of members to 53. The formation marks a structural expansion of the NCP’s women’s wing, aiming to strengthen its organizational activities nationwide.

The Dhaka South Metropolitan convening committee of the organization 'Manch 24' has been announced with the aim of upholding the spirit of the 2024 revolution and establishing social justice. The committee was approved by central convener Fahim Faruki and chief adviser Brigadier General Hasinur Rahman. Young organizer Omar Faruk has been appointed as convener, while Merazur Rahman Turjo has been named member secretary.

Other key positions include Raihan Jubair as joint member secretary, Gazi Jihad as senior joint member secretary, Mehedi Hasan Murad as organizational secretary, Tamjid Ahmed as office secretary, and Nusrat Jahan Tisha as publicity secretary. Editorial roles were assigned to Mohammad Bin Akbar (information and research), Ismail Hossain Rifat (publication), Faisal Ahmed Sifat (skill development), and Tafhimur Rahman (political affairs). Several others were included as members.

In a statement, newly appointed convener Omar Faruk pledged to build an equitable society and strengthen the Dhaka South unit to actively defend people's rights. Central leaders expressed hope that the new committee will accelerate organizational activities and earn public trust.

The Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) has called for an immediate end to the use of abusive language and violent activities in political exchanges. In a statement issued on Saturday, signed by Assistant Publicity Secretary Azadul Islam Azad, the party condemned recent incidents involving offensive remarks by JAGPA spokesperson Rashed Pradhan about BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and the subsequent violent reactions from some BNP supporters.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju described such behavior as regrettable and harmful to political civility. He noted that both ruling and opposition leaders often cross the boundaries of courtesy, leading to verbal and physical conflicts. Monju also criticized the spread of false rumors, offensive cartoons, and AI-generated defamatory content on social media, calling it an unethical and toxic competition that affects even politicians’ families.

Monju further condemned the attack on JAGPA’s Panchagarh district office, labeling it a dangerous sign of intolerance. He demanded exemplary punishment for those involved and urged all political actors to refrain from indecent language and violent retaliation in the future.

Delegations from the United States and Iran are expected to meet for a second round of talks on Monday, according to a CNN report citing Iranian sources. The meeting is reportedly scheduled to take place in Pakistan, though US officials have not confirmed the timing. US President Donald Trump commented that positive developments are underway and mentioned Lebanon as part of the process.

Trump added that the process would move quickly since most issues have already been discussed and agreed upon. The first round of talks between the two sides took place on April 11 in Islamabad, Pakistan, but ended without any agreement.

The upcoming meeting follows the earlier inconclusive discussions, suggesting continued diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran despite the absence of confirmed details from the US side.

Analysts have interpreted U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent optimistic comments about a possible agreement with Iran as a sign of a real opportunity, though they caution that the situation remains uncertain. The remarks, reported on April 18, 2026, have drawn attention for suggesting that Trump may be sincere in seeking a resolution after years of tension between the two countries.

Mohammad Elmasry, a professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, told Al Jazeera that while Trump’s statements may be somewhat exaggerated, there are reasons for cautious optimism. He noted that Trump’s confident tone and continued efforts to find a solution could indicate genuine intent to reach a deal. However, Elmasry warned that the United States and Iran still differ significantly on key issues, and compromise would be necessary for progress.

Elmasry concluded that the current situation offers more questions than answers, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding any potential agreement.

A new political controversy has emerged in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming state elections after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that beef consumption would be prohibited if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes to power in the state. Speaking at an election rally in Cooch Behar, Sarma said that while other meats would remain allowed, beef eating would not be permitted under a BJP government. His remarks have sparked strong reactions across the political spectrum.

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has long accused the BJP of intending to interfere with Bengal’s food culture, warning that the party’s vegetarian image could lead to restrictions on local dietary traditions. Sarma countered that TMC was spreading confusion, noting that in Assam, where the BJP has governed for years, there is no general ban on meat consumption. He emphasized that the proposed restriction would apply only to beef and cattle smuggling, citing Hindu religious beliefs that regard cows as sacred.

Political analysts suggest the statement reflects a strategy to appeal to religious sentiments without directly confronting Bengal’s non-vegetarian culture, making food habits a key election issue alongside development and employment.

A press conference marking two months of the BNP government’s tenure will be held today, Saturday, at 3:30 p.m. in the ‘Korobi’ hall of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The announcement came through a press release from the Prime Minister’s Press Wing on Friday. The event will be attended by the Prime Minister’s Adviser and Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin, Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, and other members of the Press Wing.

According to the release, the conference is expected to highlight the government’s activities, progress, and future plans over the past two months, along with remarks on various current issues. Journalists have been instructed to enter through Gate No. 4 of the Prime Minister’s Office to attend the event.

The BNP government, led by Tarique Rahman, assumed office on February 17 after winning more than two-thirds of the seats in the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12. The two-month mark of the government’s tenure was reached on April 16.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In a message posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump described the meeting as potentially 'special' and 'historic', suggesting that significant achievements could result from it. He also claimed that Xi was pleased about the reopening or imminent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to analysts cited in the report, the meeting, expected to take place in mid-May, reflects Beijing’s stance on the ongoing Middle East conflict. As the world’s largest importer of crude oil, China aims to secure its energy supply, with about half of its total energy demand coming from the Middle East.

The report, sourced from Al Jazeera, highlights that the meeting could influence China’s approach to regional stability and energy security amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.