US Vice President JD Vance described the collapse of talks with Iran as both good and bad news, following failed negotiations held in Islamabad. BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet reported that while the duration of the session was notable, the absence of any agreement was not surprising. Vance said Iran refused to accept US conditions, signaling a breakdown in efforts to reach a compromise.

According to Doucet, Iran entered the talks believing it still held leverage despite suffering major military losses, particularly due to its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. She noted that Iran has its own limits on what concessions it can make. The situation echoes the long and difficult process that preceded the last nuclear deal between Tehran and Washington a decade ago.

Doucet added that former President Donald Trump now faces a tough decision—either escalate the situation further or return to negotiations for a reassessment of the diplomatic path.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of deceiving and betraying the nation. He made the remarks on Sunday in Dhaka’s Kakrail during a discussion with families of martyrs and fighters linked to the July Charter implementation movement.

Dr. Rahman alleged that the BNP is attempting to establish a one-party system. He stated that the July martyrs do not belong to any political group but have been used to create divisions for political gain. He further claimed that participants in the July movement were exploited to influence parliament and create instability.

Opposition Chief Whip and NCP convener Nahid Islam warned that if necessary reforms are not implemented, preparations are underway to take to the streets, emphasizing that demands will be achieved through mass movements.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the armed forces are a national institution formed to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty, not the property of any individual, group, or family. He made the remarks on Sunday, April 12, at the Armed Forces Darbar held at Dhaka Cantonment, urging members to perform their duties with professionalism and without political influence.

Rahman recalled past attempts to weaken and politicize the military, citing the Pilkhana tragedy as an example of efforts that harmed the institution. He asserted that the armed forces have fulfilled their responsibilities properly in recent contexts, including after August 5, 2024, and emphasized the need for transparency and professionalism in future national events such as elections.

He highlighted the contributions of late President Ziaur Rahman to the modernization of the army and praised Bangladesh’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions as a major achievement. Rahman also reiterated his political commitment to national reform and the implementation of the “July Charter.”

Former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that negotiations between the United States and Iran cannot succeed if one side tries to impose its own conditions. In a post on social media platform X, Zarif referred to US Vice President JD Vance’s remark that Iran had decided not to accept US terms, saying this was precisely why no agreement could be reached.

Zarif warned Washington that it must learn it cannot dictate terms to Iran, adding that it is not too late for the US to understand this. His comments came after representatives from both countries met in Islamabad, Pakistan, in an attempt to end a 44-day-long war but failed to reach any deal. Vance blamed Iran for the failure, while Tehran viewed the US stance as an attempt at unilateral dominance.

The exchange highlights continuing diplomatic tension between Tehran and Washington, with little sign of progress toward resolving the ongoing conflict.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued his first formal response following recent discussions held in Islamabad, according to Al Jazeera. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Ghalibaf stated that Iran had demonstrated goodwill and interest before the talks began, but due to experiences from two previous wars, the Iranian side had no trust in its counterpart.

Ghalibaf asserted that throughout the negotiation process, the United States failed to earn the confidence of the Iranian delegation. He emphasized that by the end of this round of talks, the opposing side could not secure Iran’s trust. The speaker also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for organizing and supporting the discussions, describing the country as friendly and brotherly.

The remarks highlight continuing uncertainty in Iran–US diplomatic engagement, as mutual trust remains elusive despite Pakistan’s facilitation efforts.

U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet made an official statement regarding the collapse of peace talks with Iran in Islamabad. However, he shared a link on his social media platform, Truth Social, to an article suggesting a potential naval blockade as a strategic option against Iran.

The article, written by veteran American journalist John Solomon and published on his conservative website 'Just the News,' argues that if Iran refuses to relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump could respond with a major naval blockade to corner the country. The piece cites experts who believe such a move could significantly pressure Tehran.

The report, originally sourced from The Guardian, comes amid heightened uncertainty over U.S.-Iran diplomatic progress and growing regional tensions following the failed peace efforts in Islamabad.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of beginning its parliamentary journey through deception and betrayal of the people by not taking the oath of the Constitutional Reform Council. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at a meeting with July martyrs’ families and July fighters organized by the 11-Party Alliance at the Diploma Engineers Auditorium in Kakrail, Dhaka.

Dr. Rahman alleged that the BNP used its two-thirds majority to repeal several ordinances, including the referendum ordinance and others related to public interest and security. In protest, his party walked out of parliament. He stated that BNP stands for fascism, while his alliance stands against it. He also claimed that necessary documents were not provided before the passage of several bills and accused the ruling party of attempting to blackmail the opposition.

He added that the opposition would remain in parliament as long as it could fight but would return to the streets if necessary to continue the struggle for people’s rights and the fall of fascism.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam announced that sixteen ordinances previously annulled will later be reintroduced as bills in the national parliament. He made the statement on Sunday at the Speaker’s office in the National Parliament Building after the oath-taking ceremony of two newly elected members. The Chief Whip said the BNP aims to build a humane and welfare-oriented state and currently holds 210 parliamentary seats. He added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged everyone not to take the law into their own hands and to report problems to the administration.

According to Nurul Islam, a special parliamentary committee reviewed 133 ordinances issued during the interim period, recommending the passage of 98 without changes and 15 with amendments. Of the remaining 20, four were canceled and sixteen were proposed to be reintroduced as stronger bills. He noted that 117 ordinances were passed within five days, calling it a record pace, though he expressed disappointment at the opposition’s walkout on the final day.

The session also saw the passage of multiple development, financial, and cultural bills, including those concerning urban development authorities, banking, education, and cybersecurity.

Thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, surpassing the court-imposed limit of 1,000 participants. Police did not intervene in the protest, which marked the sixth consecutive week of demonstrations. Organizers said around 10,000 people gathered at Habima Square, though local media estimated about 2,000 participants. Protesters voiced opposition to the Iran war, corruption allegations against Netanyahu, judicial reforms, and a proposal exempting ultra-Orthodox students from military service.

The protests occurred under restrictions set by Israeli courts following missile attacks from Iran over the past six weeks. Although a fragile ceasefire allowed a slight increase in attendance, authorities maintained cautionary limits. Demonstrations also took place in Jerusalem’s Paris Square and in Haifa, where police detained three people briefly for crossing security lines.

Smaller rallies were reported across the country, reflecting ongoing public discontent with the government’s policies and handling of national security and judicial issues.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Bangladesh National Parliament has formed a 10-member Library Committee during the first session of the 13th Parliament, following an order from the Speaker. The committee was officially announced on April 6 through a notice issued by the Committee Branch-2 of the Parliament Secretariat. Saied Al Noman, Member of Parliament for Chattogram-10 (Double Mooring–Pahartali–Halishahar), has been included as a member of this committee.

According to the announcement, the committee was constituted under Article 76 of the Constitution and Rule 257 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. Barrister Kaiser Kamal, MP for Netrakona-1, will serve as the committee’s chairman. Other members include MPs from Lakshmipur-4, Mymensingh-7, Faridpur-3, Dhaka-14, Patuakhali-4, Chattogram-7, Pabna-1, and Rangpur-4. The committee’s tenure and responsibilities will be determined according to parliamentary rules.

Local leaders and residents of Chattogram-10 have expressed enthusiasm over Saied Al Noman’s inclusion, with expectations that he will contribute to modernizing the parliamentary library and promoting knowledge-based legislative practices.