Iran and the United States concluded a lengthy round of discussions in Islamabad, Pakistan, according to an announcement from the Iranian government. Following the meeting, both sides have moved the process to a technical stage, exchanging written proposals. The update was shared through a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The post stated that after the high-level meeting in Islamabad, technical teams from both countries are now exchanging detailed proposals and expert-level drafts. It also confirmed that while some differences remain, the dialogue will continue. The discussions were part of a ten-point negotiation aimed at ending ongoing conflict, but the meeting concluded without any formal agreement.

The continuation of talks suggests both sides are maintaining diplomatic engagement despite unresolved issues, with future progress depending on the outcomes of the technical exchanges now underway.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has decided to publish the draft voter list across the country on April 20. The list will include individuals born on or before January 1, 2008, who registered in the voter database between November 24, 2025, and March 31, 2026. The decision was confirmed in a letter signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Nasir Uddin Chowdhury on April 12.

According to the commission, applications for corrections, inclusion of names, or removal of deceased voters can be submitted until May 3. Upazila or thana election officers will resolve all received applications by May 6, and the updated final voter list will be published on May 14. Printed copies of the draft list will be displayed in public places for citizens’ convenience.

To raise public awareness, the Election Commission has instructed local religious institutions and cable operators to promote the correction process and encourage citizens to verify their information.

In Cumilla, the Executive Engineer of the Department of Public Health Engineering, Md. Shafiul Haque, has been accused of irregular attendance despite Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directive requiring all government officials to maintain office hours. Reports indicate that Haque, who joined the Cumilla office on November 24 of the previous year, is often absent during official hours and allegedly spends much of his time in his home district of Brahmanbaria. On April 12, he was not found at his Cumilla office during scheduled hours.

According to department staff, Haque frequently claims to be engaged in official duties in Brahmanbaria, though inquiries revealed he was not present at the relevant office there either. Local observers have raised questions about his dual-office practice, as he reportedly divides his time between Cumilla and Brahmanbaria. When contacted by phone, Haque stated he was responsible for both districts but did not respond when informed that Brahmanbaria officials denied his presence.

Chattogram Circle’s supervising engineer, Firoz Alam Chowdhury, confirmed that Haque holds responsibilities in both districts and said he would question him regarding the matter.

BNP-backed lawyers secured nine out of fifteen posts, including the president, in the Dinajpur District Bar Association election held on April 12, 2026. The results were announced at 3 a.m. after vote counting by the election committee led by Md. Ibrahim. Voting took place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the association auditorium, with 503 out of 546 registered voters casting their ballots.

The BNP-aligned winners include Md. Emam Ali as president, Md. Sirajul Islam and Md. Abdul Hannan as vice presidents, Md. Moshihur Rahman Fatemi as joint general secretary, Md. Niyamul Haque Chowdhury as treasurer, SMG Mostakim as library secretary, Sadeka Tamanna as education and cultural secretary, and Md. Zobayer Al Mahmud Tuhin and Md. Enamul Haque as executive members. The general secretary post went to Abul Ala Md. Mahbubur Rahman Bhuttu from the Lawyers Unity Council panel, while independent candidate Md. Tozammel Haque Liton won the joint general secretary post with 193 votes.

The election outcome reflects a strong presence of BNP-backed lawyers in the district bar leadership, with participation from multiple panels and independent candidates.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the role of the armed forces in the July movement has given hope to the people. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at the armed forces' assembly in Dhaka Cantonment, emphasizing that a strong and united military ensures Bangladesh cannot be defeated.

Rahman stated that the armed forces belong to the nation, not to any individual, party, or family, and urged them to maintain professionalism without compromise. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the military and ensuring justice for the Pilkhana massacre, which he said had been intended to weaken the army.

The Prime Minister added that the government seeks a military respected by foreign powers and trusted by citizens. He called for the armed forces to uphold high moral standards and preserve the patriotic spirit instilled by President Ziaur Rahman across all ranks.

A total of 126,000 applications have been submitted nationwide for 2,703 vacant Trainee Recruit Constable (TRC) positions in the Bangladesh Police, according to an official announcement on April 12, 2026. On average, about 47 candidates are competing for each post. Applicants aged between 18 and 20 are now waiting for physical tests and subsequent selection stages, which will determine the final qualified candidates.

Police Headquarters’ Public Relations Officer Kamrul Ahsan confirmed the figures. Sources said the strong response reflects the government’s active initiative to strengthen public security and address long-standing manpower shortages in the force. The application process has concluded, and preparations for field-level physical examinations are underway.

Authorities have emphasized transparency in the recruitment process, warning that any lobbying or financial transactions will lead to disqualification. A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted to prevent broker involvement, and any falsified information will result in application cancellation and legal action.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that recent talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad ended without an agreement due to what he described as excessive demands from the US side. He emphasized that despite the lack of a deal, diplomacy never ends and that discussions between the two countries had covered several issues, reaching understanding on some while differing on two or three key points.

Baghaei told Iranian media that the Islamabad meeting was the longest round of talks in the past year, lasting 24 to 25 hours. He noted that the discussions took place in an atmosphere of mistrust following a 40-day conflict, and that no one had expected a single meeting to produce a final agreement. He reiterated that diplomats must continue their duties in both war and peace.

According to Baghaei, the success of future negotiations depends on the sincerity and goodwill of the opposing side and recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie inaugurated the excavation of the Zia Canal at the confluence of the Kajla River in Baliyapur village, Meherpur Sadar upazila, on Saturday afternoon. He said the initiative follows the legacy of late President Ziaur Rahman’s canal excavation program, which he credited for achieving food self-sufficiency and creating employment in Bangladesh. The current Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, has launched a nationwide canal excavation initiative continuing that vision.

The minister stated that the government aims to prioritize rural development over large-scale projects, with a plan to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals within five years to transform rural infrastructure. He also mentioned ongoing agricultural reforms, including a decision to waive agricultural loans of up to 10,000 taka with interest and the introduction of family and agricultural cards. A program to distribute agricultural cards is scheduled for April 14.

An integrated project for agricultural development in Meherpur is underway, involving sluice gate construction and canal re-excavation connected to the Bhairab and Kajla rivers to reduce waterlogging and boost agricultural productivity.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is providing a new house to the family of Harunur Rashid, a Jubo Dal leader who was killed in police firing during a peaceful procession in support of a hartal in Feni town in 2013. According to a press release signed by BNP Family Member Secretary Agriculturist Moksedul Momin Mithun, a delegation from the organization 'Amra BNP Poribar' will inaugurate the construction work of the new house on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Harunur Rashid, a resident of Forhadnagar Union’s Vhorbazar area under Feni Sadar upazila, lost his life on December 4, 2013, when police opened fire on a procession supporting the hartal. The initiative to build a new house for his family is being undertaken under the patronage of Tarique Rahman as the chief sponsor of 'Amra BNP Poribar'.

The announcement reflects continued political engagement by the BNP leadership in supporting families of party activists affected by past political violence.

A syndicate allegedly linked to local Awami League leaders has taken control of the Lechraganj sand lease in Harirampur, Manikganj, for Tk 3.4 crore, far below the government’s estimated value of Tk 7.42 crore. The lease was awarded to Khan Enterprise, owned by Md. Billal Hossain Khan, nephew of Azimpur Union Awami League president Ali Akbar Khan. The issue has sparked widespread discussion across the district.

According to district administration sources, the tender process was held three times after bids repeatedly fell below the government’s set price. In the final round, Khan Enterprise offered the highest bid of Tk 3.4 crore and received the lease. Local residents allege that the sand lease has remained under the influence of a powerful Awami family for several years, despite changes in formal ownership.

Officials confirmed that the lease was granted to the highest bidder in the third round, while allegations persist that the tender process favored a specific group connected to ruling party figures.

More than 200 demonstrators were arrested in London during a pro-Palestinian protest supporting the banned group Palestine Action. The sit-in took place on Saturday at Trafalgar Square, where participants carried placards backing the organization, which police said constitutes a criminal offense. Officers removed protesters one by one as others applauded and cheered. Police confirmed that 212 people aged between 27 and 82 were detained.

Palestine Action was declared a terrorist organization in July last year, with support or affiliation punishable by up to 14 years in prison. In February this year, the High Court ruled that the ban interfered with freedom of expression, but the government was granted permission to appeal. After a temporary halt in arrests, the Metropolitan Police resumed enforcement in late March.

The group Defend Our Juries claimed around 500 people joined the protest and criticized the ongoing arrests as a “wrong suppression policy.” The controversy over the ban continues, with several related court cases suspended until a review scheduled for July 30.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that the United States and Iran have reached an understanding on several issues following extended discussions. The announcement came after US Vice President J.D. Vance stated that the two sides had failed to reach any agreement even after 21 hours of talks. Baghaei later told Iranian media that while progress had been made, two or three key issues remained unresolved.

He explained that the talks took place after a 40-day conflict and were held in an atmosphere of mistrust and suspicion. According to Baghaei, it was unrealistic to expect a full agreement in a single meeting, as no one had anticipated such an outcome. Earlier, he had emphasized that the success of the negotiations depended on the sincerity and goodwill of the opposing side and on recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.

The discussions mark a cautious step toward easing tensions, though the remaining disagreements suggest that further negotiations will be necessary before any comprehensive deal is reached.

Iran has stated that it is in no hurry to resume negotiations with the United States, saying the next move now lies with Washington. According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, citing reliable sources, Tehran has made reasonable proposals and expects the US to review them realistically. The source accused the US of miscalculations in the talks, similar to those made during wartime, and warned that no changes would occur in the Strait of Hormuz until a reasonable agreement is reached.

The report added that Iran remains patient and that no date or venue has been set for the next round of discussions. Meanwhile, US Vice President J.D. Vance left Pakistan after 21 hours of talks without reaching any agreement with Iran. Both sides have blamed each other for the failure to reach a deal, with Iran saying the negotiations stalled over two or three key issues.

The lack of progress underscores continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington, with no clear timeline for resuming dialogue.

Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, central assistant secretary general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and a leader of the 11-party alliance, said that patriotic students and citizens will not allow fascist rule to return to Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while addressing a protest rally in Sylhet organized by the city’s 11-party alliance, demanding implementation of the referendum verdict.

Zubair stated that the July uprising aimed not only at a change of power but also at ending fascism and reforming the constitution. He claimed that about 70 percent of voters in the February 12 referendum supported change and reform, but the BNP is allegedly conspiring to ignore that verdict and reestablish fascism. He also accused the government of misusing parliamentary procedures to curtail opposition rights and repealing around 20 key ordinances, including those related to human rights and anti-corruption.

The rally, presided over by Advocate Abdur Rahman Afzal of the National Citizen Party, was attended by leaders from several allied parties. A protest march followed the meeting through major streets of Sylhet city.

Iran has indicated that its planned peace talks with the United States could still be canceled if Washington fails to meet Tehran’s preconditions. The information was reported by a journalist from Iran’s state news agency IRINN, based in Islamabad. Iranian officials reportedly view withdrawal from the talks as a form of ‘strong diplomacy’ if their national interests, demands, and red lines are not respected.

According to Iran’s state television, the government currently places the highest emphasis on its own conditions and a lack of trust toward Washington. The report suggests that Iran considers itself to be in a favorable position and may proceed with further steps even without the planned discussions if its demands are not fulfilled.

The situation underscores ongoing uncertainty surrounding the talks, with Iran signaling readiness to act independently should its preconditions remain unmet.