Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met with European Union Ambassador Michael Miller in Dhaka on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. During the courtesy meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides discussed the long-standing bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and the EU, which they described as having evolved into a broad and multidimensional partnership.

The meeting focused on key areas of mutual interest including ongoing reform initiatives, migration management, skills development, rule of law, and good governance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that detailed discussions were also held regarding the foreign minister’s upcoming visit to Brussels, where he will lead a delegation. One of the main objectives of the visit is to complete the initial process for signing the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), aimed at institutionalizing and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Miller assured continued EU support for Bangladesh’s reform process, while Minister Rahman expressed appreciation for the EU’s role as one of Bangladesh’s major development and trade partners.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that any attempt by the United States or Israel to force Iran into surrender would fail. Speaking in Tehran on Wednesday during a meeting with emergency service officials, he emphasized that the Iranian people would never accept such pressure. Pezeshkian stated that Tehran supports constructive dialogue rather than war or instability.

His remarks came just hours after US President Donald Trump announced that peace talks could resume later in the week. However, Tehran has not made any direct comment on the possibility of renewed negotiations. The statement reflects Iran’s continued stance on resisting external pressure while expressing openness to diplomatic engagement.

The timing of Pezeshkian’s comments suggests Iran’s intent to reinforce its position amid renewed international discussions about peace talks, though no formal communication between Tehran and Washington has been confirmed.

House Democrats have proposed forming a commission led by Vice President JD Vance to determine whether President Donald Trump should be removed from office under the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The proposal was introduced on Tuesday by Representative Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, following concerns about Trump’s physical and mental fitness after a series of controversial remarks and actions. These included threats to destroy Iran’s civilization and social media posts comparing himself to Jesus Christ.

Raskin stated that such behavior has severely eroded public trust and turned the issue into one of national security. Former CIA Director John Brennan and several Democratic lawmakers have argued that the 79-year-old president is no longer fit to lead. The bill has 50 Democratic co-sponsors and calls for a 17-member commission comprising former executive officials, physicians, and psychiatrists nominated by both parties.

However, the proposal faces steep odds in the Republican-controlled House, where passage is considered highly unlikely.

The United States has set two new conditions before resuming talks with Iran following the failure of their meeting in Islamabad, according to Israeli media reports cited by NDTV. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that discussions with Tehran could restart within two days, claiming that appropriate representatives from Iran had reached out to Washington seeking a possible agreement.

Diplomatic sources reported that Washington’s first condition is the complete and unhindered reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. remains firm on its principle of reciprocity, meaning if Iran blocks ship or oil tanker movement through the strait, its own vessels will face similar restrictions. The second condition requires Iran’s negotiation team to have full authorization from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to finalize any potential deal, ensuring top-level approval from Tehran.

Iran has not yet responded to these conditions and has denied that any new round of talks is being planned, reiterating its distrust of negotiations with the United States.

A special eviction drive was conducted around Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) to clear sidewalks occupied by hawkers and illegal structures. The operation, held on Wednesday morning, was inaugurated by Abdus Salam, administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation, as part of a broader initiative to free footpaths and enhance the area’s appearance. Ansar members actively participated in the drive, removing makeshift shops and mobile vendors from the hospital vicinity.

Following the inauguration, a team led by Brigadier General Asaduzzaman, director of DMCH, began the operation from the Shaheed Minar Gate (Gate No. 3). Authorities reported that the sidewalks around the hospital were freed from encroachment, improving movement for patients and visitors and restoring overall order.

A similar operation had been launched on April 2 to improve the hospital’s environment and discipline. However, after hawkers reoccupied the cleared spaces, the hospital administration initiated this renewed drive to maintain cleanliness and accessibility in the area.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan informed the National Parliament on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, that Bangladesh currently has 198,037 officially recognized freedom fighters, according to the ministry’s consolidated list. He made the disclosure while responding to a question from ruling party MP A.M. Mahbub Uddin Khokon during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The minister also stated that the government is not presently considering any increase in the honorarium for the freedom fighters.

In response to separate questions, the minister explained that allegations against gazetted freedom fighters are investigated by a subcommittee of the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA). Since August 2024, the council has received 842 complaints, resulting in the cancellation of 481 gazettes or related documents. Since its inception, JAMUKA has recommended the cancellation of 6,465 gazettes through 103 meetings.

The session also featured statements from the agriculture and land ministers on fertilizer pricing oversight and anti-corruption measures in land offices, highlighting ongoing government monitoring and digital reforms.

Former Chattogram City Corporation mayor Manjur Alam has denied any plan to contest the upcoming mayoral election under the National Congress Party (NCP). He made the remarks in an interview with BBC Bangla after NCP MP Hasanat Abdullah visited his residence in Chattogram. During the visit, a group of youths identifying themselves as freedom fighters gathered outside and questioned Hasanat Abdullah.

Manjur Alam clarified that he had not discussed any political matters with Hasanat Abdullah. He said Abdullah had called him earlier in the day to inform him about a local program and accepted an invitation to lunch at his home. According to Manjur, Abdullah arrived around 3 p.m., had lunch, and later spoke briefly with the youths outside before leaving around 5:30 to 6 p.m.

Responding to allegations that he was aligned with the Awami League, Manjur Alam stated that he had no cases against him and was not affiliated with the party. He emphasized that he had previously served as a BNP mayor and had never joined the Awami League.

Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump stated that the discussions could resume within the next two days. However, doubts have emerged about the timing, as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to travel abroad on Wednesday and will return on April 18 after visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt.

Although Trump suggested that talks might take place within two days, Sharif’s travel schedule indicates that the meeting is more likely to occur later in the week. According to Al Jazeera’s Kamal Haider, diplomacy is a continuous process that requires time, and both Tehran and Washington have shown positive signals toward resuming dialogue.

The report also notes that Gulf countries have expressed interest in assisting Pakistan’s efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on Chinese goods, accusing Beijing of providing military assistance to Iran amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. In response, China has warned that it will take firm countermeasures if Washington proceeds with the tariff plan.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated at a press conference that if the United States uses the allegation as a pretext to impose additional tariffs, China will respond strongly. He also dismissed reports claiming that China is supplying weapons to Iran, calling them completely fabricated.

The exchange underscores rising tensions between Washington and Beijing as accusations over Iran’s role in the Middle East war intensify, with both sides signaling readiness for economic retaliation.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the NATO military alliance has not adequately supported the United States in the past or present and will not do so in the future. According to a report published on April 15, 2026, by Iran International, Trump made the remarks in a post on Truth Social on April 14, asserting that NATO has not stood by the U.S. and will not in the future.

His comments have sparked renewed discussion and criticism in international circles. The statement is considered significant given that the United States is a principal member of NATO, one of the world’s most powerful military alliances. The remarks have drawn attention to the dynamics of U.S. relations with NATO and the broader implications for transatlantic defense cooperation.

The report did not specify any official responses from NATO or other governments following Trump’s statement.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government has decided to recruit 500,000 new government employees. He stated that recruitment for 2,879 positions under the Ministry of Public Administration and its affiliated offices is already underway. The announcement was made on Wednesday morning during the 14th day of the first session of the National Parliament, in a written reply to a question from a member of parliament.

In another written response, the Prime Minister said that a project related to the ‘e-Health Card’ initiative is awaiting approval. Under a 180-day program, the government plans to distribute e-Health Cards to citizens once the project is approved. He also addressed a question regarding training for primary school teachers in English, emphasizing that the government’s manifesto prioritizes improving teaching quality and skills through special training programs.

These initiatives reflect the government’s focus on expanding public employment, enhancing healthcare access through digital means, and strengthening the education sector through teacher training programs.

Ziaul Haque, a 67-year-old retired agriculture officer and adviser to the Jamalpur District Awami League, died late Tuesday night while being taken to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. He had been suffering from diabetes and kidney disease and fell seriously ill while in Jamalpur District Jail. His condition worsened on Tuesday afternoon, prompting authorities to transfer him for advanced treatment, but he passed away en route.

Ziaul Haque, a resident of Haridrata village in Digpait Union under Jamalpur Sadar upazila, had been in custody since January 15 after being arrested in a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission over recruitment irregularities at Digpait DK High School, where he served as managing committee president. His family alleged that negligence in providing medical care led to his death.

Jamalpur Jail Superintendent Lipi Rani Saha confirmed the death but denied any negligence, stating that the prison’s on-duty doctor had provided treatment to the detainee before his transfer.

US President Donald Trump has said that discussions between the United States and Iran could resume within the next two days. He made the remarks in a phone interview with the New York Post, noting that talks were ongoing but progressing slowly. About half an hour later, Trump called the newspaper again, suggesting that their correspondent should stay in Islamabad, where the first round of talks had taken place, because something might happen soon.

Trump added that the likelihood of renewed discussions was high, crediting Pakistan’s army chief for doing an excellent job. He had previously referred to the Pakistani military leader as a close ally. The comments were reported by the BBC and cited by the Bangladeshi outlet Amar Desh.

The report also mentioned that Gulf countries have shown interest in helping Pakistan facilitate renewed dialogue between the United States and Iran, indicating a possible regional effort to ease tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump wants to reach a major agreement with Iran, Vice President JD Vance said, according to a CBS News report cited by BBC. Speaking at a Turning Points USA event in Athens, Georgia, Vance noted that significant progress had been made during recent discussions between U.S. and Iranian representatives held in Pakistan. He emphasized that Trump is not interested in a minor deal but aims for a 'Trumpian grand bargain' of historic scale.

Reuters reported that Vance also acknowledged the deep mistrust between the two nations, saying that decades of distrust cannot be resolved overnight. Washington views the high-level talks, the first of their kind in 49 years, as a positive development. Despite the U.S. military maintaining a strict naval blockade on Iran, the Trump administration’s proposal for a major deal has sparked new debate in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

The renewed diplomatic engagement signals a potential shift in U.S.–Iran relations, though the outcome of the proposed negotiations remains uncertain.

Ireland’s coalition government survived a no-confidence vote in parliament on Tuesday, retaining power amid criticism of its response to an energy crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict. The motion, brought by the main opposition party Sinn Féin, was defeated with 92 votes in favor of the government and 78 against after a heated debate.

The vote followed a week of protests by transport operators and agricultural contractors over soaring petrol and diesel prices. Demonstrations had disrupted major roads in Dublin and partially blocked the country’s only oil refinery and several fuel depots. In response, the government convened an emergency cabinet meeting on Sunday and announced tax relief measures.

Under the new measures, fuel prices were reduced by 10 cents per liter, and a planned carbon tax increase was postponed from May until the October budget. The government’s victory in the vote allows it to continue implementing these measures to ease public discontent.