Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened as long as international sanctions against Iran remain in place. He made the statement during a telephone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing that the blockade, external pressure, and military presence in the Gulf of Oman are major obstacles to diplomatic dialogue.

Pezeshkian highlighted what he described as a contradiction in U.S. policy, noting that Washington continues to apply sanctions and pressure while simultaneously calling for negotiations. He said this inconsistency has deepened distrust among the Iranian public and officials toward the United States.

The Iranian president also stated that talks in Islamabad have stalled due to U.S. demands and reaffirmed that Iran will not return to negotiations until the sanctions are lifted.

Iran has handed over a framework for talks with the United States to Pakistan, according to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. In a phone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian said the main obstacle to resuming dialogue is a deep crisis of trust. He emphasized that the blockade and pressure over the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the U.S. military presence in the Gulf of Oman, remain key barriers to progress.

Pezeshkian pointed to what he described as a contradiction between U.S. pressure and diplomacy, noting that Washington continues to impose sanctions while calling for negotiations. He said this inconsistency has increased distrust among the Iranian public and officials toward the United States.

The Iranian president added that talks in Islamabad have stalled under U.S. demands and that Iran will not return to negotiations or reopen the Strait of Hormuz until sanctions are lifted.

U.S. President Donald Trump described the presidency as a 'dangerous profession' following a shooting incident during a dinner event in Washington on Saturday. Speaking at a press conference afterward, Trump said he could not imagine any job more dangerous than being president. The incident marked the third shooting or attempted shooting near Trump in recent years.

Trump stated that despite the risks associated with his position, he continues to live a relatively normal life. He emphasized that he is not mentally distressed or fearful, claiming he remains calm even in extreme danger. When asked how the shooting at the White House correspondents’ dinner affected him, Trump said he prefers not to dwell on it and believes he handles such situations as well as possible.

The remarks came amid heightened security concerns following repeated incidents involving gunfire near the president, though Trump sought to project composure and resilience in his response.

US President Donald Trump has abruptly canceled the planned visit of special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, Pakistan. The visit was intended to initiate a new round of discussions between the United States and Iran. According to an Al Jazeera report, a meeting in Islamabad had been arranged as part of the dialogue process, but Trump rejected Iran’s proposal as inadequate and decided to cancel the trip.

Trump announced the decision on his Truth Social platform and later told reporters that the Iranian side had presented a document containing several proposals, which he found unsatisfactory for the United States. He added that sending top-level representatives to such talks would not be reasonable given the uncertainty of the outcome.

Despite the cancellation, Trump indicated that diplomatic channels remain open and that Iran could return to negotiations if it wishes. Analysts believe the decision has cast uncertainty over the future of the renewed US-Iran dialogue.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has strongly condemned BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s recent remarks threatening to politically eliminate Jamaat. In a statement issued to the media on Saturday night, Porwar described the comments as unconstitutional, undesirable, and undemocratic, asserting that such language does not align with democratic principles.

Porwar argued that Mirza Fakhrul’s statement echoed the rhetoric of what he called fallen authoritarian forces, claiming it was inappropriate and disappointing from a senior political leader. He warned that such remarks could incite unrest and violence, pushing the country toward political chaos. Porwar further alleged that the BNP leader’s comments indicated an attempt to reestablish one-party authoritarian rule by eliminating the parliamentary opposition.

He urged the BNP secretary general to refrain from using provocative language and instead uphold democratic norms. Porwar emphasized that threats or intimidation could not suppress Jamaat-e-Islami and that the people of Bangladesh would reject any conspiracy to politically destroy the party.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s central assistant secretary general Muazzam Hossain Helal alleged that some individuals were trying to conceal their history of fleeing to London by labeling others with secret tags. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while addressing a protest rally organized by an eleven-party alliance at the Town Hall premises in Barishal city.

Helal claimed that within two months of taking office, the current government’s “fascist character” had become evident to the public. He accused the government of betraying the consensus reached in the Unity Commission regarding the July Charter and of using the judiciary to legitimize oppression. He urged the authorities to implement the July Charter in line with the referendum’s verdict and heed the people’s demands.

Barishal city Jamaat Amir Zahir Uddin Muhammad Babar said the government had disappointed the nation by reinstating old authoritarian laws and resuming campus occupation politics. He warned that attacks on student leaders indicated a deteriorating law and order situation and that student groups would resist if targeted. Speakers from the alliance vowed to continue their united movement and hinted at tougher programs ahead.

Bangladesh Nezame Islam Party has urged the government to swiftly implement the February referendum verdict, warning that any delay or disregard would amount to betrayal of the nation. Party leaders made the remarks on Saturday during the Majlis-e-Shura session held at a hotel in Dhaka, presided over by party chief Allama Sarowar Kamal Azizee and conducted by Secretary General Musa Bin Izhar. They said ignoring the people’s mandate would not only be a political failure but also an insult to the martyrs of the July uprising.

Speakers expressed deep concern over the country’s current political and economic situation, noting that the referendum reflected the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives for reform and citizens’ rights. Despite the government’s formation after winning the parliamentary majority, the leaders alleged procrastination in implementing the referendum’s outcome, which they described as disappointing and alarming.

The meeting also voiced concern over deteriorating law and order, citing rising instability in educational institutions and recent violent incidents. The party demanded swift arrests and exemplary punishment for those involved and announced new programs to strengthen its nationwide activities.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that no country is free from political violence, responding after a shooting incident at a dinner event. Speaking to reporters, he remarked that even with the best security systems, a disturbed individual can still cause problems. His comments came as part of his reaction to the recent event that drew attention to political safety concerns.

Trump further said that participating in politics in the United States is part of doing business and that political violence exists across the world. He added that he could not imagine a profession more dangerous than politics, emphasizing that no nation is entirely free from violence.

The remarks, reported by BBC and published by Amar Desh Online on April 26, 2026, highlight Trump’s view that political risks are universal and not confined to any single country.

In Phulbaria upazila of Mymensingh, the local office of the Bangladesh Awami League has transformed into a betel leaf market. The office, located beside the government pond on Post Office Road, was once a hub of political activity but became inactive after the student and public movement on August 5, which led to a shift in local political dynamics. Following damage during the unrest, the office was abandoned and later repurposed as a trading spot.

Local sources report that every morning, betel farmers from nearby villages bring their produce to the site, where wholesalers and traders gather to negotiate prices and conduct sales for about two hours. Residents say the market has become a regular fixture, attracting over a hundred farmers and buyers daily. The organized trading system benefits local growers and traders.

According to locals, the conversion of the political office into a commercial market has created a new form of economic activity in the area, contributing modestly to the local economy.

Indian politician Raghav Chadha lost around one million social media followers within 24 hours of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As of Friday, April 24, his Instagram following dropped from 14.6 million to 13.3 million, according to the report. The decline followed his formal entry into the BJP, marking a sharp reaction from his online audience.

According to Hindustan Times, Chadha had been highly popular among India’s youth, with many from Generation Z reportedly dissatisfied with his sudden party switch. Social media users circulated calls to unfollow him after the announcement, which appeared to gain traction among younger audiences.

Chadha’s popularity had been largely built through viral videos of his speeches in the Rajya Sabha and his public image, which resonated with younger voters. His marriage to Bollywood actor and singer Parineeti Chopra also contributed to his public profile.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized the need for women to play a leading role in building society and to safeguard their personal and organizational integrity. He made the remarks on Saturday during the closing session of a three-day training camp organized by the women’s wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for district and city secretaries and assistant secretaries, held at Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa in Tongi, Gazipur.

The program, which began on Thursday, focused on discipline, moral development, and the cultivation of social leadership. Speakers including central and regional leaders discussed Islamic leadership, accountability, and the importance of moral excellence. Women’s wing secretary Nurunnisa Siddika highlighted the role of leadership in organizational management, while other sessions covered Quranic and Hadith studies and practical workshops on enhancing organizational skills.

The event concluded with a review session, departmental planning, and a closing prayer led by assistant secretary Saeeda Rumman. Participants were urged to strengthen their capabilities and maintain the organization’s positive image.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon stated that the alleged exam question leak is nothing but a rumor, which has already been proven beyond doubt. He made the remark on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in a Facebook post, rejecting the claims circulating on social media. The minister criticized the National Citizens Party (NCP), a youth-led political group, for issuing statements without fact-checking and called their actions baseless and disappointing.

Earlier, NCP’s Joint Member Secretary and Education and Research Secretary Faisal Mahmud Shanto alleged that question leak accusations had surfaced since April 20, but the Education Ministry and relevant authorities had shown no visible response. The party accused the government of negligence that could endanger the country’s education system.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka Education Board urged students, parents, and the public to remain cautious about false and misleading information related to the ongoing Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have presented a framework for potential discussions with the United States to mediators in Islamabad. During talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian emphasized the need to rebuild trust as a prerequisite for any meaningful dialogue.

According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Pezeshkian identified the blockade around the Strait of Hormuz and military activities in the Gulf of Oman as major obstacles to progress. He stated that Iran is ready for negotiations but stressed that a respectful environment is essential for advancement. The Iranian president also acknowledged that various diplomatic barriers continue to complicate the dialogue process.

The discussions in Islamabad reflect ongoing regional mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions and creating conditions for renewed engagement between Tehran and Washington.

The Comilla University Journalists’ Association (CUBSAS) organized a human chain on Saturday evening at the Shaheed Abdul Kaiyum Square of the university, protesting the recent attack on Dhaka University journalists by members of the student wing of a political party. The demonstration demanded justice for the victims and called for ensuring a free and safe environment for independent journalism. Journalists from national and local print and electronic media joined the event.

Speakers at the protest described the assault as a direct threat to press freedom, freedom of expression, and democratic values. They urged authorities to identify and punish those responsible for the attack. Participants also criticized the silence of the university administration and law enforcement agencies, saying it legitimized such violence. They called on the government to stand by journalists who have faced attacks at various institutions.

CUBSAS leaders warned that if effective measures are not taken to stop violence against journalists and ensure their safety, university journalists across the country may launch stronger movements.

An eleven-party alliance held a protest march and rally in Rangpur on Saturday, demanding the implementation of a referendum verdict and resolution of the ongoing energy crisis. The procession began in front of Rangpur Public Library, moved through key city roads including Payra Square and Rangpur Press Club, and concluded at Shapla Square with a brief rally.

Speakers at the rally urged the government to act swiftly on the referendum outcome and take effective measures to address fuel shortages and power disruptions. They alleged that the spirit of the July uprising, through which the current government assumed office, was being neglected over time. The speakers warned that ignoring the people’s verdict could lead to political consequences.

They further stated that fuel shortages and power outages have severely affected ordinary citizens, particularly the working class, and that rising commodity prices have worsened the situation. The alliance leaders demanded immediate action to ease public suffering and warned of tougher programs if their three-point demands were not met.