Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei announced that Tehran will not participate in discussions with the United States in Islamabad. He stated that the U.S. has not learned from its past experiences and warned that such behavior would not yield positive outcomes. Baghaei added that a ten-point proposal had been submitted and discussed in Islamabad, noting that the Strait of Hormuz had been secure before recent U.S. and Israeli attacks.

According to Baghaei, Iran had clearly communicated its position to the Pakistani mediator, while the United States claimed that the ceasefire agreement did not include Lebanon. He accused Washington of imposing a naval blockade against Iran and attacking an Iranian vessel, actions he described as violations of the ceasefire and international law.

The spokesperson further alleged that the United States had twice breached agreements and attacked Iran, resulting in the deaths of Iranian citizens. The report cited Al Jazeera as its source.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has published its list of 36 candidates for the reserved women’s seats in the national parliament. The announcement was made on Monday afternoon by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General and Adviser to the Prime Minister. The list includes prominent BNP leaders such as Selima Rahman, Shirin Sultana, Rasheda Begum Hira, Rehana Akter Ranu, and several others.

According to the announcement, the full list comprises 36 names, representing women from different parts of the country and various levels of the party’s leadership. The publication of the list marks a key step in BNP’s internal nomination process for the reserved seats, which are allocated to ensure women’s representation in parliament.

The release of the list signals BNP’s readiness to participate in the parliamentary process concerning the reserved women’s seats, though further procedural steps were not detailed in the announcement.

Iran has announced that it has no plans to participate in peace talks with the United States. According to reports published by Iranian state media on Sunday, the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains the main obstacle to any dialogue. Tensions have escalated further following attacks and seizures of Iranian ships by U.S. military forces.

Citing the state broadcaster IRIB, the report stated that there is currently no plan to take part in the next round of discussions. Earlier, news agencies Fars and Tasnim, quoting unnamed sources, said the overall situation cannot be described as positive and that lifting the U.S. blockade is a condition for any talks. The state-run IRNA also referred to Washington’s “unreasonable and unrealistic demands,” saying there is no clear prospect for productive negotiations under the current circumstances.

The report comes as diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with both sides maintaining firm positions over sanctions and maritime security issues.

A Jerusalem court has postponed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled testimony in his ongoing corruption trial this week, according to local media reports. Netanyahu’s lawyer requested the cancellation of the testimony, citing “security and diplomatic” reasons. The trial, which began in 2019, involves three separate corruption charges and is currently at the stage of Netanyahu’s cross-examination.

This is not the first delay in the proceedings. The report notes that Netanyahu’s court appearances have been postponed multiple times in the past, often due to military tensions and conflicts involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Each postponement has contributed to extending the duration of the trial.

The latest decision is expected to further delay the judicial process, adding to the already lengthy timeline of the case.

Iran has clarified its stance on potential discussions with the United States, stating that it will continue talks but not at any cost. Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee and a former IRGC commander, said that engaging in dialogue does not mean Iran will accept all conditions or methods proposed by the other side. He emphasized that Iran has set certain 'red lines' that must be respected.

When asked whether Iran would send a delegation to a possible meeting in Islamabad, Azizi indicated that the decision depends on whether Tehran receives a positive signal. He noted that Iran has never feared the principle of negotiation and could see positive prospects if the US negotiating team responds constructively to Iran’s messages.

The statement underscores that while Iran remains open to dialogue, it intends to uphold its own terms and conditions in any future engagement with Washington.

Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran on April 20, 2026, to show support for their government and call on officials not to back down amid tensions with the United States. Participants voiced distrust toward Washington and urged continued diplomatic efforts while maintaining a firm stance. The rally featured strong nationalist sentiment and calls for resistance against perceived external threats.

Several attendees expressed frustration over what they described as broken U.S. promises and agreements. One participant, Masoumeh Alimohammadi, told Reuters that Iran should pursue diplomacy but remain wary of the United States. Another, Hamidreza Heidari, declared that Iranians “do not fear war” and insisted that Iran would respond with greater strength if attacked. Negin Gholizadeh urged the government to continue resisting U.S. pressure, referencing a recent episode she viewed as a sign of American retreat.

The demonstration reflected ongoing public support for Iran’s leadership amid strained relations with the United States and Israel, as reported by Al Jazeera.

After a long wait, the 150-year-old Bogura Municipality is being upgraded to a city corporation today, Monday, April 20, 2026. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will formally inaugurate the new Bogura City Corporation during his visit to the district. All preparations have been completed for the event, which will make Bogura the country’s 13th city corporation and recognize it as a metropolitan area, according to municipal officials.

Bogura’s municipal history dates back to 1869, when the Bogura Town Committee was formed under British rule. Over time, the municipality expanded in size and population, reaching 69.56 square kilometers with 21 wards and about 700,000 residents. Despite fulfilling all criteria for city corporation status, Bogura remained a municipality for decades, which locals attributed to political neglect. The interim government approved the upgrade following recommendations from local authorities and the Ministry of Local Government.

Local BNP leaders said the city’s transformation fulfills a long-cherished dream of residents and expressed hope that Bogura will now develop as a model city corporation under the new administration.

Pakistan is intensifying preparations for a possible second round of talks, with strict security measures in place across key areas of Islamabad, including the Red Zone. Several roads have been closed, creating a partial lockdown atmosphere in the capital. Over the past 24 hours, multiple U.S. military transport aircraft, including C-17 Globemasters, have reportedly landed in Islamabad, carrying advance teams, security personnel, and armored vehicles. More aircraft are expected to arrive.

Iran’s participation in the upcoming discussions remains uncertain, though Pakistan continues active diplomatic engagement. The country’s Chief of Defense Forces recently completed a three-day visit to Tehran, viewed as part of efforts to manage the evolving situation.

The arrival of U.S. representatives suggests a strong likelihood that the talks will proceed, but recent tensions and firm rhetoric from both sides have cast uncertainty over the outcome. The direction of developments now depends on the diplomatic positions and decisions of the involved parties.

Iran has accused the United States of breaking promises and betraying diplomacy, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, as reported by Al Jazeera. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made the remarks during a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying that the U.S. repeatedly violated commitments during talks and ceasefire periods and acted in an oppressive and unreasonable manner.

Pezeshkian stated that the so-called naval blockade against Iran constitutes a provocative and illegal act, violating the ceasefire agreement and contradicting the United Nations Charter. He emphasized that U.S. officials’ threatening statements and such actions have deepened distrust about Washington’s sincerity and revealed that the U.S. intends to repeat its previous patterns of behavior and betray diplomacy once again.

The Iranian president further asserted that Iran would defend its territorial integrity against any new adventurism by the United States and the Zionist regime.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian held a warm and friendly phone conversation on Sunday, according to a statement from the Pakistani government. During the 45-minute call, Sharif assured Pezeshkian that Pakistan would continue its sincere efforts to promote regional peace and security. He also thanked Iran for sending a high-level delegation to Islamabad last week for discussions with the United States.

However, the statement did not specify when the next round of talks would take place. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that an American delegation was heading to Pakistan for discussions with Iran, but Tehran has not officially confirmed any such meeting. Iranian media reported that participation in a second round of talks remains uncertain, despite earlier reports suggesting an Iranian delegation might arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday.

As a result, uncertainty continues to surround the potential meeting between the two countries and the United States, with no confirmed schedule or official acknowledgment from Iran.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir left Dhaka for China on Sunday night at 10:10 p.m. on a China Air flight. His visit comes at the invitation of the Chinese government, according to BNP Media Cell member Shairul Kabir Khan. Before his departure from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh met Fakhrul for a courtesy call and saw him off. Fakhrul is accompanied by his assistant private secretary Yunus Ali.

Earlier, on April 15, another BNP delegation traveled to China at the invitation of the Chinese government. That delegation was led by Ismail Jabiuallah, a member of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council and the Prime Minister’s Adviser, along with several other senior BNP leaders. The visits reflect ongoing exchanges between the BNP and Chinese officials.

The source does not specify the duration or agenda of Fakhrul’s visit, leaving the purpose and expected outcomes of the trip unclear.

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, saying he will no longer remain a 'Mr. Nice Guy' if upcoming discussions fail. According to the report, a high-level American delegation is traveling to Pakistan to initiate new talks on the Iran issue. The team includes Vice President JD Vance, diplomat Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. Pakistan has already begun preparations for the potential meeting.

However, Iran has not yet confirmed whether it will participate in the talks, leaving uncertainty over whether the meeting will take place. Trump also warned that if negotiations do not progress, the United States could take tough action targeting Iran’s key infrastructure.

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been disrupted following reported Iranian attacks on several vessels. The situation has heightened regional instability and raised concerns about potential military escalation.

Rail Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that no final decision has been made regarding the proposed hospital construction at CRB in Chattogram. He emphasized that the government will not implement any project that causes discomfort to city residents or harms the environment. The minister noted that the decision will prioritize environmental protection and the interests of Chattogram’s people. He clarified that the government has neither confirmed nor ruled out the hospital project.

Speaking to journalists during a site visit on Sunday evening, the minister explained that the earlier public-private partnership (PPP) plan had proposed a 250-bed hospital expandable to 500 beds, but it was not implemented due to public protests. He said discussions will be held with the private partner to resolve financial matters from the previous agreement. The minister also mentioned that no commercial use of railway land will be allowed.

Environmental activists held daylong protests at CRB during the minister’s visit, chanting slogans against the hospital project. The demonstrations involved various social and cultural groups under the banner of CRB Rokkha Moncho.

Bangladesh’s Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has extended his best wishes to students appearing in the upcoming SSC, Dakhil, and equivalent examinations scheduled to begin across the country on Tuesday, April 21. In a statement issued to the media on Sunday night, he prayed for the physical and mental well-being of the students, noting that around 20 lakh candidates will take part this year, including about 16 lakh SSC and 4 lakh Dakhil and equivalent examinees.

Dr. Rahman urged parents and all concerned to exercise special caution during students’ travel to and from examination centers. He also called on law enforcement agencies and teachers to ensure a fair, peaceful, and cheating-free environment for the examinations.

The statement reflects a message of encouragement and responsibility toward maintaining discipline and integrity during one of the country’s largest public examinations.

The White House confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pakistan to participate in discussions related to Iran, according to a report by Turkey-based Anadolu Agency citing a US official. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also expected to join the delegation. The announcement came amid conflicting statements, as President Donald Trump earlier told ABC News that Vance would not make the trip due to Secret Service concerns over short-notice security arrangements.

Throughout the day, confusion deepened when ABC News, Axios, and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright separately suggested that Vance might indeed lead the delegation, contradicting Trump’s earlier remarks. Trump also warned that if Iran refused to sign the proposed agreement, the country would face severe consequences, calling it a “very simple deal” and Iran’s “last chance.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that Tehran decided not to send any delegation to Pakistan for the talks, citing the continuation of the US naval blockade as the reason. Iran stated that no discussions would occur while the blockade remains in effect.