Masrur Anwar Chowdhury, a freelance procurement and supply chain specialist, testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 that he was abducted and tortured by members of the Rapid Action Battalion’s Taskforce for Interrogation (TFI) cell. He stated that the abduction occurred on March 3, 2020, after he posted on Facebook opposing the visit of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh. According to his testimony, he was blindfolded, handcuffed, and held in a small cell where he was repeatedly interrogated about his alleged links to militant groups and his criticism of the Awami League and India.

Masrur described being beaten with a belt and questioned about his activities during the Rohingya crisis. He said he was later moved between cells, where he met other detainees who claimed to have been held for years. After several days, he and three others were presented to the media and then charged in a fabricated militancy case before being sent to jail. He identified RAB-11 officer Alep Uddin as leading his abduction and said he was detained for about ten months before being released on bail.

Masrur demanded justice for his abduction, torture, and the damage caused to his career.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will destroy every power plant and bridge in Iran if Tehran refuses to accept a proposed agreement. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said Iran fired shots in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting a French ship and a British cargo vessel, which he described as a complete violation of their ceasefire agreement. He added that U.S. representatives are traveling to Islamabad for talks and are expected to arrive there on Tuesday morning.

Trump stated that Iran recently announced the closure of the strait, calling it strange since the U.S. blockade had already restricted it. He claimed that Iran was unknowingly helping the U.S. by doing so. The president emphasized that Washington is offering a fair and reasonable deal and expressed hope that Iran would accept it to avoid severe consequences.

According to the report, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains tense, with no visible signs of ship movement following the reported incidents.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah expressed astonishment in parliament on Sunday, April 19, 2026, over the arrest of an individual for sharing a cartoon. He raised the issue during a parliamentary session, questioning why such an arrest would occur in the present time.

Hasnat alleged that the person was arrested under an incorrect law and that bail was being denied even though the offense was bailable. He emphasized the need for ministerial accountability within parliament, stating that if ministers are not held answerable there, lawmakers have no other platform to voice their concerns. He also complained about being deprived of the right to ask starred questions in parliament.

The remarks highlighted ongoing concerns about legal procedures and parliamentary transparency, though no official government response was recorded in the session.

Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman strongly condemned indecent gestures made by some treasury bench members during the speech of independent MP Rumin Farhana from Brahmanbaria-2 in the National Parliament on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Speaking on a point of order under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal, he said such behavior had hurt his conscience and was unexpected from senior members of the House.

Dr. Rahman urged the Speaker to ensure proper order and fairness in allowing members to speak, noting concerns about discrimination in speaking opportunities. He emphasized the need to uphold parliamentary decorum and foster a culture of respect in discussions. The Speaker responded by urging all members to maintain parliamentary etiquette and ensure a conducive environment for debate.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam also called for maintaining serial order in granting speaking turns, suggesting that following this practice would encourage new members and make parliamentary sessions more vibrant.

The High Court has issued a rule asking why registration of domestic workers should not be made mandatory across Bangladesh, including in the capital. The rule was issued on Sunday by a bench comprising Justice Razik Al Jalil and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury. The court directed the law secretary, labour secretary, and other relevant authorities to respond within four weeks.

Advocate Khadijatul Kobra represented the petitioner during the hearing. Earlier, she had filed a writ petition seeking a directive to make registration of domestic workers mandatory nationwide. The petition aimed to bring domestic workers under a formal registration system to ensure better regulation and oversight.

The court’s order initiates a legal process that could lead to formal registration requirements for domestic workers if the authorities justify or implement the measure following the rule’s response period.

In Nandigram, Bogura, police allegedly raided the home of a Jubo Dal leader following a protest demanding the removal of the local officer-in-charge (OC). The protest, held on Thursday night, was organized by Jubo Dal and supported by Chhatra Dal activists, who marched through the municipal area declaring a campaign against drug abuse. The demonstration was led by Abdur Rouf Rubel, senior joint convener of the upazila Jubo Dal, who announced a commitment to resist narcotics.

Local residents accused police of retaliating against the protesters by conducting searches at their homes and attempting to file false cases. They also alleged that gambling and drug trading continued openly in rural areas while police conducted only superficial operations. Locals expressed concern over what they described as reckless behavior by law enforcement.

Nandigram OC Tarikul Islam denied the allegations, stating there was no conflict with the protesters and that a case was filed after an assault incident. Additional Superintendent of Police (Media) Md. Ataur Rahman said he was aware of the anti-drug rally but had not yet received full details and would investigate further.

Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana from Brahmanbaria-2 has strongly criticized the government in the national parliament over the ongoing fuel crisis and rising fuel prices. Speaking on a point of order during the 16th day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament, she accused the government of deceiving the public by denying the existence of a fuel shortage while long queues for fuel are visible across the country.

Farhana questioned the government’s repeated claims that there is no shortage of fuel, pointing to three-kilometer-long lines at fuel stations and drivers waiting through the night without success. She also criticized the government’s decision to close marketplaces at 7 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. as shortsighted, arguing that most people shop in the evening. Additionally, she raised concerns about changes to office hours and demanded transparency about the country’s actual reserves of octane and diesel.

She urged the government to clarify why fuel is not being adequately supplied to pumps, who is hoarding fuel, and who is responsible for the crisis.

More than thirty leaders from the AB Party, UP Bangladesh, and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (BAISCHA) have joined the National Citizen Party (NCP). The announcement was made on Sunday afternoon at a press conference held at the NCP’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. Among those joining were UP Bangladesh convener Ali Ahsan Junaid, chief coordinator Rafe Salman Rifat, BAISCHA president Rifat Rashid, and AB Party joint general secretary Sani Abdul Haque. NCP convener Nahid Islam confirmed their inclusion, accompanied by party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and northern region organizer Sarjis Alam.

Nahid Islam stated that the NCP welcomes individuals regardless of their previous political affiliations, emphasizing that all members must work under the party’s ideals. However, he clarified that anyone involved in fascism, genocide, extortion, or corruption would not be allowed to join or remain in the party. Asif Mahmud added that the NCP aims to fulfill the people’s aspirations for reform and justice while building a just and unified Bangladesh.

The joining of multiple platform leaders was described as part of a broader effort to strengthen collective understanding and unity toward national reconstruction.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his country does not want war and is acting solely in self-defense against attacks from the United States and Israel. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to peace and regional stability, asserting that its actions are lawful and defensive in nature.

Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure, calling such actions violations of international law and evidence of double standards in human rights. According to Iran’s state news agency ISNA, he reiterated that Iran has not attacked any country and does not intend to do so under current circumstances.

He further explained that Iran’s measures should not be seen as aggression but as legitimate self-defense, comparing a nation’s right to defend itself to that of an individual responding to aggression.

The administration in Tarakanda Sadar of Mymensingh has imposed Section 144 following counter programs announced by two rival groups of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The order was issued due to fears of deteriorating law and order stemming from a dispute between BNP leader Motahar Hossain Talukdar and Mymensingh Metropolitan Jubo Dal leader Jubaid Hossain Shakil. The restriction will remain effective from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, according to the local administration.

Police officials said tension had been building for several days between supporters of Motahar Hossain Talukdar, a defeated BNP candidate, and those of Jubaid Hossain Shakil. A worker from Shakil’s group was injured during an attempt to stop a clash between the two sides. Both groups have since held separate press conferences and protest rallies.

Authorities stated that the Section 144 order aims to maintain public safety and prevent further unrest. During the restriction period, gatherings of five or more people will not be allowed in the designated area.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and Member of Parliament Nahid Islam has called for building an alternative political force to counter extortion, corruption, and terrorism across Bangladesh. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Banglamotor office on Sunday, he said that young people currently lack a strong alternative party and that the NCP aims to fill that gap. The event also marked the joining of members from various political groups to the NCP.

Nahid Islam stated that the recent election ignored the people’s verdict and that the country is being overwhelmed by corruption and violence. He criticized the replacement of the Awami League government with that of the BNP through the election and alleged that all national institutions are being politicized. He emphasized the need to strengthen youth unity to bring change to the country’s power structure.

The press conference highlighted the NCP’s intention to mobilize young people and other political actors to create a new political alternative in Bangladesh.

Students of the Political Science Department at Barishal University blocked the Dhaka–Kuakata highway on Sunday afternoon, demanding action after a fellow student was injured in a road accident near the campus. The blockade began around 2 p.m. following frustration over the lack of compensation and resolution promised by the university administration.

The incident occurred on Saturday noon when a motorcycle carrying a student collided with an oil tanker near the university. The injured student, Tamim Hossain from the 14th batch of the Political Science Department, was hospitalized with serious injuries. Despite earlier discussions with the administration, students said no progress had been made, prompting them to stage the highway blockade.

Their four-point demand includes immediate police deployment at the nearby outpost, arrest of the driver involved, appointment of traffic police in front of the university, and compensation for the injured student.

Thirty leaders and activists from the anti-discrimination student movement and the platform Up Bangladesh have formally joined the National Citizens Party (NCP). The joining took place on Sunday afternoon at the NCP headquarters during an official ceremony attended by the new members.

Among those who joined are Ali Ahsan Junayed and Rafe Salman Rifat, both former presidents of the Dhaka University student organization and key initiators of Up Bangladesh. Others include Sani Abdul Haque, joint general secretary of AB Party; Rifat Rashid, president of the anti-discrimination student movement; Hasib Al Islam, chief coordinator; and Shahadat Hossain, office secretary. Several additional activists such as Shahriz Sultana Ira, Ayman Rahat, Hasan Tanvir, Wahid Alam, Mohammad Jasimuddin, Sajjad Sabbir, and S M Sweet also joined the party.

The event marks a notable expansion of NCP’s organizational base through the inclusion of leaders from multiple youth and student platforms.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that no date has been set for the next round of talks between Iran and the United States. He explained that both sides must first finalize the framework of an understanding before any new meeting can take place. His comments came after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that direct discussions might resume this weekend.

The first round of talks between the two countries ended last weekend without any agreement. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a diplomatic forum in Turkey, Khatibzadeh said Iran is focused on finalizing the structure of an understanding and does not want to enter discussions that are likely to fail or escalate tensions. He added that progress had been made, but additional demands from the U.S. side prevented a deal, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Khatibzadeh emphasized that Iran would not accept being treated as an exception under international law, underscoring Tehran’s stance on sovereignty and legal equality in negotiations.

A large protest took place in Tel Aviv on Sunday night against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. Demonstrators voiced anger over Netanyahu’s leadership, accusing him of damaging Israel’s relations with European countries and the United States. Protester Rafael Pnina said Netanyahu was destroying society from within and demanded answers about the events of October 7 and their aftermath.

Another protester, social activist Li Hoffman-Agiv, said she joined the rally to show solidarity with families of those killed since the conflict began on October 7. Chaim Trivax, another participant, accused the government of making wrong decisions in wars against Lebanon and Iran, claiming Netanyahu was pursuing conflict to avoid imprisonment.

According to the report, the protest highlighted Israel’s ongoing political divisions and growing public dissatisfaction with the government.