The US Senate has rejected for the fourth time a resolution seeking to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to wage war with Iran. The measure, voted down 47–53 mostly along party lines, followed a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran that began last week. Talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, failed to produce a lasting peace, though both sides indicated willingness for further dialogue. The resolution’s defeat came despite renewed calls from lawmakers to curb Trump’s unilateral military actions, which began alongside Israel on February 28.

Supporters argued that Trump acted outside constitutional authority, while opponents insisted he was within his presidential rights. Senator Chris Murphy criticized the conflict as mismanaged and costly, citing billions spent weekly and over a dozen American deaths. Republican Senator Jim Risch defended Trump’s actions as a duty to protect the US. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on a similar measure, though any passage would be largely symbolic given Trump’s veto power.

The ceasefire’s future remains uncertain as US forces maintain a naval blockade near Iran and both nations prepare for possible renewed talks in Islamabad.

The United States has imposed new sanctions targeting individuals, companies, and ships linked to Iran, according to an update published on the US Treasury Department’s website. The announcement came during a period of ceasefire between Iran and the United States. The Treasury stated that three individuals, 17 entities, and nine vessels have been added to the sanctions list.

Shortly before this update, Treasury Secretary Scott Besent announced that the previous waiver allowing the purchase of oil from Russia and Iran while at sea would not be renewed. This move signals a tightening of economic pressure on Iran’s oil trade and related networks.

The decision is expected to further restrict Iran’s ability to conduct international oil transactions and increase economic strain on sectors connected to its energy exports, as reported by Al Jazeera.

US Vice President JD Vance faced intense protests while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Georgia. The disruption began about ten minutes into his speech when several audience members shouted accusations about US support for violence in Gaza. Vance paused to address the protesters, partially agreeing with their statement that 'Jesus Christ does not support genocide,' while also defending the Trump administration’s policies.

Later in his remarks, Vance expressed sympathy toward critics of the Iran war and acknowledged that many young American voters disapprove of the country’s Middle East policy. He said he understood their concerns but insisted that the administration was working to resolve conflicts and prevent further wars. Vance also urged the audience to engage in politics rather than limit themselves to criticism.

The incident occurred amid growing dissatisfaction among Trump supporters over the administration’s war policies, with some prominent conservative figures openly voicing criticism.

Pirojpur-1 Member of Parliament Masud Saeedi inaugurated a canal re-excavation project in Jianagar upazila of Pirojpur on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The work began at the Saidkhali sluice gate in Balipara Union and will extend to the house of Kalaiya Shahjahan Hawlader. The initiative is part of a nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation program aimed at improving water management in agricultural regions.

During the event, MP Saeedi emphasized that resolving water scarcity is essential for building a prosperous agricultural nation. He recalled the image of late President Ziaur Rahman working with a spade as an inspiration for patriotic service. Upazila BNP President Farid Ahmed noted that the government plans to excavate and re-excavate about 20,000 kilometers of canals over the next five years as part of its election commitments.

Local residents expressed optimism that the re-excavation will ease water shortages and boost yields of seasonal crops such as rice, melons, and watermelons.

At a meeting in Segunbagicha on Wednesday, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, senior joint secretary of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, said the country’s economic condition has become dire, with several banks reportedly bankrupt. He criticized the interim government for taking what he called reckless decisions to implement its manifesto using 400 billion taka from reserves. He urged the government not to push the economy to the brink through initiatives like agricultural and family cards.

Rahman alleged that dishonest traders have established dominance in the market, causing essential commodity prices to rise sharply through syndicates. He warned that low-income families are struggling to meet basic needs and that without effective government action, ordinary people might be forced to protest again. Other party leaders, including Shah Ifthekhar Tariq and Ahmad Abdul Kaiyum, also spoke at the event, criticizing the government’s handling of economic and political issues.

Speakers further accused the interim government of colluding with foreign powers to suppress Islamist political forces and manipulating election outcomes, urging immediate corrective measures to restore public trust.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis lawmaker Sayeed Uddin Ahmad Hanzala, representing Madaripur-1, has called for a law prescribing the death penalty for those who insult Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Speaking in parliament on Wednesday during the discussion on the president’s address, he also urged that anyone denying the Prophet as the final messenger be declared non-Muslim by law. Hanzala directed his appeal to Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarek Rahman, saying millions of Islamic scholars in Bangladesh expect such a move.

Citing verses from Surah Al-Ahzab, Hanzala said belief in the Prophet as the last messenger is integral to faith and lamented that some groups in Bangladesh reject this belief while claiming to be Muslim. He argued that many people have died protesting such denials and insults. The opposition MP emphasized that Bangladesh’s Muslim-majority population deeply reveres the Prophet and that insulting him provokes strong public outrage.

Hanzala also demanded justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, describing him as a man who sought justice and reform. He added that opposition members should support the government when it does good work and oppose it when necessary.

The timing for a potential second round of talks between Iran and the United States has not yet been determined, according to reports on April 15, 2026. Diplomatic activity has intensified, with Pakistan’s army chief currently visiting Iran as head of a delegation to deliver a message on behalf of the United States. Discussions are reportedly focused on setting a suitable time for renewed negotiations and addressing issues related to ceasefire arrangements.

Iran has raised several key issues, including the lack of implementation of a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of its frozen assets. Analysts cited in the report suggest that progress on these matters is crucial for advancing to the next round of talks, as Iran considers them preconditions for participation.

Although both sides have expressed interest in continuing dialogue, no official schedule for the next meeting has yet been announced.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad stated that many conspiracies are ongoing against the government and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He made the remarks on Wednesday, April 15, during a training session for Hajj team members at the Hajj Office conference room in Ashkona, Dhaka. The minister urged the members to remain vigilant so that the government’s image is not tarnished.

Addressing the Hajj team members, Kaikobad emphasized that they are going as servants of the pilgrims and that serving the pilgrims well is a way to earn divine satisfaction. He warned that negligence in serving the pilgrims would not be tolerated and that those who fail to perform their duties properly would be sent back from Makkah. Those who perform well would be given the opportunity to serve again in the following year.

The training session was presided over by Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad and attended by several members of parliament and senior officials from the Hajj division.

On April 15, 2026, Cumilla-4 Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah told the national parliament that he could no longer face his constituents due to the dire condition of the Cumilla-Sylhet highway. Addressing the Speaker, he pleaded for immediate government action to widen the road, describing it as a lifeline for one million people. He said administrative weakness had stalled work on the highway for the past 10 to 12 years.

Abdullah highlighted that the road, only 18 feet wide, connects Cumilla and Sylhet through Burichang, Brahmanpara, and Debidwar, linking to Brahmanbaria. He described it as the only route between Sylhet and Chattogram and said it had turned into a “procession of death,” with more than 30 fatalities in April alone. He urged the Speaker to draw the minister’s attention to stop the recurring accidents.

On the same day, Cumilla-5 MP Jasim Uddin also called for the immediate start of a four-lane expansion project on the Cumilla-Sylhet highway.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that his government will not yield to pressure to join a war against Iran. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Starmer said he would not change his decision despite calls for Britain to take part in the conflict. His comments came after former US President Donald Trump suggested that the trade deal signed between the United States and the United Kingdom last year could be altered at any time.

Starmer emphasized that the conflict with Iran was not Britain’s war and that joining it would not serve the country’s national interest. He described the recent remarks and pressures as attempts to push the UK toward involvement in the conflict but reaffirmed his stance against participation.

The exchange underscores tensions between London and Washington over foreign policy priorities, particularly regarding Iran, though no immediate shift in UK policy was indicated.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been listed among Time magazine’s “The 100 Most Influential People of 2026,” published on Wednesday. The list includes global leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The profile on Rahman was written by Charlie Campbell, editor of Time’s Singapore bureau, highlighting his political rise after years in exile.

According to the magazine, Rahman had been living in exile in southwest London until former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in 2024. Following a landslide election victory in February, he returned to Bangladesh after 17 years abroad. His mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away five days after his return. In a January interview with Time, Rahman expressed his determination to unite the nation and revive its struggling economy amid high inflation, youth unemployment, and strained relations with India.

Time also noted that although corruption allegations against Rahman were later dismissed by the court, they could shorten his political honeymoon period. The 2026 list also features Google CEO Sundar Pichai, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that China has agreed not to send weapons to Iran. According to the report, Trump had earlier sent a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, urging Beijing not to supply arms to Tehran. The claim follows a statement from a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, who dismissed media reports that China was preparing to deliver a new air defense system to Iran as completely fabricated.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said China was pleased with his decision to permanently open the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as beneficial for both China and the world. He added that the United States and China were working together intelligently and effectively, emphasizing that cooperation was preferable to conflict.

The report, citing BBC as its source, did not include any official confirmation from Chinese or Iranian authorities beyond the spokesperson’s denial of the arms supply report.

Seventeen officers holding the rank of Additional Deputy Inspector General (DIG) have been transferred under a government order issued on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The officers, who were previously serving as Superintendents of Police in various units after being promoted to supernumerary Additional DIG positions, were reassigned through a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs signed by Deputy Secretary Tawsif Ahmed. The order was issued by the President’s directive.

According to the notification, the transfers include Mohammad Anwar Hossain from the Industrial Police to the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), Kamrul Hasan Mahmud within the Special Branch (SB), Tofayel Ahmed within Rangpur Metropolitan Police, and several others reassigned within their respective units or to the Police Headquarters. The reshuffle affects officers from units such as the CID, SB, CMP, RMP, and DMP.

The order stated that the transfers were made in the public interest and would take immediate effect.

The Government of Bangladesh has cancelled the names of 6,476 individuals found to be falsely listed as freedom fighters. Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan disclosed the information in parliament on April 15, 2026, during a session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. The cancellations were made following investigations by the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA), which identified non-freedom fighters included in the gazette, red Muktibarta, and Indian lists.

The minister stated that identifying false claimants is an ongoing process. Complaints are investigated, and necessary actions are taken against those proven to have submitted fake information. Since August 2024, 842 complaints have been received, and 481 names have been recommended for final cancellation after verification. The process applies uniformly across all regions, including Rangpur-4.

Khan added that JAMUKA subcommittees conduct hearings and investigations before recommending cancellation of certificates and benefits. The ministry aims to make the lists more transparent through continued scrutiny based on specific complaints.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer and former Islami Chhatra Shibir secretary general Mohammad Shishir Monir announced that the Jamaat-e-Islami-supported 'Green Panel' will not participate in the upcoming Dhaka Bar Association election, calling it a rigged process. He made the statement at a press conference held on April 15, 2026, at the Dhaka Bar premises, where he alleged that the election commission had been unfairly formed to favor one panel.

Monir claimed that out of 11 commission members, 10 were selected from a single panel, violating the association’s tradition of equal representation. He demanded a transparent, digital vote-counting process and equal participation in commission formation. He warned that if the current setup continued, the Green Panel would boycott the election, insisting on a fair and inclusive process.

The Dhaka Bar Association election is scheduled for April 29–30, 2026, with around 30,000 lawyers eligible to vote for 23 executive committee positions. The current ad hoc committee, formed by BNP- and Jamaat-aligned lawyers after the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, is overseeing the association’s activities.