Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that her government has decided not to renew its defense agreement with Israel, which is typically renewed every five years. She said the decision was made due to the current situation, though she did not specify what circumstances she was referring to. The announcement was reported by Al Jazeera.

Relations between Rome and Tel Aviv have recently deteriorated. Last week, Israeli forces fired warning shots at a convoy of Italian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, damaging a vehicle but causing no injuries. Following the incident, Italy summoned Israel’s ambassador in Rome. In response, Israel summoned the Italian ambassador after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanese civilians and urged avoiding another escalation like Gaza.

Several European countries have already limited or suspended arms exports to Israel. Italian opposition parties had long demanded similar action, while protests in Italy have criticized the government’s stance on Gaza and its refusal to recognize Palestine. According to SIPRI, Italy ranks third among Israel’s arms suppliers, though its share of Israeli imports from 2021 to 2025 is only 1.3 percent.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman announced that his government will fully implement the July Charter signed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He made the statement on Tuesday, April 14, during a public gathering and cultural event at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University in Santosh, Tangail, marking the Bengali New Year 1433.

Rahman recalled that when Dr. Yunus invited political parties to sign the July Charter at the South Plaza of Parliament, BNP was the first to respond and sign. He emphasized that every letter, word, and line of the charter would be implemented in full. In his remarks, Rahman also criticized the opposition, saying that the spirit of ousted autocracy has overtaken them, comparing their current stance to that of past opposition groups who vowed to disrupt the government’s peace.

The event was part of broader New Year celebrations featuring cultural performances and public participation in Tangail.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the suspension of Italy’s existing defense agreement with Israel. She made the declaration on Tuesday, April 14, in Verona during a discussion with journalists, describing it as a significant decision in light of current developments.

Meloni expressed concern over the tense situation in the Middle East and emphasized the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. She stated that keeping this maritime route operational is essential for international navigation and security. The suspension of the defense pact is being viewed as a signal of shifting dynamics in regional politics.

The decision underscores Italy’s cautious stance amid growing instability in the region and highlights its focus on maintaining global maritime security interests.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran remains ready to continue peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that diplomacy is the preferred path for resolving disputes. His remarks came during a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Iranian media reports.

Pezeshkian cautioned that any threats, pressure, or military actions by the United States would only worsen its own problems and further complicate the situation. He also urged European nations to encourage the U.S. to adhere to international law and established norms.

The exchange highlights Iran’s stated commitment to diplomatic engagement amid ongoing tensions, while calling for restraint and respect for international legal frameworks.

Bangladeshi-origin Canadian politician Dolly Begum has been elected as a Member of Parliament in Canada’s federal election, becoming the first Bangladeshi to achieve this milestone. Representing the ruling Liberal Party, she secured a decisive victory in the Scarborough Southwest constituency of Toronto, Ontario. The result was confirmed by a report from CBC News on April 14, 2026.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated Begum, praising her dedication to building a fairer Canada and her strong advocacy for community development. The Liberal Party also expressed enthusiasm, noting her long-standing grassroots work for public rights and her new role as part of the Liberal team in Parliament. Before joining the Liberals, Begum served successfully as a member of Ontario’s provincial parliament representing the New Democratic Party.

Analysts described her victory as a significant moment for the Bangladeshi diaspora, highlighting how her journey from Moulvibazar, Bangladesh, to Canada’s national legislature symbolizes growing representation of immigrant communities in Canadian politics.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increase the festival allowance of non-government MPO-listed teachers from 50 percent to 100 percent of their basic salary. He made the remarks on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, while speaking as the chief guest at an event attended by State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari and State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam.

The minister stated that improving the education system and enhancing teachers’ dignity remain key government priorities. He noted that although previous administrations took initiatives for teachers, they were not fully implemented. The current government, he said, plans to raise the festival allowance as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the education sector.

Milon added that existing challenges in education will be addressed gradually and emphasized the need to ensure teachers’ financial and professional security. He expressed optimism that the government’s initiatives will bring positive changes to the education system and fulfill long-standing demands of teachers.

Hungary’s long-serving nationalist leader Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat after 16 years in power, following a decisive victory by Péter Magyar and his Tisza Party in Sunday’s general election. Official results released early Monday showed Tisza securing 53.6 percent of the vote and 138 of 199 parliamentary seats, while Orbán’s Fidesz party won 37.8 percent and 55 seats. The far-right Our Homeland party gained six seats. Péter Magyar celebrated the outcome in Budapest, declaring that Hungarians had overthrown an authoritarian system and rewritten history.

Magyar pledged to unite the nation and emphasized that voter turnout reached a record 79.5 percent, the highest in Hungary’s democratic history. His campaign focused on distancing Hungary from Russia and strengthening ties with the European Union and Ukraine, contrasting sharply with Orbán’s close relationships with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Analysts described the election as the most significant since the end of the communist era.

Orbán’s popularity had waned amid economic stagnation, corruption allegations, and international isolation. Magyar, once a loyal Fidesz member, broke with the party in 2024 after a scandal and later joined Tisza, leading it to this historic victory.

Members of the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar Highway Development Movement and local residents blocked the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway for one and a half hours on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, demanding its expansion into six lanes. The demonstration took place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in front of the traffic police box at Bottoli Motor Station in Lohagara upazila, Chattogram. Protesters said the narrow and risky highway causes frequent accidents and loss of lives, and they warned of tougher programs if no action is taken soon.

Following the blockade, representatives of Shahjahan Chowdhury, Member of Parliament for Chattogram-15 (Satkania–Lohagara), assured that all necessary steps would be taken within seven days to upgrade the highway to six lanes. Based on this assurance, the protesters withdrew their blockade. Local administrative officials, including the upazila executive officer, the officer-in-charge of Lohagara Police Station, and the traffic in-charge, were present during the event.

The protest reflects growing frustration over long-standing promises to widen the highway, which remains a major safety concern for commuters and residents.

US Vice President JD Vance has accused Iran of engaging in 'economic terrorism' by blocking navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with Fox News host Bret Baier, Vance said President Donald Trump had shown that both sides could play this game, referring to the strategic waterway. He warned that if Iran pursued economic terrorism, the United States would respond by preventing any Iranian ships from leaving port.

Vance also revealed that recent talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, had made significant progress. He stated that the next move was up to Iran, urging Tehran to show flexibility and accept what he described as key US demands. These include US oversight of Iran’s enriched uranium and the establishment of a verification system to ensure Iran cannot produce nuclear weapons.

The report cited BBC Bangla as its source and noted that China criticized US sanctions as irresponsible, while Pakistan expressed readiness to host further discussions if needed.

US President Donald Trump has expressed strong anger at American media outlets for their coverage of the ongoing Iran war. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused leading organizations such as The New York Times and CNN of spreading 'fake news.' He claimed that despite Iran being 'completely devastated' by US military operations, the media was portraying the situation as if Iran was performing well in the conflict.

Trump specifically criticized The New York Times, alleging that it was deliberately publishing false information and should apologize for its reporting. He also questioned the media’s integrity, asking whether they had any sense of shame or decency. Earlier, on April 13, Trump accused CNN of broadcasting a 'fake' Iranian statement and warned of an investigation. His administration even threatened to revoke the broadcast licenses of certain outlets, labeling their actions as 'treasonous.'

The dispute follows the February 28 launch of 'Operation Epic Fury,' after which US media questioned the effectiveness and humanitarian impact of Trump’s war strategy, prompting his latest outburst.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has imposed stricter control over the correction process of National Identity Cards (NID), concentrating key decision-making authority in the hands of the NID Wing’s Director General (DG). Under the new regulation, any correction of birth year or other critical data now requires the DG’s approval, ending the previous system that allowed field-level officers to handle certain cases. The revised rules were enacted through amendments to the regulations governing NID data correction, verification, and supply.

The EC stated that the new system aims to curb fraudulent corrections and ensure data integrity. Applicants must now provide a valid Secondary School Certificate (SSC) for any data change, and if multiple certificates exist, only one will be retained. The rules also simplify address transfers within parents’ registered addresses and ease procedures for individuals who have converted religions, provided they submit certification from a recognized religious leader. However, officials and analysts warned that centralization could slow processing and increase citizen inconvenience.

According to EC officials, the commission may consider restoring some decentralized authority once the new system stabilizes and compliance improves.

US Vice President JD Vance stated that recent discussions between Washington and Tehran have achieved significant progress. In an interview with Fox News, he said the talks clarified conditions under which the United States might show flexibility and identified key issues needed for a 'good deal' for the country. Vance described the meeting as a historic milestone, noting it was possibly the first time such high-level talks occurred between the two governments.

Addressing regional tensions, Vance accused Iran of engaging in 'economic terrorism' by threatening global trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. He defended the US naval blockade against Iranian shipping as a necessary countermeasure, asserting that Washington was prepared to act firmly if Iran disrupted international commerce.

While maintaining a tough stance, Vance added that President Donald Trump still wished prosperity for the Iranian people. He cautioned that despite progress, the final outcome of the talks would depend on how far Iran was willing to advance the process.

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the New York Times for its coverage of the ongoing Iran war. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump labeled the newspaper as “corrupt” and accused it of spreading “fake news.” He claimed that despite Iran being completely defeated militarily and otherwise, the Times’ reporting gives the impression that Iran is winning or performing well.

Trump further questioned the integrity of the publication, demanding to know when it would apologize for what he described as lies and disgraceful actions against him, his supporters, and the country. He also accused the media outlet of lacking shame and decency.

The remarks were reported by Al Jazeera and come amid heightened tensions surrounding the Iran conflict and differing narratives in international media coverage.

Former US Deputy National Security Adviser Mark Pfeifle described President Donald Trump’s blockade strategy as a high-risk, real estate-style negotiation approach. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Pfeifle said a recent 21-hour meeting in Pakistan marked the start of new talks where both sides sought to understand each other’s positions. He characterized the meeting as a stress test and a fresh attempt to restart dialogue.

Pfeifle explained that the effectiveness of the current blockade strategy is not measured only by the number of ships detained but also by how quickly global markets respond. He warned that if Trump declares that no ships will move, it would signal an attempt to assert control over all maritime traffic. According to him, failure to detain even one vessel could undermine the entire strategy, increasing its overall risk.

Analysts cited in the report noted that while such a strategy could yield quick results, it carries significant risks that may affect regional and global stability.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his recent verbal attack on Pope Leo XIV. The incident occurred on Sunday night after the Pope criticized Trump’s foreign and immigration policies, prompting the American leader to respond angrily. The exchange has sparked widespread outrage across Italy.

Meloni, who is known as a close political ally of Trump, described his comments about the Pope as unacceptable. She stated that as the head of the Catholic Church, it is natural for the Pope to speak for peace and condemn war. Her public rebuke marks a rare instance of disagreement between the two leaders.

Observers noted that Meloni was the only European leader to attend Trump’s 2025 inauguration, making her criticism particularly significant in the context of their previously close relationship.