Hungary’s long-serving nationalist leader Viktor Orbán was defeated in Sunday’s general election by the emerging center-right Tisza party, ending his 16-year rule. According to Reuters, the result marks a major setback for allies of Orbán and former U.S. President Donald Trump. The 62-year-old leader had been influential among conservatives in Europe and the United States, but his popularity declined amid economic stagnation, international isolation, and corruption allegations.

Led by 45-year-old Péter Magyar, the Tisza party secured a strong majority in the 199-seat parliament, with nearly all votes counted indicating 138 seats. Magyar said the victory would set Hungary on a new political path, enabling anti-corruption efforts and constitutional reform. Orbán conceded defeat, calling the result painful but clear, while many of his supporters were seen in tears during his televised address.

Analysts suggest the outcome could shift the European Union’s policy balance, potentially easing approval of major aid for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Magyar, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Hungary had chosen Europe.

Australia has announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as the new Chief of Army, marking the first time a woman will lead the Australian Army. The government confirmed that Coyle, currently serving as Chief of Joint Capabilities, will assume her new role in July, succeeding Lieutenant General Simon Stuart. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this is the first time in the army’s 125-year history that a woman has been appointed to the top position.

Defense Minister Richard Marles described the appointment as a historic moment, noting that Coyle’s achievements will serve as an important source of inspiration for women serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The 55-year-old officer joined the army in 1987 and has held several key command positions throughout her career.

Women currently make up about 21 percent of the ADF, with 18.5 percent in senior leadership roles. The ADF aims to increase female representation to 25 percent by 2030, a goal that aligns with the significance of Coyle’s appointment.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman reaffirmed his party’s commitment to defending citizens’ rights and fulfilling promises made to the public. He made the remarks on Sunday night at a meeting with local dignitaries in Dhaka’s Kafrul West Thana, organized by the party’s Dhaka North unit. The event was chaired by Thana Ameer Abdul Matin Khan and conducted by Thana Secretary M. Atik Hasan Raihan, with several central and city-level leaders also addressing the gathering.

Dr. Rahman recalled his candidacy in the 2018 election under the 20-party alliance, alleging voter intimidation and violence during that poll. He said he withdrew then but was later elected after the July uprising, crediting voters’ trust in Jamaat’s pledge to build a corruption-free and humane society. He vowed to continue efforts to establish justice and equality, regardless of parliamentary status, and urged unity to create a Bangladesh free from oppression, corruption, and discrimination.

He emphasized that Jamaat remains determined to pursue change and will not be deterred by obstacles in its mission to secure citizens’ rights.

Iranian authorities have stated that the United States must take greater initiative if any agreement is to be reached to end the ongoing war. The government also called on its supporters to maintain control of the streets. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that during lengthy talks in Islamabad on Saturday, the U.S. delegation failed to gain the trust of the Iranian side.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the U.S. Navy would begin blocking any ships attempting to enter or exit the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the U.S. military was fully armed and ready to act against Iran. Iran’s judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni-Ejei praised the delegation for defending the rights of government supporters, including paramilitary groups that have been gathering nightly for over six weeks in Tehran and other cities.

Several Iranian lawmakers expressed satisfaction that the talks produced no results, asserting that Iran holds an advantageous position in the conflict. Deputy Speaker Hamidreza Haji-Babai said only a UN resolution signaling U.S. surrender and lifting sanctions on Iran would be acceptable to the regime’s street supporters.

India has agreed to simplify the process for medical and business visas, according to Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir Sheikh. He announced the decision after meeting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Monday, April 13, 2026. The change is expected to take effect next week, marking a step toward easing travel between the two neighboring countries.

The adviser said that several issues of mutual interest were discussed positively during the meeting. He also mentioned that the Bangladeshi government expressed gratitude to India for supplying fuel through a pipeline. Additionally, he stated that the government would follow legal procedures to bring back Sheikh Hasina and that the process to repatriate Hadi’s killers was ongoing.

The discussions reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and India, particularly in trade, energy, and legal matters, as both sides continue to address shared regional concerns.

U.S. President Donald Trump adopted a hardline stance after peace talks between Washington and Tehran failed to reach an agreement in Islamabad. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, he said he was unconcerned whether Iran returned to the negotiating table, declaring, “It doesn’t matter to me if Iran comes back or not.” The talks, described earlier by Trump as friendly, ended without any breakthrough.

Trump’s comments marked a sharp shift from his earlier optimism that Iran might agree to a deal. Within hours of the failed discussions, Washington announced a stricter naval blockade against Iran. U.S. officials said the deadlock stemmed from Tehran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions and to stop financing armed groups.

The developments underscored escalating tensions following the breakdown of the Islamabad talks, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma met with Information and Broadcasting Minister Jahir Uddin Swapon at the minister’s office on Monday. During the courtesy meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest related to bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.

The Indian High Commissioner congratulated the minister on assuming his new responsibilities at the ministry. Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening communication at different levels to enhance relations between the two neighboring countries.

The meeting reflected a continuation of diplomatic engagement aimed at deepening cooperation in areas of shared interest between Bangladesh and India.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran came 'very close' to a possible agreement with the United States during discussions held in Islamabad last weekend. In a post on social media platform X on Sunday, Araghchi said Iran participated in the talks with goodwill, aiming to bring an end to the ongoing war.

According to Araghchi, while both sides were only 'a few inches' away from reaching an understanding, Tehran faced obstacles due to the other party’s rigid stance, shifting objectives, and imposed restrictions. The minister did not specify the exact nature of the talks or the issues under discussion.

The statement highlights continuing diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States, though the outcome remains uncertain given the described challenges during the Islamabad meeting.

US President Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with NATO for not supporting the United States during the recent Iran conflict and the Israel issue. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews on April 13, he announced that US spending within NATO would now be subject to deep examination. Trump argued that the alliance failed to stand by the US when needed and questioned the value of maintaining membership under such circumstances.

He reiterated his long-standing criticism that many NATO members do not contribute their fair share to defense budgets and fail to assist the US adequately during crises. Trump also described the massive US expenditure to protect NATO members from Russia as increasingly unreasonable. His remarks have reignited uncertainty over the future of US participation and financial commitment to the alliance.

The comments mark another escalation in Trump’s ongoing tension with NATO, raising questions about Washington’s strategic priorities and alliance obligations.

Hungary’s long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party suffered a major defeat in the country’s parliamentary election, ending his 16-year rule. Partial official results showed the Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, winning by a large margin. According to the results counted so far, Tisza secured 52.49 percent of the vote, while Fidesz received 38.83 percent. Magyar announced on social media that Orbán had called to congratulate him on the victory.

Orbán, known for his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, acknowledged the outcome in a message to his supporters, saying the result was painful but clear and that his party would now serve as the opposition. Partial results indicated that Tisza was leading in 95 of Hungary’s 106 constituencies and could win more than 130 of the 199 parliamentary seats.

The result marks Hungary’s first change of government since 2010, signaling a major political shift after more than a decade of Fidesz dominance.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he felt like the 'owner' of the Al-Aqsa Mosque during a visit to the site in Jerusalem on Sunday. The statement came as he emphasized the need for greater access for Jewish worshippers and vowed to pressure the prime minister for further action. His remarks were made public through a video released by his office, where he added that more progress was needed.

The visit and comments occurred shortly after Israel reopened the mosque to Palestinians following more than 40 days of closure. During that period, Palestinians were barred from entering for Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Friday prayers.

Jordan, which oversees the Al-Aqsa compound, condemned Ben-Gvir’s visit as a violation of the status quo agreement and an unacceptable provocation. The office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned that such actions could further destabilize the situation in the region.

The Chakaria upazila unit of the Bangladesh Mofossol Sangbadik Forum (BMSF) has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rupayan Deb, demanding state recognition for National Media Week. The memorandum was handed over at the UNO office in Chakaria on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

According to the memorandum, although the media plays a vital role as the fourth pillar of the state and contributes significantly to democratic progress, journalists in Bangladesh still lack proper state recognition. The BMSF noted that the 10th National Media Week 2026 is scheduled to be observed from May 1 to 7, and official recognition would enhance journalists’ professional dignity while strengthening media freedom and responsibility.

Journalists from various national and regional newspapers working in Chakaria were present during the submission of the memorandum, alongside leaders of the BMSF Chakaria unit.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf declared that the country will not bow to any threats, following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a blockade on all ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz. Ghalibaf made the remarks in a statement published by Iranian media while leading discussions in Pakistan.

He mocked the US decision, suggesting that Americans would soon feel nostalgic for lower gas prices. In response to Trump’s threats, Iran’s navy warned that it would take strict action against any military vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi added that during peace talks in Pakistan, the United States and Iran were very close to reaching an agreement before Tehran faced what he described as extremism, goal-shifting, and sanctions.

The exchange highlights escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington over maritime control and sanctions, with both sides signaling readiness for confrontation in the strategic waterway.

The government has granted a posthumous promotion to former police officer Md. Kohinoor Mia, who had previously lost his job. According to a notification issued on Sunday by the Police-1 branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs, he has been promoted to the rank of Additional Deputy Inspector General (fourth grade). The order was signed by Deputy Secretary Tousif Ahmed on behalf of the President.

Kohinoor Mia was dismissed from service on February 22, 2011, during the Awami League government, when he was serving as Deputy Commissioner (West Zone) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. The ministry’s earlier order had formally released him from duty. The new notification states that he will receive all due arrears and benefits according to regulations.

The order specifies that the decision has been made in the public interest and will take immediate effect, marking a formal recognition of his service despite his earlier dismissal.

Allegations have surfaced that the Dhaka District Council became a hub of corruption during the previous Awami League government, with irregularities, fake projects, and large-scale embezzlement under the guise of development. Hundreds of acres of land were reportedly lost, and several public facilities remain abandoned or misused. The new administration has pledged to recover misappropriated assets and declared a policy of zero tolerance against corruption.

According to council sources, about 405 acres of land across five upazilas and 20 parliamentary constituencies are currently under illegal occupation. Several auditoriums and rest houses are also in disuse. The most serious allegations concern the unfinished 20-story “Dhaka Tower” project, initiated in 2011 with a budget exceeding Tk 160 crore and awarded to Toma Construction, linked to former state minister Mirza Azam. Despite partial payments of over Tk 53 crore, construction remains incomplete after 11 years.

Current administrator Yasin Ferdous Murad stated that the council had long been plagued by corruption and pledged to ensure transparency and accountability in all future projects, including completing the Dhaka Tower and reclaiming occupied lands.