Authorities in Islamabad have announced a sudden two-day local holiday starting Thursday, April 9, 2026. The decision comes ahead of scheduled talks between the United States and Iran to be held in the Pakistani capital on Friday, April 10. The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon through a notice posted on X. Essential services including MCI, CDA, ICT administration, ICT police, IESCO, SNGPL, and hospitals will remain operational during the holiday.

The official notification did not specify a reason for the closure. However, Islamabad authorities have previously imposed holidays or restrictions before major diplomatic events for security reasons. The upcoming meeting will see Pakistan acting as a mediator between the US and Iran.

According to the White House, US Vice President JD Vance will lead the American delegation in the discussions. The talks are considered significant given the involvement of high-level representatives from both countries.

Former Member of Parliament and central Awami League executive committee member Advocate Safura Begum Rumi was arrested by Lalmonirhat district Detective Branch (DB) police. The arrest took place on the night of April 8 in a residential area of Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Police said she had been in hiding since the fall of the Awami League government and was wanted in several cases, including one for murder.

According to Lalmonirhat DB police, the arrest followed a tip-off that led a team to conduct a raid in Mohammadpur. Safura Begum Rumi also served as the general secretary of the Lalmonirhat District Lawyers’ Association and as the president of the district unit of the Awami League’s women’s wing.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the ongoing cases or the next legal steps following her arrest.

Former Speaker Shirin Sharmin was arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) police last Tuesday after remaining in hiding for nearly 20 months. Following her arrest, she was presented before a court, which rejected the DB’s remand request and ordered her to be sent to jail. Senior DB officials conducted an initial interrogation, during which she disclosed some information while withholding other details.

According to the interrogation, Shirin Sharmin took refuge in military custody after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, and later moved between four different residences to avoid arrest. She was ultimately detained from a house in Dhanmondi. She admitted to maintaining indirect contact with several mid-level Awami League leaders but denied involvement in forming a “reformed” Awami League. She also claimed that ex-ministers Hasan Mahmud and Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury had encouraged her to join such efforts, which she refused.

DB officials stated they are verifying her statements and compiling a list of mid-level leaders who communicated with her. They suspect the banned Awami League faction may be involved in anti-state conspiracies and plan to seek further remand for continued investigation.

An internal audit has revealed extensive financial irregularities and corruption within Bangladesh’s disaster management sector, implicating District Relief and Rehabilitation Officers (DRROs) and Project Implementation Officers (PIOs). The audit found that unspent government funds were not returned to the treasury as required, with approximately Tk 15 crore in irregularities identified. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has initiated departmental actions, including show-cause notices to 29 officials, and plans to refer cases to the Anti-Corruption Commission for further investigation.

According to ministry officials, the irregularities involve funds from programs such as General Relief, Test Relief, Food for Work, Cash for Work, and housing projects for the poor. The audit recorded 3,024 objections, including 930 serious ones, totaling around Tk 16 crore. Specific areas such as Madhabpur in Habiganj showed the highest discrepancies. Officials cited administrative complexity and lack of accountability as contributing factors, while civil society leaders described the issue as institutional failure.

The ministry is reportedly taking a strict stance to recover the funds and ensure compliance with financial regulations, though systemic weaknesses in monitoring and fund allocation remain unresolved.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose an immediate 50 percent tariff on all goods from any country that supplies military weapons to Iran. The warning came just hours after Washington and Tehran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, according to Al Jazeera. Trump made the announcement in a social media post, stating that there would be no exemptions or exceptions to the measure.

The U.S. president did not name any specific countries in his statement. In the past, China and Russia have supported Iran’s military capabilities by providing missiles, air defense systems, and dual-use technologies that help Tehran counter pressure from the United States and Israel. However, both Beijing and Moscow have recently denied supplying weapons to Iran, though allegations against Russia have not fully subsided.

The announcement signals renewed U.S. pressure on countries maintaining defense ties with Iran, potentially heightening tensions in global trade and diplomatic relations.

A leader of the Bangladesh Jubo Dal’s Airport Thana unit, Russell Sarkar, has submitted a written petition to the Prime Minister seeking organizational and disciplinary action against Al Amin Hossain Shanto, general secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s Airport Thana branch. The letter was received by the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday. The petition accuses Shanto of extortion, assault, and misuse of power in the Uttara area, alleging that he has become a source of fear and controversy since August 5 and has grown more reckless after the national election.

According to the complaint, Shanto faces two separate cases: one filed on March 7 at Uttara East Police Station for allegedly assaulting fuel station staff and looting Tk 90,000, and another filed on April 4 at Dakshinkhan Police Station for attacking Jubo Dal leaders over a dispute involving government soil sales. The petition also claims that Shanto operates under the protection of Dhaka North Chhatra Dal president Salahuddin Ahmed, which has prevented internal disciplinary measures.

Russell Sarkar urged the Prime Minister to ensure justice and take steps to protect the image of both the government and the BNP by holding Shanto accountable.

A new public opinion poll has found that most Americans want Congress to begin impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump without delay. The survey, conducted among 790 registered voters, revealed that 52 percent favored impeachment while 40 percent opposed it. The poll, sponsored by progressive activist groups 'Impeach Trump. Again.' and 'Free Speech for People,' also showed that one in seven Republicans supported Trump’s removal.

The poll’s findings carry political significance as Trump was impeached twice during his first term but acquitted both times in the Senate. His second impeachment followed the January 6 Capitol riot, when 57 senators, including seven Republicans, voted to convict him—short of the required two-thirds majority. The latest impeachment calls have intensified following Trump’s recent military action against Iran, which has reshaped political dynamics in Washington and among voters.

The survey, led by Free Speech for People president John Bonifaz with pollster Celinda Lake’s firm, had a margin of error of 3.9 percent. Bonifaz described the early-stage results as unprecedented, noting that public opinion against Trump has shifted faster than it did during Richard Nixon’s presidency.

US President Donald Trump has again threatened to launch attacks on Iran, warning that any violation of what he called the 'real agreement' would trigger unprecedented military action. He announced that American warships, aircraft, and personnel would remain stationed in and around Iran until Tehran fully complies with the signed deal. Trump made the remarks on his social media platform, Truth Social, emphasizing that any breach would lead to severe consequences.

According to Trump, both sides have agreed that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons and that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open and safe for commercial shipping. He added that the US military is already prepared and awaiting its next victory, concluding his message with the declaration, 'America is back!'

The statements, reported by CNBC, underscore renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran, with US military presence in the region set to continue until compliance with the agreement is verified.

The schedule for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s foreign trip has not yet been finalized, according to an official clarification issued on Wednesday, April 8. Assistant Press Secretary Sujan Mahmud stated in a Facebook post that reports circulating in various media outlets about the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit abroad were inaccurate.

Sujan Mahmud wrote that the dates and destinations for the Prime Minister’s possible foreign trip remain undecided. He also urged the public not to believe rumors spreading on social media regarding which country Rahman would visit first. Earlier in the day, several media reports claimed that the Prime Minister would make his first official trip to India by May 10, but those reports were later confirmed to be incorrect.

The clarification aims to dispel misinformation and ensure that the public relies only on verified updates about the Prime Minister’s official engagements.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has declared that continuing peace talks with the United States is ‘illogical’ following Israel’s recent attacks in Lebanon. In a post on social media platform X, he said the ‘operational basis’ for ceasefire discussions between Tehran and Washington has already been violated, rendering further negotiations meaningless.

Ghalibaf stated that three key clauses of the ceasefire plan have been breached: ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, drone incursions into Iranian airspace, and denial of Iran’s right to enrich uranium. He accused Israel of intensifying its conflict with Hezbollah in violation of the ceasefire terms, while criticizing the United States for demanding a full halt to Iran’s nuclear program, which he said undermines the agreement.

According to Ghalibaf, under these circumstances, pursuing bilateral ceasefire or peace negotiations no longer makes sense, reflecting Tehran’s frustration over what it views as repeated violations of the truce framework.

Bangladesh has renewed its request to India for the extradition of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal. The request was made during a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday between Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, along with Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Dr. Rahman also held a separate discussion with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, according to a statement from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India M. Riaz Hamidullah. Both sides emphasized advancing bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues. Dr. Rahman conveyed that the newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party would pursue a foreign policy based on mutual trust, respect, and benefit.

India agreed to facilitate visa services for Bangladeshis and consider increasing diesel and fertilizer exports. Both nations committed to continuing discussions to strengthen cooperation on key bilateral matters.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) organized a discussion titled “July Charter and Reforms: Aspirations of Martyrs’ Families” on Wednesday afternoon at the DUCSU premises. The event, presided over by DUCSU Vice President Sadiq Kayem, featured participation from families of those killed in the July-August uprising. Speakers criticized the government’s delay in implementing the July Charter, despite overwhelming public support in the referendum, and warned that continued inaction could trigger renewed street protests.

DUCSU leaders argued that ignoring the people’s mandate and reverting to old governance systems under constitutional pretexts would contradict public expectations. They called for transparent recruitment, protection of human rights, and institutional independence. Members of martyr families expressed grief and demanded justice, proper recognition of sacrifices, and swift implementation of the Charter. Several family members questioned the government’s shifting stance and highlighted ongoing issues of missing persons and unidentified victims.

In his closing remarks, VP Sadiq Kayem said the sacrifices of thousands during the July uprising aimed to build a just and democratic Bangladesh. He urged the government to uphold the referendum’s verdict and warned that DUCSU would continue the movement if reforms were obstructed.

Voting has begun in the Sherpur-3 constituency for the 13th National Parliament election and in the Bogura-6 constituency for a by-election in Bangladesh. The polls opened at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, and will continue uninterrupted until 4:30 p.m.

In the Sherpur-3 seat, three candidates are contesting: BNP’s Mahmudul Haque Rubel, Jamaat’s Masudur Rahman Masud, and Mizanur Rahman from the Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist). The election in this constituency had been postponed earlier due to the death of Jamaat candidate Nuruzzaman Badol. According to the revised schedule, voting is now being held on April 9.

In Bogura-6, the by-election was called after BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, who had won both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 in the February 12 general election, vacated the Bogura-6 seat. Three candidates are competing there: BNP’s Rezaul Karim Badsha, Jamaat’s Abidur Rahman, and Al-Amin Talukder from the Bangladesh Development Party.

The Law and Justice Division of the Ministry of Law issued a notification on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, promoting 40 district and sessions judges to the rank of senior district and sessions judges. The promotion order specifies that the judges will receive the senior pay scale upon completion of five years of service in their current positions.

The notification lists the names of the promoted judges, including A N M Morshed Khan, Abu Saleh Md Salahuddin Khan, Md Abdul Majid, Kanika Biswas, Mohammad Sadekur Rahman, Masud Karim, Mohammad Osman Gani, Mohammad Saidur Rahman Gazi, Meherunnesa, and Jannatul Ferdous Chowdhury, among others. The decision was made under the judicial service regulations governing career progression within the judiciary.

The promotion reflects the regular advancement process in the judicial service, ensuring recognition of experience and tenure among district-level judges across Bangladesh.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, has called on the BNP government to withdraw from what he described as an unjust and anti-national trade agreement signed with the United States. Speaking on April 8 at a discussion titled “Trade Agreement with the United States: The Question of Bangladesh’s Interest” at the National Press Club, he said the deal was secretly signed by the interim government before the national election and contradicts Bangladesh’s sovereignty and national security.

Haque argued that the agreement allows unfair U.S. interference in Bangladesh’s investment, digital trade, industry, agriculture, energy, and defense sectors. He said the terms prevent Bangladesh from testing U.S. imports, restrict nuclear energy purchases from certain countries, and compel alignment with U.S. sanctions and trade restrictions. He described the deal as part of a long-term U.S. strategic defense policy that undermines Bangladesh’s policy independence.

He added that the agreement could be canceled with 60 days’ notice and urged the government to review it in parliament and annul it through a special committee, emphasizing the need for a new, equitable trade framework with the United States.