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.

Jamaat-e-Islami has announced an emergency press conference following recent statements made by the law minister, home minister, and the chief whip of the national parliament. The event is scheduled for Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka. Senior central leaders of the party are expected to attend the briefing.

The announcement was confirmed by Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, the party’s assistant secretary general and head of its central media and publicity department. The press conference comes in direct response to the remarks made by the government officials the previous day, though the content of those statements was not detailed in the report.

The development indicates Jamaat’s intent to formally address the government’s recent positions and clarify its stance amid ongoing political discussions.

The Ministry of Housing and Public Works is planning a new official residence for Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, designed with advanced safety and security features. According to ministry sources, the residence will include an underground bunker and tunnel to protect the Prime Minister and family from external threats. The design will follow modern standards used in other countries’ prime ministerial residences. The project is being developed after the former official residence, Ganabhaban, was converted into the July Uprising Memorial Museum.

Officials said the new residence will be located in a central area of Dhaka, with Minto Road, Hare Road, and Bailey Road under consideration. The site will be chosen to ensure easy access to the Secretariat, the Prime Minister’s Office, and other key government institutions. The Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department has been tasked with selecting the location, while discussions between the Prime Minister and the Housing Minister have already taken place.

The Prime Minister currently operates from his private residence in Gulshan-2 and uses the state guesthouse Jamuna for official events. Construction of the permanent residence will begin once the final location is approved.

Bangladesh’s new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is confronting an immediate diplomatic challenge as both the United States and China intensify efforts to expand their influence in Dhaka. The US has expressed concern over China’s growing presence, with Ambassador Brent Christensen pledging to counter Beijing’s influence, prompting a sharp response from the Chinese embassy. Analysts say this rivalry has created a new geopolitical equation for Bangladesh’s foreign policy.

The situation follows a period of heightened engagement during the previous interim government, when China deepened ties through infrastructure and defense cooperation, while the US pressed Dhaka to limit dependence on Beijing. Bangladesh recently signed a trade deal with Washington under pressure, which diplomats describe as geopolitically driven. Since taking office, Rahman’s government has faced renewed US pressure to implement the deal and finalize major purchases, including Boeing aircraft, while China has invited Dhaka to strengthen bilateral and political relations.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has stated that both the US and China are vital partners and that Bangladesh will maintain balanced relations guided by national interests. Analysts view the situation as both a challenge and an opportunity, urging cautious diplomacy to preserve strategic autonomy.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) saw a festive atmosphere at its Nayapaltan headquarters as the deadline for submitting nominations for reserved women’s seats in the 13th Parliament ended on Sunday. More than 1,200 nomination forms were sold over three days, and over 900 completed forms were submitted by female leaders. Although the official deadline was 5 p.m., submissions continued until 9 p.m., and the party decided to accept additional forms on Monday.

According to party sources, the BNP’s parliamentary board will now verify the submitted biographies before shortlisting candidates for interviews and development plan discussions. The party has 36 reserved seats but may review over 100 candidates. Interviews are scheduled to begin on April 16, led by Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan after his return from medical treatment. Selection will consider regional representation, with special attention to districts where BNP candidates lost in the general election.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi warned of disciplinary action against any misconduct toward celebrity aspirants, emphasizing that organizational ability and intellect will guide the final selection.

Multiple factions are engaged in efforts to seize control of North Western University in Khulna, Bangladesh, leading to internal conflict and legal battles. Since August, the institution has faced disruptions following attempts to take over key trustee positions. Founding trustees were barred from campus, and several were implicated in a vandalism case linked to a political office attack. Trustee Pabitra Kumar Sarkar, who challenged the legitimacy of the current board, was later arrested by the Detective Branch police.

The university, established in November 2012 as Khulna’s first private university, has seen leadership changes tied to political shifts. After former chairman Talukder Abdul Khaleque went into hiding, BNP-backed Sirajul Haque Chowdhury took charge, later replaced by Mizanur Rahman in May 2025. The University Grants Commission (UGC) later declared Mizanur Rahman and Hafizur Rahman invalid trustees, and a January 2026 court ruling barred them from acting as trustees.

Despite the court order, both continued activities and appealed the verdict, with a hearing set for April 16. Sarkar’s arrest before the hearing has raised concerns among his associates, who allege pressure to withdraw the case.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the United States could find a path to agreement with Iran if it abandons its authoritarian stance and respects the rights of the Iranian nation. He made the remarks in a brief statement posted on social media platform X on Sunday night.

In his message, Pezeshkian also praised Iran’s Parliament Speaker and head of the national delegation, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, congratulating him and other members of the negotiating team. He expressed his hope that divine support would guide their efforts.

The statement reflects Pezeshkian’s emphasis on mutual respect as a foundation for potential understanding between Tehran and Washington, while also highlighting internal unity within Iran’s leadership.

Public support among Americans for the ongoing war with Iran has declined, according to a new CBS and YouGov poll. The survey found that support fell by two percentage points from the end of last month, standing now at 36 percent. The drop follows a broader decline in President Donald Trump’s popularity, which had already fallen to 38 percent in a Reuters and Ipsos poll in February, marking the lowest level since his return to office for a second term.

By late March, 62 percent of Americans opposed the Iran war, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with its domestic impact. The latest consumer price index showed rising inflation in the United States, which many Americans view as a negative consequence of the conflict. The combination of economic strain and declining presidential approval appears to be shaping public sentiment toward the war.

The polling data suggest that continued inflation and opposition to the Iran war could further challenge Trump’s administration in maintaining public support.