An eleven-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami organized a protest rally and procession in Dinajpur on Sunday afternoon, demanding that the government accept the referendum verdict and the July charter. The event took place at the Dinajpur Institute ground, where speakers declared that their movement would continue until their demands were met and urged the government to either comply or step down.

The rally was presided over by Dinajpur district Jamaat chief Anisur Rahman and featured speeches from several regional and district leaders, including former district Jamaat chief Aftab Uddin Molla, regional team member Anwarul Islam, and former Islami Chhatra Shibir president Rajibur Rahman Palash. Leaders from other allied parties such as Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, JAGPA, and NCP also addressed the gathering. The event was conducted by district Jamaat secretary Dr. Enamul Haque.

Following the assembly, a large procession marched through the main streets of Dinajpur before returning to the starting point. A significant number of alliance activists participated in the demonstration.

Nahid Islam, Chief Whip of the Opposition and Convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced that his party is preparing for a new movement aimed at protecting Bangladesh and the legacy of the July uprising. Speaking on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at a discussion with families of July martyrs and fighters at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB), he emphasized that the initiative transcends party or alliance lines and is focused on safeguarding the nation.

He acknowledged that the interim government period had limitations in fully supporting the July fighters but said efforts were made to stand by them. Nahid noted that while the current government speaks in favor of the July fighters, its actions show reluctance in implementing reforms initiated earlier, such as the July Directorate and the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation. He reiterated calls for unity across political divides to ensure the sacrifices of July martyrs are not in vain.

Nahid pledged that NCP leaders would take the front line in future street movements, urging supporters to remain ready and united for the cause of a reformed Bangladesh.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced extensive security measures ahead of the Pahela Baishakh celebrations in the capital. The restrictions include a complete ban on carrying masks, bags, sharp objects, and flammable materials in and around Ramna Park. Additionally, the use of lanterns, fireworks, and noise-making whistles has been prohibited to maintain public safety and order.

Following a security drill at the Botomul area of Ramna Park, the DMP’s acting commissioner Md. Sarwar stated that large crowds are expected across Dhaka on April 14. To ensure smooth participation and safety for all, the city has been divided into nine sectors and fourteen sub-sectors under a detailed security plan.

The measures are part of the DMP’s broader effort to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration of the Bengali New Year in the capital.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and opposition chief whip, stated that the current BNP government will not implement reforms without a mass movement. Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting with July martyrs’ families and fighters organized by the 11-party alliance at the Diploma Engineers Institution auditorium in Dhaka’s Kakrail, he said that despite two years since the popular uprising, the nation remains at the same point of unity for reforming Bangladesh.

He accused the government of rendering parliament ineffective and urged preparations for a mass movement, emphasizing that reforms are essential for protecting the country rather than serving any political party. Islam pledged that alliance leaders would lead from the front and resist any obstruction from the BNP or foreign powers. He also criticized the government for exploiting the families of July martyrs and wounded fighters for political legitimacy.

According to Islam, Bangladesh has been regressing since the BNP came to power, rejecting the July charter and ordinances that once guided reform efforts.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen met with Road Transport, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam MP at the Secretariat on Sunday. The meeting focused on mutual interests, particularly ongoing development projects in Bangladesh’s road, rail, and water transport sectors, and explored future cooperation opportunities.

During the meeting, Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarek Rahman, the government is working tirelessly to modernize, secure, and sustain the country’s transport system. He expressed optimism about potential US investment and technical assistance in these sectors. Ambassador Christensen welcomed the current government and reaffirmed continued US support for road safety, modern transport systems, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Both sides expressed a strong commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, increasing investment, and sharing technological expertise to further advance Bangladesh’s communication and transport sectors. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division.

US Vice President JD Vance described the collapse of talks with Iran as both good and bad news, following failed negotiations held in Islamabad. BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet reported that while the duration of the session was notable, the absence of any agreement was not surprising. Vance said Iran refused to accept US conditions, signaling a breakdown in efforts to reach a compromise.

According to Doucet, Iran entered the talks believing it still held leverage despite suffering major military losses, particularly due to its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. She noted that Iran has its own limits on what concessions it can make. The situation echoes the long and difficult process that preceded the last nuclear deal between Tehran and Washington a decade ago.

Doucet added that former President Donald Trump now faces a tough decision—either escalate the situation further or return to negotiations for a reassessment of the diplomatic path.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of deceiving and betraying the nation. He made the remarks on Sunday in Dhaka’s Kakrail during a discussion with families of martyrs and fighters linked to the July Charter implementation movement.

Dr. Rahman alleged that the BNP is attempting to establish a one-party system. He stated that the July martyrs do not belong to any political group but have been used to create divisions for political gain. He further claimed that participants in the July movement were exploited to influence parliament and create instability.

Opposition Chief Whip and NCP convener Nahid Islam warned that if necessary reforms are not implemented, preparations are underway to take to the streets, emphasizing that demands will be achieved through mass movements.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the armed forces are a national institution formed to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty, not the property of any individual, group, or family. He made the remarks on Sunday, April 12, at the Armed Forces Darbar held at Dhaka Cantonment, urging members to perform their duties with professionalism and without political influence.

Rahman recalled past attempts to weaken and politicize the military, citing the Pilkhana tragedy as an example of efforts that harmed the institution. He asserted that the armed forces have fulfilled their responsibilities properly in recent contexts, including after August 5, 2024, and emphasized the need for transparency and professionalism in future national events such as elections.

He highlighted the contributions of late President Ziaur Rahman to the modernization of the army and praised Bangladesh’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions as a major achievement. Rahman also reiterated his political commitment to national reform and the implementation of the “July Charter.”

Former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that negotiations between the United States and Iran cannot succeed if one side tries to impose its own conditions. In a post on social media platform X, Zarif referred to US Vice President JD Vance’s remark that Iran had decided not to accept US terms, saying this was precisely why no agreement could be reached.

Zarif warned Washington that it must learn it cannot dictate terms to Iran, adding that it is not too late for the US to understand this. His comments came after representatives from both countries met in Islamabad, Pakistan, in an attempt to end a 44-day-long war but failed to reach any deal. Vance blamed Iran for the failure, while Tehran viewed the US stance as an attempt at unilateral dominance.

The exchange highlights continuing diplomatic tension between Tehran and Washington, with little sign of progress toward resolving the ongoing conflict.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued his first formal response following recent discussions held in Islamabad, according to Al Jazeera. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Ghalibaf stated that Iran had demonstrated goodwill and interest before the talks began, but due to experiences from two previous wars, the Iranian side had no trust in its counterpart.

Ghalibaf asserted that throughout the negotiation process, the United States failed to earn the confidence of the Iranian delegation. He emphasized that by the end of this round of talks, the opposing side could not secure Iran’s trust. The speaker also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for organizing and supporting the discussions, describing the country as friendly and brotherly.

The remarks highlight continuing uncertainty in Iran–US diplomatic engagement, as mutual trust remains elusive despite Pakistan’s facilitation efforts.

U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet made an official statement regarding the collapse of peace talks with Iran in Islamabad. However, he shared a link on his social media platform, Truth Social, to an article suggesting a potential naval blockade as a strategic option against Iran.

The article, written by veteran American journalist John Solomon and published on his conservative website 'Just the News,' argues that if Iran refuses to relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump could respond with a major naval blockade to corner the country. The piece cites experts who believe such a move could significantly pressure Tehran.

The report, originally sourced from The Guardian, comes amid heightened uncertainty over U.S.-Iran diplomatic progress and growing regional tensions following the failed peace efforts in Islamabad.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of beginning its parliamentary journey through deception and betrayal of the people by not taking the oath of the Constitutional Reform Council. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at a meeting with July martyrs’ families and July fighters organized by the 11-Party Alliance at the Diploma Engineers Auditorium in Kakrail, Dhaka.

Dr. Rahman alleged that the BNP used its two-thirds majority to repeal several ordinances, including the referendum ordinance and others related to public interest and security. In protest, his party walked out of parliament. He stated that BNP stands for fascism, while his alliance stands against it. He also claimed that necessary documents were not provided before the passage of several bills and accused the ruling party of attempting to blackmail the opposition.

He added that the opposition would remain in parliament as long as it could fight but would return to the streets if necessary to continue the struggle for people’s rights and the fall of fascism.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam announced that sixteen ordinances previously annulled will later be reintroduced as bills in the national parliament. He made the statement on Sunday at the Speaker’s office in the National Parliament Building after the oath-taking ceremony of two newly elected members. The Chief Whip said the BNP aims to build a humane and welfare-oriented state and currently holds 210 parliamentary seats. He added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged everyone not to take the law into their own hands and to report problems to the administration.

According to Nurul Islam, a special parliamentary committee reviewed 133 ordinances issued during the interim period, recommending the passage of 98 without changes and 15 with amendments. Of the remaining 20, four were canceled and sixteen were proposed to be reintroduced as stronger bills. He noted that 117 ordinances were passed within five days, calling it a record pace, though he expressed disappointment at the opposition’s walkout on the final day.

The session also saw the passage of multiple development, financial, and cultural bills, including those concerning urban development authorities, banking, education, and cybersecurity.

Thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, surpassing the court-imposed limit of 1,000 participants. Police did not intervene in the protest, which marked the sixth consecutive week of demonstrations. Organizers said around 10,000 people gathered at Habima Square, though local media estimated about 2,000 participants. Protesters voiced opposition to the Iran war, corruption allegations against Netanyahu, judicial reforms, and a proposal exempting ultra-Orthodox students from military service.

The protests occurred under restrictions set by Israeli courts following missile attacks from Iran over the past six weeks. Although a fragile ceasefire allowed a slight increase in attendance, authorities maintained cautionary limits. Demonstrations also took place in Jerusalem’s Paris Square and in Haifa, where police detained three people briefly for crossing security lines.

Smaller rallies were reported across the country, reflecting ongoing public discontent with the government’s policies and handling of national security and judicial issues.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam Rinku said the government is making every effort to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East. She confirmed that a Bangladeshi woman named Dipali Khatun was among those killed in an Israeli attack in Lebanon two days earlier. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted Dipali’s family, and efforts are underway to repatriate her body despite flight disruptions due to the ongoing conflict.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with members of the Hindu community at her home village in Nagarkanda, Faridpur, on April 11, Rinku said the government and the Bangladesh mission in Lebanon are working to relocate citizens to safer areas. She added that some Bangladeshis have already been brought home on chartered flights, and arrangements are being made for others who wish to return.

The minister noted that eight Bangladeshis, including women, have died in various countries amid the regional unrest. She said the government will take steps to help returnee workers reintegrate into employment once they are back in Bangladesh.