Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sharply criticized the United States for repeatedly violating its commitments, asserting that Tehran will not hesitate to defend its legitimate rights and territorial integrity. Speaking by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday, Pezeshkian discussed ceasefire efforts, talks in Islamabad, and the escalating situation in Lebanon. He emphasized that Iran does not seek conflict and prefers resolving issues through dialogue based on international law.

Pezeshkian recalled that Washington had imposed two wars and committed numerous crimes against the Iranian nation. He described Iran’s missile capability as a defensive necessity and criticized the inaction of international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union, regarding illegal attacks on Iran and the region.

During the same conversation, French President Macron reiterated France’s readiness to help restore peace and stability in the region, according to the report sourced from Tasnim News Agency.

Iran’s security forces have arrested at least 50 individuals accused of leaking sensitive information about key national facilities to what authorities described as “enemy states.” The arrests were confirmed on April 12, 2026, by Iran’s state news agency SNN. The detainees are alleged to have worked as mercenaries engaged in espionage activities on behalf of the United States and Israel.

According to the report, the suspects had been providing foreign intelligence agencies with details about the locations of critical infrastructure and service sectors. During the operation, security forces reportedly seized a large quantity of electronic devices, satellite equipment, and weapons. The arrests come amid intensified counter-espionage operations following a deadly 12-day conflict last year between Iran and the United States and Israel.

Under Iran’s recently amended anti-espionage law, those convicted of such crimes face severe penalties, including the death sentence and confiscation of property. The mass arrests are seen as adding new tension to already strained intelligence relations between Iran, Israel, and Western nations.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Tehran has not forgotten and will never forget what he described as the United States’ betrayal and hostility. He made the remarks on Sunday in a post on social media platform X, following discussions between Iran and the United States held in Islamabad, Pakistan. Baghaei also praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating the dialogue between the two countries.

In his message, Baghaei referred to past US and Israeli attacks against Iran, mentioning incidents from June last year and February 28 this year. He said Iranian representatives used all their strength, experience, and knowledge to defend the country’s rights and interests during the talks. He added that the grief of the Iranian people has strengthened their resolve to protect national interests.

Baghaei emphasized that nothing should stand in the way of fulfilling Iran’s historical duty to its homeland and civilization. He reaffirmed that the Islamic Republic remains determined to safeguard national interests and pursue the country’s welfare through diplomacy and all available means.

Former Speaker of the National Parliament, Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, has been granted bail in an attempted murder case filed at Lalbagh Police Station in connection with the July movement. The Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court approved her bail petition on Sunday, April 12, 2026. She had been arrested on April 7 from a relative’s residence and was sent to jail the same day.

The case originated from an incident on July 18 of the previous year, when victim Md. Ashraful, also known as Fahim, was participating in a demonstration inside the Azimpur Government Colony under Lalbagh Police Station during an anti-discrimination movement. According to the case details, shots fired by the accused caused severe injury to Ashraful’s left eye. The victim filed the attempted murder case on July 17 at Lalbagh Police Station.

The court’s decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the July movement incident.

The Bangladesh National Parliament has formed a 10-member Library Committee during the first session of the 13th Parliament, following an order from the Speaker. The committee was officially announced on April 6 through a notice issued by the Committee Branch-2 of the Parliament Secretariat. Saied Al Noman, Member of Parliament for Chattogram-10 (Double Mooring–Pahartali–Halishahar), has been included as a member of this committee.

According to the announcement, the committee was constituted under Article 76 of the Constitution and Rule 257 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. Barrister Kaiser Kamal, MP for Netrakona-1, will serve as the committee’s chairman. Other members include MPs from Lakshmipur-4, Mymensingh-7, Faridpur-3, Dhaka-14, Patuakhali-4, Chattogram-7, Pabna-1, and Rangpur-4. The committee’s tenure and responsibilities will be determined according to parliamentary rules.

Local leaders and residents of Chattogram-10 have expressed enthusiasm over Saied Al Noman’s inclusion, with expectations that he will contribute to modernizing the parliamentary library and promoting knowledge-based legislative practices.

Iran and the United States concluded a lengthy round of discussions in Islamabad, Pakistan, according to an announcement from the Iranian government. Following the meeting, both sides have moved the process to a technical stage, exchanging written proposals. The update was shared through a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The post stated that after the high-level meeting in Islamabad, technical teams from both countries are now exchanging detailed proposals and expert-level drafts. It also confirmed that while some differences remain, the dialogue will continue. The discussions were part of a ten-point negotiation aimed at ending ongoing conflict, but the meeting concluded without any formal agreement.

The continuation of talks suggests both sides are maintaining diplomatic engagement despite unresolved issues, with future progress depending on the outcomes of the technical exchanges now underway.

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has decided to publish the draft voter list across the country on April 20. The list will include individuals born on or before January 1, 2008, who registered in the voter database between November 24, 2025, and March 31, 2026. The decision was confirmed in a letter signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Nasir Uddin Chowdhury on April 12.

According to the commission, applications for corrections, inclusion of names, or removal of deceased voters can be submitted until May 3. Upazila or thana election officers will resolve all received applications by May 6, and the updated final voter list will be published on May 14. Printed copies of the draft list will be displayed in public places for citizens’ convenience.

To raise public awareness, the Election Commission has instructed local religious institutions and cable operators to promote the correction process and encourage citizens to verify their information.

In Cumilla, the Executive Engineer of the Department of Public Health Engineering, Md. Shafiul Haque, has been accused of irregular attendance despite Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directive requiring all government officials to maintain office hours. Reports indicate that Haque, who joined the Cumilla office on November 24 of the previous year, is often absent during official hours and allegedly spends much of his time in his home district of Brahmanbaria. On April 12, he was not found at his Cumilla office during scheduled hours.

According to department staff, Haque frequently claims to be engaged in official duties in Brahmanbaria, though inquiries revealed he was not present at the relevant office there either. Local observers have raised questions about his dual-office practice, as he reportedly divides his time between Cumilla and Brahmanbaria. When contacted by phone, Haque stated he was responsible for both districts but did not respond when informed that Brahmanbaria officials denied his presence.

Chattogram Circle’s supervising engineer, Firoz Alam Chowdhury, confirmed that Haque holds responsibilities in both districts and said he would question him regarding the matter.

BNP-backed lawyers secured nine out of fifteen posts, including the president, in the Dinajpur District Bar Association election held on April 12, 2026. The results were announced at 3 a.m. after vote counting by the election committee led by Md. Ibrahim. Voting took place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the association auditorium, with 503 out of 546 registered voters casting their ballots.

The BNP-aligned winners include Md. Emam Ali as president, Md. Sirajul Islam and Md. Abdul Hannan as vice presidents, Md. Moshihur Rahman Fatemi as joint general secretary, Md. Niyamul Haque Chowdhury as treasurer, SMG Mostakim as library secretary, Sadeka Tamanna as education and cultural secretary, and Md. Zobayer Al Mahmud Tuhin and Md. Enamul Haque as executive members. The general secretary post went to Abul Ala Md. Mahbubur Rahman Bhuttu from the Lawyers Unity Council panel, while independent candidate Md. Tozammel Haque Liton won the joint general secretary post with 193 votes.

The election outcome reflects a strong presence of BNP-backed lawyers in the district bar leadership, with participation from multiple panels and independent candidates.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the role of the armed forces in the July movement has given hope to the people. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at the armed forces' assembly in Dhaka Cantonment, emphasizing that a strong and united military ensures Bangladesh cannot be defeated.

Rahman stated that the armed forces belong to the nation, not to any individual, party, or family, and urged them to maintain professionalism without compromise. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the military and ensuring justice for the Pilkhana massacre, which he said had been intended to weaken the army.

The Prime Minister added that the government seeks a military respected by foreign powers and trusted by citizens. He called for the armed forces to uphold high moral standards and preserve the patriotic spirit instilled by President Ziaur Rahman across all ranks.

A total of 126,000 applications have been submitted nationwide for 2,703 vacant Trainee Recruit Constable (TRC) positions in the Bangladesh Police, according to an official announcement on April 12, 2026. On average, about 47 candidates are competing for each post. Applicants aged between 18 and 20 are now waiting for physical tests and subsequent selection stages, which will determine the final qualified candidates.

Police Headquarters’ Public Relations Officer Kamrul Ahsan confirmed the figures. Sources said the strong response reflects the government’s active initiative to strengthen public security and address long-standing manpower shortages in the force. The application process has concluded, and preparations for field-level physical examinations are underway.

Authorities have emphasized transparency in the recruitment process, warning that any lobbying or financial transactions will lead to disqualification. A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted to prevent broker involvement, and any falsified information will result in application cancellation and legal action.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that recent talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad ended without an agreement due to what he described as excessive demands from the US side. He emphasized that despite the lack of a deal, diplomacy never ends and that discussions between the two countries had covered several issues, reaching understanding on some while differing on two or three key points.

Baghaei told Iranian media that the Islamabad meeting was the longest round of talks in the past year, lasting 24 to 25 hours. He noted that the discussions took place in an atmosphere of mistrust following a 40-day conflict, and that no one had expected a single meeting to produce a final agreement. He reiterated that diplomats must continue their duties in both war and peace.

According to Baghaei, the success of future negotiations depends on the sincerity and goodwill of the opposing side and recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie inaugurated the excavation of the Zia Canal at the confluence of the Kajla River in Baliyapur village, Meherpur Sadar upazila, on Saturday afternoon. He said the initiative follows the legacy of late President Ziaur Rahman’s canal excavation program, which he credited for achieving food self-sufficiency and creating employment in Bangladesh. The current Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, has launched a nationwide canal excavation initiative continuing that vision.

The minister stated that the government aims to prioritize rural development over large-scale projects, with a plan to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals within five years to transform rural infrastructure. He also mentioned ongoing agricultural reforms, including a decision to waive agricultural loans of up to 10,000 taka with interest and the introduction of family and agricultural cards. A program to distribute agricultural cards is scheduled for April 14.

An integrated project for agricultural development in Meherpur is underway, involving sluice gate construction and canal re-excavation connected to the Bhairab and Kajla rivers to reduce waterlogging and boost agricultural productivity.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is providing a new house to the family of Harunur Rashid, a Jubo Dal leader who was killed in police firing during a peaceful procession in support of a hartal in Feni town in 2013. According to a press release signed by BNP Family Member Secretary Agriculturist Moksedul Momin Mithun, a delegation from the organization 'Amra BNP Poribar' will inaugurate the construction work of the new house on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Harunur Rashid, a resident of Forhadnagar Union’s Vhorbazar area under Feni Sadar upazila, lost his life on December 4, 2013, when police opened fire on a procession supporting the hartal. The initiative to build a new house for his family is being undertaken under the patronage of Tarique Rahman as the chief sponsor of 'Amra BNP Poribar'.

The announcement reflects continued political engagement by the BNP leadership in supporting families of party activists affected by past political violence.

A syndicate allegedly linked to local Awami League leaders has taken control of the Lechraganj sand lease in Harirampur, Manikganj, for Tk 3.4 crore, far below the government’s estimated value of Tk 7.42 crore. The lease was awarded to Khan Enterprise, owned by Md. Billal Hossain Khan, nephew of Azimpur Union Awami League president Ali Akbar Khan. The issue has sparked widespread discussion across the district.

According to district administration sources, the tender process was held three times after bids repeatedly fell below the government’s set price. In the final round, Khan Enterprise offered the highest bid of Tk 3.4 crore and received the lease. Local residents allege that the sand lease has remained under the influence of a powerful Awami family for several years, despite changes in formal ownership.

Officials confirmed that the lease was granted to the highest bidder in the third round, while allegations persist that the tender process favored a specific group connected to ruling party figures.