US President Donald Trump has stated that Israel did not provoke him into starting a war against Iran. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, he rejected reports claiming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had pressured him in late February to launch a joint attack on Iran.

Trump dismissed those allegations, asserting that the decision to take military action was entirely his own. He said the events of October 7 and his lifelong belief that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons influenced his decision. Trump added that if Iran’s new leaders act wisely, the country could have a prosperous future ahead.

The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about US-Iran relations and follows reports of regional diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan and China.

A Dhaka court has ordered one-day jail gate interrogation of former State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak in a money laundering case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The order was issued on Monday by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Sabbir Foyez, according to court bench assistant Md Riaz Hossain. The ACC’s investigating officer and Assistant Director Al-Amin had submitted the petition seeking permission for the interrogation.

According to the petition, Palak allegedly abused his power to acquire assets worth Tk 8.73 crore beyond known sources of income. The ACC investigation found that he and his associates held 25 bank accounts containing Tk 32.04 crore, of which Tk 29.84 crore had already been withdrawn. The commission suspects the funds were obtained through bribery and corruption, constituting an offense under the Money Laundering Prevention Act.

The case was filed on December 12, 2024, at the ACC’s Integrated District Office, Dhaka-1, under sections of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2004 and the Prevention of Corruption Act 1947. As Palak is currently in custody, the ACC sought permission to question him at the jail gate, which the court approved after a hearing.

Subarna Shikdar (Thakur), who serves as the Forest and Environment Affairs Secretary of the Kashiani Upazila unit of the Awami League in Gopalganj, has been nominated by the BNP as a candidate for a reserved women's seat in parliament. The announcement, made on Monday, has triggered widespread criticism on social media.

According to local Awami League sources, Subarna’s name appeared as number 27 on the official list of the Kashiani Upazila Awami League committee formed during its triennial conference on November 30, 2022. The list was signed by Gopalganj District Awami League General Secretary GM Shahabuddin Azam. In the BNP’s newly announced list of 36 candidates for reserved women’s seats, Subarna’s name appears at number 20.

Attempts to reach Subarna Shikdar (Thakur) for comment were unsuccessful, as she reportedly disconnected the phone when contacted.

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party electoral alliance has nominated 13 candidates for the reserved women's seats in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. The announcement was made on Monday evening at the alliance’s press conference held at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar. Alliance coordinator and Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad declared the names, adding that nomination papers would be submitted on Tuesday morning at the Election Commission office in Agargaon.

Among the nominees, eight are leaders from Jamaat’s women’s division, one is the mother of July martyr Jabir Ibrahim, two are from the National Citizen Party (NCP), one from the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), and one from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish. Azad stated that the alliance, which had jointly participated in the February 12 election, continues to act together as the parliamentary opposition. He noted that some parties without parliamentary representation were still given seats as part of the alliance’s political commitment.

The alliance leaders, including representatives from Jamaat, NCP, JAGPA, and Khelafat Majlish, attended the press conference, expressing unity and commitment to collective political action.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran will be destroyed if it refuses to sign a proposed agreement. In an interview with Fox News, reported by Al Jazeera, Trump issued the threat while expressing optimism about ongoing negotiations. He said a high-level U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, including Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, was en route to Islamabad and expected to arrive by Monday evening to finalize the deal.

Trump described the agreement as Iran’s last chance to reach a fair and reasonable settlement, warning that failure to sign would result in attacks on the country’s power plants and bridges. The statement follows a 21-hour first round of talks in Islamabad that ended without resolution and a temporary 10-day ceasefire that is set to expire Wednesday. Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have added urgency to the second round of discussions.

Analysts cited in the report view the current negotiations as a final opportunity to prevent a major conflict before the ceasefire expires.

The Jamaat-e-Islami–backed 11-party alliance has nominated Rokeya Begum, mother of slain child activist Jabir Ibrahim, for a reserved women’s seat in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. Jabir was killed by police gunfire during the anti-discrimination student movement in July–August 2024. The nomination list, released on Monday, April 20, 2026, includes 13 women, among them Rokeya Begum, a former schoolteacher.

According to the report, the alliance secured 77 seats in the February 12 election, entitling it to 13 reserved women’s seats. Of these, eight nominees are from Jamaat, two from the National Citizens Party (NCP), one from the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), one from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and one from a July martyr family. The ruling BNP is set to receive 36 of the 50 total reserved women’s seats.

The nomination of Rokeya Begum is described as a result of her long-standing social engagement and public involvement, aligning with the alliance’s commitment to representation and political inclusion.

Anna Minj from the Oraon indigenous community has been nominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for a reserved women’s seat representing the Natore-Naogaon constituency in the 13th National Parliament. This marks the first time since independence that a woman from the Oraon community will have the opportunity to represent her community in the national legislature. Prominent observers have described the nomination as a historic milestone for indigenous rights and inclusive politics in Bangladesh.

Anna Minj currently serves as Senior Director (Programs) at BRAC International, leading strategic initiatives across 13 countries in Asia and Africa in education, youth empowerment, climate change, and gender equality. She has over three decades of experience with organizations such as Caritas, CARE Bangladesh, and BRAC Bangladesh. BNP leaders said her nomination reflects her leadership, organizational skills, and deep grassroots connection. She also chairs the National Coalition of Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh.

Party leaders and indigenous representatives expressed gratitude for her nomination, viewing it as a step toward strengthening democratic inclusion and ensuring greater indigenous participation in mainstream politics.

Monira Sharmin and Mahmuda Alam Mitu have been nominated as Members of Parliament from the National Citizens Party (NCP) for reserved seats in the 13th National Parliament. The announcement was made on Monday through a notice signed by Dr. A H M Hamidur Rahman Azad, coordinator of the 11-party electoral alliance.

Both Monira Sharmin and Mahmuda Alam Mitu currently serve as convener and member secretary of the NCP’s ‘National Women’s Power’ wing. The alliance list also includes several women leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, such as Nurunnisa Siddika, Marzia Begum, Sabikun Nahar Munni, Mardia Momtaz, and Nazmun Nahar Nilu, along with regional leaders Mahfuza Siddika, Sajeda Samad, and Samsun Nahar.

Additionally, nominations were given to JAGPA chairperson Tasmia Pradhan and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis member Mahbuba Hakim. Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh also nominated Rokeya Begum, mother of Jabir Ibrahim, a child killed in Uttara in 2024. The alliance stated that its women members aim to fulfill national expectations in parliament.

A complaint has been submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal alleging that former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was poisoned while in prison, leading to severe health deterioration. The complaint was filed last Sunday by Mominul Haque Milon, chairman of the Canada-based 'Ganatantrer Ma Begum Khaleda Zia Forum'. Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam confirmed receipt of the complaint on Monday and said the tribunal would contact Khaleda Zia’s family to learn their position before taking further steps.

According to the written complaint, an international conspiracy led to the formation of the 1/11 caretaker government, which allegedly aimed to destroy the Zia family through fabricated cases and persecution. It claims that Khaleda Zia was imprisoned under politically motivated verdicts and subjected to slow poisoning, neglect, and inadequate medical care, resulting in multiple health complications including liver cirrhosis and heart disease. The complaint accuses the then government of denying her proper treatment and permission for medical care abroad.

The filing requests that all individuals involved in the alleged conspiracy be identified and brought to justice through legal action.

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led eleven-party electoral alliance has finalized and published its list of candidates for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament. The announcement was made on Monday, April 20, 2026, in the evening. According to the finalized list, eight of the thirteen nominated candidates are from Jamaat-e-Islami, while the remaining five are from allied parties and special categories.

The nominated candidates from Jamaat-e-Islami include Nurunnisa Siddika, Marzia Begum, Sabikun Nahar Munni, Mardia Momtaz, Nazmun Nahar Nilu, Mahfuza Siddika, Sajeda Samad, and Shamsun Nahar. From the National Citizen Party (NCP), Monira Sharmin and Mahmuda Alam Mitu were nominated, while Tasmiya Pradhan represents JAGPA, Mahbuba Hakim represents Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and Rokeya Begum, mother of martyred child Jabir Ibrahim, was also nominated.

The alliance secured 77 seats in the national election held on February 12, 2026, entitling it to 13 reserved women’s seats under parliamentary rules. The BNP, by comparison, obtained 36 of the total 50 reserved women’s seats.

Rehana Akter Ranu, the central assistant training secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has received the party’s final nomination for a reserved women’s seat from Feni in the 13th National Parliament. The announcement was made on Monday, April 30, at the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, by Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi during a press conference.

According to the report, several candidates from Feni, including Advocate Sahana Akter Sanu, Nur Tanjila Rahman, and Tanzia Afrin Elina, had submitted nomination papers for the reserved seat. Interviews for the selection were held at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, chaired by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. After a detailed evaluation, the nomination board selected the experienced former member of parliament, Rehana Akter Ranu.

Following the announcement, BNP leaders, activists, and supporters expressed their congratulations to Ranu on social media, while local party members in Feni reported widespread enthusiasm over her nomination.

The government has reinstated Sultana Habib, an Additional Tax Commissioner (acting), who was previously dismissed for her alleged role in organizing protests against the 2025 ordinance that dissolved the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and separated revenue policy from administration. A notification published on the Internal Resources Division (IRD) website on April 20, 2026, confirmed her reinstatement with a three-step demotion in salary grade for three years. The order was signed by IRD Secretary Abdur Rahman on April 19 under the President’s directive.

According to the source, Habib was accused of encouraging non-cooperation and illegal activities through social media messages during the protests under the banner of the “NBR Reform Council.” A departmental investigation found her guilty of misconduct under government service rules. Several other officers dismissed for similar reasons have also been reinstated with minor penalties.

The ordinance that triggered the protests was automatically nullified after failing to gain parliamentary approval. However, the government has indicated plans to review and possibly reintroduce a revised bill in the future.

Dhaka University administration has come under criticism for allegedly violating housing policies by allocating dormitory seats to at least 36 leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal. The allocations reportedly went to students from sessions as old as 2008–09 to 2016–17, while newly admitted students of the 2025–26 academic year remain without accommodation. Protesters claim the decision was politically motivated and worsened the ongoing housing crisis.

In response, the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall representatives held a protest on April 20 in front of the registrar building, demanding fair seat distribution and accountability from the administration. They issued a seven-day ultimatum for resolving the crisis, warning of class boycotts if no action is taken. DUCSU leaders also called for housing allowances or stipends for students unable to secure seats.

Vice-Chancellor Professor A.B.M. Obaidul Islam acknowledged the housing shortage, saying the university cannot provide accommodation for all students and promised a full report by April 30. However, many students remain dissatisfied, alleging that political favoritism continues to override official housing policies.

An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate alleged irregularities in the distribution of government rice allocated for unemployed fishermen in Daulatkhan upazila of Bhola. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock announced the decision on Monday, following reports that the rice distribution did not follow official guidelines. The committee is headed by Bijon Kumar Nandi, District Fisheries Officer of Patuakhali, under the directive of State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku.

According to media reports cited by the ministry, fishermen in Hajipur Union were supposed to receive 80 kilograms of rice each, but only 50 kilograms were distributed per person, leading to dissatisfaction among recipients. The ministry took notice of these reports and instructed the committee to uncover the facts and identify those responsible.

The ministry also directed all concerned officials to ensure transparency and accountability so that government aid reaches the rightful beneficiaries effectively.

Opposition leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman sharply criticized the government in Bangladesh’s National Parliament on Monday, April 20, 2026, calling the ongoing fuel and gas shortage the country’s most pressing issue. He moved an adjournment motion to discuss the crisis, during a session chaired by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal. Rahman said that while the government claims there is no fuel shortage, citizens outside parliament are struggling to obtain oil.

He argued that the government’s official statements do not match the reality faced by ordinary people, citing widespread public dissatisfaction. Rahman noted that even the High Court has had to operate virtually due to the crisis, questioning the government’s denial of shortages. He emphasized that parliament exists to serve citizens and that ignoring their suffering undermines its purpose.

Rahman acknowledged that the crisis has global dimensions linked to war-related disruptions but urged inclusive discussion and cooperation. He requested that the Speaker allocate time for a detailed debate in the presence of the Leader of the House to address the issue comprehensively.