Maulana Muhammad Mamunul Haque, Amir of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, said the current government has been possessed by what he called Sheikh Hasina’s ‘ghost of insulting the people’. Speaking on Monday at a national seminar titled ‘Government Against the Referendum Verdict: The Nation in Crisis’ at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Dhaka, he sharply criticized the government’s attitude toward citizens. The event was organized under the initiative of the 11-party electoral alliance, with opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP as chief guest and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam MP as special guest.

Mamunul Haque alleged that the government undermines people’s sovereignty by prioritizing its parliamentary majority and ridiculing citizens. He also criticized Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed for allegedly calling voters ignorant, saying such arrogance reflects the same spirit of contempt once associated with Sheikh Hasina’s rule. Haque urged the government not to underestimate public power and warned against ignoring the results of the recent referendum.

He called on citizens to ensure the success of a rally organized by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis at Suhrawardy Udyan on April 24.

All members of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh have resigned following the repeal of the ordinance under which they were appointed. The resignations came after the National Parliament passed the National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Reintroduction) Bill by voice vote on April 9, 2026. The bill, effective upon presidential approval and gazette publication, nullifies the interim government’s ordinance and reinstates the 2009 National Human Rights Commission Act enacted under the Awami League government. The outgoing members sent an open letter to the media after their resignation.

Commission member Nur Khan stated that the government did not directly ask them to resign but that the situation had been left unclear. Since their appointments were based on the now-repealed ordinance, they considered resignation appropriate. Commission Secretary Kudrat-e-Elahi said the repeal automatically dissolved the previous commission. The members, including Chairperson Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, had been appointed on February 5, 2026, during the final phase of the interim government’s tenure.

The resignations mark a transition back to the earlier legal framework for the commission’s operation under the 2009 law.

Tensions have arisen between Pope Leo XIV and U.S. President Donald Trump following the Pope’s comments on the Middle East war. Despite the friction, Pope Leo made it clear that he has no intention of engaging in any political debate. Speaking to journalists, he defended his earlier remarks, emphasizing that his message remains focused on peace, not politics.

Earlier, on Saturday, while Iranian and American negotiators met in Pakistan to discuss ending the war, Pope Leo urged the international community to stop what he called the “madness of war.” He also condemned the use of Christian religious language to justify conflict. In response, Trump reacted sharply, labeling the Pope as dangerous and criticizing him as weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy.

The exchange underscores growing tension between religious and political leaders over the ongoing Middle East conflict and the moral framing of warfare.

A new survey by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reveals that nearly two-thirds of Israelis oppose a ceasefire with Iran amid the ongoing conflict. The poll, reported by Al Jazeera, indicates that the Israeli public remains divided over whether to honor a proposed two-week truce or resume attacks on Iran. According to the findings, 39 percent of respondents believe Israel should continue its military operations, while 41 percent support respecting the ceasefire.

The survey also highlights strong opposition to extending the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, with 61 percent of Israelis rejecting such an extension. This comes as Tehran has been pressing the issue in its talks with the United States. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s popularity has declined since the war began, with only 34 percent now wanting him to remain in office, down from 40 percent at the start of the conflict.

The results suggest growing internal political pressure and increasing complexity in Israel’s decision-making regarding the war and regional stability.

Former CIA Director John Brennan has joined growing calls to remove U.S. President Donald Trump from office, citing concerns over his mental stability and fitness to lead. In an interview with MSNBC on Saturday, Brennan argued that the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was written with situations like Trump’s in mind. He described Trump as mentally unbalanced and said his recent provocative remarks about destroying Iranian civilization have endangered many lives.

Brennan, who served as CIA chief under President Barack Obama, stated that Trump poses a significant risk as commander-in-chief because he controls the nation’s nuclear arsenal and vast military power. His comments add to a rising chorus of voices questioning Trump’s capacity to govern amid escalating tensions with Iran.

The remarks come as the United States has reportedly blocked all Iranian Gulf ports, while Qatar and Iran are engaged in talks over ceasefire and regional stability.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman warned that the current government will not be able to survive by opposing the July movement. Speaking on Monday at a national seminar titled “Government Against Referendum Verdict: Nation Facing Crisis” at the Diploma Engineers Auditorium in Dhaka, he said the government’s stance against July would fail and that the aspirations of July would be realized through the people’s referendum. The event was organized by an 11-party alliance as part of a week-long program demanding implementation of the referendum result.

Dr. Rahman described the ongoing movement as a continuation of the July uprising, emphasizing that it was not limited to students or politicians but included a majority of workers. He accused the government of double standards and criticized what he called fascist tendencies in parliament. He also warned against political control of financial institutions, citing alleged interference in Islami Bank, and urged citizens to resist such actions.

He reaffirmed that the movement seeks to honor the sacrifices of the July martyrs and uphold the rights of the people, rejecting any form of dynastic or authoritarian rule in Bangladesh.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced special traffic arrangements for the Pahela Baishakh celebrations in the capital. Starting from 5 a.m. on April 14, several roads around Ramna Park, Ramna Batamul, Suhrawardy Udyan, and Dhaka University areas will be closed or diverted until further notice. Fourteen diversion points have been designated, including Banglamotor, Hotel Intercontinental, Police Building, Kakrail Church, and Nilkhet crossings. Alternative routes have been advised for vehicles traveling toward Shahbagh from different parts of the city.

Designated parking areas have been set near Ramna Park and Dhaka University, including sections of Navy Gap to Holy Family Hospital, Matsya Bhaban to Segunbagicha, and Katabon to Palashi crossings. Law enforcement vehicles will have specific parking zones near the Shilpakala Academy. Fire Service, Civil Defence, ambulance teams, and divers from the River Police will be deployed, while mobile toilets and tourist police service centers will be available at event venues.

The DMP urged citizens to report any suspicious or unusual activities to the national emergency service 999 or the DMP control room numbers provided.

Five recently departed commissioners of the National Human Rights Commission have issued a joint open letter responding to what they describe as incorrect and misleading information presented in the national parliament regarding several human rights-related ordinances. They stated that their intervention was driven by a sense of responsibility toward victims facing uncertainty after the ordinances were not passed. The letter was released on Monday, April 13, 2026.

In the letter, the commissioners argued that parliamentarians presented false claims while supporting the repeal of the enforced disappearance and human rights ordinances. They clarified that the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance serves as a principal law underpinning other related ordinances, including those on enforced disappearance prevention and accountability for the July uprising. They specifically corrected two points: the maximum punishment for enforced disappearance, which they said includes the death penalty and life imprisonment, and the existence of clear provisions for investigation timelines and fines.

The commissioners expressed regret that the reinstated 2009 Human Rights Commission Act lacks these provisions. They emphasized that their statement was made not for personal or institutional interest but to address victims’ suffering and legal uncertainty.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Americans will soon miss $4 or $5 gasoline following the United States’ announcement to blockade Iranian ports around the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on social media platform X on Sunday, Ghalibaf said Americans should enjoy current fuel prices while they last, suggesting that the US decision could drive oil prices higher.

The statement came as Iran reiterated it would not yield to US threats. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s navy also cautioned that any military vessel approaching the waterway would face strong action. The remarks followed former US president Donald Trump’s declaration to block all ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that has drawn international criticism.

The exchange underscores rising tensions over the strategic waterway, which is critical for global oil transport. The situation has prompted reactions from multiple global actors, including Russia and the Vatican, emphasizing the potential for broader geopolitical consequences.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially appointed Major General Roman Gofman as the new head of Mossad, the country’s powerful intelligence agency. The Israeli cabinet approved the appointment on Sunday, and Gofman will assume office on June 2 after current director David Barnea completes his five-year term. Notably, Gofman has no prior experience in intelligence work, marking a break from the agency’s long-standing tradition of appointing seasoned intelligence officers.

Born in Belarus in 1976, Gofman immigrated to Israel at age 14 and joined the armored corps in 1995. He has served in various senior military roles and currently works as the military secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. During the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, he was commander of the infantry training center and was seriously injured in fighting near Sderot. Gofman is known for his alignment with Netanyahu’s nationalist ideology and studied at the Eli Yeshiva in the occupied West Bank.

Mossad, which operates mainly outside Israel, avoided direct blame for the October 7 intelligence failure. Under Gofman’s leadership, observers are watching how the agency will shape its next strategies against Iran and Hezbollah.

New York Mayor Zohraan Mamdani marked his first 100 days in office on Sunday with a rally in Queens, highlighting his early achievements and reaffirming his commitment to a clear socialist agenda. The 34-year-old mayor cited the repair of over 100,000 potholes since January 1 as evidence of his administration’s focus on improving everyday life for residents. Veteran leftist leader Bernie Sanders attended the event in support.

Mamdani outlined progress on his campaign promises, including plans to open city-run grocery stores offering free childcare services, and restructuring city committees to potentially freeze rent increases in the coming months. He noted that discussions with state authorities on implementing free bus rides are still ongoing.

Recent polls show mixed public sentiment: his approval stands at 48 percent among New Yorkers and 43 percent among voters. While many support his childcare and housing initiatives, significant portions of Hispanic and Black voters believe the city is moving in the wrong direction. Despite past criticism of Donald Trump, Mamdani has developed a cordial relationship with the Republican president, visiting the White House twice.

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir stated that the government will follow legal procedures to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Monday, April 13, after meeting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat.

Kabir emphasized that the BNP government will not make any agreements that compromise national interests. He said discussions with India covered several mutual issues, and the government thanked India for supplying fuel through a pipeline. He added that India has agreed to simplify medical and business visa procedures starting next week. Regarding the killers of Hadi, Kabir said the process of bringing them back to the country is ongoing.

On the Prime Minister’s first foreign trip, Kabir mentioned that no final decision has been made yet. The visit could be to a SAARC member country, but the matter remains under consideration.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a notification announcing the transfer of Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, to the Planning Commission as a member (secretary). The order was released on Sunday, April 12, 2026. In a separate notification, Zakaria, who had been serving as a member (secretary) of the Planning Commission, was appointed as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping.

Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury was promoted to Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping on November 2 of the previous year, after serving as Additional Secretary in the Energy and Mineral Resources Division. She belongs to the 17th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration) cadre. Zakaria was promoted to the rank of secretary on March 25 while serving as Chairman (Additional Secretary) of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority and was later posted to the Financial Institutions Division before being assigned to the Planning Commission.

The reshuffle reflects an administrative rotation among senior officials, aligning with the government’s ongoing personnel management practices.

Hungary’s long-serving nationalist leader Viktor Orbán was defeated in Sunday’s general election by the emerging center-right Tisza party, ending his 16-year rule. According to Reuters, the result marks a major setback for allies of Orbán and former U.S. President Donald Trump. The 62-year-old leader had been influential among conservatives in Europe and the United States, but his popularity declined amid economic stagnation, international isolation, and corruption allegations.

Led by 45-year-old Péter Magyar, the Tisza party secured a strong majority in the 199-seat parliament, with nearly all votes counted indicating 138 seats. Magyar said the victory would set Hungary on a new political path, enabling anti-corruption efforts and constitutional reform. Orbán conceded defeat, calling the result painful but clear, while many of his supporters were seen in tears during his televised address.

Analysts suggest the outcome could shift the European Union’s policy balance, potentially easing approval of major aid for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Magyar, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Hungary had chosen Europe.

Australia has announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as the new Chief of Army, marking the first time a woman will lead the Australian Army. The government confirmed that Coyle, currently serving as Chief of Joint Capabilities, will assume her new role in July, succeeding Lieutenant General Simon Stuart. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this is the first time in the army’s 125-year history that a woman has been appointed to the top position.

Defense Minister Richard Marles described the appointment as a historic moment, noting that Coyle’s achievements will serve as an important source of inspiration for women serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The 55-year-old officer joined the army in 1987 and has held several key command positions throughout her career.

Women currently make up about 21 percent of the ADF, with 18.5 percent in senior leadership roles. The ADF aims to increase female representation to 25 percent by 2030, a goal that aligns with the significance of Coyle’s appointment.