Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has rejected a proposal to engage in potential talks with Israel. The group’s Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, announced the decision, stating that such discussions are not realistic. He argued that the proposed dialogue is essentially a tactic to pressure Hezbollah into disarmament rather than a genuine diplomatic effort.

The announcement comes as Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors are scheduled to meet in Washington, D.C. Hezbollah’s refusal has cast uncertainty over that initiative’s prospects. Analysts cited in the report suggest that this rejection could heighten existing tensions in the Middle East and underscores the deep mistrust that persists among the involved parties despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The development highlights the fragile state of regional diplomacy, with Hezbollah’s stance potentially complicating future negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.

Twenty platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across key areas of Dhaka to strengthen overall security during the celebration of Bangla New Year 1433. The deployment was confirmed on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, by BGB’s Public Relations Officer Md. Shariful Islam. The move aims to ensure a safe and festive environment for citizens participating in the New Year festivities.

BGB personnel are stationed at major locations including Ramna Batamul and its surrounding areas, Hotel Intercontinental, Kakrail, Matsya Bhaban, Engineers Institution gate, Doel Chattar, Shahbagh National Museum, Shaheed Zia Shishu Park, the Chhayanaut venue at Ramna Batamul, Ramna stage, and Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi. The deployment is part of coordinated efforts with other law enforcement agencies to maintain order and public safety.

BGB has urged all citizens to celebrate the New Year peacefully and responsibly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline and security throughout the festivities.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Bengali-speaking communities worldwide on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh 1433. In a verified Facebook post on Monday evening, he urged citizens to rise above narrow interests and embrace human welfare. He described the Bengali New Year as a symbol of national identity and cultural continuity, emphasizing its deep ties with agriculture and nature.

Rahman noted that the new democratic government, formed after the February 12 national election, has begun implementing programs to improve citizens’ lives. These include the launch of family cards, sports cards, canal excavation projects, and financial aid for religious leaders of all faiths. He announced the start of the “Farmer Card” program on the first day of the new year, expressing hope that it would transform the agricultural economy.

He concluded by calling for unity, compassion, and mutual respect amid global crises, wishing happiness, peace, and prosperity for all in the Bengali New Year 1433.

Opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqul Rahman has extended greetings to Bangladeshis at home and abroad on the occasion of the Bengali New Year. In a statement released to the media on Monday, he conveyed his wishes, noting that the arrival of the new year marks a historic moment of change for the nation.

In his message, Dr. Rahman emphasized the importance of continuing an uncompromising struggle to free the country from fascism through united efforts. He called for collective action to build a just, economically free, and humane society, expressing hope that divine guidance would assist in achieving these goals.

The statement framed the New Year as both a time for celebration and a renewed commitment to national transformation and justice.

Pope Leo XIV responded to sharp criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump by asserting that he and the Catholic Church are not politicians but messengers of peace. Speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane before his visit to Algeria, the Pope said he does not fear the Trump administration and will continue to proclaim the Gospel’s message strongly, describing it as both his and the Church’s duty.

He emphasized that the Church views foreign policy differently from political leaders, focusing instead on peace and faith in the Gospel. Trump had recently accused the Pope of being weak on crime and poor in foreign policy through social media posts. Reports suggest Trump’s remarks followed the Pope’s criticism of U.S.-Israeli military actions surrounding Iran.

The exchange highlights ongoing tension between religious advocacy for peace and political responses to international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, announced that a national movement has already begun and must be carried forward to success. He made the statement on Monday, April 13, at a national seminar in Dhaka titled “Government Against the Referendum Verdict: Bangladesh Facing Crisis.” The event was chaired by Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis leader Allama Mamunul Haque and attended by several opposition figures, including MP Nahid Islam, Dr. Col. Oli Ahmed, and Mahmudur Rahman.

In his speech, Dr. Rahman used a metaphorical story to suggest that unseen forces influence the country’s political instability and government decisions. Referring to the July uprising, he said the movement was driven not only by students or politicians but also by workers who sacrificed their lives against fascism and for change. He described the current parliament as a “July product” and warned the government against opposing the spirit of that uprising.

Rahman criticized what he called the government’s double standards and vowed that the opposition would not accept illegal privileges or compromise on public interests. He urged citizens to join the movement, emphasizing that it seeks respect for the people’s mandate and the fulfillment of the martyrs’ promises.

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.