Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president, Nurul Islam Saddam, has alleged that the country’s ruling class fears the people’s verdict despite speaking of democracy. Speaking on Saturday, April 11, at a discussion marking the martyrdom anniversary of Jamaat leader Kamruzzaman at Dhaka College, he said the rulers consider themselves supreme and disregard public opinion due to corruption and greed. He argued that implementing the people’s electoral mandate is the government’s duty, and when ignored, citizens eventually assert their rights.

Saddam criticized Bangladesh’s political structure, claiming that a privileged class dominates leadership and benefits regardless of political shifts. He accused the Bangladesh Cricket Board of nepotism and alleged that election engineering and a “deep state” influence political outcomes. He cited historical examples, including 1975, 1990, and the July uprising, to argue that regimes ignoring public sentiment cannot sustain power.

He also paid tribute to Kamruzzaman, describing him as a courageous intellectual and journalist who remained steadfast even at the gallows. Saddam claimed Kamruzzaman’s trial was politically motivated and conducted by a questionable tribunal.

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that if discussions with the United States take place in Islamabad, there is a possibility of reaching an understanding that could benefit both sides and the wider world. His remarks were shared in a statement on social media platform X, where he outlined Iran’s position ahead of potential talks.

The statement warned that if pro-Israel representatives are present in the discussions, no agreement would be possible. Aref added that in such a case, Iran’s defensive measures would continue with greater intensity, which could lead to higher costs for the global community. The comments came as Tehran issued a firm message before the talks, emphasizing its readiness to respond strongly if provoked.

The discussions in Islamabad are reportedly complicated by issues surrounding Iran’s assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon, with the United Nations Secretary-General having called on both Iran and the United States to engage constructively.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and opposition chief whip, warned that the current government will soon face consequences for breaking its promises. Speaking on Saturday at the triennial conference of the Bangladesh Workers Welfare Federation at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, he said the government had pledged to turn many ordinances protecting people’s rights into law but failed to do so. He accused the ruling party of betraying the workers and ignoring the results of a referendum.

Islam stated that the NCP had been ready to cooperate with the government for national unity amid an international war situation, but the government broke that unity. He alleged that the new government, led by the BNP, came to power through the sacrifices of workers but quickly turned against them. He called the administration anti-people and urged workers to unite and hold Prime Minister Tarique Rahman accountable.

He further urged preparations for street movements to ensure the implementation of the July Charter, referendum outcomes, and workers’ rights, emphasizing that only through collective struggle could a just and equitable Bangladesh be achieved.

After the completion of voting for the 13th National Parliament’s general seats, attention has shifted to the 50 reserved seats for women. These seats are allocated proportionally based on the number of general seats won by each political party. Bangladesh has held 13 national elections so far, with the number of reserved women’s seats gradually increasing over time.

The first parliament in 1973 had 15 reserved seats for women. The number rose to 30 in the second and third parliaments, though the fourth parliament (1988–1990) had none. Following the 1990 mass uprising and the restoration of democracy, the 1991 parliament again had 30 reserved seats. The same number continued through the sixth and seventh parliaments. The eighth parliament raised the number to 45, and the ninth increased it to 50, which remains the current figure.

Despite this expansion, analysts question whether indirect elections for these seats truly empower women. Researcher Mohiuddin Ahmad described the system as ornamental, arguing that women are selected by party decisions rather than direct voter choice, limiting genuine representation.

Two newly elected members of the 13th National Parliament are scheduled to take their oath on Sunday. The ceremony will be held at 12 noon in the office of the Speaker at the Parliament Building, where Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed will administer the oath. The information was confirmed in a press release issued by the Parliament Secretariat.

The announcement marks the formal beginning of parliamentary duties for the two new MPs following the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The Parliament Secretariat’s statement provided logistical details of the event but did not disclose the names or constituencies of the elected members.

The swearing-in will complete an essential procedural step before the MPs can assume their legislative responsibilities in the new parliamentary session.

Israel has expressed interest in beginning formal peace talks with Lebanese representatives in Washington next week but has made it clear that Hezbollah will not be included in the discussions. The announcement was made on Friday by Michael Letter, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, who stated that Hezbollah continues to attack Israel and remains the biggest obstacle to peace between the two countries.

According to the report, a telephone conversation took place involving the U.S. ambassador in Beirut and the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington. Lebanon’s presidential office said in a statement that under U.S. mediation, discussions scheduled for Tuesday will address ongoing tensions between Israel and Lebanon and explore the possibility of a ceasefire.

The talks come amid heightened regional tensions, with the United States playing a mediating role to prevent further escalation between the two neighboring states.

At a discussion and prayer event marking the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Kamaruzzaman, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president Nurul Islam Saddam alleged that Kamaruzzaman was judicially killed through a fabricated tribunal process. The program, organized by Dhaka College unit of Chhatra Shibir on Saturday, was attended by leaders from various levels of the organization.

In his speech, Nurul Islam said that after Bangladesh’s independence, the promises of justice, democracy, and equal rights were not fulfilled, and instead one-party rule and repression emerged. He argued that successive governments ignored the people’s mandate and that the current government continues to disregard public opinion. He described Kamaruzzaman as a visionary and fearless leader who strengthened Chhatra Shibir across campuses and contributed to the country’s Islamic movement through intellect and leadership.

Nurul Islam added that Kamaruzzaman’s steadfastness and sacrifice remain an inspiration for Islamic movement activists, portraying him as a symbol of resistance against injustice and oppression.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not yet fully recovered from serious injuries to his face and legs, according to a Reuters report. Despite his physical condition, he continues to participate in major decision-making, including ceasefire talks with Washington. Khamenei has not appeared in public or in any photos or videos since his appointment.

Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as Iran’s Supreme Leader shortly after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a joint U.S. and Israeli attack. Reuters, citing three sources, reported that the attack also killed members of Mojtaba’s family, including his father, wife, and in-laws. The agency noted that these details could not be independently verified.

The report adds that discussions between Tehran and Washington are ongoing, focusing on ceasefire terms and regional issues, while tensions with Israel remain unresolved.

A sister of a martyr from the July uprising has made an emotional appeal to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to implement the 'July Charter' and the verdict of the referendum. Speaking to the media, she called for the realization of the promises made during the movement, which she said were achieved through sacrifice but remain unfulfilled.

She expressed deep frustration and sorrow over the loss of her brother and the lack of support for families of those who died in the movement. She said her mother still worries whenever she leaves home, and no one has come forward to stand by them. She continues to feel her brother’s absence and waits for a phone call that will never come, describing how their hopes for the implementation of the referendum’s outcome have turned into disappointment.

Addressing the prime minister directly, she urged that the 'July Charter' and referendum verdict be passed in parliament, believing that only he has the authority to make it happen. She also recalled meeting him once at the Agriculture Institute, where he had called her “sister,” but lamented that no one has since checked on her family.

The United States and Iran have begun talks in Islamabad aimed at ending ongoing conflicts, according to a BBC report. Iranian state media IRINN reported that Tehran has warned the discussions could be canceled if its conditions are not met. Iranian officials stated that respecting Iran’s interests, demands, and red lines is essential, and that walking away from the talks could itself be seen as a form of success.

The report added that the Iranian delegation’s first meeting of the day was with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after which the schedule for possible talks with US representatives was expected to be clarified. That meeting with Sharif has already taken place, according to the report.

Iranian state television emphasized Tehran’s conditions and lack of trust toward the United States, asserting that Iran holds a strong position in the negotiations and has the capacity to proceed without the talks if its terms are not fulfilled.

A White House official has denied reports claiming that the United States agreed to release Iran’s frozen assets held in foreign banks, according to Al Jazeera. The clarification came after Reuters reported, citing a senior Iranian source, that Washington had consented to unfreeze Iranian funds in banks located in Qatar and other countries.

The U.S. side stated clearly that no such decision had been made. This denial has added further uncertainty to one of the key conditions in potential U.S.-Iran negotiations. The issue of Iran’s frozen assets remains central to broader diplomatic discussions involving Tehran, Washington, and other regional actors.

The report also mentioned that the matter has complicated ongoing talks in Islamabad, where Iran’s assets and the Lebanon ceasefire are among the main topics under discussion.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met separately with US Vice President JD Vance and an Iranian delegation in Islamabad on April 11, 2026, during ongoing discussions. The US delegation included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi were also present. Earlier, Sharif expressed hope that the talks would serve as an important step toward lasting regional peace.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating dialogue between the two countries. Earlier in the day, an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met with Sharif. However, details of Sharif’s meetings with both the US and Iranian representatives have not yet been disclosed.

The discussions in Islamabad are taking place amid complex regional issues, including Iran’s frozen assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon, as noted in related reports.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on the government to ensure transparent management and build a buffer stock to address Bangladesh’s ongoing energy crisis. Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar organized by the Agriculturists Forum of Bangladesh at the KIB 3D Hall in Dhaka’s Farmgate on Saturday, he urged the authorities to prioritize energy security with a minimum reserve of 60 to 90 days. He also emphasized breaking existing syndicates and developing alternative energy generation strategies for short, medium, and long terms.

Dr. Rahman criticized the government for failing to utilize national resources and institutions like BAPEX, arguing that despite being an independent country, Bangladesh remains dependent on external factors. He said the energy sector’s inefficiency and corruption have deepened the crisis, affecting agriculture and industry. He also highlighted that farmers are struggling to obtain fuel for irrigation, which could harm crop production.

The seminar, chaired by Professor Dr. A.T.M. Mahbub E. Elahi, also featured a keynote presentation by agriculturist Md. Mizanur Rahman. Dr. Rahman concluded by urging collective awakening and resistance to overcome the current national challenges.

An Iranian delegation comprising 71 members has arrived in Pakistan to participate in discussions with the United States, according to reports from Iranian and international media. The Tasnim News Agency stated that the delegation includes the main negotiation team as well as experts, media personnel, and members responsible for protocol and security. The talks are taking place in Islamabad.

The discussions are reportedly focused on key issues such as Iran’s frozen assets and the ceasefire in Lebanon. Ahead of the talks, Tehran issued a firm message emphasizing its readiness and strong stance. The United Nations Secretary-General has also made an appeal to both the United States and Iran before the start of the negotiations.

The outcome of these talks could influence regional stability and future diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States, though no details of progress or agreements have yet been disclosed.

A United States delegation is in Islamabad, Pakistan, for discussions with Iran aimed at achieving a ceasefire. Before the talks began, US President Donald Trump told reporters he had wished Vice President JD Vance good luck. Trump said he was unsure whether the discussions between the US and Iran would conclude in one round or continue in the coming days.

When asked if there was an alternative plan, Trump replied that no backup plan was needed. He described a good deal with Iran as one that ensures there are no nuclear weapons. Trump also claimed that Iran’s governing system had already changed. He further stated that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened soon, regardless of Iran’s cooperation, though he added that the US did not need it.

Responding to reports that Iran might impose tariffs on ships passing through the strait, Trump said the US would not allow that to happen.