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.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a conservative Iranian politician with a military background, is leading Iran’s delegation in potential talks with the United States in Pakistan on Saturday. Before the discussions began, he expressed both optimism and distrust, citing past failures and breaches of commitments in previous negotiations. The semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported his remarks upon arrival in Islamabad.

Born in 1961, Ghalibaf joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1980 and served as a commander during the Iran-Iraq war. He later became Tehran’s longest-serving mayor, holding the position for 12 years from 2005, credited for infrastructure projects but also facing allegations of financial irregularities. Since May 2020, he has served as the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament.

Ghalibaf has contested Iran’s presidential elections four times, finishing fourth in 2005, second in 2013, withdrawing in 2017, and placing third in the 2024 early election. Despite nationwide internet restrictions since February 28, his account on X (formerly Twitter) remains active.

An Iranian delegation currently in Pakistan for talks with the United States on ending the ongoing war has been named 'Minab 168'. The name commemorates a deadly attack on a primary school in Minab, where more than 168 students and teachers were killed. Iran says the delegation’s name symbolizes the suffering of civilians and the need to end the conflict.

According to the report, Iran has faced continuous attacks for 40 days targeting civilians and infrastructure. The country accuses the United States and Israel of striking over 800 schools, more than 30 universities, health centers, and other facilities. By naming the delegation 'Minab 168', Iran aims to send a message to the United States and the international community about the human cost of the war.

The report adds that the name also represents a diplomatic opportunity, reflecting Iran’s attempt to resolve the crisis through dialogue.

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that the outcome of the upcoming discussions in Islamabad will depend entirely on the priorities of the United States. He urged Washington to focus on an 'America First' policy rather than an 'Israel First' approach, according to Al Jazeera.

Aref posted on X that if US representatives concentrate on their 'America First' interests, a mutually beneficial agreement could be achieved. He warned against any implementation of an 'Israel First' agenda, saying such a move would lead to a situation without an agreement and compel Iran to continue its defense efforts more vigorously than before.

Aref further cautioned that such a scenario would impose a greater cost on the world. The Islamabad talks reportedly involve complex issues, including Iran’s assets and a Lebanon ceasefire, with the United Nations Secretary-General having made appeals to both the US and Iran before the discussions.

The United States and Iran are set to meet in Islamabad, Pakistan, to discuss a range of contentious issues including the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran has insisted that formal negotiations can only begin once Washington commits to lifting sanctions and supporting a ceasefire in Lebanon, where nearly two thousand people have been killed since fighting began in March.

Iran seeks recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, including the right to collect transit fees and control access, while the US wants the waterway to remain open without restrictions or tolls. Washington has signaled interest in easing sanctions if Iran makes concessions on its nuclear and missile programs. Tehran, however, refuses to compromise on its missile arsenal and demands the withdrawal of US forces from the region.

The talks are expected to be complex, with Iran also seeking compensation for wartime damages and a commitment to non-aggression. The United Nations Secretary-General has urged both sides to engage constructively before the Islamabad meeting.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is participating in ongoing discussions with the United States under conditions of deep distrust. He clarified Tehran’s stance during a telephone conversation with German Foreign Minister Johann Wedfull, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency. Araghchi said Washington’s repeated diplomatic betrayals and broken promises have left no room for trust.

He emphasized that Iran remains highly skeptical because of the United States’ history of violating diplomatic norms, but vowed to continue defending the rights and interests of the Iranian people. The upcoming peace talks are scheduled to take place in Islamabad, with mediation from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that Araghchi’s remarks may be intended to increase pressure on the United States ahead of the negotiations, which will be led on the U.S. side by Vice President J.D. Vance. Observers are watching to see how Iran’s message of distrust will affect the peace process.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that Bangladesh has not yet become free from international influence. He made the remarks on Saturday morning at a seminar titled “Impact of the Global Energy Crisis on Bangladesh’s Agriculture: Ways to Overcome” held at the Krishibid Institute in Farmgate. Rahman said there is a gap between slogans and implementation in the country’s governance.

He criticized the current state of society, saying it is running through confusion and that lessons from the past have not been learned. He alleged that political syndicates are responsible for the ongoing fuel crisis, despite government claims that the country is thriving on oil. Rahman emphasized that the survival of agriculture is essential for the survival of the nation.

He further urged that everyone must fulfill their rightful duties and responsibilities, adding that if people act with a sense of divine accountability, Bangladesh will achieve true liberation.

A strong race has begun among eight BNP women leaders from Cumilla seeking nomination for reserved seats in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. Following the Election Commission’s announcement of the schedule for 50 reserved women’s seats, 52 nomination forms were sold on Thursday. The vote is set for May 12. The BNP leaders have submitted detailed resumes highlighting their political contributions, loyalty, and organizational experience to the party high command and are lobbying ministers and MPs for support.

The eight leaders in discussion are Samira Azim Dola, Raihan Rahman Helen, Shahinaz Akter, Advocate Sabera Alauddin Hena, Sakina Begum, Dilara Shirin, Advocate Dalia Rahman, and Shamima Akter Ruby. Several have already collected nomination papers. Party sources said the BNP high command will consider those who played active roles during the past 17 years of political struggle. BNP won eight of Cumilla’s eleven constituencies in the last election, with three leaders appointed as ministers.

According to the election schedule, nomination submission ends April 21, scrutiny will be held April 22–23, and voting will take place on May 12.

Ahead of elections in West Bengal, political tensions have risen over the issue of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India. Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday sharply criticized the Narendra Modi government, asking why Hasina has been sheltered in Delhi for the past one and a half years and whether any major industrial interest is behind this decision.

Banerjee suggested that Hasina’s stay in India may not be solely for diplomatic reasons but could involve deeper economic considerations. He questioned whether the Modi government’s decision was influenced by the interests of major business groups such as Adani or Ambani. According to him, India’s involvement in Bangladesh’s internal politics and the use of Hasina as a political shield may be linked to corporate motives.

The controversy follows Hasina’s flight to India after a student-led uprising in Bangladesh. Although the Indian government initially described her stay as temporary and humanitarian, the prolonged duration has sparked domestic debate, which Banerjee has used to criticize the government’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.

India has appointed Pranay Verma, currently serving as the country's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, as its next ambassador to Belgium and the European Union. The Ministry of External Affairs announced the appointment in a statement on Friday, confirming that Verma will soon assume his new responsibilities in Brussels. His tenure in Dhaka, which began in September 2022, is now nearing completion.

Reports in Indian media had recently indicated that Verma would be transferred to Brussels, a posting that has gained importance following the signing of a trade agreement between India and the European Union on January 27. The agreement aims to expand bilateral trade in goods, services, and investments, with implementation expected by early 2027.

According to India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the free trade agreement is designed to create a future-ready trade framework supporting emerging economic sectors. India has set an export target of 300 billion dollars, particularly focusing on engineering and manufacturing industries.

At least 20 people were injured in a series of clashes between two factions of the National Citizens Party (NCP) in Dhamrai, Dhaka, on Friday, April 10. The violence broke out around 4 p.m. at Haji Kamrul Super Market in the Kalampur bus station area during the inauguration of the NCP’s temporary office for Dhaka North District and Dhamrai Upazila.

According to local sources, the conflict began when NCP members who were denied party positions protested against the current committee during speeches following the office inauguration. The argument escalated into physical clashes between the two groups. Nabila Tasnid, convener of NCP Dhaka North District, alleged that a faction opposed to the new office attacked to protect their personal interests. Meanwhile, Israfill Islam Khokon, chief coordinator of NCP Dhamrai Upazila, said their existing committee had been active and already had an office, questioning the need for a new one.

The incident has raised concerns about internal divisions within the NCP’s local leadership in Dhamrai.

A long-standing ideological dispute between Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and sections of Qawmi madrasa-based Deobandi scholars continues to persist. The disagreement, rooted in writings by Jamaat founder Maulana Syed Abul Ala Maududi, has resurfaced around the 13th national election. Qawmi leaders allege that Maududi’s views on prophets and companions contradict core Sunni beliefs, prompting some clerics to declare voting for Jamaat as religiously forbidden. Hefazat-e-Islam’s Amir Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari publicly called voting for Jamaat haram and endorsed a rival candidate, intensifying the divide.

Jamaat leaders, however, deny any doctrinal deviation, asserting that their faith aligns with mainstream Islam and that Maududi’s opinions are personal, not institutional. They accuse a small group of Qawmi clerics of reviving disputes during elections. Despite tensions, Jamaat has sought reconciliation, with its Amir Dr. Shafiqur Rahman apologizing to Qawmi scholars and urging unity. Some younger Qawmi clerics, including Maulana Ali Hasan Usama, believe the conflict is easing and can be resolved through dialogue.

The dispute, once theological, has evolved into a political rivalry influencing alliances and electoral strategies within Bangladesh’s Islamist landscape.

Bangladesh Police have expressed a strong preference to return to the uniform used during the Awami League administration, with over 90 percent of members reportedly supporting the move. The Police Headquarters has already sent the collective opinions of all units to the Ministry of Home Affairs, but no final decision has been made. This has led to a stalemate over whether the force will revert to the old design or adopt a new one. The ministry is reportedly cautious, fearing that the old uniform could reignite political controversy linked to past unrest.

The debate over police attire began after the 2024 interim government introduced a new uniform to distance the force from earlier political symbolism. However, dissatisfaction grew among officers, who argued that the new design undermined morale and professionalism. The old blue-olive mix uniform, they said, was more recognizable and comfortable. Senior officials, however, worry that returning to it could revive memories of the July uprising.

The ministry is now reviewing several modernized design options, including new colors and fabrics suited to Bangladesh’s climate. Officials aim to balance tradition with modernization while avoiding political bias.

The Police Reform Commission, formed by Bangladesh’s interim government on October 3, 2024, to make law enforcement more accountable and citizen-oriented, has submitted its 355-page final report to the government on January 15, 2026. Despite detailed short-, medium-, and long-term reform proposals, there has been no visible progress in implementing them. Bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of political will are cited as the main obstacles.

The commission’s recommendations include establishing transparent interrogation rooms, ensuring female police presence during questioning of women, ending the misuse of anonymous cases, and empowering the National Human Rights Commission to investigate rights violations by law enforcement. It also calls for reviewing the necessity of the Rapid Action Battalion, creating anti-corruption watchdog committees at police stations, and reforming recruitment, promotion, and training systems. Eleven proposals were identified as immediately actionable.

Experts warn that without political commitment, the reform process may stagnate, undermining public trust in the police and hindering improvements in Bangladesh’s law and order system.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that while Iran maintains goodwill toward the United States, it does not trust Washington. Speaking to Iranian state media, he said the Iranian delegation is confident but skeptical of its American counterparts. Ghalibaf added that if the United States is ready for a genuine agreement, Iran could also be prepared to engage.

He emphasized that Iran’s past experiences in negotiations with the United States have consistently ended in failure and breaches of commitments. His remarks come as discussions between the two countries face renewed attention, with reports highlighting tensions over Iran’s assets and the Lebanon ceasefire issue.

The comments signal Tehran’s cautious stance before any potential talks, underscoring a demand for credible assurances from Washington before progress can be made.