Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has declared that the country will continue its resistance against what he called 'arrogant and infidel powers.' In a message marking Iran’s Army Day, shared on the social media platform Telegram, Khamenei praised the Iranian military for exposing the 'weakness and humiliation' of its enemies. He claimed that Iranian drones are striking 'American and Zionist criminals like thunder,' and said the navy is ready to inflict new defeats on adversaries.

Khamenei described the current conflict as a continuation of Iran’s revolutionary tradition, linking it to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and previous 'imposed wars.' He called the army 'part of the people’s hearts' and 'true sons of the nation.' The message also paid tribute to his late father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the war in February and was credited with strengthening the army.

Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed leadership after his father’s death, has not appeared in public since taking office. He concluded his message by expressing condolences to the families of those killed in the 'war imposed by the United States and the Zionist regime.'

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister has implemented 60 key initiatives within the first two months of the new government’s tenure, according to an official briefing by the Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson and adviser Dr. Mahdi Amin. The report, presented at a press conference in Tejgaon, highlights actions aligned with pre-election pledges, including the completion of a pilot project for family cards providing monthly cash support to women, the launch of farmer cards, and the waiver of loans for small farmers. Other measures include controlling commodity prices, expanding renewable energy, and ensuring religious inclusivity through stipends for clerics of various faiths.

The government has also initiated large-scale river dredging, prioritized employment generation, and announced plans to fill over 468,000 vacant government posts. Steps have been taken to modernize education, healthcare, and digital governance, including e-health cards, free Wi-Fi in educational institutions, and online land services. The administration emphasized transparency, human rights protection, and freedom of expression as central to its governance approach.

According to the report, these early actions reflect the government’s commitment to economic stability, women’s empowerment, and inclusive national development.

Dr. Jalal Uddin, Member of Parliament for Chandpur-2, declared that no leniency would be shown toward drug dealers. He made the statement on Saturday at a drug awareness rally and discussion meeting organized by the Upazila administration at Chengarchar Government High School field in Matlab North, Chandpur. He described drugs as a social problem that destroys the nation, families, and society, urging everyone to unite in combating it.

During his speech as chief guest, Jalal Uddin emphasized that those who consume or sell drugs are enemies of the country and the nation. He called for collective efforts to persuade them to abandon this path and urged cooperation with law enforcement and administration to build a drug-free society. The event was chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmuda Kulsum Moni and attended by local officials, political leaders from various parties, and teachers and students from local institutions.

The gathering reflected a unified stance among administrative and community representatives to strengthen anti-drug initiatives in the region.

Actress Rukaiya Jahan Chamak has collected and submitted a nomination form seeking a reserved women’s seat under the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) from the Kushtia-4 constituency. She confirmed the matter to the media after attending an interview with the BNP selection board on April 17, 2026. Chamak stated that she wants to work for the country, particularly for women, and believes joining BNP would help her realize her plans.

During the interview, she was asked whether she wanted to serve the BNP, to which she replied affirmatively, adding that her primary goal is to serve the country. She expressed optimism about receiving the party’s nomination and said discussions with the party leadership had been positive. Earlier, she hinted at a new beginning through a social media post on Facebook.

Chamak began her entertainment career as the second runner-up in the 2017 Miss World Bangladesh competition and has since appeared in several television dramas and web series.

Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie said that if the canal excavation program continues, a new awakening and revolution could emerge in Bangladesh under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon after inaugurating a canal excavation initiative in Uttar Joypur Union of Lakshmipur Sadar upazila.

Before the event, the minister inaugurated the re-excavation of the Rahmatkhali canal from Kaichcha Bari to Yusufpur under the Employment Generation Program for the Poorest (EGPP) project. He noted that many canals had been encroached upon and blocked by illegal structures and industrial waste, and the excavation work aims to restore them.

Annie also emphasized the importance of improving education quality, particularly at the primary level, describing it as the foundation of learning. He said attention is being given to schools, colleges, temples, and madrasas to strengthen educational infrastructure and ensure a better future for children.

National Parliament Speaker and Bhola-3 Member of Parliament Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom said that the people of Bangladesh are now breathing a sigh of relief as good relations exist among all political parties. He expressed optimism that the government will fulfill the long-standing expectations and aspirations of the general public. He made these remarks on Saturday at the Bhola Circuit House.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed stated that although the world may underestimate Bangladesh in terms of economy and power, the country has drawn global attention through its democracy. He emphasized that good governance will be established regardless of political affiliation and that no one should face harassment for their political beliefs. He also said that the democratic movement of 24 years will remain memorable worldwide.

The Speaker added that the people of Bangladesh are politically aware and do not tolerate autocracy. After enduring oppression and injustice for 18 years, they have reestablished democracy, which is now a source of national pride.

Thirty people were injured in a clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Saltha upazila of Faridpur on Friday night. The violence erupted in Balia Bazar and nearby areas of Gatti Union following a long-standing rivalry between groups led by Zahid Matubbar and Nuru Matubbar. The incident began when supporters of Nuru Matubbar allegedly assaulted Zahid Matubbar’s supporter Arif Matubbar while he was returning from a feast.

The attack quickly escalated into a large-scale confrontation that lasted from evening until midnight. Both sides reportedly used local weapons, resulting in the vandalism of 20 to 25 houses and the burning of one home. Three cows belonging to Zahid Matubbar’s supporter Abul Sheikh were allegedly looted. Several of the injured were admitted to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, while others received primary treatment.

Saltha Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Babulur Rahman Khan said police intervened to control the situation and that the area is now calm. Additional police have been deployed, and an investigation is underway.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said that when government ministers speak in parliament, it seems the country has no problems, but in reality, society faces many challenges. He made the remarks on Saturday, April 18, after visiting children infected with measles at the Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute in Dhaka.

Dr. Rahman stated that education and health should be the country’s top priorities, yet both sectors remain neglected. He questioned the government’s claim of having sufficient ICU facilities, asserting that most hospitals lack them. He emphasized the need to train critical care specialists to properly maintain ICUs, a system he said has not been developed in Bangladesh.

He added that Jamaat-e-Islami continues its social activities within its capacity and called on all political parties to work for the people. Rahman urged the government to increase the hospital’s budget, which was reduced from 30 crore to 28 crore taka, and to ensure adequate equipment for child healthcare. Hospital sources reported 64 measles patients currently admitted, with 13 new cases in the last 24 hours and 10 child deaths since March 15.

Faridpur-4 Member of Parliament Shahidul Islam Khan Babul called for a strong social movement to combat moral decay, drug abuse, and other social ills. He made the remarks on Saturday, April 18, at a special awareness meeting held at Sadarpur Stadium, organized by Faridpur District Police and Sadarpur Police Station. The event aimed to raise awareness against drugs, eve-teasing, online gambling, terrorism, extortion, child marriage, and suicide.

Addressing the gathering, MP Babul warned that the nation’s future would be destroyed if the youth and education system collapse. He urged young people to focus on education and stay away from harmful influences. During the meeting, he also collected opinions and suggestions from parents, students, and journalists on controlling drugs and preventing social degradation.

Faridpur Superintendent of Police Nazrul Islam, speaking as a special guest, said that drugs, eve-teasing, and child marriage are major obstacles to building a prosperous society. He emphasized that alongside legal measures, resistance must begin from every household to eliminate these crimes.

Nearly 40 leaders and activists from the July uprising movement are expected to join the National Citizen Party (NCP). According to the report, the formal announcement may take place at the NCP central office in Banglamotor around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Among those joining are Ali Ahsan Junayed, Rafe Salaman Rifat, and Shahreen Sultana Ira, along with about 30 others, while around 10 more leaders are also likely to join.

The NCP has reportedly been working for some time to unite various July movement groups. The party has maintained communication and held several meetings with different organizations and platforms to advance this process. As a result, a major portion of the Up Bangladesh group is joining the NCP in the first phase.

After this initial integration, NCP plans to include Up Bangladesh leaders and activists in its grassroots committees, signaling a broader organizational merger effort.

The National Nari Shakti, an affiliated organization of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has formed a 53-member full central convening committee. The announcement was made on Saturday afternoon through a notice signed by Member Secretary Mahmuda Alam Mitu. The committee was approved by NCP Convenor Md. Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain.

Monira Sharmin has been appointed as Convenor, while Mahmuda Alam Mitu will serve as Member Secretary. Nusrat Tabassum has been named Chief Organizer. Senior Joint Convenor Sagufata Bushra Mishma and Senior Joint Member Secretary Monjila Jhuma are among the top leadership. Several others have been appointed as joint convenors, joint member secretaries, and organizers to strengthen the organization.

The committee includes eight joint chief organizers and sixteen organizers, with a total of fifty-three members. The formation aims to make the organization more dynamic under the NCP’s guidance.

The 25th anniversary of the Barai Bari border clash was observed in Roumari upazila of Kurigram with due respect. The commemoration took place on Saturday morning at the Barai Bari BGB camp memorial, where tributes were paid to the martyrs. An accompanying discussion and prayer session continued until 1 p.m., chaired by former MP Ruhul Amin, with Kurigram Zila Parishad administrator and BNP leader Sohel Hossain Kaykobad as chief guest. Local BNP leaders, war-injured veterans, and families of the martyrs attended the event.

Speakers at the discussion demanded that Barai Bari Day receive official state recognition. They emphasized that the joint resistance by border guards and local residents in defense of national sovereignty was a proud chapter in Bangladesh’s history deserving formal acknowledgment.

The original clash occurred on April 18, 2001, when India’s BSF entered Bangladeshi territory through the Barai Bari border and attacked villagers. The confrontation left several BDR soldiers dead and injured, 89 homes burned, and damages estimated at about 7.2 million taka, making the day a lasting symbol of both grief and pride for border residents.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj stated that the government has taken multiple initiatives to eradicate the coaching business from the country's education system. He emphasized that the government’s stance against coaching is firm, describing it as a long-standing social problem. He made these remarks on Saturday morning after visiting the scholarship examination center at Mannan Government Primary School in Jatrabari, Dhaka.

Hajjaj mentioned that several innovations and policies have been identified to regulate coaching, and pilot implementation will begin soon. He noted that no major complaints have yet been received regarding coaching related to primary scholarship exams. The minister also said that the government plans to review the scholarship exam policy, including participation criteria and scholarship amounts.

He added that scholarship exams play an important role in motivating students and parents toward the curriculum. The government has also undertaken infrastructure development projects for schools, including classroom expansion, washroom construction, design updates, and furniture replacement, under initiatives such as the Drishtinondon Project and PDP Five.

At a conference of Upazila Health and Family Planning Officers held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul repeatedly praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership and policies. In response, the Prime Minister, attending as the chief guest, remarked, “Minister, a little less praise,” prompting laughter and applause from the audience. The minister replied that he had only offered minimal praise.

During his speech, the health minister emphasized that ensuring public health requires collective participation and a focus on humanitarian service. He highlighted the government’s “zero tolerance” policy against irregularities and corruption, noting that the Prime Minister’s dedication to public welfare and development has made him one of the most effective political organizers.

The minister also stressed the importance of coordination with field-level doctors and improving their working conditions as a government priority. He urged attendees to work together to strengthen the Prime Minister’s leadership and dedicate themselves to public service.

The Parliament Secretariat has issued a warning after discovering several fake Facebook groups and pages operating under the name of Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaisar Kamal. In a notice released on Saturday, April 18, 2026, it stated that misleading and intentionally distorted posts were being shared from accounts such as one titled “Barrister Kaisar Kamal Fan.” The Secretariat clarified that the Deputy Speaker has no involvement with these activities.

According to the notice, Kaisar Kamal does not manage any unofficial Facebook pages or groups and only uses his verified account. All other pages or groups using his name have been labeled as fraudulent and misleading. The public has been urged not to engage with or share content from these fake platforms.

The Secretariat further cautioned that individuals or organizations found deliberately spreading such misinformation will be held responsible. Legal measures against these deceptive activities are already underway, the notice added.