Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has declared that continuing peace talks with the United States is ‘illogical’ following Israel’s recent attacks in Lebanon. In a post on social media platform X, he said the ‘operational basis’ for ceasefire discussions between Tehran and Washington has already been violated, rendering further negotiations meaningless.

Ghalibaf stated that three key clauses of the ceasefire plan have been breached: ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, drone incursions into Iranian airspace, and denial of Iran’s right to enrich uranium. He accused Israel of intensifying its conflict with Hezbollah in violation of the ceasefire terms, while criticizing the United States for demanding a full halt to Iran’s nuclear program, which he said undermines the agreement.

According to Ghalibaf, under these circumstances, pursuing bilateral ceasefire or peace negotiations no longer makes sense, reflecting Tehran’s frustration over what it views as repeated violations of the truce framework.

Bangladesh has renewed its request to India for the extradition of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal. The request was made during a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday between Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, along with Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Dr. Rahman also held a separate discussion with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, according to a statement from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India M. Riaz Hamidullah. Both sides emphasized advancing bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues. Dr. Rahman conveyed that the newly elected government led by Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party would pursue a foreign policy based on mutual trust, respect, and benefit.

India agreed to facilitate visa services for Bangladeshis and consider increasing diesel and fertilizer exports. Both nations committed to continuing discussions to strengthen cooperation on key bilateral matters.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) organized a discussion titled “July Charter and Reforms: Aspirations of Martyrs’ Families” on Wednesday afternoon at the DUCSU premises. The event, presided over by DUCSU Vice President Sadiq Kayem, featured participation from families of those killed in the July-August uprising. Speakers criticized the government’s delay in implementing the July Charter, despite overwhelming public support in the referendum, and warned that continued inaction could trigger renewed street protests.

DUCSU leaders argued that ignoring the people’s mandate and reverting to old governance systems under constitutional pretexts would contradict public expectations. They called for transparent recruitment, protection of human rights, and institutional independence. Members of martyr families expressed grief and demanded justice, proper recognition of sacrifices, and swift implementation of the Charter. Several family members questioned the government’s shifting stance and highlighted ongoing issues of missing persons and unidentified victims.

In his closing remarks, VP Sadiq Kayem said the sacrifices of thousands during the July uprising aimed to build a just and democratic Bangladesh. He urged the government to uphold the referendum’s verdict and warned that DUCSU would continue the movement if reforms were obstructed.

Voting has begun in the Sherpur-3 constituency for the 13th National Parliament election and in the Bogura-6 constituency for a by-election in Bangladesh. The polls opened at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, and will continue uninterrupted until 4:30 p.m.

In the Sherpur-3 seat, three candidates are contesting: BNP’s Mahmudul Haque Rubel, Jamaat’s Masudur Rahman Masud, and Mizanur Rahman from the Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist). The election in this constituency had been postponed earlier due to the death of Jamaat candidate Nuruzzaman Badol. According to the revised schedule, voting is now being held on April 9.

In Bogura-6, the by-election was called after BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, who had won both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 in the February 12 general election, vacated the Bogura-6 seat. Three candidates are competing there: BNP’s Rezaul Karim Badsha, Jamaat’s Abidur Rahman, and Al-Amin Talukder from the Bangladesh Development Party.

The Law and Justice Division of the Ministry of Law issued a notification on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, promoting 40 district and sessions judges to the rank of senior district and sessions judges. The promotion order specifies that the judges will receive the senior pay scale upon completion of five years of service in their current positions.

The notification lists the names of the promoted judges, including A N M Morshed Khan, Abu Saleh Md Salahuddin Khan, Md Abdul Majid, Kanika Biswas, Mohammad Sadekur Rahman, Masud Karim, Mohammad Osman Gani, Mohammad Saidur Rahman Gazi, Meherunnesa, and Jannatul Ferdous Chowdhury, among others. The decision was made under the judicial service regulations governing career progression within the judiciary.

The promotion reflects the regular advancement process in the judicial service, ensuring recognition of experience and tenure among district-level judges across Bangladesh.

Saiful Haque, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, has called on the BNP government to withdraw from what he described as an unjust and anti-national trade agreement signed with the United States. Speaking on April 8 at a discussion titled “Trade Agreement with the United States: The Question of Bangladesh’s Interest” at the National Press Club, he said the deal was secretly signed by the interim government before the national election and contradicts Bangladesh’s sovereignty and national security.

Haque argued that the agreement allows unfair U.S. interference in Bangladesh’s investment, digital trade, industry, agriculture, energy, and defense sectors. He said the terms prevent Bangladesh from testing U.S. imports, restrict nuclear energy purchases from certain countries, and compel alignment with U.S. sanctions and trade restrictions. He described the deal as part of a long-term U.S. strategic defense policy that undermines Bangladesh’s policy independence.

He added that the agreement could be canceled with 60 days’ notice and urged the government to review it in parliament and annul it through a special committee, emphasizing the need for a new, equitable trade framework with the United States.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma led a four-member delegation in a meeting with Defense Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) A K M Shamsul Islam. The meeting took place on Wednesday at the office of the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment.

During the discussion, both sides addressed issues related to bilateral defense cooperation, training, and the enhancement of regional security. They also exchanged views on strengthening the existing military relations between the two countries and explored prospects for future progress in defense collaboration.

The meeting reflected the ongoing engagement between Bangladesh and India in defense and security matters, emphasizing mutual interest in maintaining and expanding cooperative frameworks.

Opposition Chief Whip and NCP convener Nahid Islam, Member of Parliament for Dhaka-11, proposed skipping the discussion on the President’s address during the 11th day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament. He made the proposal on Wednesday, April 8, while raising a point of order in the session presided over by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal. Nahid argued that the parliament must pass several ordinances as bills by April 9 or 12 and that priority should be given to completing this legislative process within the limited time.

He explained that both government and opposition members had agreed earlier to focus on passing the ordinances instead of continuing the debate on the President’s speech. Nahid emphasized that this approach would prevent any future claims that the opposition lacked time to discuss bills where they had dissenting opinions. He also noted the absence of the Leader of the House and requested that the discussion on the President’s address be shortened to expedite the legislative process.

Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal acknowledged the proposal, assuring that both treasury and opposition benches were working together to ensure an effective and strong parliament. Government Chief Whip Nurul Islam supported Nahid’s remarks, noting that 133 ordinances were pending and praising the opposition’s cooperation.

Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, editor of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN), stated that the referendum on the July National Charter was approved by the people and should be implemented fully. He criticized the delay in its execution and accused the BNP of presenting weak arguments regarding the note of dissent. He made these remarks on Wednesday at a roundtable discussion titled “Politics of Ordinance Repeal and Referendum Denial: Bangladesh in the Era of Parliamentary Autocracy” held at the National Press Club.

Majumdar argued that BNP’s claim that the issue is not in the constitution is unfounded, citing historical precedents such as the caretaker government led by Justice Shahabuddin, which also lacked constitutional basis but was formed through political consensus. He explained that the note of dissent represents a minority view within the 14-member parliamentary committee, where 11 members were from the ruling party and three from the opposition. The majority view, he said, was approved in the referendum and endorsed by the people.

He concluded that BNP’s reasoning on the matter is unconvincing and inconsistent with democratic consensus.

Following a report published by the newspaper Amar Desh, the local administration in Banaripara upazila of Barishal launched an eviction drive to remove illegal structures from the Sandhya River’s char area. The operation began on Wednesday morning near the ferry ghat’s southern side and continued until evening. The drive was led by the upazila land office’s surveyor Mamun and process server Md Khayer, assisted by 10–12 workers. Local BNP leaders, including upazila president Shahe Alam, were present during the operation.

During the eviction, upazila BNP joint secretary Abdus Sabur Khan reportedly began constructing a new house within 50 yards of the ferry ghat, prompting local residents to question the administration’s actions. Assistant Commissioner (Land) GMA Munib stated that all illegal structures would be removed in phases. The drive followed an Amar Desh report alleging that influential groups, including BNP leaders, were selling parts of the river char.

The report drew strong public attention, leading to a surge in newspaper demand in Banaripara. Meanwhile, Amar Desh staff reporter Nikunja Bala Palash received threats from alleged land grabbers after the publication.

The Cumilla Metropolitan unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a protest march and rally on Wednesday afternoon in Cumilla, denouncing what it described as government delays in implementing the public verdict reflected in a recent referendum. The demonstration began at Tomchom Bridge and moved through several city streets, including Kandirpar, before concluding with a rally.

During the event, Cumilla Metropolitan Shibir president Hasan Ahmed alleged that the February 12 election was fair until noon, after which polling centers were taken over and ballots manipulated. He accused the government of coming to power through vote engineering and ignoring the people’s mandate. Hasan further warned that if the authorities failed to implement the so-called July Charter, which he claimed represented 70% of public opinion, they would face consequences similar to those of former leader Hasina.

Other speakers included Cumilla University Shibir president Mozammel Hossain Abir and city secretary Nazmul Hasan Panchayet, along with other local and university leaders.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has called on citizens across the country to participate in the 11-party alliance’s announced program demanding the immediate convening of a constitutional reform council session, implementation of the referendum verdict, and resolution of the ongoing energy crisis. The weeklong program is set to begin on Thursday. The call was made by Jamaat’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, in a statement sent to the media on Wednesday.

Porwar said the February 12 referendum, held to give legal basis to the national election and the July Charter, was not implemented by the BNP government, which he described as deceitful toward the people. He stated that 70 percent of citizens voted in favor of the referendum’s “yes” outcome, and the 11-party alliance, including Jamaat, is determined to realize that mandate through street movements.

The program includes nationwide public outreach and leaflet distribution from April 9, protest rallies in all major cities on April 11, district-level protests on April 12, and a national seminar in Dhaka on April 13. The leaflet campaign will be formally inaugurated at Shahbagh, Dhaka, on Thursday afternoon.

India has agreed to return two suspects in the murder case of Shahid Osman Hadi, convener of the July Revolutionary and Anti-Imperialist Inquilab Manch, to Bangladesh. The decision was announced by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, April 8, following meetings in New Delhi between Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and his Indian counterpart Dr. S. Jaishankar, as well as Oil and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Puri. The discussions were attended by Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah.

According to the ministry statement, both sides emphasized strengthening bilateral relations and discussed key regional and international issues. Dr. Rahman thanked India for arresting the suspected killers and confirmed that the extradition would proceed under the existing treaty. Bangladesh also reiterated its request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal.

During the talks, India pledged to ease visa procedures for Bangladeshis, particularly for medical and business purposes. Bangladesh requested increased supplies of diesel and fertilizer, which India indicated it would consider positively.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled Hafez Azizul Haque, owner of Messrs Soad Filling Station and member secretary of the Gauripur upazila BNP, following allegations of fuel manipulation in Mymensingh’s Gauripur. The decision was announced on Wednesday through a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. The statement said Azizul Haque was removed from all party positions and primary membership for involvement in unethical activities.

The expulsion followed a mobile court operation led by Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Md Nurul Huda Monir, which uncovered the disappearance of around 50,000 liters of petrol during a fuel inspection on Tuesday. The station’s manager, Md Jalil Hossain Rifat, was arrested, and a case was filed under the Special Powers Act of 1974 for illegal fuel trading and hoarding. The incident sparked widespread attention after being reported in national media.

Gauripur BNP’s acting convener Md Habibul Islam Khan Shahid stated that the party would not take responsibility for any member’s misuse of position. Legal proceedings against those involved are underway.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Following the meeting, Jaishankar stated in a Facebook post that both countries agreed to maintain close communication. He expressed satisfaction in hosting Rahman and his delegation and said they discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, as well as exchanged views on regional and global developments.

Earlier, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval hosted Khalilur Rahman for a dinner in New Delhi as part of efforts to reset bilateral ties. According to a report by the Hindustan Times, India views this visit as part of the Tarique Rahman government’s initiative to build a new relationship based on mutual trust and shared interests.

The report also noted that Khalilur Rahman, an experienced diplomat, became the first minister to visit India after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s decisive victory in the February general election. His delegation included Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir.