Iran and Oman have been authorized to collect tolls from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz as part of a two-week ceasefire agreement brokered by Pakistan, according to a report by the Associated Press. A regional official cited by the agency said Iran plans to use the revenue for national reconstruction, while Oman’s intended use of the funds remains unclear. The Strait of Hormuz, previously treated as an international waterway, lies within the territorial waters of both Iran and Oman. Until now, there had been no precedent for imposing tolls on vessels transiting the strait. The new arrangement marks a significant strategic shift in how the two countries manage this critical maritime passage. Analysts view the decision as a notable development in regional maritime governance, potentially altering navigation and trade dynamics in one of the world’s most vital shipping routes.

Iran has announced the suspension of its defensive military operations following a ceasefire declaration by Donald Trump. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the decision was made as part of a two-week truce agreement mediated by Pakistan. Under this arrangement, both Iran and Oman will be allowed to collect tolls from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by the Associated Press. Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s armed forces would halt their operations if attacks against the country ceased. He also confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global trade route, would remain open for safe passage over the next two weeks. However, he noted that coordination with Iran’s armed forces and consideration of technical constraints would be required for navigation. The announcement marks a positive response from Iran amid the ongoing ceasefire process facilitated by Pakistan and the United States, signaling a temporary easing of regional tensions.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the recently declared two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran does not apply to Lebanon. According to an official statement, Israel has agreed to suspend attacks against Iran on certain conditions. These include Iran immediately reopening the Strait of Hormuz and halting all forms of attacks against the United States, Israel, and regional countries. The statement further clarified that the ceasefire’s scope is limited strictly to Iran and does not extend to Lebanon. It also noted that Israel supports U.S. efforts aimed at preventing Iran from emerging as a future nuclear, missile, or terrorist threat. The announcement underscores Israel’s continued security concerns in the region and its alignment with U.S. strategic objectives regarding Iran’s military and regional activities.

A powerful group has been accused of illegally selling land on a newly emerged river island in the Sandhya River near the Banaripara ferry terminal in Barishal. The group allegedly constructed several shops on the occupied land while local authorities have yet to take effective action. According to reports, the group is led by Upazila BNP General Secretary Md. Riaz Uddin Mridha, along with several other BNP leaders. The Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land), GMA Munib, confirmed the allegations and said steps are being taken. Multiple reliable sources stated that about a week ago, the group distributed portions of the river island among BNP supporters and local residents, collecting between one and two lakh taka from each. Riaz Uddin Mridha reportedly built five houses for himself on the land. The report also mentions his previous legal troubles and growing influence after a political shift on August 5. The accused BNP leaders have denied all allegations, claiming they are victims of conspiracy. The local administration acknowledged the encroachment and said repeated attempts were made to stop illegal construction.

Iran has agreed to a two-week ceasefire with the United States, according to the country’s National Security Council. The discussions, based on Tehran’s ten-point proposal, are scheduled to begin on Friday in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital. The ceasefire follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that he would suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks and refrain from destroying Iranian civilization. The agreement, mediated by the Pakistani government, extends beyond the borders of Iran and the United States. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif confirmed that the ceasefire will also apply to Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East, with immediate effect. In a social media message, Sharif welcomed the accord and expressed gratitude to both nations’ leadership, praising their prudence and constructive approach toward peace and stability. Sharif has formally invited delegations from Iran and the United States to Islamabad on April 10 to begin discussions aimed at reaching a final and comprehensive settlement of all disputes.

A commentary published in the newspaper Amar Desh on April 8, 2026, analyzes Bangladesh’s escalating political tension between the ruling alliance and opposition forces over the implementation of the July Charter. The article compares the current divide to the historic Battle of Siffin, describing how groups with shared goals can fall into destructive conflict when they differ on methods and priorities. It warns that the government’s inexperience and overconfidence, coupled with opposition impatience, are deepening public mistrust. The piece outlines two main positions: the BNP favors a cautious, state-first approach, prioritizing institutional stability before granting constitutional recognition to the July uprising, while Jamaat and the NCP demand swift constitutional and administrative action to secure the revolution’s gains. The author argues that both sides share the same ultimate goal but are divided over pace and process. The article concludes that Bangladesh’s greatest danger lies not in disagreement but in mutual distrust. It calls for a balanced roadmap that honors the July movement without undermining state continuity, warning that internal division could weaken the nation more than any external threat.

Oil prices dropped sharply following the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, leading to a positive shift in global financial markets. According to Reuters, the change was observed on Tuesday night New York time. U.S. crude oil prices fell by about 16 percent to $94.59 per barrel, while Brent crude declined by roughly 15 percent to $92.35 per barrel. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas is transported, is closely linked to this development. Following the ceasefire announcement, markets reacted quickly: oil prices fell, bond prices rose, and U.S. stock markets gained. Investors believe oil supply could stabilize after recent disruptions. The announcement came just before the expiration of a deadline set by President Donald Trump, bringing relief to investors. Analysts noted that despite the sharp drop, oil prices remain higher than at the end of February.

Bangladesh’s leading female weightlifter Mabia Akter Simanta is facing the risk of suspension after testing positive for a banned substance. The International Testing Agency, which oversaw doping control at the 2023 Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, confirmed the presence of a prohibited element in her sample. Mabia is now awaiting the result of her ‘B’ sample test, which will determine whether she will be officially banned. According to Dr. Shafiqul Rahman, member secretary of the Bangladesh Olympic Association’s medical committee, Mabia’s first sample tested positive in a South Korean laboratory, and the second sample has been sent to Italy for further analysis. He noted that banned substances can sometimes enter the body through medication or contaminated supplements, and this possibility is being investigated in Mabia’s case. Mabia stated that she took medicine prescribed by a doctor for knee swelling, unaware that it contained a banned component. She said she used a drug named Edimite 20 from Acme Company and had no official team doctor at the time. Her earlier doping test on October 30, 2023, showed no issues, allowing her to compete and set a national record later that year.

A high-level Bangladeshi delegation is traveling to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday for a four-day visit aimed at reopening Malaysia’s closed labor market. The team includes Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Expatriate Affairs Dr. Mahdi Amin. Ministry sources confirmed that ministerial-level meetings will be held with Malaysia’s Human Resources and Home Ministers. The issue of a pending case against a syndicate involved in manpower export may also receive attention during the talks. According to ministry officials, the closure of this major labor market has hurt Bangladesh’s manpower exports and economy. Despite repeated efforts, Dhaka has struggled to persuade Malaysia to lift the suspension, as Kuala Lumpur has not clarified its conditions and continues to delay. Recruiting agencies and the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) have objected to three of Malaysia’s ten conditions, prompting the ministry to request their relaxation. Officials said the government remains committed to reopening the market, though early discussions may face challenges due to Malaysia’s unclear stance. The labor market was last closed on May 31, 2024, leaving about 18,000 workers unable to depart.

Former DGFI chief Lt Gen (Retd) Sheikh Mamun Khaled has reportedly disclosed new information during his remand about the alleged masterminds behind Bangladesh’s 2007 ‘One-Eleven’ political episode. According to sources cited in the report, his statements are being verified as part of an ongoing investigation. The information allegedly exposes links among foreign intelligence, two influential newspapers, certain Awami League leaders, and members of civil society in orchestrating the events that led to the unconstitutional caretaker regime. The report states that the planning for 1/11 began after the BNP-led alliance took power in 2001, with coordinated media campaigns and seminars aimed at discrediting politicians. Khaled claimed that the two newspapers acted as unofficial outlets for DGFI during the military-backed government, publishing unverified reports to justify the ‘minus two formula’ targeting top political leaders. He also mentioned connections between the editors, Indian intelligence officials, and other influential figures. Investigators are reportedly examining Khaled’s statements to determine the extent of involvement of those named. Sources indicated that further legal steps will follow after verification of the information.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has called for the immediate removal of U.S. President Donald Trump from office. The organization urged Congress to begin impeachment proceedings and to invoke the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This marks the first time in the NAACP’s 117-year history that it has taken such a strong stance against a sitting president. NAACP President Derrick Johnson described Trump as “unfit, unhealthy, and mentally unstable,” asserting that the president’s recent statements and behavior pose a serious threat to the country. The group’s demand reflects growing concern within civil rights circles about the president’s conduct and its potential impact on national stability. The call for removal underscores the NAACP’s willingness to confront what it views as a constitutional and moral crisis, though the next steps in the political process remain uncertain.

Jamaat-e-Islami is preparing to contest the upcoming local government elections independently across Bangladesh, marking a shift from its earlier participation in the national polls under an 11-party alliance. The party has reportedly finalized candidates for most councilor, upazila, and union-level positions, while mayoral nominations remain pending. Party leaders confirmed that preparations are underway despite uncertainty surrounding the election schedule and the government’s appointment of administrators in 11 city corporations and 42 district councils. Jamaat leaders, including Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim and alliance coordinator Dr. Hamidur Rahman Azad, stated that the party is proceeding with its own candidate selection process. Party chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman described the local polls as the “second battle” following the national election, urging members to ensure full participation. The party has criticized the government’s administrator appointments as unconstitutional and a disruption of democratic norms. According to party sources, central, regional, and district committees are finalizing candidates based on grassroots feedback. In Dhaka’s two city corporations, nearly all councilor candidates have been confirmed, though mayoral nominees are yet to be announced.

The White House has described a two-week ceasefire as both a diplomatic and military success, portraying it as the beginning of a potential long-term peace. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that President Donald Trump and the U.S. military were responsible for achieving the ceasefire. According to her, Trump had anticipated the conflict would last four to six weeks, and within 38 days the United States had met and surpassed its main military objectives. Levitt added that the success of the U.S. military created maximum strategic pressure, enabling Trump and his team to engage in difficult negotiations that opened a path toward diplomatic resolution and lasting peace. She also claimed that Trump had successfully reopened maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran’s National Security Council said it agreed to the two-week ceasefire because it believed nearly all its wartime goals had been achieved. The council announced plans to join talks in Islamabad to consolidate battlefield gains through political dialogue.

At least seven people, including two children, were killed in multiple overnight attacks across Iraq before the United States and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire agreement early Tuesday, according to local authorities. In the southern province of Basra, an airstrike hit a house in the city of Khor al-Zubair, killing three civilians. In Baghdad, a projectile struck a home, causing a fire that killed two people, including an eight-year-old child. In northern Iraq’s Kurdish region, a drone believed to have come from Iran hit a house, killing a couple. The attacks occurred just hours before Washington and Tehran jointly declared a temporary ceasefire aimed at easing regional tensions. Local officials described the incidents as among the deadliest in recent weeks, underscoring the fragile security situation across Iraq. The ceasefire announcement is viewed as a significant step toward reducing hostilities in the region, though the immediate impact on ground-level violence remains uncertain.

Brazilian club Santos is making an intensive effort to help Neymar Junior regain full fitness in time for the upcoming World Cup, which begins on June 11. Reports suggest Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has nearly finalized his squad, possibly without Neymar, but the player and his club remain determined. Ancelotti is expected to announce the official squad on May 18, with the final deadline set for May 30. Brazil’s training camp starts on May 25, leaving Neymar roughly 40 to 52 days to prove his readiness. Santos plans to play Neymar in at least 13 of their next 14 matches across the Brazilian Championship, Copa do Brasil, and Copa Sudamericana to help him regain match fitness. However, he will be rested for the Sudamericana opener against Deportivo Cuenca in Ecuador. Neymar recently underwent knee surgery and has been under medical supervision, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to accelerate recovery. Despite missing several training sessions, he continues double daily workouts to rebuild strength and conditioning. Santos coach Cuca said the club’s priority is to have Neymar fully fit for the remaining matches, aiming to boost his chances of World Cup selection.