Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has blamed the United States and Israel for causing instability in the region. He made the remarks during a meeting in Tehran with South Korea’s special envoy Chang Byung-ha. According to Iran’s government, Araghchi said that insecurity in the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz stems from what he called the aggression of the United States and Israel. In a social media post, the Iranian government stated that Araghchi presented details of alleged crimes committed by the United States and Israel during wartime against Iran. He urged countries to take a clear and firm stance in condemning the attacks on Iran. Quoting Araghchi, the post added that as a coastal state, Iran has acted under international law to protect its security and interests, and that the consequences of these actions rest with the aggressors. The report, citing Al Jazeera, highlights Iran’s continued criticism of US and Israeli policies in the Gulf and its call for international support against perceived aggression.

Bangladesh’s Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant has received a commissioning license for fuel loading from the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, marking the project’s final preparatory stage before power generation. Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam said Prime Minister Tarek Rahman will inaugurate the fuel loading by the end of this month, with Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to attend virtually. The government expects the plant to supply 1,000 megawatts to the national grid by December 2026. Experts, however, caution that commercial power generation may take six to twelve months after fuel loading due to required testing and safety checks. The process involves inserting nuclear fuel into the reactor and conducting phased operational tests under strict safety protocols aligned with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards. The Power Grid Company of Bangladesh has already completed grid capacity and transmission line work for the first unit. The Ruppur project, launched in 2017 with Russian financial and technical assistance, has faced multiple delays due to safety and infrastructure challenges. Despite progress, experts emphasize that ensuring nuclear safety and emergency preparedness remains the state’s primary responsibility.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran remains open to dialogue and agreements, emphasizing that the door to diplomacy is not closed. However, he made it clear that the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable and that no discussions can proceed unless the blockade is lifted. His remarks were directed at Washington as a firm message regarding the conditions for any future negotiations. Pezeshkian also highlighted several major obstacles to engagement, including what he described as the United States’ threatening rhetoric, harsh language, and previous broken promises. These issues, he said, have deepened mistrust between the two countries. Tehran believes that confidence in Washington has become increasingly difficult. Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, echoed the president’s stance, noting that the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz has become one of the main barriers to improving Iran-U.S. relations.

A student leader named Hamim Sardar was killed in a road accident in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur on Wednesday evening, April 22, 2026. The incident occurred near the Sautikanda rail line underpass on the Dhaka–Bhanga Expressway when his motorcycle collided head-on with two battery-powered autorickshaws. Locals rescued the severely injured Hamim and took him to a hospital, where duty doctor Dr. Jinia Islam declared him dead. Hamim was a leader of the student wing at Government K.M. College in Bhanga and the son of Hasan Sardar from Purba Hasamdia village under Bhanga Municipality’s Ward No. 5. His mother was reportedly in deep grief after the accident. The news of his death cast a shadow of mourning across the local community and among members of the student organization he was affiliated with. Local student leaders expressed sorrow over his death, and the area remained in mourning following the tragic incident.

The Pentagon has informed that removing sea mines from the Strait of Hormuz will take six months, according to a report by the Associated Press citing sources familiar with the matter. The information was shared during a closed-door briefing to the U.S. House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, where defense officials outlined the current situation in the strategic waterway. The AP report noted that the briefing left lawmakers with more questions than answers, particularly regarding the cost, strategy, and objectives of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Lawmakers also raised concerns about an earlier attack on an Iranian school that reportedly killed around 165 people, most of them young schoolgirls. No responses were provided to these questions during the meeting. The situation underscores ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S. military operations and policy objectives in the region, as well as the humanitarian consequences of recent hostilities.

The United States military has reported that 31 ships were redirected or sent back to port during a naval blockade against Iran. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), most of the vessels involved were oil tankers, and the majority complied with US instructions to change course or return. CENTCOM stated that the blockade operation involves around 10,000 US troops, 17 warships, and more than a hundred aircraft. The military shared the update through a message on social media, emphasizing that most ships followed the directives issued by US forces. The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not specify the duration or geographic scope of the blockade but confirmed that it forms part of a broader US military operation targeting Iranian maritime activities.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and Member of Parliament Nahid Islam has alleged that a 'deep state' comprising bureaucrats, business elites, and mafia networks continues to control Bangladesh’s state apparatus even after the fall of the previous regime. In an interview with Amar Desh published on April 23, 2026, he said that the promises of reform made during the July uprising have been undermined by vested interests benefiting from the old power structure. He warned that maintaining this continuity would betray the spirit of the uprising. Nahid Islam criticized both the ruling BNP and remnants of the former Awami League establishment for resisting institutional reforms, including judicial independence and administrative restructuring. He accused the government of protecting corrupt bankers, politicizing the July Memorial Museum project, and allowing pro-Awami League media influence to return. He also expressed concern over foreign policy transparency and the government’s handling of economic issues. He cautioned that if the government fails to meet public expectations for reform, popular anger could reignite. The NCP and its allies, he said, are preparing to mobilize public opinion and may take to the streets if necessary.

Two workers were killed and two others injured when soil collapsed during excavation work for a sewerage project in Chattogram’s Agrabad area early Thursday. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. near the B-Four Access Road under Halishahar Police Station. All four workers were rescued and taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared two of them dead. The deceased were identified as Rakib and Tushar, the latter from Dinajpur district. The injured workers, Sagar and Ershad, are receiving treatment at the same hospital. Fire Service officials said the collapse happened while workers were digging to install a water pipe in front of the Singapore Market area. The project is being implemented by Chinese contractor Sino Hydro under the Chattogram WASA sewerage project. Chattogram WASA officials said the accident occurred during trial pit excavation and that a report has been requested from the contractor. Discussions are underway to ensure compensation for the victims’ families.

The first phase of voting in the West Bengal Assembly election began on April 23, 2026, under heavy security. Polling started at 7 a.m. across 152 constituencies in 16 districts of North and South Bengal. The second phase will be held on April 29 for the remaining 142 seats, with results scheduled for May 4. The contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has created a tense, war-like atmosphere across the state. Thousands of central paramilitary personnel have been deployed, and the Election Commission has imposed multiple restrictions, including Section 144 in border districts. Allegations have surfaced that millions of names were removed from the voter list under a controversial process called SIR, sparking protests and accusations of disenfranchisement. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of using military-style intimidation, while Home Minister Amit Shah countered with corruption allegations and religious appeals. Observers describe this election as one of the most contentious in the state’s history, with widespread polarization and protests over voter rights. The outcome, to be announced on May 4, is expected to shape the political future of West Bengal.

Serious allegations of irregularities and abuse of power have surfaced within the Bangladesh Archery Federation, despite the sport’s recent international success. Federation president Dr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman has been accused of misusing authority, removing the treasurer without approval, and withdrawing large sums from the federation’s bank account. The general secretary, Tanvir Ahmed, lodged a formal complaint with the National Sports Council (NSC) on April 21, citing unauthorized meetings, irregular financial transactions, and unilateral decisions by the president. According to the complaint, the president replaced the treasurer and changed the bank signatory without the general secretary’s consent, withdrawing about 1.4 million taka from Prime Bank’s Dilkusha branch. The NSC had formed the current ad hoc committee in March 2025, meaning any member’s removal requires its approval. NSC sports director Aminul Ehsan confirmed that the federation had no authority to dismiss the treasurer and termed the move illegal. The NSC has received the complaint and pledged to investigate the matter seriously, while the president defended his actions as being based on a unanimous decision.

Hundreds of Bangladeshi youths are losing their lives in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to reach Europe illegally through human trafficking networks. Each journey costs between 1.5 and 3 million taka, yet many never reach their destination. According to the UNHCR, 39 percent of those traveling from Libya to Italy by sea are Bangladeshi, with 1,358 Bangladeshis among 5,901 arrivals as of March 22 this year. A recent tragedy on March 27 claimed 13 lives from Sunamganj district during a Libya-to-Greece crossing. Experts blame both the government’s limited enforcement and the migrants’ unrealistic ambitions for the persistence of this “Europe game.” Research by BRAC shows that men aged 26–40, mostly from districts such as Madaripur, Shariatpur, and Sylhet, are the most likely to attempt the journey. Families often fall into debt after paying traffickers, while legal cases against smugglers see little progress. Officials say the government is taking steps to curb illegal migration, though challenges remain in awareness campaigns and cross-border cooperation. The Home Ministry reports over 4,700 pending human trafficking cases, with more than 42,000 accused individuals nationwide.

Bangladesh experienced its hottest day of the season on Wednesday, with Rajshahi recording a maximum temperature of 40°C, surpassing the previous high of 39.7°C in Chuadanga earlier this month. The capital Dhaka also saw its seasonal peak at 36.5°C. Except for light rain in Patuakhali’s Khepupara, no rainfall was reported elsewhere. The ongoing heatwave, coupled with frequent power outages, has severely disrupted daily life across the country. According to the Meteorological Department, the heatwave expanded from 14 districts on Tuesday to 24 districts on Wednesday, covering all areas of Rajshahi and Khulna divisions as well as parts of Dhaka, Tangail, Madaripur, Dinajpur, Rangamati, and Bandarban. Meteorologists said the lack of rain and rising humidity have intensified the oppressive heat. They forecast that temperatures may continue to rise until Friday, with possible relief from Saturday as rainfall increases. The department’s long-term outlook indicates that moderate to severe heatwaves could persist across major parts of Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Dhaka divisions through early May.

After being missing for 27 years, Amir Hossain Talukder, a 62-year-old from Naria in Shariatpur, has returned to Bangladesh from Malaysia. He arrived in Dhaka late Tuesday night on a Batik Air flight and was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by his family, BRAC Migration Program representatives, and airport officials. His return brought both joy and sorrow, as he was found to be mentally unstable and unable to recognize his family members. According to family sources, Amir Hossain went to Malaysia in 1996 to work as a painter and regularly sent money home for the first few years. Communication was lost after three years, and his family eventually assumed he had died. Recently, Bangladeshi expatriates discovered him living in a tin shed in a jungle in Penang, Malaysia, and shared his photos and videos online. His family identified him from those images and contacted BRAC, which coordinated with the Bangladesh Embassy in Malaysia to arrange his return. BRAC stated that it will provide necessary medical and rehabilitation support considering Amir Hossain’s physical and mental condition.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen marked his first 100 days in Dhaka, claiming significant progress in advancing Bangladesh–US relations. In a video message released on Wednesday, he described a historic trade agreement between the two nations and highlighted new partnerships in trade, health, and cultural exchange. He said these initiatives have brought the people of both countries closer as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary. Christensen noted that he and his wife received a warm welcome in Bangladesh and have engaged in local cultural experiences, including visiting historical sites, celebrating Pahela Baishakh, and attending a cricket match. He said he arrived at a crucial time before the national election and is working to implement President Trump’s roadmap for elevating bilateral relations. The ambassador also mentioned cooperation on combating illegal immigration and visa fraud, strengthening security ties for a free Indo-Pacific, and launching a new health partnership to fight diseases such as tuberculosis and measles. He reaffirmed the US commitment as the largest donor supporting Rohingya refugees and expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh–US relations.

The Bangladesh Army, deployed for over 20 months as a striking force to maintain law and order, is now awaiting formal government instructions to return to barracks. Around 15,000 soldiers remain stationed across the country, with 50 active camps in 64 districts, including 25 in the Dhaka division. The army took charge of national security after the July 2024 mass uprising that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and the collapse of police operations. Since then, it has conducted anti-terror operations, ensured public safety, and supported civil administration in various capacities. Following the uprising, the interim government led by Dr. Yunus granted army officers limited executive magistrate powers under 17 sections of the Criminal Procedure Code. During the 2025 national election, about 100,000 army personnel, along with naval and air force members, were deployed nationwide to ensure peaceful polling. The army seized over 10,000 weapons and detained more than 22,000 suspects. Although most troops have since returned to bases, 15,000 remain active pending government approval to withdraw. ISPR Director Lt. Col. Sami-ud-Daula Chowdhury confirmed that the army will return to barracks once the government issues official orders.