U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran will be destroyed if it refuses to sign a proposed agreement. In an interview with Fox News, reported by Al Jazeera, Trump issued the threat while expressing optimism about ongoing negotiations. He said a high-level U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, including Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, was en route to Islamabad and expected to arrive by Monday evening to finalize the deal. Trump described the agreement as Iran’s last chance to reach a fair and reasonable settlement, warning that failure to sign would result in attacks on the country’s power plants and bridges. The statement follows a 21-hour first round of talks in Islamabad that ended without resolution and a temporary 10-day ceasefire that is set to expire Wednesday. Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have added urgency to the second round of discussions. Analysts cited in the report view the current negotiations as a final opportunity to prevent a major conflict before the ceasefire expires.

The Jamaat-e-Islami–backed 11-party alliance has nominated Rokeya Begum, mother of slain child activist Jabir Ibrahim, for a reserved women’s seat in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. Jabir was killed by police gunfire during the anti-discrimination student movement in July–August 2024. The nomination list, released on Monday, April 20, 2026, includes 13 women, among them Rokeya Begum, a former schoolteacher. According to the report, the alliance secured 77 seats in the February 12 election, entitling it to 13 reserved women’s seats. Of these, eight nominees are from Jamaat, two from the National Citizens Party (NCP), one from the Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA), one from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and one from a July martyr family. The ruling BNP is set to receive 36 of the 50 total reserved women’s seats. The nomination of Rokeya Begum is described as a result of her long-standing social engagement and public involvement, aligning with the alliance’s commitment to representation and political inclusion.

Anna Minj from the Oraon indigenous community has been nominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for a reserved women’s seat representing the Natore-Naogaon constituency in the 13th National Parliament. This marks the first time since independence that a woman from the Oraon community will have the opportunity to represent her community in the national legislature. Prominent observers have described the nomination as a historic milestone for indigenous rights and inclusive politics in Bangladesh. Anna Minj currently serves as Senior Director (Programs) at BRAC International, leading strategic initiatives across 13 countries in Asia and Africa in education, youth empowerment, climate change, and gender equality. She has over three decades of experience with organizations such as Caritas, CARE Bangladesh, and BRAC Bangladesh. BNP leaders said her nomination reflects her leadership, organizational skills, and deep grassroots connection. She also chairs the National Coalition of Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh. Party leaders and indigenous representatives expressed gratitude for her nomination, viewing it as a step toward strengthening democratic inclusion and ensuring greater indigenous participation in mainstream politics.

Monira Sharmin and Mahmuda Alam Mitu have been nominated as Members of Parliament from the National Citizens Party (NCP) for reserved seats in the 13th National Parliament. The announcement was made on Monday through a notice signed by Dr. A H M Hamidur Rahman Azad, coordinator of the 11-party electoral alliance. Both Monira Sharmin and Mahmuda Alam Mitu currently serve as convener and member secretary of the NCP’s ‘National Women’s Power’ wing. The alliance list also includes several women leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami, such as Nurunnisa Siddika, Marzia Begum, Sabikun Nahar Munni, Mardia Momtaz, and Nazmun Nahar Nilu, along with regional leaders Mahfuza Siddika, Sajeda Samad, and Samsun Nahar. Additionally, nominations were given to JAGPA chairperson Tasmia Pradhan and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis member Mahbuba Hakim. Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh also nominated Rokeya Begum, mother of Jabir Ibrahim, a child killed in Uttara in 2024. The alliance stated that its women members aim to fulfill national expectations in parliament.

Confusion and disorder prevailed in Washington this morning as the schedule for the much-anticipated meeting between the United States and Iran in Islamabad remained unclear, according to BBC reports. Shortly after 9 a.m. local time, President Donald Trump told the New York Post in a brief phone interview that Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner had 'just departed.' However, there has been no official confirmation from the vice president’s office or the White House, and no reports have yet come from the traveling press pool, which is usually standard procedure. The latest official information came yesterday when a senior White House official confirmed that the three would participate in the talks, though no specific timing was provided. Efforts are ongoing to clarify the situation through various Washington offices. Meanwhile, related developments include China expressing full support for Pakistan’s role in the US–Iran dialogue and a drop in global oil prices following news of the peace talks. JD Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Myanmar’s military junta has expanded its ban on sanitary pads, claiming that resistance fighters use them for medical purposes. Although no official announcement has been made, the restriction is part of a broader strategy known as the “four cuts,” aimed at depriving opposition forces of essential supplies. The ban, which began in some rebel-held areas in August last year, now includes a transport blockade between Mandalay and Sagaing. Women’s rights group Sisters2Sisters said the military alleges that the People’s Defense Force uses menstrual products to absorb sweat and blood in combat. Health experts, including Meredith Ban of Skills for Humanity, dismissed this claim, noting that sanitary towels are unsuitable for treating wounds. Activists described the policy as misogynistic and harmful, forcing women to rely on unsafe alternatives such as torn cloth or leaves, increasing risks of infections. As prices for pads have tripled on the black market, many women face severe discomfort and reduced mobility. Observers believe the junta’s actions aim to further restrict women’s participation in public and political life, reflecting a broader pattern of gender-based repression.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed a money laundering case against seven members of the same family for allegedly depositing around Tk 5.17 crore in banks from illegal drug trade over 17 years. The accused include a father, his three daughters, two sons-in-law, and a daughter-in-law. The case was lodged at Tongi East Police Station in Gazipur, according to a CID press release signed by Special Superintendent (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan. Investigations revealed that between January 2009 and February 2026, the group conducted transactions totaling Tk 5.17 crore through their bank accounts. The operation was reportedly led by three sisters—Asma, Reshma Khatun, and Liza Begum alias Lipi Akter—who, along with their family members, ran a drug syndicate based in Tongi’s Dattapara area. CID found evidence of land purchases worth Tk 79.73 lakh and believes the rest of the money was spent on drugs and luxury living. The CID’s Financial Crime Unit is investigating under the Money Laundering Prevention Act 2012 (amended 2015) and continues efforts to identify other unnamed associates and uncover full details of the crime.

Popular Bangladeshi band Nagar Baul, led by Mahfuz Anam James, has undergone a significant lineup change. Guitarist Sultan Raihan Khan Rana has left the band after more than fifteen years of performing with James in numerous concerts at home and abroad. He parted ways recently due to personal reasons, ending a long professional association. Rana had not been seen performing with the band for some time and was absent from their recent Pahela Baishakh concert in Pabna. At that event, guitarist Ismamul Farhad Elin performed with James, and it has now been confirmed that he has officially joined Nagar Baul as Rana’s replacement. According to the band’s spokesperson Robin Thakur, Rana could no longer dedicate enough time to the group because of personal commitments and decided to leave after discussions with other members. Elin formally joined the band in March 2026, having previously played as a guest artist in 2020 and gained recognition as a guitarist for the band Shunno. The current lineup includes James, Ahsan Elahi Fanti, Talukdar Sabbir Shawon, and Ismamul Farhad Elin.

The Secondary School Certificate (SSC), Dakhil, and equivalent examinations for the current year began across Bangladesh on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. A total of 1,857,344 students from 30,666 institutions are participating under nine general, one madrasa, and one technical education board. The exams are being held at 3,885 centers nationwide. Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon announced that all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure smooth and fair examinations. At a press conference held at the Secretariat, ministry officials including adviser Mahdi Amin and Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Director General Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud were present. The minister said measures have been taken to address power outages affecting students’ preparation and to ensure uninterrupted electricity at exam centers. He also mentioned steps to prevent cybercrimes and question paper leaks through monitoring cells and coordination groups. The minister did not confirm whether SSC and HSC exams will be held in December this year but emphasized that exams will follow course completion schedules. He further warned that any corruption within the ministry would not be tolerated.

Police in Shariatpur recovered the body of van driver Monu Bepari, 65, from an old grave in Angaria Union, 25 days after he went missing. The body was found on Monday afternoon, April 20, 2026, in the Madbor Bari area of Char Chatang. Authorities suspect that after the killing, the body was initially hidden and later reburied in a different grave to conceal the crime. Family members said Monu had been missing for about 25 days, and his sister Minara Begum filed a general diary with Palong Model Police Station on April 13. Suspicion arose when Minara noticed fresh soil on the grave of her cousin, who had died three years earlier, and an unusual pit inside a nearby abandoned house. Police were informed and later discovered Monu’s body inside the old grave. Relatives alleged that Monu’s second wife, who had a financial dispute with him, orchestrated the murder. Police said the body was recovered under a magistrate’s supervision and that legal procedures were underway.

A complaint has been submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal alleging that former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia was poisoned while in prison, leading to severe health deterioration. The complaint was filed last Sunday by Mominul Haque Milon, chairman of the Canada-based 'Ganatantrer Ma Begum Khaleda Zia Forum'. Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam confirmed receipt of the complaint on Monday and said the tribunal would contact Khaleda Zia’s family to learn their position before taking further steps. According to the written complaint, an international conspiracy led to the formation of the 1/11 caretaker government, which allegedly aimed to destroy the Zia family through fabricated cases and persecution. It claims that Khaleda Zia was imprisoned under politically motivated verdicts and subjected to slow poisoning, neglect, and inadequate medical care, resulting in multiple health complications including liver cirrhosis and heart disease. The complaint accuses the then government of denying her proper treatment and permission for medical care abroad. The filing requests that all individuals involved in the alleged conspiracy be identified and brought to justice through legal action.

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led eleven-party electoral alliance has finalized and published its list of candidates for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliament. The announcement was made on Monday, April 20, 2026, in the evening. According to the finalized list, eight of the thirteen nominated candidates are from Jamaat-e-Islami, while the remaining five are from allied parties and special categories. The nominated candidates from Jamaat-e-Islami include Nurunnisa Siddika, Marzia Begum, Sabikun Nahar Munni, Mardia Momtaz, Nazmun Nahar Nilu, Mahfuza Siddika, Sajeda Samad, and Shamsun Nahar. From the National Citizen Party (NCP), Monira Sharmin and Mahmuda Alam Mitu were nominated, while Tasmiya Pradhan represents JAGPA, Mahbuba Hakim represents Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, and Rokeya Begum, mother of martyred child Jabir Ibrahim, was also nominated. The alliance secured 77 seats in the national election held on February 12, 2026, entitling it to 13 reserved women’s seats under parliamentary rules. The BNP, by comparison, obtained 36 of the total 50 reserved women’s seats.

Rehana Akter Ranu, the central assistant training secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has received the party’s final nomination for a reserved women’s seat from Feni in the 13th National Parliament. The announcement was made on Monday, April 30, at the BNP’s central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, by Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi during a press conference. According to the report, several candidates from Feni, including Advocate Sahana Akter Sanu, Nur Tanjila Rahman, and Tanzia Afrin Elina, had submitted nomination papers for the reserved seat. Interviews for the selection were held at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan, chaired by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. After a detailed evaluation, the nomination board selected the experienced former member of parliament, Rehana Akter Ranu. Following the announcement, BNP leaders, activists, and supporters expressed their congratulations to Ranu on social media, while local party members in Feni reported widespread enthusiasm over her nomination.

A Bangladeshi expatriate named Nur Karim Farhad, aged 45, died in a road accident in Najran, Saudi Arabia. Two other Bangladeshi expatriates, identified as Md. Juleyl (28) and Md. Hossain (32), were seriously injured in the same incident. The accident occurred around 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, when their vehicle collided with a lorry while they were on their way to the airport. The death was confirmed on Monday by Abul Basar Monju, chairman of the Purba Charbata Union Parishad. According to local sources, Farhad, a resident of Purba Charbata village in Subarnachar upazila of Noakhali, had been living in Saudi Arabia for about three years. After the collision, local people rescued the injured and took them to a hospital, where doctors declared Farhad dead. The two injured Bangladeshis remain in critical condition in the intensive care unit. Authorities have not released further details about the cause of the accident or the current investigation status.

The government has reinstated Sultana Habib, an Additional Tax Commissioner (acting), who was previously dismissed for her alleged role in organizing protests against the 2025 ordinance that dissolved the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and separated revenue policy from administration. A notification published on the Internal Resources Division (IRD) website on April 20, 2026, confirmed her reinstatement with a three-step demotion in salary grade for three years. The order was signed by IRD Secretary Abdur Rahman on April 19 under the President’s directive. According to the source, Habib was accused of encouraging non-cooperation and illegal activities through social media messages during the protests under the banner of the “NBR Reform Council.” A departmental investigation found her guilty of misconduct under government service rules. Several other officers dismissed for similar reasons have also been reinstated with minor penalties. The ordinance that triggered the protests was automatically nullified after failing to gain parliamentary approval. However, the government has indicated plans to review and possibly reintroduce a revised bill in the future.