U.S. President Donald Trump issued a renewed warning against Iran, declaring on his social media platform Truth Social that the United States is 'locked and loaded' and will 'finish off' Iran at an 'appropriate time.' His statement came shortly after U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended without any agreement. The failed discussions in Pakistan highlighted the ongoing diplomatic deadlock between the two countries. Trump’s remarks signaled that despite continued diplomatic efforts, Washington is keeping military options open. The timing of his statement, just hours after the talks collapsed, underscored rising tensions between the two nations. Following the breakdown of negotiations, international observers are closely watching how the situation evolves, as the growing strain between Washington and Tehran could have significant regional and global implications.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Sunday sentenced former Youth League leader M H Babu Patwari to two months of rigorous imprisonment for contempt of court. The verdict was delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumdar. Patwari, a former central vice-president of the banned Chhatra League, had posted a Facebook statement alleging large-scale corruption involving tribunal officials and others over a death sentence in a July massacre case. Before the verdict, Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam made an unusual appeal to the tribunal to reduce the sentence, despite representing the state. The tribunal initially decided on a one-year term, later reducing it to three months, and finally to two months following repeated requests from the chief prosecutor. The move surprised observers and raised questions about the prosecutor’s impartiality. During the hearing, Patwari and his wife both sought unconditional apologies. Investigators testified that his Facebook account was still active and linked him to a group accused of spreading false propaganda online. The tribunal found his claim of reposting the content untrue before announcing the sentence.

U.S. President Donald Trump has again taken a firm stance on Iran’s nuclear program, declaring that Iran will never possess nuclear weapons. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed that Iran remains unwilling to abandon its nuclear ambitions. He acknowledged some progress in discussions but suggested that continued military readiness could serve as an alternative to diplomacy. Trump emphasized that his main concern is the potential for an unstable and unpredictable nation to gain nuclear capability. His remarks come at a time when diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran continue, yet both sides remain far apart on key nuclear issues. The statement underscores persistent tensions between Washington and Tehran, with Trump reaffirming his uncompromising approach to Iran’s nuclear aspirations despite ongoing negotiations.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Shafiqur Rahman, has questioned how the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) can claim ownership of the 1971 Liberation War when the party did not exist at that time. He raised the issue during a meeting with families of July martyrs and freedom fighters, criticizing BNP’s assertion that both 1971 and later political milestones belong to them. Rahman acknowledged that former president Ziaur Rahman made a declaration during the war and fought in it, but argued that giving all credit to one individual undermines the contributions of other fighters. He said that while Zia’s role deserves respect, the collective effort of all freedom fighters must also be recognized. Criticizing the Awami League, Rahman said the ruling party also tried to monopolize the Liberation War narrative in the past, labeling Ziaur Rahman in derogatory terms. He called for an end to such divisive politics surrounding the war’s legacy.

A youth identified as Imon, known locally as Alex Imon and leader of the teen gang 'Alex Group', was hacked to death in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area on Sunday afternoon. The attack occurred around 4:30 p.m. near the embankment slope on Buddhijibi Road, where several rivals assaulted him with sharp weapons. He was taken to Suhrawardy Hospital but died while undergoing treatment. Police said the violence stemmed from a turf conflict between the 'Alex Imon Group' and the 'Arman-Shahrukh Group'. Officers detained three suspects—Md. Saif (23), Tuhin (20), and Md. Rabbi Kazi (25)—from the scene and recovered three machetes, a cutter, and a steel plate. CCTV footage showed armed groups chasing each other before Imon was fatally attacked. According to police, Alex Imon was a known gang leader in the Rayerbazar area with multiple criminal cases, including robbery and murder. The long-standing rivalry between the two groups reportedly led to the deadly confrontation.

US President Donald Trump has announced a blockade on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, hours after talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad collapsed, according to Al Jazeera. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said US forces would take swift action to control vessels passing through the strait. He added that ships paying tolls to Iran in international waters would be intercepted by the US Navy, warning that those making such payments would not be guaranteed safe passage. Tensions in the region have been rising since a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran on February 28. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route through which about 20 percent of the world’s energy supply passes. Disruptions in its operation have already created uncertainty in global energy markets. The announcement marks a new escalation in US-Iran tensions, with both sides signaling firm stances over control of the strategic waterway.

After leaving Pakistan, US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington had presented its best and final offer. However, reports suggest that indirect communication between the United States and Iran continues through Pakistan, according to the BBC. Neither side has officially confirmed these behind-the-scenes discussions, but their existence indicates that diplomatic channels remain open. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said they never expected a final agreement to be reached in a single meeting. This reflects how both sides are presenting different narratives to their domestic audiences, making the true situation difficult to assess. Meanwhile, the ongoing ceasefire remains extremely fragile. Its future, the risk of global instability, and the fate of civilians caught in the conflict all hang in uncertainty.

Bangladesh Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque has said that the country cannot return to an era of medieval brutality in the name of defending religion. In a statement to the media on Sunday, he strongly condemned and protested the killing of Pir Abdur Rahman, also known as Shamim Reza, on April 11 in Philipnagar of Daulatpur upazila, Kushtia district. Haque stated that a group of assailants carried out a planned attack with rods and sticks, vandalized the shrine, dragged Pir Abdur Rahman from the second floor, and beat him to death before leaving the scene. He said the incident demonstrated the alarming rise of mob violence reminiscent of the previous interim government period and held the current government responsible for failing to prevent such acts. He also cited earlier incidents of shrine vandalism and desecration that went unpunished. He urged the government to immediately arrest and prosecute those involved in the killing and to ensure justice for all shrine-related violence. Haque also called on all devout citizens to speak out against such killings.

This year’s Hajj flight operations will begin on April 17, with Prime Minister Tarek Rahman scheduled to inaugurate the program that night. The announcement was made by Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) after a meeting of the National Committee on Hajj Management held at the Secretariat on April 12, which was chaired by the Prime Minister. During the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed officials on how to serve pilgrims properly, emphasizing that no injustice or misconduct toward Hajj participants would be tolerated. The minister added that the Prime Minister is highly attentive to the welfare of pilgrims and plans to visit the Hajj camp personally within a few days to observe preparations. Concerns have been raised about potential complications in Hajj flights due to rising fuel prices. When asked about this, the minister expressed confidence that there would be no difficulties, describing the pilgrims as “guests of Allah” and assuring that all necessary arrangements would be made.

Islami Bank’s board of directors has placed its Managing Director, Md. Omar Faruk Khan, on one and a half months of leave effective from April 13, 2026. According to bank sources, the decision will take effect from tomorrow. Khan had originally applied for a 15-day leave starting April 28, but the board extended the duration and adjusted the dates to run from April 13 to May 31. The bank’s chairman, Dr. M. Zubaidur Rahman, could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts by reporters. Omar Faruk Khan was appointed as the Managing Director of Islami Bank in August of the previous year. No official explanation for the extended leave has been provided by the bank, and it remains unclear whether an acting managing director has been appointed during Khan’s absence.

The European Union has emphasized that diplomatic efforts are indispensable for resolving the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The statement came after the recent talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad failed to make progress, according to Al Jazeera. EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anwar El Anouni told AFP that there is no alternative to diplomacy in reaching a peace agreement. El Anouni praised Pakistan’s mediating role, saying the EU welcomes Islamabad’s efforts. He also noted that Brussels is interested in contributing further to future peace initiatives. The international community remains focused on diplomatic solutions, though the stalled discussions have left the situation uncertain. Before leaving Islamabad, US Vice President JD Vance said Iran had not accepted Washington’s conditions and that the United States had made its “final and best offer.” Observers are now waiting to see whether Iran will accept the proposal.

Amid escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company ADNOC, has publicly denied Iran’s claim of control over the strategic waterway. In a post on social media platform X, he stated that Iran has never had the right to close or restrict navigation through the strait. Al Jaber warned that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could severely threaten global energy supplies as well as food and health security. He described such a scenario as a dangerous and unacceptable precedent that would endanger global stability. He emphasized that the world cannot bear such a burden and should not allow any attempt to restrict free passage through this vital maritime route.

A student leader in Baraigram, Natore, has been expelled from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal following allegations that he raped his underage sister-in-law, who is now reportedly three months pregnant. The expulsion order, signed by the district office secretary Asif Iqbal Notun, was issued on Sunday morning, citing involvement in unethical activities. The accused, Iqbal Hossain, was removed from his position as joint convener of Bonpara Municipal Chhatra Dal and from primary membership of the organization. According to the victim’s family, Iqbal, an electrician from Gurumshail area, had been in a relationship with his 16-year-old sister-in-law for a year. His wife alleged that on January 10, he went to her father’s house under the pretext of political work and forcibly raped the girl. The incident came to light when the girl fell ill and was found to be pregnant. She went missing on April 3 but was later rescued by police on April 10. A case has been filed with Baraigram Police Station, and the officer-in-charge confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Law Minister Md. Anisul Haque stated that the ordinances repealed through parliamentary bills will be reviewed later to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. He emphasized that those claiming the government opposes a strong Human Rights Commission, a Supreme Court Secretariat, or transparency in judicial appointments are mistaken. According to him, the BNP intends to make these laws more transparent, accountable, and contemporary as part of its electoral commitments. He added that any rational public demand receives the highest consideration from the BNP. The minister made these remarks on Sunday at a press conference held in the conference room of the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Secretariat. He explained that, under Article 93 of the Constitution, the government was constitutionally obliged to present 133 ordinances issued by the previous interim government before the 13th National Parliament within the stipulated time. The ordinances were then referred to a special parliamentary committee for examination. The special committee completed its review and submitted its report to Parliament on April 2. Based on that report, the ordinances were recently introduced as bills and discussed in Parliament.

Iran’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, has assured that Bangladeshi ships stranded in the Hormuz Strait will soon be able to cross safely. Speaking on April 12, 2026, at a memorial and anti-war exhibition organized by the Revolutionary Student Council at Dhaka University, he said Iran would provide necessary assistance to ensure the safe journey of Bangladeshi vessels affected by the ongoing war situation. The ambassador explained that many ships, including some from Bangladesh, were stuck in the strait due to the conflict. He confirmed that Iran was in discussions with the Bangladesh government to expedite their release. Jahanabadi also highlighted the friendly bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Iran, describing Bangladesh as a brotherly nation. He welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts regarding Iran–US tensions and thanked Oman and other involved countries. He further stated that Iran would adhere to the ceasefire as long as the United States respected it, warning that any violation would prompt a response. The envoy accused the US of aggression aimed at regime change in Iran and condemned US–Israeli attacks on civilians, calling them acts of genocide.