An earthquake was felt in Sylhet and surrounding areas on Sunday morning at 9:21 a.m., according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The quake originated in Silchar, Assam, India, and registered a magnitude of 4.3 on the Richter scale. No casualties or property damage have been reported so far, though residents in border areas experienced panic during the tremor. Just five days earlier, on April 7, a 4.9-magnitude earthquake had struck the same region, also felt across Sylhet and nearby districts. The recent activity follows a series of tremors recorded in different parts of Bangladesh in recent months. The report recalls that a 5.7-magnitude earthquake centered in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi area on November 21 had caused ten deaths and multiple injuries nationwide, underscoring growing concern over the country’s seismic vulnerability.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that recent talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad ended without an agreement due to what he described as excessive demands from the US side. He emphasized that despite the lack of a deal, diplomacy never ends and that discussions between the two countries had covered several issues, reaching understanding on some while differing on two or three key points. Baghaei told Iranian media that the Islamabad meeting was the longest round of talks in the past year, lasting 24 to 25 hours. He noted that the discussions took place in an atmosphere of mistrust following a 40-day conflict, and that no one had expected a single meeting to produce a final agreement. He reiterated that diplomats must continue their duties in both war and peace. According to Baghaei, the success of future negotiations depends on the sincerity and goodwill of the opposing side and recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.

Israeli citizens awoke to news that US President Donald Trump had agreed to a ceasefire with Iran, following earlier threats to destroy Iranian civilization. Iranian media reported that the truce was based on a ten-point proposal including ending hostilities, allowing Tehran to continue uranium enrichment, ensuring security for Iran’s allies, compensating for damages caused by US-Israeli aggression, and collecting transit fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. If a permanent peace agreement emerges from these terms, it could severely damage Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political career. A report in The New York Times stated that Netanyahu had largely acted alone in pushing Trump toward aggression against Iran. Acceptance of Iran’s conditions would strengthen Tehran, contradicting Netanyahu’s earlier war objectives and undermining his regional strategy. The developments threaten Israel’s regional standing and the Abraham Accords initiative to normalize ties with Arab states. With Iran potentially controlling the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf nations could become dependent on Tehran for energy exports, weakening US influence in the region.

The United States and Iran failed to reach an agreement after 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, ending a high-stakes negotiation aimed at easing tensions following recent military clashes. US Vice President J.D. Vance left Pakistan first, followed by the Iranian delegation, as both sides accused each other of causing the breakdown. Vance said Washington’s proposals were rejected by Tehran, particularly on nuclear and regional security issues, and described the US offer as a “final and best” one. Iran’s state media, Press TV, blamed Washington’s “excessive demands” for the failure, citing sharp disagreements over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear rights, and other unresolved matters. Iranian negotiators claimed that US-imposed conditions disrupted the normal environment for dialogue. The Islamabad meeting was arranged through Pakistan’s mediation after over a month of hostilities that began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched attacks in Iran, prompting Iranian strikes on Israeli and US bases in the region. Despite the collapse of this round, both sides had earlier indicated willingness to continue discussions.

An Iranian high-level delegation has departed from Pakistan after a round of talks between Iran and the United States ended without a final agreement, according to Mehr News Agency. The delegation included Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The discussions, held in Islamabad under Pakistan’s mediation, lasted about 21 hours but concluded without a deal. The talks failed to resolve key issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, regional security, and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. US Vice President JD Vance also left Islamabad, stating that Iran did not accept the conditions proposed by the United States. Sources indicated that while some progress was made, neither side was willing to make final concessions, leaving the outcome as neither a complete failure nor a success. Pakistan expressed its willingness to continue facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States in the future, signaling its ongoing role as a mediator in regional diplomacy.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that negotiations with the United States in Islamabad made progress on some matters but failed to reach an agreement due to differences on two or three key issues. He disclosed this in an interview with Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB on Sunday, noting that while both sides agreed on certain points, significant gaps remained on others. Earlier, U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that the absence of a firm Iranian commitment to abandon nuclear weapons was a major obstacle in the discussions. Although Iranian state media had previously dismissed the possibility of further talks, Baghaei adopted a more flexible tone, emphasizing that diplomacy never ends and that no one expected all issues to be resolved in a single meeting. Baghaei added that Iran would continue communication with mediator Pakistan and other friendly nations in the region. However, he did not clarify whether there were concrete plans to resume direct talks with the United States.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that two guided-missile destroyers have begun clearing sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, said the operation is part of a broader mission to fully remove mines allegedly laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen and USS Michael Murphy have crossed the strait and are operating in the Arabian Gulf as part of the effort. In a post on social media platform X, CENTCOM stated that the mission aims to ensure the free flow of commerce through the vital waterway. Admiral Cooper added that a new safe passage will soon be opened to secure maritime trade routes. Despite the mine-clearing efforts, the report noted that Iran retains missile-launching capabilities. US President Donald Trump also commented on the operation via Truth Social, saying the United States is beginning the process of clearing the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of nations worldwide.

A large-scale fraud allegation has surfaced in Keraniganj, Dhaka, involving around 10,000 investors and hundreds of crores of taka. The accused is Naznin Akter Usha Nazim, daughter of former Shuvadda Union Parishad chairman Nazim Uddin and managing director of International Amusement Club. Victims claim they were denied promised plots, dividends, or refunds and instead faced threats and harassment. The projects include Bashundhara Riverview, Hasnabad Housing, Chandarchar BCRSP, and several others launched by Nazim Uddin before his death in 2013. After Nazim Uddin’s death, his family inherited his assets, and Usha became the club’s managing director. The club’s operations stopped, and investors allege Usha secretly sold properties. In January 2025, victims filed a case against Nazim’s family members, accusing them of embezzlement and intimidation. Usha denies wrongdoing, calling the allegations false, though she admits selling some project lands and refusing refunds to permanent members. The projects remain inactive, and thousands of investors are yet to recover their money. The dispute has left the International Amusement Club defunct and its members without resolution.

After 21 hours of negotiations, the first round of talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the Iran war concluded without any agreement. The discussions involved senior officials from both countries and were closely followed by regional stakeholders. In response, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar called on both sides to maintain their commitment to the ceasefire. In an official statement, Dar emphasized the importance of continuing to uphold the ceasefire pledges and expressed optimism that Iran and the United States would sustain a positive attitude in future discussions. He stated that Pakistan would continue to play an active role in facilitating dialogue and communication between the two nations. Dar also thanked both parties for recognizing Pakistan’s efforts toward achieving a ceasefire and voiced hope that the two countries would move forward with goodwill toward lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie inaugurated the excavation of the Zia Canal at the confluence of the Kajla River in Baliyapur village, Meherpur Sadar upazila, on Saturday afternoon. He said the initiative follows the legacy of late President Ziaur Rahman’s canal excavation program, which he credited for achieving food self-sufficiency and creating employment in Bangladesh. The current Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, has launched a nationwide canal excavation initiative continuing that vision. The minister stated that the government aims to prioritize rural development over large-scale projects, with a plan to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals within five years to transform rural infrastructure. He also mentioned ongoing agricultural reforms, including a decision to waive agricultural loans of up to 10,000 taka with interest and the introduction of family and agricultural cards. A program to distribute agricultural cards is scheduled for April 14. An integrated project for agricultural development in Meherpur is underway, involving sluice gate construction and canal re-excavation connected to the Bhairab and Kajla rivers to reduce waterlogging and boost agricultural productivity.

In Kaliganj upazila of Jhenaidah, 23 people including women, children, and elderly residents were injured after being bitten by rabid dogs over a 24-hour period from Friday to Saturday morning. The attacks occurred in several areas including Nishchintapur, Madhuganj, and Dhakalepra. Victims received treatment at Kaliganj Upazila Health Complex and local clinics, but the absence of rabies vaccines at the health center left many in distress. Local residents reported that two aggressive dogs began attacking people across the town on Friday morning. Among the injured were a tea seller, pedestrians, and several children. Residents managed to capture one of the dogs on Friday night, but the other remained at large. Acting health officer Dr. Arun Kumar confirmed that 22 dog-bite victims and one cat-bite victim sought treatment, and due to the vaccine shortage, they were advised to obtain vaccines privately. Kaliganj Upazila Executive Officer Rezwana Nahid said vaccines were purchased from the market for victims who approached her, and assured that the shortage at the hospital would be resolved soon.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is providing a new house to the family of Harunur Rashid, a Jubo Dal leader who was killed in police firing during a peaceful procession in support of a hartal in Feni town in 2013. According to a press release signed by BNP Family Member Secretary Agriculturist Moksedul Momin Mithun, a delegation from the organization 'Amra BNP Poribar' will inaugurate the construction work of the new house on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Harunur Rashid, a resident of Forhadnagar Union’s Vhorbazar area under Feni Sadar upazila, lost his life on December 4, 2013, when police opened fire on a procession supporting the hartal. The initiative to build a new house for his family is being undertaken under the patronage of Tarique Rahman as the chief sponsor of 'Amra BNP Poribar'. The announcement reflects continued political engagement by the BNP leadership in supporting families of party activists affected by past political violence.

Pakistan has sent military forces and fighter jets to Saudi Arabia to strengthen security under a joint defense cooperation agreement between the two countries, according to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Defense on Saturday. The Pakistani contingent arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudi Arabia’s eastern province, with the deployment aimed at reinforcing the bilateral defense pact. The statement said the deployment includes Pakistan Air Force fighter and support aircraft to enhance joint military coordination and operational readiness between the two armed forces. Reuters reported, citing a senior Pakistani official and other sources, that the move followed Iranian attacks that damaged key Saudi energy infrastructure and killed a Saudi citizen. The official emphasized that Pakistan’s forces were not sent to attack anyone. Sources added that the deployment seeks to reassure Riyadh of Islamabad’s commitment to assist in defending Saudi Arabia against future attacks. The two nations maintain long-standing ties based on strategic military cooperation, economic interests, and shared Islamic heritage, reinforced by a 2025 mutual defense pact signed by their leaders.

Medical services at the Camellia Duncan Foundation Hospital in Shamshernagar, Kamalganj, Moulvibazar have remained suspended for 15 days following the death of sixth-grade student Oishi Rabidas. The 50-bed hospital, established in 1994 and serving workers from 36 tea estates owned by Duncan Brothers, has been closed since March 27. As a result, over one hundred thousand tea workers and their families are deprived of healthcare, with several reportedly dying without treatment. Many are now forced to seek costly care at government hospitals. Local health officials confirmed that patient pressure has increased at nearby government facilities. Tea worker leaders claim three workers have died in the past week due to lack of treatment. An English delegation has visited the site, but hospital operations have not resumed. Duncan Brothers’ coordinator said a team from England is handling the issue, while the Kamalganj Upazila administration has pledged to take steps to reopen the hospital. The hospital was shut down after workers vandalized it on March 26, following allegations of negligence in Oishi Rabidas’s death.

A syndicate allegedly linked to local Awami League leaders has taken control of the Lechraganj sand lease in Harirampur, Manikganj, for Tk 3.4 crore, far below the government’s estimated value of Tk 7.42 crore. The lease was awarded to Khan Enterprise, owned by Md. Billal Hossain Khan, nephew of Azimpur Union Awami League president Ali Akbar Khan. The issue has sparked widespread discussion across the district. According to district administration sources, the tender process was held three times after bids repeatedly fell below the government’s set price. In the final round, Khan Enterprise offered the highest bid of Tk 3.4 crore and received the lease. Local residents allege that the sand lease has remained under the influence of a powerful Awami family for several years, despite changes in formal ownership. Officials confirmed that the lease was granted to the highest bidder in the third round, while allegations persist that the tender process favored a specific group connected to ruling party figures.