Bangladesh is set to host its first international-scale textile and garment exhibition, the BTKG Expo 2026, marking a major milestone for the country’s fast-growing apparel industry. The four-day event, jointly organized by the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Inforchain Digital Technology Co. Ltd., will take place at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka from April 29 to May 2, 2026. According to organizers, around 900 exhibitors from 30 countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, will participate across seven halls covering 20,000 square meters. The exhibition will feature machinery and technology from across the textile and garment value chain, such as knitting, embroidery, dyeing, washing, and testing equipment. Bangladesh’s apparel sector, which earned about USD 39 billion in exports in fiscal year 2024–25 and employs over four million people, remains the backbone of the national economy. Organizers expect the expo to strengthen the industry’s technological capacity, foster international collaboration, and attract new investment. The BTKG Expo 2026 is anticipated to enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global apparel market and accelerate long-term industrial growth through innovation and networking opportunities.

A sister of a martyr from the July uprising has made an emotional appeal to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to implement the 'July Charter' and the verdict of the referendum. Speaking to the media, she called for the realization of the promises made during the movement, which she said were achieved through sacrifice but remain unfulfilled. She expressed deep frustration and sorrow over the loss of her brother and the lack of support for families of those who died in the movement. She said her mother still worries whenever she leaves home, and no one has come forward to stand by them. She continues to feel her brother’s absence and waits for a phone call that will never come, describing how their hopes for the implementation of the referendum’s outcome have turned into disappointment. Addressing the prime minister directly, she urged that the 'July Charter' and referendum verdict be passed in parliament, believing that only he has the authority to make it happen. She also recalled meeting him once at the Agriculture Institute, where he had called her “sister,” but lamented that no one has since checked on her family.

A United States delegation has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, to participate in discussions involving Iran. The delegation, consisting of around 100 members, was welcomed at the airport by Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and the US Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker. The visit marks the beginning of a series of talks hosted in the Pakistani capital. An Iranian delegation had reached Islamabad earlier on Friday, led by Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf. The team includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Deputy of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Bagheri Kani, and other senior officials expected to attend Saturday’s sessions. According to reports, the discussions are expected to address issues such as Iran’s assets and the Lebanon ceasefire. The talks come amid complex diplomatic conditions, with the United Nations Secretary-General urging both the United States and Iran to engage constructively before the formal discussions begin.

An essay published in *Amar Desh* on April 11, 2026, examines the psychological and cultural dimensions of swearing in contemporary Bangladesh, focusing on how Gen Z has transformed taboo language into a form of protest. The piece discusses the book *July-er Graffiti o Gail Samagra*, describing it as a linguistic and visual record of a turbulent era where language became a weapon of resistance rather than mere communication. The article situates this linguistic rebellion within the 2024 July uprising, when young people used slang and so-called “gail” expressions to challenge political stagnation and social hypocrisy. Drawing on psychological and sociological theories, it argues that swearing functions as both emotional release and symbolic defiance, reflecting frustration, humor, and solidarity. The essay references thinkers such as Freud, Foucault, and Bourdieu to explain how language can dismantle power structures and express collective dissent. It concludes that Gen Z’s use of provocative language represents a broader cultural evolution. What was once dismissed as vulgarity has become a creative manifesto of resistance, signaling a generational shift in how truth, identity, and democracy are voiced in Bangladesh.

The Road Safety Foundation reported that 576 road accidents occurred across Bangladesh in March 2026, resulting in 532 deaths and 2,221 injuries. Among the deceased were 66 women and 98 children. Motorcycles were involved in 219 accidents, causing 204 deaths, which accounted for 38.34 percent of total fatalities. The report, released to the media on Saturday, was based on data from newspapers, online portals, electronic media, and the foundation’s own sources. The analysis showed that 45.83 percent of accidents occurred on regional roads, followed by 29.68 percent on national highways. Most crashes were caused by loss of control (40.10 percent) and head-on collisions (28.81 percent). Dhaka division recorded the highest number of accidents and deaths, while Sylhet had the lowest. The report also noted that daily average fatalities rose by 11.28 percent compared to February. According to the foundation, excessive speed and loss of vehicle control were the main causes of accidents. It recommended technological monitoring and motivational training for drivers to reduce casualties.

The United States and Iran have begun talks in Islamabad aimed at ending ongoing conflicts, according to a BBC report. Iranian state media IRINN reported that Tehran has warned the discussions could be canceled if its conditions are not met. Iranian officials stated that respecting Iran’s interests, demands, and red lines is essential, and that walking away from the talks could itself be seen as a form of success. The report added that the Iranian delegation’s first meeting of the day was with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after which the schedule for possible talks with US representatives was expected to be clarified. That meeting with Sharif has already taken place, according to the report. Iranian state television emphasized Tehran’s conditions and lack of trust toward the United States, asserting that Iran holds a strong position in the negotiations and has the capacity to proceed without the talks if its terms are not fulfilled.

A United States delegation has arrived in Pakistan to join peace talks with Iran aimed at ending ongoing hostilities. The delegation includes US Vice President JD Vance, senior adviser Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump. Iran’s delegation had reached Islamabad earlier for the scheduled discussions. Pakistan has been mediating between the two nations in recent weeks, leveraging its historical ties with Iran. Trump stated that Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir understands Iran better than most. Trump confirmed that the US received a 10-point proposal from Iran, describing it as a workable basis for negotiation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned a separate 15-point plan that could end the conflict, though neither side has officially released details. Reports suggest significant gaps remain between their positions. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have cast doubt on the peace process. Over 300 people were reportedly killed, and Lebanon announced plans to discuss a ceasefire with Israel in Washington next week.

Women's fashion brand Exclusivea has opened a new outlet at Center Point Shopping Mall in Uttara, Dhaka. The store, located on Level 2, Unit C3, was inaugurated recently with notable figures from the fashion and lifestyle sectors attending the event. Guests explored the brand’s latest collection and expressed interest in its design and presentation. Founded in 2018 by Nomrata Khan, Nabeen Ahmed, and Tanvir Ali, Exclusivea began its journey with its first outlet at Pink City in Gulshan. The brand has since built a loyal customer base by offering contemporary yet elegant designs tailored to modern women’s tastes and comfort. The new outlet’s interior has been designed to enhance customer comfort and make shopping more enjoyable. According to the founders, the Uttara outlet aims to bring the brand closer to local customers while maintaining its commitment to quality and design consistency. This expansion marks another step in Exclusivea’s effort to make stylish and accessible fashion available to more women in Dhaka.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the upcoming peace talks between the United States and Iran, urging both sides to participate with genuine intent. According to a BBC report, his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said during a regular UN press briefing that the Secretary-General called on both parties to seize this diplomatic opportunity to move toward a lasting and comprehensive agreement and to reduce tensions. Dujarric added that dialogue remains the only effective path to avoid conflict and prevent a return to a state of war. Guterres emphasized that there is no alternative to peaceful resolution of international disputes, which must be pursued in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. The UN also confirmed that the Secretary-General’s personal envoy is currently in the region to support ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The Shibchar Upazila administration in Madaripur has launched a special diesel distribution program to support local farmers during a fuel shortage. On April 10, 2026, Upazila Nirbahi Officer H. M. Ibne Mizan inaugurated the initiative at the Shibchar Upazila Parishad premises. Following the inauguration, diesel was sold directly to farmers, each receiving 10 liters at the government-fixed price. The administration collected 12,000 liters of diesel from a depot to ensure uninterrupted irrigation during the Boro season, benefiting around 1,200 farmers. Local farmers expressed relief, saying the initiative eased their worries about irrigation disruptions caused by irregular fuel supply at pumps. They noted that direct access to diesel would help them continue cultivation smoothly. Farmers such as Mojibur Sardar and Jalal Mia described the program as a significant support for small-scale growers. According to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the initiative aims to maintain agricultural productivity by ensuring fuel availability despite supply constraints, and the administration expects marginal farmers to benefit substantially.

A White House official has denied reports claiming that the United States agreed to release Iran’s frozen assets held in foreign banks, according to Al Jazeera. The clarification came after Reuters reported, citing a senior Iranian source, that Washington had consented to unfreeze Iranian funds in banks located in Qatar and other countries. The U.S. side stated clearly that no such decision had been made. This denial has added further uncertainty to one of the key conditions in potential U.S.-Iran negotiations. The issue of Iran’s frozen assets remains central to broader diplomatic discussions involving Tehran, Washington, and other regional actors. The report also mentioned that the matter has complicated ongoing talks in Islamabad, where Iran’s assets and the Lebanon ceasefire are among the main topics under discussion.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met separately with US Vice President JD Vance and an Iranian delegation in Islamabad on April 11, 2026, during ongoing discussions. The US delegation included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi were also present. Earlier, Sharif expressed hope that the talks would serve as an important step toward lasting regional peace. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating dialogue between the two countries. Earlier in the day, an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met with Sharif. However, details of Sharif’s meetings with both the US and Iranian representatives have not yet been disclosed. The discussions in Islamabad are taking place amid complex regional issues, including Iran’s frozen assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon, as noted in related reports.

An Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for lunch on Saturday, according to a Pakistani government source. The meeting took place amid reports that the United States has agreed to release Iran’s frozen assets even before formal talks begin, as reported by Al Jazeera. Sources indicated that Pakistan could act as a mediator in potential discussions between the United States and Iran. Pakistani officials may hold separate meetings with both sides to maintain communication channels, similar to previous diplomatic efforts. Ghalibaf stated that the United States must agree to unfreeze Iranian assets before any negotiations can start. Iranian media have claimed that Washington has already agreed to this condition, though there has been no official confirmation from the United States so far. The discussions in Islamabad reportedly also touched on Iran’s assets and the Lebanon ceasefire issue, reflecting the complexity of the ongoing diplomatic situation.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called on the government to ensure transparent management and build a buffer stock to address Bangladesh’s ongoing energy crisis. Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar organized by the Agriculturists Forum of Bangladesh at the KIB 3D Hall in Dhaka’s Farmgate on Saturday, he urged the authorities to prioritize energy security with a minimum reserve of 60 to 90 days. He also emphasized breaking existing syndicates and developing alternative energy generation strategies for short, medium, and long terms. Dr. Rahman criticized the government for failing to utilize national resources and institutions like BAPEX, arguing that despite being an independent country, Bangladesh remains dependent on external factors. He said the energy sector’s inefficiency and corruption have deepened the crisis, affecting agriculture and industry. He also highlighted that farmers are struggling to obtain fuel for irrigation, which could harm crop production. The seminar, chaired by Professor Dr. A.T.M. Mahbub E. Elahi, also featured a keynote presentation by agriculturist Md. Mizanur Rahman. Dr. Rahman concluded by urging collective awakening and resistance to overcome the current national challenges.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described his country’s mediation in potential peace talks between the United States and Iran as a proud moment not only for Pakistan but for the entire Muslim world. According to Pakistani media outlet The Dawn, Sharif expressed gratitude to the leadership of both nations for agreeing to a temporary ceasefire and to hold discussions in Islamabad aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution. In a televised address, Sharif credited Pakistan’s diplomatic prudence and confidence for bringing Tehran and Washington to agree on a ceasefire. He praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s team for their tireless efforts and lauded Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir for his role in easing tensions and encouraging dialogue. Sharif cautioned, however, that while a temporary truce is in place, achieving lasting peace will be a long and challenging process. Representatives from Iran and the United States are scheduled to meet in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, at the Serena Hotel. An Iranian delegation led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials, has already arrived in the Pakistani capital.