United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the upcoming peace talks between Iran and the United States, calling on both sides to participate with goodwill. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, conveyed the message during a press briefing at the UN on Friday, emphasizing the importance of using this opportunity to work toward a lasting and comprehensive agreement aimed at easing tensions and preventing renewed conflict. Dujarric added that the Secretary-General reaffirmed there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of disputes in full compliance with the UN Charter and international law. The UN’s position underscores its continued commitment to diplomatic solutions amid ongoing regional and bilateral strains. The call comes as both nations prepare for discussions amid complex regional dynamics, including issues related to Iran’s assets and ceasefire efforts in Lebanon, as noted in related reports.

Pakistan has emerged at the center of global diplomacy as it hosts long-anticipated peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad. The discussions, beginning today, follow Pakistan’s successful mediation of a two-week ceasefire between Iran and its adversaries. To commemorate the occasion, Islamabad has been decorated with digital billboards displaying the ‘Islamabad Talks’ logo, and the government has declared a two-day public holiday. The world’s attention is now on these talks, with hopes that they will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring an end to ongoing conflicts. Abdul Basit, a South Asia expert at Nanyang Technological University, described the development as a major victory for Pakistan, noting that the country helped avert a potential global crisis when others could not. Analysts caution that failure of the talks could expose Pakistan to severe risks, including renewed conflict with neighboring Iran. For a nation that only two years ago faced near-default and continues to manage tense relations with India, the success of these negotiations is seen as crucial. Pakistani citizens have taken to social media to celebrate what they view as a diplomatic triumph.

Israel has come under intense international criticism following airstrikes in Lebanon during an ongoing ceasefire. On Friday, Israeli attacks in Nabatieh killed at least 13 security personnel, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The strikes targeted areas near a government complex, including a state security office. Earlier in the week, an assault on a residential area in Beirut left more than 300 dead and over a thousand injured. Countries across Europe, Asia, and South Asia have condemned the attacks. Pakistan, which mediated the ceasefire, sharply criticized Israel, while India and Japan expressed deep concern and urged respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty. Ireland’s foreign minister called the strikes “barbaric” and demanded enforcement of the ceasefire. The Arab League reaffirmed its solidarity with Lebanon and emphasized the need to include the country in the U.S.-Iran truce agreement. Iran’s parliament speaker linked future talks with the United States to a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s frozen assets, signaling potential complications in upcoming negotiations in Islamabad.

A high-level and sensitive round of talks between Iran and the United States is set to begin in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital. Iran’s 71-member delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, includes senior officials such as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Central Bank Governor Naser Hemmati, and members of the Supreme National Security Council. The US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, comprises around 100 members including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper, and White House Policy Planning Director Michael Anton. At the center of the discussions is a 15-point proposal from the Trump administration, reportedly covering Iran’s nuclear commitments, uranium transfer, defense restrictions, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has indicated it will negotiate based on its own 10-point plan, while Vance warned that Washington will maintain a firm stance if Tehran lacks goodwill. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the talks as a decisive moment for bilateral relations. Security has been tightened around Islamabad’s Serena Hotel, where the discussions are taking place, reflecting the global significance of the negotiations.

A United States delegation has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, to participate in discussions with Iran aimed at ending ongoing hostilities. The delegation is led by US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by Jared Kushner and senior adviser Steve Witkoff. They were received by Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker. According to Reuters, around 100 members of the US delegation are already in the city. The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf, arrived earlier on Friday. It includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Deputy of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Bagheri Kani, and other senior officials. Pakistan’s top officials, including Ishaq Dar, Asim Munir, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, welcomed the Iranian team. Reports indicate that the Islamabad talks face complexities, with key issues involving Iran’s frozen assets and a ceasefire in Lebanon. The United Nations Secretary-General has also urged both the United States and Iran to engage constructively before the discussions begin.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, Textiles and Jute, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, inaugurated the country’s first government-managed ‘Krishoker Hat’ in Sylhet on April 11, 2026. The initiative, jointly organized by the Sylhet District Administration and the Department of Agricultural Extension, aims to reduce middlemen’s influence, ensure fair prices for farmers, and provide consumers with safe and affordable food. The market, located near Tilagor Point, allows marginal farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers without intermediaries. During the inauguration, the minister said the government is introducing new measures to bring transparency and balance to the market system. He noted that agricultural products often change hands multiple times before reaching consumers, causing unjustified price hikes. The ‘Krishoker Hat’ is expected to create a win-win situation for both farmers and consumers. The program will operate weekly under local administration supervision to prevent extortion or unexpected costs. The minister also announced plans to digitize the supply chain from import to retail, strengthen the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh’s operations, and expand irrigation and canal re-excavation to boost agricultural production and market stability.

A fire that broke out at the Chittagong Shopping Complex near Gate No. 2 in Chattogram city was brought under control after two hours of effort by six units of the Fire Service around noon on April 11, 2026. The blaze reportedly started at 9:45 a.m. from a clothing store on the ground floor, quickly spreading through the two-story building. The Chittagong City Corporation has formed an investigation committee to determine the cause of the fire. Fire Service Deputy Director Jasim Uddin confirmed that the fire was contained before it could spread to nearby important establishments, including gas and airline offices and several banks. The market was closed at the time of the incident, preventing casualties among shop owners or workers. However, several firefighters suffered from smoke inhalation and received on-site medical treatment. Officials stated that the exact cause and extent of the damage remain unknown. The investigation committee will provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

A pedestrian was killed and three others injured in a four-vehicle collision on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway in Mirsarai on Friday night. The accident occurred around 10:30 p.m. in the South Sonapahar area of Jorarganj Union when a pickup, two covered vans, and a steel-laden truck collided. During the crash, a five-ton steel bundle fell from the truck, crushing a pedestrian who was crossing the road. The deceased was identified as Ashraf, 18, of Durgapur Union’s Chaitanyerhat area. Fire service, police, and locals conducted a rescue operation after receiving an emergency call through the national helpline 999. The injured were taken to Mirsarai Upazila Health Complex, and two critically injured victims were later transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital. Ashraf died there while undergoing treatment. Police later cleared the damaged vehicles and restored traffic flow on the highway, according to Jorarganj Highway Police Station officials.

A 71-member Iranian delegation has arrived in Islamabad to participate in discussions with the United States. The delegation includes negotiators, experts, media representatives, and security personnel. It is led by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, National Defense Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei among the members. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Chief of Defense Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the delegation at Islamabad airport. Before departing for Pakistan, U.S. delegation head and Vice President JD Vance expressed a positive outlook, saying the United States was ready to extend a helping hand if Iran approached the talks with goodwill. The discussions are expected to address complex issues, including Iran’s frozen assets and the Lebanon ceasefire. Tehran has signaled a firm stance ahead of the talks, emphasizing that while an agreement with the United States may be possible, no such deal is expected with Israel.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that Bangladesh has not yet become free from international influence. He made the remarks on Saturday morning at a seminar titled “Impact of the Global Energy Crisis on Bangladesh’s Agriculture: Ways to Overcome” held at the Krishibid Institute in Farmgate. Rahman said there is a gap between slogans and implementation in the country’s governance. He criticized the current state of society, saying it is running through confusion and that lessons from the past have not been learned. He alleged that political syndicates are responsible for the ongoing fuel crisis, despite government claims that the country is thriving on oil. Rahman emphasized that the survival of agriculture is essential for the survival of the nation. He further urged that everyone must fulfill their rightful duties and responsibilities, adding that if people act with a sense of divine accountability, Bangladesh will achieve true liberation.

Once a wide, water-filled river, the Teesta has now become largely dry across six northern districts of Bangladesh. The once barren sandbars have transformed into fertile farmlands where local farmers cultivate a variety of crops including pumpkin, bottle gourd, peanuts, maize, sesame, wheat, mustard, garlic, rice, onions, and chilies. Farmers in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, and Nilphamari report that they now earn their livelihoods from these crops, selling produce worth hundreds of millions of taka each season. Local farmers describe how they have turned adversity into opportunity. During floods, they lose homes and crops, but when the water recedes, they cultivate the exposed char lands. They receive agricultural incentives and guidance from local offices, though transportation remains a major challenge, as produce must be carried by horse carts across sandy terrain. Farmers say better transport support could help them earn higher prices. Regional agricultural officials confirm that Teesta’s char lands now contribute significantly to national food production. Training and advice are being provided to help farmers increase yields and profits from short-duration crops.

China is reportedly preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran within the next few weeks, according to a CNN report citing three officials familiar with recent U.S. intelligence assessments. The intelligence review suggested that Iran may be using the current ceasefire period to reestablish certain weapons systems with the help of key foreign partners. Two sources told CNN that Beijing might attempt to conceal the true origin of the weapons shipment by routing it through a third country. The systems reportedly include shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, known as MANPADS, which previously posed a significant threat to low-flying U.S. military aircraft during a five-week conflict and could do so again if the ceasefire collapses. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington denied the allegations, stating that China has never supplied weapons to any party in the conflict. The spokesperson added that China fulfills its international obligations responsibly and urged the U.S. to stop making unfounded accusations and spreading sensational claims, calling for all sides to help reduce tensions.

A strong race has begun among eight BNP women leaders from Cumilla seeking nomination for reserved seats in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. Following the Election Commission’s announcement of the schedule for 50 reserved women’s seats, 52 nomination forms were sold on Thursday. The vote is set for May 12. The BNP leaders have submitted detailed resumes highlighting their political contributions, loyalty, and organizational experience to the party high command and are lobbying ministers and MPs for support. The eight leaders in discussion are Samira Azim Dola, Raihan Rahman Helen, Shahinaz Akter, Advocate Sabera Alauddin Hena, Sakina Begum, Dilara Shirin, Advocate Dalia Rahman, and Shamima Akter Ruby. Several have already collected nomination papers. Party sources said the BNP high command will consider those who played active roles during the past 17 years of political struggle. BNP won eight of Cumilla’s eleven constituencies in the last election, with three leaders appointed as ministers. According to the election schedule, nomination submission ends April 21, scrutiny will be held April 22–23, and voting will take place on May 12.

Bangladesh has condemned the death of a Bangladeshi woman in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka issued a statement on Saturday expressing strong condemnation of the attack that killed Dipali Begum in Beirut. The statement also extended condolences to her family and expressed solidarity with them during this difficult time. According to the ministry, Bangladesh denounced the recent Israeli attacks in Lebanon that caused civilian casualties and injuries. The statement said such incidents undermine ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region. The Bangladesh Embassy in Lebanon is in contact with Dipali Begum’s family and will arrange for the repatriation of her body depending on the situation. The government reiterated its concern over the loss of civilian lives and emphasized the importance of regional peace and stability, as reflected in its official statement.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Pakistan with an Iranian delegation to participate in discussions with the United States. A photograph taken inside his aircraft drew attention, showing empty seats adorned with pictures and belongings of children killed in the Minab school attack on February 28, the first day of the war. The attack, reportedly carried out by a US-Israeli coalition, claimed many lives, including schoolchildren. Ghalibaf shared the image on the X platform, captioning it as a tribute to the victims of the Minab primary school, referring to them as his companions on the flight. Reports indicate that at least 165 people were killed and hundreds injured in the incident, which has since become central to Iran’s diplomatic messaging. The discussions in Islamabad are beginning amid tensions over ceasefire negotiations, military strain, and fragile diplomatic conditions. Ghalibaf’s symbolic gesture was seen as a strong message before the talks commenced.