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.

Inter Miami’s search for a home victory continued as they were held to a 2-2 draw by the New York Red Bulls in a Major League Soccer match on April 12, 2026. The defending champions drew for the second consecutive time at their new stadium, with Lionel Messi at the center of attention for missed chances and a disallowed goal. Miami started aggressively but fell behind in the 14th minute to a Jorge Ruvalcaba strike before Mateo Silvetti equalized just before halftime. In the second half, Miami took control and went ahead through German Barterame in the 54th minute, assisted indirectly by Messi. However, New York leveled again in the 76th minute through Adrie Mehmeti. Late in the game, Messi’s goal was ruled offside, and his stoppage-time free kick was saved by goalkeeper Ethan Horvath. The result left Miami still unbeaten in six matches but without a home win. After seven matches, Inter Miami stand third in the league table with three wins, three draws, and 12 points, maintaining their unbeaten streak despite back-to-back home draws.

More than 200 demonstrators were arrested in London during a pro-Palestinian protest supporting the banned group Palestine Action. The sit-in took place on Saturday at Trafalgar Square, where participants carried placards backing the organization, which police said constitutes a criminal offense. Officers removed protesters one by one as others applauded and cheered. Police confirmed that 212 people aged between 27 and 82 were detained. Palestine Action was declared a terrorist organization in July last year, with support or affiliation punishable by up to 14 years in prison. In February this year, the High Court ruled that the ban interfered with freedom of expression, but the government was granted permission to appeal. After a temporary halt in arrests, the Metropolitan Police resumed enforcement in late March. The group Defend Our Juries claimed around 500 people joined the protest and criticized the ongoing arrests as a “wrong suppression policy.” The controversy over the ban continues, with several related court cases suspended until a review scheduled for July 30.

The Jamuna River in Sirajganj has turned into a vast stretch of sand, halting normal boat transport and causing severe hardship for thousands of riverside residents. With the riverbed now dominated by sandbars, horse carts have replaced boats for carrying goods. The lack of water has also led to a sharp decline in native fish species, leaving fishermen without their traditional source of income. Locals have demanded river management and dredging to restore navigability. Once a major waterway in the 1990s supporting steamers, ferries, and ships, the Jamuna has now lost its flow, leaving districts like Kazipur, Sadar, Belkuchi, Chauhali, and Shahjadpur covered in sand. The Water Development Board reported that during the dry season, water flow drops to as low as 3,000 cusecs, compared to 130,000 cusecs in the monsoon. Heavy silt deposits from upstream have turned large areas into sandbanks. Despite the crisis, farmers have begun cultivating crops such as maize, peanuts, mustard, onions, garlic, and tomatoes on the newly formed fertile land, bringing some economic relief to affected communities.