Two rounds of meetings have been held in the United States involving the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon and American politicians, aiming to open a direct negotiation channel between Israel and Lebanon. However, this process has exposed deep divisions between the Lebanese government and the armed group Hezbollah. Lebanon’s president and prime minister, along with much of the political leadership, support continuing the talks, viewing them as the only path to ensure Israeli troop withdrawal, lasting peace, and national sovereignty.

President Saf stated that Lebanon should not be used as a pawn in regional interests, a remark seen as directed at Hezbollah and Iran, who are trying to link Lebanon’s ceasefire and negotiations to the broader Iran-Israel conflict. Hezbollah argues that the Lebanese government lacks the capacity to pressure Israel, as the national army is not directly involved in the fighting. The group insists that Iranian support and the threat of Iranian attacks on Israel are essential to achieve any concessions.

Hezbollah parliamentary leader Mohammad Raad warned that negotiating while Israeli attacks continue could lead to consequences worse than the 1983 agreement, which failed to bring peace and deepened internal divisions.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj visited Basail Government Primary School in Narsingdi on Saturday to inspect the quality of mid-day meals and observe classroom activities. During the visit, he expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor over the meal quality and warned that the work order could be canceled if improvements were not made. Two samples of bread distributed to students were sent to a Dhaka laboratory for testing after an odor was detected.

Hajjaj told reporters that the government has begun nationwide monitoring of mid-day meals to ensure children receive safe and appealing food that encourages regular school attendance. He said the ministry is closely reviewing all complaints about meal quality and may restructure the program if necessary. Efforts are underway to redesign the meal system in consultation with experts to prevent food spoilage.

He also stated that the government is working on a parallel curriculum aligned with English and Ivy mediums to modernize primary education, with implementation expected within two to three years.

Solaiman Badsha, a Jubo League activist previously arrested for allegedly firing an AK-47 rifle during the July Movement in Chattogram’s Kotwali area, has reappeared publicly after being released on bail. On Friday, he led a rally of 10–15 people in the city’s Sholoshahar area. Eyewitnesses confirmed his leadership role, while attempts to reach the local police officer for comment were unsuccessful. Former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel shared a video of the rally, which participants confirmed took place that day.

Solaiman was arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion on September 19 from Noakhali’s Sonaimuri upazila. Authorities had accused him of opening fire on students and protesters on August 4, injuring a college student named Imran Hossain. He also faces multiple allegations of extortion, drug trafficking, and violent crimes in Chattogram, including being a charge-sheeted accused in a university student murder case.

Human rights groups have expressed concern over how Solaiman obtained bail despite serious charges, calling the situation alarming and demanding accountability from law enforcement.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has strongly condemned the recent reciprocal seizures of commercial vessels by the United States and Iran, calling the actions violations of international law. The organization urged both countries to immediately release detained seafarers and ensure their safety. The statement was made in an interview with Al Jazeera on April 25, 2026.

ICS Marine Director John Stawpert emphasized that seafarers must be allowed to travel and work freely at sea without harassment. Representing nearly 80 percent of the world’s commercial fleet, the ICS stressed that crew members are simply performing their duties and should not be caught in political disputes. Stawpert added that detaining ships for political gain is unacceptable and that innocent seafarers should not face imprisonment for doing their jobs.

The ICS’s remarks highlight growing concern within the global shipping community over the safety of maritime workers amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran.

The Israeli army has again warned residents of southern Lebanon not to return to their villages, saying large areas remain under its control. The military has reportedly extended its control up to the Litani River, establishing what it calls a 'yellow line.' Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that access to the Litani River, Wadi Salhaniya, and Saluki areas is prohibited. He also listed numerous villages where residents are barred from returning.

In a separate development, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) condemned the recent seizure of commercial vessels by the United States and Iran. The organization described the actions as violations of international law and called for the immediate release of detained sailors. ICS Marine Director John Stawpert told Al Jazeera that seafarers must be allowed to work and travel freely without harassment.

Representing nearly 80 percent of the world’s commercial fleet, ICS emphasized that seafarers are innocent workers and should not be caught in political disputes or used for political leverage.

The United States and Iran are reportedly engaged in ongoing discussions, though both sides are maintaining strict secrecy over the details and technical aspects. There has been no official announcement of direct talks between the two nations, and historically, they have rarely acknowledged such communication publicly. According to sources in Tehran, contact with Washington continues through intermediaries, with several rounds of indirect discussions held in Islamabad, Moscow, and other locations.

The main focus now is whether the two countries can resolve their disputes through diplomacy. Outstanding issues include Iran’s nuclear program, the lifting of sanctions, security guarantees, and war-related compensation. The situation intensified after the U.S. Treasury Department imposed new sanctions on Iran yesterday.

It remains uncertain whether these issues will be settled diplomatically. Both sides have issued warnings, signaling readiness for renewed confrontation if the talks fail.

Iran has warned that its armed forces will take retaliatory action if the United States maintains its blockade on Iranian ports. The warning came from the Central Headquarters of Hazrat Khatam al-Anbia, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency. The statement emphasized that Iran’s military is stronger and more prepared than before to defend the country’s sovereignty, territory, and national interests.

The Iranian command noted that its forces had already demonstrated part of their strength and offensive capability during what it called the “third imposed war.” It further stated that Iran remains vigilant and determined, closely monitoring enemy movements in the region. The statement also asserted that control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains in Iran’s hands.

According to the statement, any renewed aggression would result in greater losses for what it described as American-Zionist enemies, signaling Tehran’s readiness for escalation if the blockade persists.

The National Youth Power, youth wing of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced a seven-member partial central committee on Saturday in Dhaka. Tarikul Islam, previously the convener, was named president, engineer Farhad Sohel became general secretary, and former anti-discrimination student movement leader Rifat Rashid was appointed organizational secretary. The announcement came during a coordination meeting at a restaurant in Banglamotor, where NCP member secretary and Rangpur-4 MP Akhtar Hossain declared the new leadership and said a full committee would be announced soon.

Other senior positions went to Tuhin Mahmud and Khaled Mahmud Mostafa as senior vice presidents, Kazi Ayesha Ahmed as senior joint general secretary, and Yasin Arafat as senior assistant organizational secretary. Akhtar Hossain stated that the committee had been approved through a council at the youth wing’s tenth general meeting and later endorsed by the NCP.

The new committee follows the resignation of former member secretary Jahedul Islam, who stepped down after new leaders from three organizations, including the anti-discrimination student movement, joined the NCP on April 19.

Israeli military forces carried out attacks in southern Lebanon on Saturday, violating an existing ceasefire. Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed that at least four people were killed in two separate strikes on Yahmour al-Shakif village in Nabatieh district. The area lies north of the Litani River and outside Israel’s self-declared ‘Yellow Line’ exclusion zone. The identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed.

According to reports, explosions were heard throughout the morning in the southern city of Tyre, while Israeli forces continued destroying homes and structures in several border areas, including Bint Jbeil, eastern border zones, and Naqoura. The Israeli military has been conducting operations both inside and beyond the ‘Yellow Line’ area, claiming that Hezbollah had been launching rockets from those locations.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions and destruction persist across southern Lebanon, with ongoing Israeli military activity raising concerns about renewed escalation in the border region.

On April 23, 2026, Dhaka Electric Supply PLC (DESCO) carried out special drives across shopping malls, markets, and residential and commercial establishments under its jurisdiction to promote electricity conservation and reduce excessive lighting. The operations were conducted under the directive of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. A mobile court led by Special Metropolitan Magistrate Hadiuzzaman inspected Mirpur area markets and shops from 7 p.m. on Thursday.

A separate drive took place in the Gulshan–Banani area on April 22, led by Executive Magistrate Mohammad Zubair Alam. During that operation, several establishments, including Spark Gear and Best Buy, were fined 10,000 taka each for violating regulations. One restaurant in Gulshan was also fined for excessive decorative lighting, and unnecessary display lights were confiscated. DESCO teams distributed leaflets and used loudspeakers to raise public awareness about energy conservation.

The drives were supervised by DESCO Managing Director Brigadier General Shamim Ahmed and Executive Director (Operations) Engineer Md. Rashidur Rahman, with participation from several senior engineers and staff members.

At the National Coordination Meeting of the National Youth Power, held on Saturday, organization president Advocate Tarikul Islam called for utilizing the strength of youth to prevent the return of fascism. He emphasized the need for political unity and urged all parties to form a national consensus against fallen fascism and the Awami League to move the country forward. During the meeting, a partial seven-member committee of the organization was announced, with a full committee to be declared soon.

General Secretary Engineer Farhad Sohel stated that the youth group has never acted as a party’s muscle force and will continue to serve as vigilant guardians in times of national crisis and for the protection of sovereignty. Organizational Secretary Rifat Rashid pledged to advance the organization in line with global youth political movements. NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain accused the BNP of betraying the public after coming to power, while Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib condemned the recent police abuse of two elected Daksu representatives.

The newly announced committee includes Tarikul Islam as president, Farhad Sohel as general secretary, and Rifat Rashid as organizational secretary, among others.

The United States military announced that it has seized an Iranian vessel from the so-called 'shadow fleet' in the Arabian Sea. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the ship, identified as M/V Sevan, was intercepted by a US Navy helicopter earlier in the day. The vessel was reportedly carrying fuel, oil, and gas products worth billions of dollars for foreign markets. It is now under guard and following US military instructions to return to Iran.

CENTCOM stated that the M/V Sevan is one of 19 ships recently listed under US Treasury Department sanctions for involvement in Iran’s shadow fleet operations. Earlier this month, US forces had declared their intent to intercept or redirect vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports. CENTCOM also claimed that a full blockade of Iran’s ports is currently being enforced.

The seizure marks another step in Washington’s ongoing efforts to curb Iran’s sanctioned energy trade through maritime enforcement in the region.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) held a discussion with business sector leaders on Saturday, April 25, in Dhaka, focusing on the theme “Delay is costly: Why immediate economic reform is essential.” The event took place at a city hotel and was organized by the NCP’s Industry and Commerce Cell. Member of Parliament and NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain attended as chief guest, alongside key party officials including Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and Joint Member Secretary Advocate Abdullah Al Amin.

During the session, representatives from FBCCI, BGMEA, and entrepreneurs from the housing and renewable energy sectors shared their views. Speakers emphasized the need for immediate reform to revive the economy, criticizing the current state of the banking sector and revenue management. Nasiruddin Patwari accused the BNP government of derailing reform processes and urged business leaders to protest against it.

Business leaders called for institutional reforms and urged the government to focus on job creation in light of recent public unrest. The event concluded with active participation from all attendees.

Arsenal returned to the top of the English Premier League table after a narrow 1–0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday night at the Emirates Stadium. Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal that ended Arsenal’s run of four consecutive defeats, giving coach Mikel Arteta’s side a crucial win late in the season.

Elsewhere in the league, Liverpool defeated Crystal Palace 3–1 at Anfield, securing their third straight league victory. Despite a second-half push from Palace, goals from Aleksandar Isak, Andrew Robertson, and Florian Wirtz ensured Liverpool maintained control. In the FA Cup, Manchester City reached the final with a 2–1 comeback win over Southampton at Wembley Stadium, thanks to goals from Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez after trailing early.

In Germany, Bayern Munich overcame a three-goal deficit to beat Mainz 4–3 away, continuing their strong form after already securing the Bundesliga title and advancing to the German Cup final earlier in the week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the country's military to carry out strong strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the order was issued to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The announcement came as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continued to escalate along the border.

The IDF, in several statements released on Telegram on Saturday, accused Hezbollah of violating the existing ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Both sides have repeatedly blamed each other for breaching the truce, contributing to ongoing instability in the region. The report cited the BBC as its source.

The situation underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed hostilities if the accusations and retaliatory actions persist.