The next round of talks between the United States and Iran may begin before Friday, according to two Pakistani security sources who spoke to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity. They cited several indicators suggesting preparations for the discussions are underway in Pakistan.

The sources reported that two US C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft landed at the Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi, close to Islamabad. Roads leading from the airport to Islamabad’s Red Zone were temporarily closed, signaling heightened security measures. Additionally, guests were being evacuated from the Serena and Marriott hotels in Islamabad, and no new bookings were being accepted before Friday.

The first round of US-Iran talks took place on April 11 at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. The developments suggest that Pakistan may again serve as the venue for the upcoming diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has rejected a proposed unilateral ceasefire, describing it as an insult to Lebanon. In an interview with Al-Manar TV, the group’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem said that imposing such conditions on them was unacceptable. He stated that Hezbollah would not return to a situation like the 15-month ceasefire that began in November 2024, during which Israel carried out attacks while Hezbollah remained restrained. Qassem added that the group had waited for a diplomatic solution at that time, but it brought no results.

The situation in Lebanon remains unstable, with thousands of people moving toward southern Lebanon during the day. Roads heading south were congested in the morning, while traffic toward the north increased later in the day. Many residents visited their homes to collect belongings or make minor repairs but did not stay overnight. Due to uncertainty and mistrust surrounding the ceasefire, many have returned to Beirut and other major cities, reflecting the fragility of the current situation.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and Member of Parliament Nahid Islam has called for building an alternative political force to counter extortion, corruption, and terrorism across Bangladesh. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Banglamotor office on Sunday, he said that young people currently lack a strong alternative party and that the NCP aims to fill that gap. The event also marked the joining of members from various political groups to the NCP.

Nahid Islam stated that the recent election ignored the people’s verdict and that the country is being overwhelmed by corruption and violence. He criticized the replacement of the Awami League government with that of the BNP through the election and alleged that all national institutions are being politicized. He emphasized the need to strengthen youth unity to bring change to the country’s power structure.

The press conference highlighted the NCP’s intention to mobilize young people and other political actors to create a new political alternative in Bangladesh.

Students of the Political Science Department at Barishal University blocked the Dhaka–Kuakata highway on Sunday afternoon, demanding action after a fellow student was injured in a road accident near the campus. The blockade began around 2 p.m. following frustration over the lack of compensation and resolution promised by the university administration.

The incident occurred on Saturday noon when a motorcycle carrying a student collided with an oil tanker near the university. The injured student, Tamim Hossain from the 14th batch of the Political Science Department, was hospitalized with serious injuries. Despite earlier discussions with the administration, students said no progress had been made, prompting them to stage the highway blockade.

Their four-point demand includes immediate police deployment at the nearby outpost, arrest of the driver involved, appointment of traffic police in front of the university, and compensation for the injured student.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has stated that the recent increase in fuel prices in Bangladesh has no connection with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, shortly after returning from the United States, he clarified that the decision to raise fuel prices was made independently by the government.

The minister explained that while fuel prices have doubled in many other countries, Bangladesh’s increase was comparatively smaller. He said the adjustment was necessary due to pressure on the government’s financial reserves. When asked whether the price hike would lead to higher inflation, he responded that inflation might rise or might not, indicating uncertainty about the outcome.

The statement comes amid public attention on the economic implications of the fuel price adjustment and speculation about external influence on domestic policy decisions.

Inter Miami earned a 3-2 victory over Colorado Rapids on Saturday night, with Lionel Messi scoring twice. The match marked the debut of sporting director Guillermo Hoyos as head coach, following the unexpected resignation of Javier Mascherano. The win extended Miami’s unbeaten run to seven matches, placing the team second in the MLS standings with 15 points from eight games.

Messi opened the scoring in the 13th minute from a penalty and sealed the win in the 79th minute with a decisive goal. After intercepting the ball in midfield, he advanced down the right flank, cut inside the penalty area, and fired a shot between two defenders into the net. The victory continued Miami’s strong form after losing their season opener to Los Angeles FC.

With his two goals, Messi now has seven this season, tying him with Sam Surridge and Petar Musa at the top of the MLS scoring chart.

Thirty leaders and activists from the anti-discrimination student movement and the platform Up Bangladesh have formally joined the National Citizens Party (NCP). The joining took place on Sunday afternoon at the NCP headquarters during an official ceremony attended by the new members.

Among those who joined are Ali Ahsan Junayed and Rafe Salman Rifat, both former presidents of the Dhaka University student organization and key initiators of Up Bangladesh. Others include Sani Abdul Haque, joint general secretary of AB Party; Rifat Rashid, president of the anti-discrimination student movement; Hasib Al Islam, chief coordinator; and Shahadat Hossain, office secretary. Several additional activists such as Shahriz Sultana Ira, Ayman Rahat, Hasan Tanvir, Wahid Alam, Mohammad Jasimuddin, Sajjad Sabbir, and S M Sweet also joined the party.

The event marks a notable expansion of NCP’s organizational base through the inclusion of leaders from multiple youth and student platforms.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the deaths of 12 people in lightning strikes that occurred across several districts in a single day. The statement was issued on Sunday by Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, the party’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its Central Publicity and Media Department.

In the statement, Zubair described the deaths as tragic and heartbreaking, mentioning that the incidents took place in districts including Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Rangpur, Netrokona, Mymensingh, and Habiganj. He particularly noted the suffering of farmers and laborers in the haor regions who lost their lives while working for their livelihood. He prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and for patience and strength for their bereaved families, also wishing a quick recovery for the injured.

Zubair urged the authorities to strengthen weather forecasting and awareness programs to prevent such tragedies in the future, calling for divine protection from similar disasters.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon over the past two days despite an ongoing ceasefire, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF reported that the deaths bring the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the conflict began to fifteen. Sergeant Major (Reserve) Barak Kalfon died one day before 31-year-old Sergeant Lidor Porat was killed on Saturday. The IDF also confirmed that twelve other soldiers were injured, but provided no further details.

Israel has been carrying out attacks in its northern neighbor Lebanon. The Lebanese Ministry of Health stated that more than two thousand people have been killed and another seven thousand injured in the past six weeks of hostilities. A ten-day ceasefire came into effect earlier this week, though the recent deaths indicate continued tensions despite the truce.

The situation underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing humanitarian toll in Lebanon as both sides report casualties.

Victims’ Coordination Council of Islamic Bank customers held a protest in Dhaka following a human chain by dismissed employees of six banks. During the demonstration, participants demanded the arrest of businessman S Alam, recovery of allegedly laundered money, and cancellation of a new clause in the bank resolution law. They displayed banners calling for an end to attempts to seize control of Islamic Bank and denouncing what they termed a ‘black law’ on bank ownership.

Nurun Nabi Manik, president of the Islamic Bank Customers’ Coordination Council, announced a 15-day program alongside five specific demands. These included arresting S Alam and other alleged looters, confiscating their assets, repealing clause 18/Ka of the bank resolution law, and returning bank ownership to its original owners. The protesters also warned the government against allowing any illegal groups to take control of the bank.

The protest reflected growing frustration among Islamic Bank customers over alleged irregularities and ownership disputes, with participants urging immediate government action to restore transparency and accountability in the banking sector.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, announced that the government has been compelled to increase fuel prices due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East. He made the statement during a briefing at the Secretariat on Sunday, noting that despite the price hike, the government continues to provide subsidies on fuel.

The minister explained that the decision was made in response to global circumstances affecting energy markets. He acknowledged that the price increase could have some impact on the domestic market but emphasized that the government had to act considering the international context.

The announcement reflects the government’s effort to balance domestic economic pressures with external geopolitical developments influencing global fuel prices.

The Philippines has declared a one-year national energy emergency as rising tensions between Iran and Israel threaten to disrupt oil shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned that the country’s energy security faces imminent danger. In response, the government has launched extensive programs for energy conservation, subsidies, and direct cash assistance to citizens.

According to the report, 98 percent of the Philippines’ energy supply passes through the Hormuz Strait, leaving the country with no alternative but to act decisively. The situation serves as a wake-up call for developing, import-dependent economies such as Bangladesh, which could face similar vulnerabilities. The article emphasizes that global market instability directly affects transportation, agriculture, and industry in such nations.

The author suggests that Bangladesh should establish at least a three-month strategic energy reserve, diversify import sources through regional diplomacy, and accelerate domestic exploration of gas and coal. Expanding renewable energy production and enforcing strict energy-saving policies are also deemed essential to ensure long-term national energy security.

A severe storm struck Kishoreganj in Nilphamari on the night of April 18, 2026, damaging more than a hundred houses and causing extensive crop losses. The storm, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, hit Sadar, Barovita, and Magura unions around 8 p.m., uprooting trees and tearing off roofs. Fallen trees snapped power lines, leaving several villages including Durakuti and Gada without electricity.

Local officials reported significant damage. Magura Union Parishad Chairman Akhtaruzzaman Mithu said around 30 houses in his area were affected, with widespread crop and tree damage. Upazila Agriculture Officer Lokman Alam confirmed that 35 hectares of maize fields were damaged. The local power office stated that repair work was underway and electricity could be restored by afternoon. The Upazila Project Implementation Officer reported 70 damaged houses across three unions, and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer said assistance lists were being prepared for affected residents.

Authorities have informed higher officials and initiated recovery efforts to restore power and support affected families.

The country’s only state-owned Diammonium Phosphate Fertilizer Company Limited (DAPFCL) in Anwara, Chattogram, has stopped production. The factory management announced the shutdown at around 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2026. The plant, which began commercial fertilizer production in 2006, had been dependent on ammonia supplies from Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) and Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Limited (CUFL).

According to DAPFCL officials, both KAFCO and CUFL halted ammonia production on March 4 due to a gas shortage, disrupting DAPFCL’s operations. The company’s General Manager (Administration), Abdul Jalil, said the factory does not produce ammonia itself and had been using stored reserves, which have now been exhausted. Managing Director Moinul Haque confirmed that the ammonia supply stoppage had placed production at risk, leading to the shutdown.

The closure of DAPFCL follows earlier production halts at KAFCO and CUFL, signaling a broader impact of the ongoing gas crisis on Bangladesh’s fertilizer industry.

Bangladesh and eleven other countries have strongly condemned Israel’s announcement to appoint a diplomatic representative in Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region of Somalia. The joint statement, issued on April 19, 2026, described the move as a serious violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

The countries involved are Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Algeria, Palestine, Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Kuwait. Their foreign ministers emphasized that Israel’s decision contravenes the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union. The statement reaffirmed unwavering support for Somalia’s legitimate state institutions and its territorial unity.

According to the joint declaration, the nations warned that Israel’s action sets a dangerous precedent and could undermine stability in the Horn of Africa, posing risks to regional peace and security.