The trial of the 2001 Ramna Batamul bomb attack in Dhaka remains incomplete even after 25 years. The attack occurred on April 14, 2001, during the Chhayanaut New Year celebration, killing ten people. While the murder case related to the attack concluded in 2014 with eight death sentences and six life imprisonments, the explosives case is still pending. The case is currently at the stage of defendants’ self-defense hearings under Section 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The next hearing is scheduled for July 9, 2026.

Court records show that witness testimony in the explosives case ended in March 2022, but procedural delays and the absence of defendants from court have stalled progress. Prosecutors said 54 of 84 witnesses have testified and expressed hope for a verdict before the next Bengali New Year. Defense lawyers argued that some accused have been in custody for nearly two decades without resolution, calling it a violation of justice.

The case involves eleven accused, including several already sentenced in the murder case. Two remain fugitives, and two are on bail, while the rest are in custody across different prisons, complicating court appearances.

The traditional Bangla New Year celebration organized by Chhayanaut began at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The event started just after sunrise with a choral performance of a song welcoming the new dawn. From early morning, people gathered in front of the banyan tree to join the festivities, which symbolize the triumph of good over evil and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.

According to Chhayanaut authorities, this year’s morning program features a diverse collection of musical performances. The lineup includes eight choral songs, fourteen solo songs, and two poetry recitations, totaling twenty-two performances. The main event will conclude with the national anthem.

The celebration continues a long-standing cultural tradition that marks the beginning of the Bengali calendar year, drawing large crowds to Ramna Batamul each year.

An article by Dr. Ahmad Anisur Rahman, published on April 14, 2026, discusses the cultural and historical roots of Pohela Boishakh, the Bangla New Year. The author emphasizes that like all cultural elements, the celebration’s value depends on its proper use and warns against distortions caused by foreign or colonial influences. He argues that national culture must serve the nation’s life and progress, not degenerate into irrelevant or harmful practices.

The essay traces the origin of the Bangla calendar, explaining that it was introduced around 1556 CE as a solar adaptation of the Islamic Hijri lunar calendar, known as the ‘Fasli’ year, to align with Bengal’s agricultural cycles. It contrasts this with the much older Indian Vikrami calendar, clarifying that the Bangla calendar is distinct and rooted in Bengal’s own socio-religious and economic context. The article also outlines the historical background of Bengal’s Muslim governance and its connection to the broader Islamic world through the Caliphate system.

The author concludes that preserving the authentic spirit of Pohela Boishakh requires awareness of its historical and cultural foundations to prevent misuse or cultural erosion.

Bangladesh is experiencing a sharp decline in both domestic and foreign investment, with private sector credit growth dropping to 6.03 percent in February 2026—the lowest in two decades, according to Bangladesh Bank. The slowdown follows months of reduced investment activity and growing uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict, rising oil prices, and supply chain disruptions. Despite these challenges, the BNP government aims to create 10 million new jobs within 18 months through investment-driven growth.

To revive industrial activity, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed efforts to reopen sick and closed factories, while four key investment agencies—BIDA, BEZA, PPP Authority, and MIDA—have jointly prepared a 180-day action plan focusing on infrastructure, investment support, and development. However, economists and business leaders doubt the feasibility of the government’s employment target amid global economic instability and declining exports.

The World Bank warns that ongoing conflicts could push about 1.2 million Bangladeshis below the poverty line, with economic recovery forecasts for 2026 now at risk. Experts emphasize that stabilizing the economy, rather than rapid job creation, remains Bangladesh’s most urgent challenge.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami organized a Baishakhi procession in Dhaka on Tuesday morning under the banner of the 'Deshiya Sangskritik Sangshad'. The procession began in front of the National Press Club and concluded at Ramna Park. Participants included Jamaat leaders, activists, and people from various professions across the capital. They carried traditional rural items such as fishing nets, winnowing trays, and other cultural symbols.

Throughout the procession, artists performed patriotic and folk songs including jari, sari, and bhatiali, creating a festive atmosphere. Before the march began, speakers at a brief gathering emphasized that blind imitation of foreign and Western cultures is harmful to the nation. They urged the government to take effective steps to restore the true Bengali spirit and lost traditions.

The event reflected Jamaat-e-Islami’s effort to align itself with national cultural celebrations while promoting the preservation of indigenous heritage.

Seven people were killed and six others injured when a rice-laden truck lost control and plunged into a roadside ditch on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Daudkandi, Cumilla, early Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Police confirmed the incident, stating that the truck, traveling from Dinajpur to Chattogram, overturned at Hasanpur on the Chattogram-bound lane, trapping 13 passengers beneath it.

According to Daudkandi Highway Police, the deceased were identified as residents of Dinajpur’s Nawabganj and Birampur upazilas. Rescue teams from the Daudkandi Fire Service and Civil Defense recovered the bodies around 2:43 a.m. and sent the injured to a hospital for treatment. The bodies are currently in police custody, and legal procedures are underway.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the loss of control, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

Former US diplomat Jeffrey Feltman has said that differences between the United States and Israel over Iran’s military capabilities have become increasingly visible. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he noted that Israel and other close US allies are more concerned about Iran’s ballistic missile program than its nuclear activities. Feltman explained that this issue has become a key point of divergence in shaping military strategies toward Iran.

He added that Gulf countries share similar concerns, as they had believed the US air defense systems provided a strong security shield. However, recent conflicts have repeatedly breached those defenses, undermining their confidence. Analysts cited in the report suggested that this growing divergence could influence future joint strategies by the US and its allies regarding Iran.

The report also mentioned that the differing threat perceptions among allies may complicate coordinated policy responses to Iran’s regional activities.

US Vice President JD Vance stated that recent discussions between Washington and Tehran have achieved significant progress. In an interview with Fox News, he said the talks clarified conditions under which the United States might show flexibility and identified key issues needed for a 'good deal' for the country. Vance described the meeting as a historic milestone, noting it was possibly the first time such high-level talks occurred between the two governments.

Addressing regional tensions, Vance accused Iran of engaging in 'economic terrorism' by threatening global trade routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. He defended the US naval blockade against Iranian shipping as a necessary countermeasure, asserting that Washington was prepared to act firmly if Iran disrupted international commerce.

While maintaining a tough stance, Vance added that President Donald Trump still wished prosperity for the Iranian people. He cautioned that despite progress, the final outcome of the talks would depend on how far Iran was willing to advance the process.

A fuel shortage has triggered significant price hikes in essential commodities across Dhaka, creating instability in the city’s markets. Prices of vegetables, fish, eggs, and certain types of chicken have surged sharply, while beef and mutton prices remain stable. At Karwan Bazar, most vegetables are selling above Tk 80 per kilogram, with some items like kakrol and drumsticks reaching Tk 140. Hilsa fish prices have soared ahead of Pahela Baishakh, with large sizes selling up to Tk 3,500 per kilogram. Open soybean and palm oil prices have also risen by Tk 10 per liter, and LPG cylinder prices have increased beyond the government’s fixed rate.

Traders attribute the price surge to reduced supply and higher transportation costs caused by the ongoing fuel crisis. Sellers report that local and Sonali chicken prices have increased by up to Tk 100 per kilogram compared to pre-Eid levels, while egg prices have risen by Tk 10 per dozen within a week. The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has blamed weak government monitoring and opportunistic traders for worsening the situation.

Market participants warn that if the fuel shortage continues, prices of daily essentials could rise further in the coming days.

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the New York Times for its coverage of the ongoing Iran war. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump labeled the newspaper as “corrupt” and accused it of spreading “fake news.” He claimed that despite Iran being completely defeated militarily and otherwise, the Times’ reporting gives the impression that Iran is winning or performing well.

Trump further questioned the integrity of the publication, demanding to know when it would apologize for what he described as lies and disgraceful actions against him, his supporters, and the country. He also accused the media outlet of lacking shame and decency.

The remarks were reported by Al Jazeera and come amid heightened tensions surrounding the Iran conflict and differing narratives in international media coverage.

Former US Deputy National Security Adviser Mark Pfeifle described President Donald Trump’s blockade strategy as a high-risk, real estate-style negotiation approach. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Pfeifle said a recent 21-hour meeting in Pakistan marked the start of new talks where both sides sought to understand each other’s positions. He characterized the meeting as a stress test and a fresh attempt to restart dialogue.

Pfeifle explained that the effectiveness of the current blockade strategy is not measured only by the number of ships detained but also by how quickly global markets respond. He warned that if Trump declares that no ships will move, it would signal an attempt to assert control over all maritime traffic. According to him, failure to detain even one vessel could undermine the entire strategy, increasing its overall risk.

Analysts cited in the report noted that while such a strategy could yield quick results, it carries significant risks that may affect regional and global stability.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his recent verbal attack on Pope Leo XIV. The incident occurred on Sunday night after the Pope criticized Trump’s foreign and immigration policies, prompting the American leader to respond angrily. The exchange has sparked widespread outrage across Italy.

Meloni, who is known as a close political ally of Trump, described his comments about the Pope as unacceptable. She stated that as the head of the Catholic Church, it is natural for the Pope to speak for peace and condemn war. Her public rebuke marks a rare instance of disagreement between the two leaders.

Observers noted that Meloni was the only European leader to attend Trump’s 2025 inauguration, making her criticism particularly significant in the context of their previously close relationship.

A seven-year-old student named Md. Sifat died when an old wall collapsed at Kashiful Ulum Madrasa in Debidwar, Cumilla, on Monday evening, April 13, 2026. The incident occurred while the madrasa was removing an old wall inside its premises. Locals said the wall suddenly fell on Sifat, who was seriously injured and later declared dead at Debidwar Upazila Health Complex.

According to local sources, the madrasa authorities allegedly engaged students instead of professional workers to carry out the risky demolition work. The accident has sparked widespread grief and anger in the area, with residents accusing the madrasa management of negligence and mismanagement. Many have questioned the legality and morality of assigning such hazardous tasks to children.

Debidwar Police confirmed that a team was sent to the hospital after receiving the report of the death. The body was recovered and brought to the police station, and a decision on autopsy will be made after consultation with the superintendent of police.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has rejected a proposal to engage in potential talks with Israel. The group’s Secretary-General, Naim Qassem, announced the decision, stating that such discussions are not realistic. He argued that the proposed dialogue is essentially a tactic to pressure Hezbollah into disarmament rather than a genuine diplomatic effort.

The announcement comes as Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors are scheduled to meet in Washington, D.C. Hezbollah’s refusal has cast uncertainty over that initiative’s prospects. Analysts cited in the report suggest that this rejection could heighten existing tensions in the Middle East and underscores the deep mistrust that persists among the involved parties despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The development highlights the fragile state of regional diplomacy, with Hezbollah’s stance potentially complicating future negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has praised Pope Leo XIV for his “fearless stance” following a public dispute between the Pope and U.S. President Donald Trump. According to a report by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, Ghalibaf commended the Pope for condemning what he described as the “war crimes” of the United States and Israel.

Ghalibaf said the Pope’s message of “I have no fear” resonates widely and serves as a light for those who refuse to remain silent in the face of the killing of innocents. He added that the Pope’s leadership inspires millions and thanked him for his courage and guidance.

The remarks came after Trump criticized the Pope, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy,” intensifying the exchange between the two global figures.